03 April 2018

I’m just back from my favourite country, South Africa, exploring new areas of this beautiful land with its lovely people. I started this trip with a stay in Johannesburg. Previously I have transited through here or stayed out of the city but this time we were staying in the very nice Sandton area at the very swish Sandton Sun Hotel, an impressively smart hotel linked to the Sandton City Mall. We dropped our cases off, grabbed a shower and a coffee and were off to the Maboneng area which is undergoing rejuvenation. There is a real vibe here with tourists and mixed ethnic background locals in the coffee shops and restaurants. We witnessed the ingenious use of used shipping containers which have been turned into a café, a restaurant or a complete block of flats for affordable student housing. Buildings are also changing uses, having once been abandoned they are now being used as galleries and restaurants and buildings are adorned with murals by famous artists. We had dinner next and went to Wang Thai in Nelson Mandela Square, walking distance away from our hotel and highly recommended. The next day we were off to Soweto, the famous township where Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu lived. Soweto is an abbreviation for South Western Townships. We witnessed real extremes here, from multi million Rand houses to extreme poverty, but everywhere smiling faces. Next, we had lunch and dined at Sakhumzi’s, very pleasant with some entertainment on hand too. We explored next by bicycle which is a great way to explore, really connecting with the locals. Even visiting the poorest parts of the area, little kids ran out to high five us as we went past. We did an impromptu stop at a nursery - the kids have nothing but a patch of grass and a slide but are full of fun, wanting nothing but a cuddle or a high five. We got our bikes from Lebo's Soweto who offer cycle tours or tuk tuk tours if you don't fancy those hills. All of this was from the charming rustic Backpackers where we enjoyed a drink afterwards whilst we tried to catch our breath. That night we dined at the Sandton Sun Hotel itself on the San Deck, the hotel’s very nice open-air terrace where their pool is. We ate under the stars surrounded by fire pits and patio heaters. The food was excellent. We were all excited as we left early to fly to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. I can see why this is an award-winning airport, it’s gorgeous if airports can be attractive! Next, we headed to White River, a quaint Lowveld hamlet ideal for our early start to explore the Panoramic Route. I couldn’t wait as I have known of this area for over 30 years when clients drove through here en route to the Kruger area, before you could fly. It doesn't disappoint - the scenery is stunning, and I highly recommend trying to include it if visiting the Kruger area. Try places like Burke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window, Three Rondavels, Berlin Falls, Lisbon Falls and make time for pancakes at the famous Harrie’s in Graskop. One savoury and one sweet and I was stuffed. That night we stayed at the Hippo Hollow Country Estate, a 3* property. Although there are higher grades properties in the area, they don’t have the Sabi River location, complete with hippos which come out of the water in the evening. It is magical - I have seen hippo many times but nearly always in the water, it's rare to see them on land and so close. We dined at the Shangaan River Club after their cultural show. There were songs, dance, beating drums, flaming torches and a bit of a laugh. The food was quite nice, the crocodile tail extremely so. I have to say I enjoyed my stay here, there was a real character to the place and the staff were lovely. Next it was safari time - one of my favourite types of holiday. We went to the 5* Becks Safari Lodge located in the Karongwe Game Reserve. They have quite impressive, luxurious tent-like suites with folding glass doors that lead onto a patio featuring river views, Becks is a modern style of safari lodge, very impressive with lovely staff and Amarula cheesecake to die for. The vehicles, driver guides and trackers are all very good, so we had some great safari viewing. It’s a highly recommended lodge. Whilst here we visited their contrasting smaller sister property, the charming Karongwe River Lodge. This is a traditional lodge design and very much in the classic style I personally like. It has a lovely infinity edge pool overlooking the currently dry river bed, there is a lovely boma and comfy lounge and dining area. I cannot emphasize enough how charming this property is. Another day and another safari lodge - the 4* Makalali Lodge in the Makalali Private Game Reserve, located just a short distance away from Becks so it has the same Drakensberg mountains back drop. Again, a modern style of lodge with a very good array of facilities and two blocks of pleasant rooms rather than individual rooms like at Beck. There are very good vehicles, driver guides and trackers, and the safari drives do not disappoint either. Both safaris have been very good, in fact I cannot remember even the Kruger lodges offering the amount of diversity of animals we saw. The trip flew by far too quickly, we will just have to come back.

03 June 2016

Just returned from the most amazing whistle stop tour of the United States exploring some iconic natural and man made wonders. So Las Vegas it has to be experienced and we did it well, after arriving and enjoying a very interesting tasting menu in Bazaar Meats - http://slslasvegas.com/dining/bazaar-meat we were taken to Maverick Helicopters base http://www.maverickhelicopter.com/tour-lasvegas-nights.aspx for an amazing flight over the city at night. Seeing all the iconic buildings and sights I have seen on film and TV, also sold as part of my clients holidays for so many years all lit up was quite magical and I will recommending this experience to all my clients who have not experienced this in the future. The following day saw us exploring the city at ground level on a Pink Jeep Tour – https://www.pinkjeeptourslasvegas.com/sights-and-sounds-city-tour/ it's a great way to experience the city which being open vehicles you seem to connect with so much more. After some great banter from our driver, some insights into Vegas's history and the mandatory photo stop at the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign we headed to the High Roller the Worlds highest observation wheel to experience the city once again from a lofty height, like the London Eye the wheel rotates slowly giving a great perspective over the city and a good way to orientate yourself too, it would also be great at night too. After checking out some of the hotels which are attractions in their own right, we dine at the excellent Smith & Wollensky http://www.smithandwollensky.com/our-restaurants/las-vegas/ enjoying some great steaks and even greater deserts before finishing the day experiencing Circe du Soleil' Love a tribute to the Beatles. Another new day and we're off to see some of natures marvels at the Zion National Park. Wow what scenery I now understand why some people we met say this is their favourite National Park. Unlike Grand Canyon where you experience it from the top, here you experience from ground level up. The colours here are varying shades of orange reminding me of visits the Red Centre of Australia, truly stunning. We got to experience it briefly by horse back as we did the river walk, catching the shuttles to the park entrance and onward one to our hotel. We stayed in one of the very pleasant hotels in Springdale the Hampton Inn & Suites, having an excellent meal that night at Switchback Grille http://switchbackgrille.com highly recommended. We have another amazing day of sights awaiting us as we pick up some 4x4 exploring Red Canyon or as locals call it Peekaboo slot canyon and the coral pink sand dunes in Utah, driving first through and impressive switch back roads and tunnels which cut their way through the mountains. Didn't really know what a slot canyon was, I do now, narrow gorges carved by water and wind, the most amazing shapes as they twist and turn, incredible layered affects in deep shades of orange. Next were off to try out the quad bikes, the ATVs and sand boarding at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, this is a stunning coral coloured area of dunes surrounded by red sand stone cliffs, alive with juniper and pinion forests. Had so much fun here, but can't linger we off to star in our own Wild West movie at the Little Hollywood Cowboy Chuckwagon Cookout Dinner Theatre http://www.littlehollywoodmuseum.org What a laugh, but I don't think I'm destined for stage and screen. Off for a drink next but because of Utah's quirky licensing laws it involves a food order with ones drink, so it's beer and ice cream for most of us, I opt for bread n butter pud with my bevy still peckish after my screen debut. We were at the Rocking V Cafe http://www.rockingvcafe.com meeting the entertaining Victor the owner and his hilarious waitress Audrey. Lives up to its tag line - food, art and fun. Then off to bed. We off to the Grand Canyon next and can't wait, I've wanted to see it for decades and it doesn't disappoint, first we travel some great driving roads and scenery on route to the North Rim, some of the views remind me of Monument Valley in a neighboring state. After some amazing glimpses of the Canyon we arrive at South Rim where we are checking out the infrastructure of tourist facilities here. This part of the canyon is less commercialised than the West and reputedly more green with fauna and flora and possible wildlife sightseeing. Unlike the North which is only open mid May to mid October the South has a winter season too. There are no words I can use to explain the Grand Canyons impressive beauty, you just have to go and experience it. We all go to the National Geographic IMAX theatre next explorethecanyon.com for their presentation called Hidden Secrets, a really interesting movie about the history of the canyon with some spectacular camera work. Another highlight now we are off to see the wildlife looked after in Bearizona http://bearizona.com in Williams the gateway to the park, home to a selection of America's wildlife in a natural environment. I have never seen so many bears, and we saw CUBS too literally inches away, wow! Tonight we at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel which was designed to resemble the historic Fray Marcos Hotel and Williams Depot. Another day and we're off to Flagstaff today, we inspecting the Little America Hotel first with our work hats on http://flagstaff.littleamerica.com/mobile/ I will be recommending to future clients, very nice. Next were off to explore the town by bicycle on an escorted tour on two wheels, what a great way to sightsee, lots of interesting history and finally on the in conic Route 66, even if it was as a pedestrian crossing the road. Next we off to Phoenix on another Pink Jeep Tour - the Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour out at Fort McDowell, our driver a Kevin is hilarious, had a really interesting glimpse into the desert with some great Donald Trump impressions . We check into the excellent Arizona Grand Resort and Spa in Phoenix http://www.arizonagrandresort.com and are straight out for dinner at the Rustler’s Rooste http://www.rustlersrooste.com is Arizona’s highest and brightest beacon of the total cowboy western experience. Established in 1971, This mountaintop eatery features live country western music, line dancing, a card shark/magician, indoor waterfall and our famous tin slid. Any childhood ambition of mine to become a cowboy is shattered as I discover I can't line dance as well as a act, at least I can ride a horse though. I won't say it's all business now as we head for meetings in Huntington Beach in California because I have surfing lessons organised for the afternoon and a beach party that night, followed by an after party. But this is where we do our presentations to other agents who have been exploring other areas of the US. I do like Huntington, it has a real beach resort feel to it, it's so popular that they have a 90% bed occupancy in their hotels. Home for us the next morning as our adventure comes to an end, well after our last night!

29 March 2014

I have recently returned from South Africa which I am lucky to have been to numerous times, but was returning to Cape Town, Franschhoek and the Kruger which I hadn't done for quite some years. This time I was returning to Franschhoek and the stunning La Residence. It is truly a beautiful hotel, a short distance from town, set in a 30 acre estate with stunning views of the mountains beyond and has a unique style of its own. Quite rightly described as "a haven of luxury on every level". The food and wine was excellent and the staff charming. What I really loved was the relationship between the management and staff, it was like staying with a big happy family. Whilst here we went to Babylonstoren, one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms in the region for a tour of the beautiful fruit and vegetable gardens. Next we were off to visit Steenberg Winery for some wine tasting. This is a fantastic value for money experience in a lovely setting. We were staying next at the Queen Victoria Hotel next to the Cape Town V&A Waterfront, this is a 35 room boutique hotel in a contemporary style, worth paying a little extra for a corner or Table Mountain view room. This property is part of three hotels, the Dock House Boutique Hotel and the Victoria & Alfred Hotel which allow you to use the facilities of all three. Very friendly staff and food to compare with the best restaurants of Cape Town, plus its great location will ensure I will be recommending this lovely hotel. All excited now as we were off to one of the private game reserves bordering the Kruger National Park in the Mapulanga Region, the world renowned Mala Mala private game reserve in the Sabi Sands area for a couple of nights. We were staying in the Sable Camp section (this is a slightly more exclusive area complete with its own Boma, lounge and bar area) of Main Camp for one night. Next we were off for our late afternoon/evening game drive seeing some of the best leopard sightings I have experienced. Back to Camp for dinner in the Boma around the fire pit and under the stars. We were later serenaded by the staff with traditional songs. We wandered back to our rooms complete with our rangers for safety, to be greeted by a wild elephant who had decided to strip the lowered lying branches off of the tree outside our room. We were up early at 5.30 and off on our early morning game drive, before returning to an excellent breakfast. Normally the relaxing part of the day, but we are moving onto Mala Mala's other lodge, Rattray's, to experience this. Normally one would choose one or the other but give me my own villa with an extensive bedroom, his and hers bathrooms, lengthy terrace complete with plunge pool and sun lounges and I'm sold. Another late afternoon/evening game drive with even more leopard, The Sabie Sands area is definitely the best area to see these beautiful animals, followed by another excellent meal. Up early again today for a game drive, we are saying a sad farewell to our rangers who have been with us the last few days and we headed off for the next part of our adventure camping in the southern Kruger National Park. We stayed at Pretoriuskop Rest Camp under canvas, the camp is enclosed by fencing so you hear wildlife like the hippos outside, but apart from the odd impala, we were free of the bigger dangers disturbing our sleep, just the odd snorer to contend with. Our game drive here was a larger vehicle so our group could all get together rather than in two vehicles like before, after some more animal spotting were back to our camp for a drink and lovely meal under the stars. After a comfortable night in a nice camp-bed complete with company mattress, we were up early once again and on our game drive. A result this morning with a lion sighting, then back to camp for a cooked breakfast. We were being looked after by the extremely experienced hands of Tracey and Greg Meaker and their company African Safari Adventures in Hazyview, often a base for some of the country’s best sightseeing, but that's for another trip. And that’s the end of our African adventure, just hope it's not too long until I'm back, it's that good.

21 November 2013

Having been on a number of different styles of cruises I jumped at the chance to take a river cruise. I have just recently returned from a river cruise along the Danube on board 5* Lord Byron which was absolutely lovely. As you may know from my website I have cruised small ships before and really like the lower guest numbers, getting to know people easier and having a nicer crew to guest experience as well. At 110 metres long with a maximum of 140 passengers in 74 cabins and suites on 3 decks with a spacious sun deck on top complete with a whirlpool, putting green and giant chess set. This ship is beautifully furnished complete with a marble floored reception, polished brass and copper combined with hardwoods and lovely stylish furnishings. The dining experience in the restaurant was very nice with a range of buffet and a la carte meals that were all delicious. There is a less formal experience in the smaller Lido Restaurant at the stern of the boat offering a light lunch and breakfast and an a la carte dinner with doors opening on to the deck for an outside dining experience in good weather, you can also get hot drinks here all day. There is also a spa area and a sauna and steam room, plus an on board hairdresser. There are also board games, cards and books available and in the evening a pianist in the lounge bar. In Vienna we listened to a string quartet, which was excellent. I had a cabin on the Ruby Deck with floor to ceiling sliding doors and a French balcony. The room was perfectly sized for two but there were larger suite options too for people wishing more space. There are also tea and coffee facilities in the cabins too. We flew to Budapest and transferred on arrival to the ship, which was moored up in the most beautiful setting overlooked by the floodlit castle Chain Bridge which connects Buda to Pest. A late buffet dinner was available to us. The next day we did a guided tour of the city, by coach and on foot with free time to explore the castle area in the Buda area of the city by ourselves. The guide uses a Walkman type device to talk to us all, enabling us to wander off and take photos too, keeping our attention with fun facts and information, especially at Heroes Square on the Pest side of the city with the past rulers statues. After the tour it was back to the ship for lunch followed by a safety briefing and an overview of the rest of the cruise with specific information to our next stop Vienna. We then watched the world go by from the comfort of the lounge or sun deck. On one occasion we experienced a lock which was very interesting and technical, the gates being controlled centrally from a control tower. Rather impressively I thought was that our Ships Bridge dropped in to the deck to allow us access. We arrived in Vienna in the early afternoon and had a coach and walking tour of the city with another knowledgeable guide. Vienna is another stunning city and very rich feeling both in culture and architecture with 92 museums to choose from. The ship had to berth on the outskirts of the city so the following morning a free shuttle was provided for those who wanted to spend more time in the city and I took the opportunity to visit the Spanish Riding school to watch a rehearsal - an amazing experience to see these amazing horses and riders perform. Before our flight home we had a little more free time to explore and to indulge ourselves in some of the wonderful coffee houses (there are over 2300 in the city). The Lord Byron is operated by Riviera who are market leaders in the river cruise market with a range of 4 and 5* ships sailing on the Rhine, Moselle, Main, Elbe, Rhone, Seine and the Danube. I can highly recommend the experience and will be telling all my clients about it.

19 October 2010

I have been really looking forward to my road trip of one of the World’s most scenic driving routes. I particularly like nice scenery and exploring, coupling this with great food, wine. We were to drive South from San Francisco to just South of LA as we were meet friends at Huntington Surf City. Seeing the famous streets first hand after having seen them in so many movies is great. We head for a Bay Cruise passing tall ships and a navy submarine, we head to the eerie sight of Golden Gate Bridge looming out of the a fog bank, disappearing completely only to reappear like some staged special effect just as we're underneath. We also see Alcatraz on the way back. Driving down the coast we're off to Santa Cruz Beach Broadwalk voted the World's Best Seaside Amusement park, it features dozens of modern and classic oceanfront thrill rides including the 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster. Santa Cruz is the world’s birth place of mainland surfing, they guarantee to get you up on your board or your money back on your first lesson. Tempting for me as a body boarder to try but we are doing this at Huntington in a few days. Off to Carmel next, lots of lovely quaint houses in a upscale beach community. I can see why Clint Eastwood lives in the area. We also do 17 Mile drive through an exclusive neighbourhood winding through a forested area and along the oceanfront and have our photos taken at the famed Lone Cypress tree. Next we head for the Monterey Bay Aquarium the amazing and extensive sea horse exhibit, combined with the equally amazing jelly fish displays is one of the best aquariums I have seen. Monterey and Bubba Gumps Shrimp Company tonight, if you like shrimp this is a must, its a bit like TGI Fridays/Hard Rock Cafe in style with memorabilia from the film Forrest Gump and is a really fun place to eat. Highway One the Big Sur Scenic Coastal drive what awesome scenery I know they say it’s one of the best drives in the World but what views and all in such unspoilt natural area. There are some great restaurants stops along this drive. We are calling into Hearst Castle an amazing place, this property was the place the Hollywood stars and rich and famous partied at, created by one of the US’s wealthiest individuals at the time this castle is filled with precious art and antiquities. We are detouring to Paso Robles in the heart of a wine region, staying overnight at a ranch, thankfully no mucking out to do or riding horses at this one, quite glad about that I do ride badly, mind you I might be better after a few glasses of vino. Wine is on the agenda again as we head for Bridlewood Estate Winery a attractive and spacious Spanish style winery with nice grounds where people can come with a picnic and buy a bottle of wine on site to enjoy the views of the lake. Glad someone else is driving. We are staying tonight at Solvang which is a lovely town complete with the occasional thatched roof property and windmills all on the main street due its Danish early settler history a favourite of mine now. Santa Barbara and a trike tour, three wheeler motorised trike’s, just stand on them twist the throttle and go, the perfect Santa Barbara waterfront is the idea way to explore the beachfront and our timing meant we could browse the Sunday market too. Lunch at Endless Summer bar-cafe, this restaurant named after the movie considered to have started the surfing genre, full of surfing memorabilia. Staying at Santa Monica we head for the original Muscle Beach, the Broadwalk and fun fair, we’re dinning at the Lobster Restaurant, this busy and excellently located restaurant right at the end of the pier overlooking the lights of the fun fair offers the best in sea food in the area, no wonder celebrities like it. We're off to catch up with friends at Hyatt Huntington Beach, lots of activities like surfing, cycling, ideal for our get together. Off to try some surfing lessons. I give it a go, phew I’m sticking to the boogie boarding in the future. California was so good, amazing views, food and wine. I know my clients are going to really love this and of course I know all the places to visit now.

05 January 2009

I was recently away as part of my Tiere Specialist training to the paradise that is Tahiti. Having been lucky enough in over 30 years of being in the industry and having travelled widely I have to say that this is definitely paradise personified. Its people are really as beautiful as they are friendly. We went to four islands starting on the main island of Tahiti staying in Papitee, this is an excellent springing-off point and worth staying a couple of nights at least in order to visit the market, shops and nightlife of the city. It is also one of the few places where you can swim with whales, so it is possibly worth staying 3 nights if this is of interest; some of the beaches here are golden and some are volcanic dark sand. Next we were off by ferry to Moorea and we stayed in the excellent Intercontinental Moorea Resort & Spa Hotel which has the added attraction of having a Dolphin Centre at the hotel which is very well run and we learnt a lot about this amazing animal and got to interact with one (the dolphin in question having been a former member of the US Navy). This hotel also has one of the most quaint spas I have ever seen and I see a lot a year. We dined one day on a nearby Moto (islet) and this is where the amazing colours of the Pacific first hit us, they really are as turquoise as the photos show. That evening we did the Tiki Village Theatre Dinner Show which was a nice glimpse into the Polynesian culture and great fun to watch. We next flew to Raiatea as we were headed to the Le Taha’a Private Island & Spa - a very high end property where Tom Cruise recently stayed and extended his planned two night stay to 10 nights and flew out other members of his family to join him. The style and ambience of this property is unrivalled. I stayed in one of the Water Bungalows which our famous film star stayed in, but my favourite rooms were the beachside units which had plunge pools, a gazebo and a bit of walled garden. The food was exceptional here, so was the service. Bora Bora was our next and last stop and I was so pleased we saved the best for last, with its iconic volcano Mt Otemanu backdrop, white sand beaches and turquoise lagoon contrasting with the deep blue ocean, this really is the epitome of a tropical paradise. Stayed in the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa in one of the Premium Pool Suites which I loved, with their own enclosed private garden, plunge pool and outside shower. Really like the Tahitian Dinner Show here and the Manea Spa one of the best I have seen, fabulous location. Although the Maru Spa at the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa with treatment rooms set amongst the treetops, with its award wining reputation and boasting one of the best masseurs in the world, is my favourite. Had an amazing evening whilst here as we watched the sunset on Roa, yachting in the yacht used by Eddie Murphy for his honeymoon recently and then went on to the famous Bloody Mary’s Restaurant, haunt of the rich and famous, you enter through two carved wooded signs listing all the famous diners, it was like reading a role call of all of Hollywood jet-set past and present. Unusual setting with scrubbed wooden tables and tree trunk seats on a sandy floor. Had a look around and dined at the St Regis and saw the Royal Estate which is a private villa and where Nicole Kidman stayed, truly amazing location and facilities. I also really liked the Le Meridien Bora Bora which is a great family choice with its own private interior lagoon and features The Marine Turtle’s Protection Centre, where you can swim in a sheltered stream with a dozen young turtles and lots of the most colourful fish, truly amazing. Saw the Star Clipper’s Star Flyer whist in Bora Bora, what an absolutely great location to sail around on a luxury small cruise ship under sail……that’ll be my next visit here. Getting to the islands and between them is as complicated and making a choice of which island and which hotels to choose, so make sure you get good advice. I would be glad to help.

18 December 2008

For a change rather than giving advice to my clients I recently took their advice and tried a luxury small ship cruise experience called Star Clipper, cruising in the Far East. Star Clipper is a popular product which I regularly arrange for clients and has the special feature of being under sail, which really is a pleasure. I loved it so much I was often the one of the few people on deck at dawn listening to the wind in the sails. It was difficult to decide my favourite time of day, dawn or setting sail late afternoon, listening to Vangelis which is played each day as the sails are hoisted and we set sail for the next destination, it’s stirring stuff. I was on the Star Clipper itself which with its sister ship the Star Flyer are both three master sailing ships, unlike the unique and larger sister ship the five master Royal Clipper, they are all modern sailing ships but with the feel of being on a ship in a bygone era of sailing. One of the things I particularly liked being on a smaller vessel with just a hundred and twenty four fellow passengers on board our sailing, and a similar compliment of crew, is that you really get to meet and know so many more other guests and crew. The smaller ship experience goes beyond this to other things like a more intimate restaurant with flexible dining times which served excellent food, very friendly crew who take a genuine interest in their guests, also simple things like getting on or off the ship is so much quicker. The cabins were as spacious as many cruise ships I have been on, with high quality fittings and furnishings, and the bathroom was more like a luxury yacht experience, which the whole Star Clipper really is. The Far East is a great place to sail through if your looking for great scenery, natural unspoilt anchorages with often a whole island or beach to oneself. That’s when the sports team get all the things ready for the beach, so if your into beach volleyball, kayaking, laser sailing, waterskiing, wake boarding or diving, your in your element, but then you can just relax on the beach too. On our itinerary we stopped in Penang, and went off to explore the sights there and have lunch, but my favourite stop was Khao Phing Kan which is the island where they filmed the James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun”. It was a great trip - we went by motor launch to the island and all had our photo taken in front of the famous rock island. Then we explored some of the caves in neighbouring islands and onwards via the mangroves to the Water Gypsies Village for lunch, which was a really interesting end to a good day. So for those looking for something more than just a cruise, but still with great food, constantly changing scenery and ports of call, Star Clippers is the answer. Enjoy being under real sails where you can climb the rigging (under supervision) to the passengers crows nest, help hoist the sails and help steer the ship. I can see why I get so many clients rebooking and I am already looking forward to my next trip – I’ve just got to decide where and on which Star Clipper ship.