Cruises on small ships offer the opportunity to meet new people, discover new places and — most importantly — enjoy the holiday experience of a lifetime. Star Clippers visits ports that are often unreachable for larger cruise ships, offering passengers the activities, amenities and atmosphere of a private yacht. These elegant ships currently sail in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and the exotic Far East. Instantly recognisable, your Star Clipper ship is as beautiful as the destinations you visit and will undoubtedly be the centrepiece of most of your holiday photographs.

This is not a cruise ship in the conventional sense — harness the power of the wind with billowing cream-coloured sails that gently guide you from port to port. You could almost imagine yourself sailing in the nineteenth century, yet with all the advantages of modern twenty-first century luxury on board. Sailing aboard Star Clippers feels like being on your own private yacht, offering a far more intimate experience than you might expect, with outstanding personal service that will make you feel right at home. Why not become a shipmate and raise the sails or climb the mast to enjoy panoramic views from the crow’s nest? Alternatively, you can spend the day relaxing in the nets or by one of the pools, or if you’re feeling energetic, take one of the ship’s kayaks and explore the bay.

The crew is wonderfully approachable, and the captain’s daily briefing on deck is marvellously informative while also offering the chance to share great stories. Enjoy the rhythm of folkloric shows by local entertainers who come aboard at the featured ports, or unwind on the upper deck among old and new friends as you watch the great sails form a picturesque silhouette against the beautiful backdrop of the sea and the setting sun. Without fixed schedules, you are free to shape your days and evenings as you wish — and Star Clippers passengers always say it is the relaxed informality that makes a cruise with them so special.

Begin your day with a continental breakfast or savour a full breakfast prepared to order in the dining room. At lunch, a splendid buffet of seafood, salads and grilled specialities awaits you. If the day includes a stop at one of the idyllic islands, you can also enjoy a barbecue ashore. The elegantly appointed dining room welcomes you again in the evening. Prints of famous Star Clipper ships and sailing yachts adorn the walls — the perfect backdrop for the chef’s culinary presentations that delight both the eyes and the palate. All dishes are accompanied by equally exquisite wines.

Your suite on board is comfortably furnished and features either a double bed or two single beds, a marble bathroom, a television and a DVD player. The décor is tastefully traditional. Here you will find the hallmarks of a luxurious classic yacht, where everything is refined for comfort, ease and efficiency.