This journey whisked us away to some of the Caribbean's most enchanting islands: St Maarten/St Martin, Barbuda, Dominica, Îles des Saintes, Guadeloupe, Antigua, and St. Bart's. The experience was nothing short of extraordinary.

The Star Flyer is a true sailing ship, a magnificent nod to maritime tradition with its classic wood, brass, ropes, and decking. Unlike the modern floating resorts, the Star Flyer offers an authentic sailing experience that truly immerses you in the romance of the sea. As you come aboard, you are greeted by the Captain and an ambiance that harks back to a bygone era when sailing was both an art and an adventure.

The journey to these stunning Caribbean destinations was complemented by the excellent food and service on board. Culinary delights awaited us at every meal, crafted with precision and flair by Michelin trained chefs.  Each meal was a celebration of flavors and no main course was ever repeated during our one week trip. The attentive service ensured that every need was met with a smile, making each moment on board feel special.

We boarded the Star Flyer in Philipsburg, St. Maarten. Soon after leaving port the sails were hoisted ceremoniously to the music of “1492, the Conquest of Paradise” by Vangelis; accompanied by special lighting and a Champagne welcome. The next morning our first port of call was Barbuda, known for its pink sand beaches and untouched natural beauty. This island is a haven for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. We visited the Frigate Bird Sanctuary there with one of the shore excursions organized by Star Clippers. Next, we sailed to Dominica, often referred to as "The Nature Island" for its lush rainforests and vibrant biodiversity as well as its waterfalls and hot springs.

The Îles des Saintes (above) offered us a taste of French Caribbean charm with its picturesque villages and beautiful bays. Guadeloupe followed, a vibrant island rich in culture and history, where we enjoyed exploring picturesque towns and French bakeries.  Antigua's highlights included a visit with stingrays and a truly magnificent beach barbecue organized by the Star Flyer culinary team. 

Image:: Stingray City

Our final stop was the glamorous St. Bart's, where luxury and natural beauty go hand in hand. Here, we indulged in some local fine dining, shopping at chic boutiques and sipping cocktails at beachfront cafes. We soaked in the island's stunning scenery on a private tour.

The demographics of Star Clippers' clientele are as diverse as the destinations they visit. Typically attracting discerning travellers from around the world, Star Clippers appeals to those who appreciate the unique blend of adventure and relaxation that only a sailing ship can offer. Guests range from solo travellers seeking solitude to families looking for unique bonding experiences. Many are seasoned travellers and repeat sailors who have explored traditional cruise offerings and now seek something more authentic and intimate. Due to the this more intimate nature, this would be ideal for writer's groups, yoga groups, small clubs etc.

The Star Clippers experience offers an intimate setting with just over 150 passengers on board, where ours had only 102 passengers. This small size ensures that every guest receives personalized attention and can fully engage with fellow travellers, fostering a sense of community. This is further encouraged with the dining room setup, where you see that friendships are made and people gather with new groups of friends at the larger tables as the cruise progresses. The vessel’s design allows it to access ports that larger cruise ships cannot reach, providing guests with more exclusive and off-the-beaten-path experiences. With the exception of Dominica, all our ports were tendered (below).

Life on board is relaxed yet enriching. Guests can partake in a variety of activities such as snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding, or simply lounging by one of two pools. There is a well stocked library with books in English, French and German. For those interested in learning more about sailing, there's an opportunity to join the crew in hoisting the sails, steering the ship or climbing the mast (below) for panoramic views of the ocean. Personally, we loved climbing the mast and relaxing on the bowsprit net. There is an open bridge policy, where you are welcome and even encouraged to interact with the ship's officers. 

Be ready to dine at an angle when sailing. We noticed the ship heeling 8 degrees during one dinner. This is actually a lot of fun, sparks conversations and adds to the authentic charm of sailing on a barquentine. Kudos to the serving staff who handle this with ease. 

The accommodations are varied. Most cabins are on the lower decks and have one or two portholes. The beds are firm but comfortable. There is plenty of storage space and all cabins have a private bathroom with at least a shower. There are some cabins on the main deck of the ship, but there are no private balconies; passengers with these cabins access the sun deck directly. 

Gin & Tonic Travel invites you to discover this unparalleled sailing adventure with Star Clippers. Whether you're drawn by the allure of exploring pristine islands or yearning for an unforgettable journey at sea, let us help you set sail on your own extraordinary adventure with Star Clippers. 

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