TheTwinsMom

Psoque, Cat 3, room #231. I was the last Cat 3 room when we booked. I was a bit worried about it being a bit smaller. But we had plenty of room. I also really liked its position on the ship. I'd say the fact that the bed can't be repositioned could be a problem for some people. The bed is up against the wall. So that can make it difficult for 2 people if they both get up in the night.

We had a meeting with the Star Flyer. It ended up being a 2+ hour event because they missed the timing. The Royal Clipper turned around and went back to meet up with them. I was really impressed at how the ship can turn. I also have to admit it was funny watching sail boats and other ships coming up to the RC to take photos of us. Felt like we were in a parade. LOL Speaking of photos... I didn't mention that I really struggled on whether to take my DSLR on this trip. I ultimately decided not to. There were some great photo moments, but my phone handled them beautifully. My hopes to take photos at night would not have panned out. There is just too much movement while we are sailing at night to do any kind of long exposures. (We also had a full moon.) I did love one of the first photos I took when they were putting the sails up on the first night. They turned out a lot of the deck lights and I managed to get Orion over the top corner of the sails.

I posted my trip report as a new thread. Thanks again everyone for your help planning this trip. It was a great experience.

My husband and I took our first Star Clippers cruise on February 4th, 2023. We have previously only cruised on large cruise ships (generally Royal Caribbean). Here are some thoughts about our trip. The main reason we choose this cruise is for the sail experience and it did not disappoint! Watching the sails go up was wonderful every time. It was easily the best part of the experience for us. We were worried about the motion of the ship. My husband can get seasick. I generally don't. But we both took non-drowsy Dramamine as a precaution. Neither of us had any problems. Sailing out of Barbados (and back) were the rockiest part of the journey. The ship was really swaying. It was pretty funny seeing the water hitting the porthole windows in the dining room during dinner. The ship was beautiful. I for some reason thought it would be more rustic than it was. It was a gorgeous ship. There are plenty of stairs and no elevators. The dining area is a bit cramped but workable. Our cabin was bigger than I expected and had everything we needed. There is not a lot of storage space. We were able to slide our bags under the bed. There was a safe. The Library had books and a few games. They didn't have any cards, so bring your own if you want them. It was mostly empty the entire cruise. Most people hung out at the Tropical Bar or inside at the Piano Bar. Staff: The staff was hard working, friendly and polite. Entertainment: This was an area I was disappointed in. We don't care about the entertainment on the big cruise lines. The Star Clippers website says they bring in some local entertainment and the crew does activities. This sounded great. But they did not bring any local entertainment onboard. The only class they mentioned was a cocktail making class. When we showed up, Calvin said there weren't enough people to do it. Eventually, we pulled in enough people that they did do it. There were no other things listed. They did allow the people who wanted to to climb the mast (to the first platform). They did have evening entertainment after dinner (typically around 10 pm) with a talent show and pirate games.) The other guests really enjoyed them. (We are early risers and went to sleep too early to participate.) But none in the daytime. I do want to say the duet that performed music throughout the cruise was great. We really enjoyed them. Food: At 6:30am there was a small selection of croissants/pastries and coffee/tea. The breakfast buffet usually started at 8am. The buffet had a good selection. My husband really enjoyed the omelet bar every morning. Lunch was typically from noon til 2pm. They had a snack in the Tropical Bar from 5-6pm. And dinner was usually from 7:30pm til 9:30 pm. We both thought the food was good and a nice selection. It was a nice touch that they put the meals out beforehand so you could see some of the selections. They have a watery sorbet every night and it was often pretty strange (tomato vodka sorbet, I don't recommend it). But the fruit ones were great. But the meals were interesting and well cooked. Overall, I give the food high marks. The coffee is consistently strong but there is milk and hot water. They had some really excellent desserts. Excursions: There is a folder with a signup sheet on a desk on the Clipper deck. You can go right after you check in to sign up. I'd recommend studying them before you go and signing up immediately for anything important to you. A few completely filled up the first day. We enjoyed the 2 excursions we did. (Snorkeling with the Rays in Antigua. Which was really walking with the rays as the water is about 3 feet deep. And a tour of St. Kitts.) Ports: We weren't particularly thrilled with the ports. We had a lovely beach BBQ in Antiqua. St. Kitts was also interesting. Overall, I think we'd pick a different itinerary in the future. I was also pretty disappointed that this itinerary didn't do a photo op. But I did get nice photos from the tender when the sails were down. Tendering was a bit treacherous at times. But it was usually easy if you are in good shape. I had to look away as an older woman with a cane was boarding on a really rough day. The crew was great at supporting her. But I was terrified she was going to fall in with the tender moving so much. They do say up front that you need to be mobile. They mean it. Prices: We are used to cruises being cheap and everything on board being expensive. So this was a really nice surprise for us. The cost of drinks was reasonable. It was about $3.50 for a glass of wine or beer and about $6 for a mixed drink. The wi-fi was $6/hour. I did not use it. The excursions were reasonably priced also. The Marina Platform: This was something we got all wrong. We planned on spending a lot of port time snorkeling from the platform. We could do it. But they told us that since they anchored at depth, there really wasn't much to see. It was also really choppy. They suggested we go to the beaches. We only saw one person use it the entire cruise. I think this may be different if we were sailing in the Med. but not sure. Deck: There were plenty of deck chairs. They were comfortable. Take a towel band or clip as it is windy. Also be prepared to move. We watched several people go sliding across the deck in their chairs. Almost no one went up on deck at night. It was great to go up and look at the stars. But it is very windy while moving. Passengers: We really enjoyed this aspect of our trip. The people were consistently interesting and loved to make new friends. Dinner takes about 2 hours. You spend most of that time chatting with your table mates. Dress code: They specifically state that men need to wear pants to dinner and everyone did. It wasn't fancy. The older gentlemen tended to wear a sport coat and a dress shirt. But many men were in polo shirts and khakis. They also say that tennis shoes are not allowed. However, while most men were in boat shoes, many wore fashion tennis shoes (not athletic ones). Hints: We took a few magnetic hooks that came in handy for hanging things. I'd also suggest a lanyard for your room key. (You need it to open your cabin door and whenever you are getting on and off the ship.) There were a lot fewer people wearing lanyards than on the big ships. Bring a reusable water bottle. You can fill it up near the Tropical Bar. Last thoughts: Overall this was a great trip. We came for the sailing and really enjoyed it. It is a European crowd and the late night schedules reflect that. Come expecting to make your own entertainment during the day. If we go again, it will probably be in the Med. We were told it was a great itinerary but often doesn't have the wind. So think about the time of year you choose. I'm happy to try and answer any questions.

Thanks Jane. I realized I made a mistake on my above comment. You needed your card for your door AND whenever you got on and off the ship. It was often windy and the stairs to the tender are a bit steep and shaky, so you want a lanyard or a pocket so your hands are free. A couple of other things I wanted to throw out because I know some of you are leaving soon... 1) We had a Pirate Night. I asked and was told that was standard in the Caribbean itineraries, they do White Night in other itineraries. They played some games. I was told it was a lot of fun though only a handful of people dressed up. I was also told the talent show night was great. I did not do any of the late night activities as I was struggling to stay awake through dinner. Dinner lasts until at least 9:30 pm. 2) The one thing I was totally off on was the Marina Platform. I expected to hang out there for a while most days and snorkel. It turned out we never used it at all. They anchor the ship at depth, so they said there is very little to see near the ship. They did tie on some floats you could lay on. But it was really too wavy to use them. One person went into the water one day. No one else ever used it to my knowledge. They recommended snorkeling from shore instead. 3) Embarkation: There are a fair number of shops but only one real restaurant at the port in Barbados. There are no signs for Star CLippers. If you go through the port to the customs area at the end, they set up some tables.. They will let you hand off your bag when they get there. But they weren't there til about 2 pm. 4) Lastly, look over all of the excursions before you leave. Decide what you want to do. (They have a description book but it isn't always there.) After you check in, go straight to the desk and sign up for anything important to you. Some of the popular things filled up on the first day. Some excursions didn't make their minimums. So it depends on what you want to do.

We got back at 2am this morning. I've got a lot of things to catch up on but will try and post a trip report soon. I'm happy to answer questions. A couple of quick things to note: 1) People did wear lanyards. I noticed maybe a 3rd. But many wore them under their shirts so they weren't as visible. You need it to open the door and that is it. As women have no pockets in bathing suits, I'd take one. If you don't want to use it you don't have to. 2) We did the Windward Islands. It was really windy (even for them). If you have a hat with a strap, you won't regret taking it. 3) Tendering was a bit treacherous at times as there was a lot of movement. It was not an issue if you are in good shape. Last comment for now, I'd strongly suggest taking some non-drowsy Dramamine. I was surprised how well most people did. But it was REALLY rocky at times. The worst was leaving and returning to Barbados.

Are lanyards a thing on Star Clippers like on big cruise ships? Wasn't sure if it would be helpful to bring one on Star Clippers.

Thanks Sox. We bring our own masks and snorkels. But we generally use provided fins as they take up a lot of space in our luggage. I thought the ship provided all of the snorkeling equipment for our use. Is this incorrect?

For those of you who have gone before, is there anything you can think of that might not be obvious to take? Specifically thinking about the bathroom. Do they have all the basic supplies? (shampoo, soap, wash cloths, etc...? I have noticed that wash cloths aren't a thing in many European countries.) What about night lights and plugs in the bathroom? Most big cruise ships I've been on don't have a way to plug in a night light in the bathroom. I usually take batttery powered ones on cruise ships. Thx!

JeanKC, I think my problem is going to be how late everything is. I REALLY try to sleep in, but I fail. LOL I'm usually eating breakfast at 5am, lunch at 11 am and dinner at 5pm. I think the ship will be an hour ahead of my time which should help. We go before you do and we are doing the Windward Islands. So let me know if there is something you want me to try and figure out.

Denarius, thank you for your point of view also. People's opinions are so very different. I went on a cruise and they did a crawfish boil for dinner one night. I had people telling me they were too spicy to eat. I thought they had no heat or flavor at all. LOL Other things like supply is effecting quality at various times too. Hopefully, Sox experience was a one off.

Sox, Thank you so much for your write up. It was very helpful. You said a lot of people don't go on excursions and just stay onboard. Do most of the people just snorkel around the ship and play in the water? Or are they hanging out in loungers on deck all day? Did they provide beach towels? Or should we bring our own for beach time? Thank you again!

Sox, no worries. I appreciate all your thoughts good or bad. I love to have input. But I learned a long time ago that everyone has different likes and dislikes. It won't put me off. I can use a few more salads in my life. LOL I will do my best to post when I get back and give everyone else who reads this in the future a second data point. Again, thank you for your time. Here's another quick question: did you really need bug spray?

I've been asking a few questions to SC in their chat box. Thought others might find this helpful: WI-FI is available for purchased while onboard60 minutes of time for: €6euros or240 minutes of time for: €18euros To get access - just open your browser and follow the instructions. Internet at sea is provided by satellite service and is not as fast as on-land connections. You will not be able to use YouTube, or Netflix, Zoom as this hogs bandwidth. We recommend you download WHATSAPP and communicate via text/SMS There's two computers onboard in case you left yours behindIf you need STRONG WI-FI 24/7 for work or school and plan on using ZOOM, WEBEX, or Microsoft Team - Please contact: SOLIS: https://soliswifi.co/orGLOCAL: https://www.glocalme.com/US/rent-wifiorAIRALO: https://www.airalo.com/

Thank you Sox Fan. We are on the Royal Clipper. I will paste our itinerary below. I have one quick question: 1) How cold and windy was it on deck at night? I've often found that I can't stand out of deck of a cruise ship because of the wind. (Partially because I get cold and partially because my hair assaults me as it blows around. LOL) When you do your longer write up could you talk about your experience with these: 1) They mention "classes." In general, what type of classes do they have and are they part of the daily activities or for a fee (like an excursion). 2) I managed to find a print out of a alcohol price list online. It was showing very reasonable prices for alcoholic beverages ($3.50 for wine, $5-6 for mixed drinks) Is this still accurate? 3) Do they have a coffee bar? Are those prices reasonable too? 4) We love to make new friends on a cruise. We also like to play games. I know they have a library with games. Are there a lot? Are people social? or wanting to be alone? I'm thinking of bringing Five Crowns and possibly some other games. 5) What type of shoes do men wear? Are tennis shoes ok? Teva's? Or should we go with boat shoes? Really don't want to drag dress shoes along with us. 6) I read that you can purchase 4 hours of internet for $18 euro. But they also mention it working in one room. So is this wi-fi (which will work with our phones) or is it cabled (and we'd need a laptop)? I chatted with SC yesterday and they sent me the docs. So I have the list of excursions. I haven't had time to look at them yet. That is on today's list. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on these and whether it is an issue with them filling up. Again, thank you so much for your post. This post got bigger than I expected. I totally understand if you don't want to answer everything. This is a special "dream" trip for my husband's 60th birthday. I'm generally on top of planning things but we have had a tough couple of months and it has gotten away from us. I really appreciate your time. This is our itinerary: Bridgetown, Barbados Rodney Bay, St. Lucia Cabrits, Dominica Falmouth Harbour, Antigua Basseterre, St. Kitts Beach Stop, St. Kitts Terre-de-Haut, Iles des Saintes Beach Stop, Martinique Bridgetown, Barbados