With the wind filling the sails, embark on an extraordinary sailing adventure with the entire team. Star Clippers makes it possible. Companies can enjoy a (short) cruise on board the Royal Clipper. We set sail from Rome to Cannes…
Cruising is experiencing a growth surge in the MICE industry. The offerings are expanding, and the rise of shorter cruises makes them particularly appealing for business. Not exactly a typical cruise, but all the more unique, is a journey on a sailing yacht. The three sailing ships of Star Clippers are among the eye-catchers of the Caribbean and Mediterranean. It’s an ideal experience for leisure trips but also offers excellent possibilities for group events. You can charter the entire ship, or simply reserve designated areas and tailored programs for smaller groups.
Star Clippers cruises, however, are unique: these are not oversized cruise liners (also fun but very different) but luxurious tall ships for a select group. Most cruises last a week, though occasionally there are shorter itineraries, like the one we experienced—a three-night journey from beautiful Rome to chic Cannes.
The Royal Clipper is the largest of Star Clippers’ three tall ships, an impressive sailing vessel that defies simple description. In the cruise port of Cvitanovich, the ‘big players’ of other cruise lines are docked, but all eyes turn to this extraordinary ship… With its five tall masts (featuring 42 sails) and narrow deck, it’s easy to forget this is a luxury cruise ship—until the boarding begins. The classic wood and brass elements and red velvet decor exude a five-star ambiance. The ship is just 135 meters long and 16.5 meters wide, accommodating around 230 passengers (excluding 106 crew members). In cruising terms, this is very modest, adding to an exclusive dynamic.
It’s not, as mentioned, a cruise ship with bells and whistles. There are no Hollywood shows, only one restaurant, no casino, and no elevators. However, the luxury and service are equally remarkable. The spacious cabins are spread over three decks (and classes) and all feature private bathrooms. Since this really is a sailing ship, it’s advisable not to leave valuables loose on the desk as, well, sailing is sailing.
Every evening, as the ship is ready to set sail, a traditional ceremony takes place where the sails are hoisted. This is accompanied by Vangelis’ Conquest of Paradise, and on the first evening, champagne is served to toast to the journey ahead. From one of the deck loungers, enjoy the light show on the sails and prepare yourself for a cruise like no other. It’s lovely to see a French company onboard. A group of about twenty employees dresses up and enjoys the spectacle together. They mingle with other guests but also have a private dining area and use the library space for private sessions. Now that’s a corporate outing to impress!
Napoleon
The itinerary is set in advance, and the Royal Clipper is scheduled to stop at Elba—the Italian island famous for Napoleon—and Bastia in Corsica before sailing to Cannes. Guests can choose from various excursions at these destinations or explore independently. But again, it’s still a sailing journey. When rough weather disrupted the Corsican stop, La Spezia—the starting point of many famous Cinque Terre tours—replaced it, and this turned out to be perfect. In Elba, we visited one of Napoleon’s residences and enjoyed a delicious harbor lunch. In larger La Spezia, we explored a charming museum, a daily market, some shopping, and, of course, another delightful Italian lunch.
There’s plenty to do onboard during the day to really get to know the ship. The bridge is always open, so feel free to stop by and chat with the captain about the course. The ship has three small pools, and when anchored, weather permitting, the rear opens for swimming or kayaking directly from the ship. Guests can even climb the masts, and nets are strung at the bow where you can relax. Even while underway, empty your pockets, lie back, and as the ship glides through the waves, watch dolphins and turtles below, islands on the horizon, and the full sails above. This is an unforgettable highlight, rarely possible on other cruises. Conquest of Paradise indeed!
Every day during happy hour (from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.), snacks are served to guests. It’s a welcome treat after a day of exploring islands or excursions. Tacos, chicken skewers, sandwiches, fresh fruit… order a drink and unwind before the 7:30 p.m. dinner. Dinner offers three nightly options: meat, fish, or pasta/Asian cuisine. Some culinary classics are served during the week, from Tournedos Rossini to Surf & Turf with fresh lobster. The wine list is impressively curated and—especially for a cruise—very reasonably priced. For those who wish, an evening drink at the bar or simply falling asleep to the rhythm of the waves is the perfect ending to the day. Life on the ship is delightful. Due to its size, you often see familiar faces, sparking friendly conversations. It’s not required, but if you want to make some temporary friends, it’s easily done. The corporate guests enjoy themselves nightly, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
Another Advantage
The ship offers a big advantage. Due to its size, the Royal Clipper doesn’t need to dock at a cruise terminal with the larger liners. Instead, it often anchors in the bay, with guests departing via tender boat to the island. From many islands, this provides fantastic photo ops: enjoying a beach lunch with a ‘pirate ship’ in the background.
We cherish this journey. Perhaps the best moments are the quiet ones on deck with a cup of coffee. The wind in your hair, waves lapping against the hull, and the salty sea air clear your mind entirely. What an experience!
