Star Clipper Cruises in Central America – Experience nature unbounded

Photo: N.Birnbaum 2011

If you dream of adventure sailing on a tall ship through the wilds of Central America, anchoring in pristine coves filled with dolphins, whales and birds not other boats or cruise ships, then you need to book a cruise with Star Clipper Cruises.

“Star Clippers operates three of the world’s largest and tallest sailing vessels. Visiting ports often untouched by larger cruise ships and offering passengers the activities, amenities and atmosphere of a private yacht, Star Clippers is recognized as one of the premier specialty cruise lines.”

Join in a rare adventure of nature unbounded – cruising both Nicaragua and Costa Rica or Panama and Costa Rica itineraries.

Photo: N.Birnbaum 2011

“From the stunning volcanic peaks of Nicaragua down to the rustic scenery of Panama, Central America’s breathtaking beauty allows you to just sit, stand, lie or look in any direction and watch nature perform around you. Howler monkeys roam freely through the jungle canopy above while manta rays weightlessly glide through the waters below.”

Clearly this is not a cruise ship in the ordinary sense. Star Flyer, like it’s sister ship, the Star Clipper, is a true clipper ship reflecting her proud heritage in every inch of her polished brass and gleaming brightwork. Once onboard you’ll discover a new age of sail, where the traditions of the past are happily married to the comforts and amenities of the present day. Star Clipper and Star Flyer are modern cruise ships in every way, created for luxury-loving passengers who also love the traditions and romance of the legendary era of sailing ships. Star Clipper and Star Flyer are both 360 feet long and each carries just 170 guests in pampered comfort.

Don’t miss out on this new cruising ground. Check out their new Panama Itinerary today!

Photo: N.Birnbaum 2011

Costa Rica and San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua Cruises run 7-nights.

Next sailing dates: February 13 or February 27, 2011.

Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica –
At Sea –
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua –
Playa del Coco, Costa Rica –
Cuanjiniquil (Nat. Park Santa Rosa), Costa Rica –
Puerto Carrillo, Costa Rica –
Islas Tortugas / Curu / Quesera, Costa Rica –
Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica –

Photo: N.Birnbaum 2011

 

or the newest 14-night Panama Canal Adventure:

Balboa to St. Maarten – March 19, 2011: 8 Ports of Call:
Panama Canal Transit – San Blas Islands, Panama –
Cartagena, Columbia – Oranjestad, Aruba –
Willemstad, Curacao – Jost Van Dyke, B.V.I. –
Sopers Hole, B.V.I – Virgin Gorda, B.V.I. –
Gustavia, St. Barts.

Rates start at $1,943 ppdo.

More Info: http://www.starclippers.com/us/plan-your-sailing/destinations/costa-rica-a-panama-canal/panama-canal-sailings.html

 

Photo: N.Birnbaum 2011

Read Full Post »

Costa Rica – Much better the second time around, especially on board the Star Flyer!

Star Flyer undersail off Costa Rica. Photo:N.Birnbaum

Your Cruising Editor just returned from a seven-day cruise on board the S.P.V. Star Flyer, stopping at both Nicaragua and Costa Rica ports on the Star Clipper Cruises newest itinerary. Starting today, I will post images and thoughts on my experience of this semi-wild coastline along with notes on life aboard the Star Flyer where you can enjoy comfortable luxury while “roughing it”!

Please check back for the latest posts.

 

Mast climbing on the Star Flyer. Photo:N.Birnbaum

 

 

Read Full Post »

Bocas del Toro killers arrested in Nicaragua

Bocas del Toro killers arrested in Nicaragua

By NICOLÁS AGUILAR R. and CARLOS ARGUEDAS – San Jose, Costa Rica – The American couple Panamanian police identify as serial killers, who the police were looking for last night in the area of Santa Cruz in Turrialba, were detained this morning in the waters of the San Juan river in Nicaragua. The couple were arrested in an area known as Tambor and at this moment they are being detained at a Nicaraguan army outpost in this zone. According to police reports, this is about William Adolfo Cortez (aka Wild Bill) and his wife, Jane Seana, whom the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) have been looking for intensively since Saturday night. In Panama they have been linked to the disappearance of one person and the deaths of two others, all US nationals.

According to police reports, the couple arrived at noon yesterday to Puerto
Viejo de Sarapiqui and rented a boat to travel to the mouth of the Sarapiqui
River, in a place known as La Trinidad. They spent the night in a cabin and
this morning they hired a boat to travel to Barra del Colorado. Apparently
when they approached a checkpoint manned by the (Costa Rican) Public Forces, where they would have had to stop and check in, the American who is strong and six feet tall, grabbed the boatman and threw him into the river. At that time, he took the helm and accelerated on the San Juan river headed toward Tambor.

However, he did not count on the fact that there was an Army patrol in the
area, equipped with machine guns and other heavy weapons, which soon
overtook them. The couple stopped the boat and offered no resistance.

According to reports held by the Judicial Investigation Organization, they
were taken to an Army post located at the mouth of the Sarapiquí river and
they are now talking to officials from Nicaragua to deal with the surrender
of the suspects. Judicial officers are currently traveling in several boats
to the site to eventually receive the pair of alleged serial killers and to transfer them to Costa Rican soil. (La Nacion – Costa Rica)

Posted by: “Glenn Tuttle” on the Cruising Network Online Yahoo Group
Date: Tue Jul 27, 2010 4:58 pm

Read Full Post »