Star Clippers to call at 2014 Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez International Regatta in the French Riviera

Star Clippers to Feature Overnight Call at 2014 Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez International Regatta in the French Riviera

My favorite Tall ship cruise line Star Clippers is offering an exciting opportunity for yacht and nautical aficionados in 2014. Star Flyer’s Sept. 27 sailing will feature an overnight call at St. Tropez, France, during the annual Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez international regatta.

Star Flyer undersail. Photo: N. BIrnbaum ©2014

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, which began in 1981 as La Nioulargue, attracts modern and classic yachts from across the globe that race for the coveted Rolex Trophy. In 2013 more than 300 boats representing 150 years of naval architecture and aesthetic participated in the event.

“We’re always looking for exclusive events, and the chance to attend Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez is an exciting opportunity for our guests who are largely yachting enthusiasts,” said Mark Carlson, director of marketing for Star Clippers Americas. “This international sailing regatta offers a unique blend of glamour, relaxation and adventure that we strive to provide on all of our itineraries.”

There’s always something to learn aboard a Star Clipper Cruise.
Photo: N Birnbaum©2014

In 2014 Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez will run from Sept. 27 to Oct. 5. Star Flyer will call at St. Tropez Oct. 2-3 during the event. Guests will have two days to enjoy the race and explore the most famous port on the French Riviera. Other calls on the seven-day, roundtrip Monte Carlo, Monaco, itinerary include L’Ile Rousse/St. Florent and Bastia, Corsica; Portoferraio, Elba, and Rapallo, Italy. Fares for the cruise start at $1,986 per person, double occupancy, including port charges.

Star Clippers combines the pampered lifestyle of mega-yacht cruising with the exhilarating thrill of sailing aboard an authentic clipper ship. Guests rediscover what sailing was like during the glorious age of tall ships while visiting intimate ports of call untouched by larger ships.

Star Clippers recently was named among the Top Small-Ship Lines in Condé Nast Traveler 2013 Reader’s Choice Awards as well as Top Small-Ship Cruise Lines in Travel + Leisure magazine’s 2013 World’s Best Awards. 

To request a brochure, call toll-free 800-442-0556 or email brochures@starclippers.com.

For information, call Star Clippers at 800-442-0551, email info@starclippers.com or visit www.starclippers.com to view a video about the line or take a virtual tour of the Star Clippers ships.

Read Full Post »

Turkey expects 31 million tourists in 2011. See it on a Star Clipper Cruise

It’s the real thing!  Tall ship cruise operator Star Clippers operates three of the world’s most authentic, head-turning ships; the majestic four-masted, 170-passenger Star Flyer and Star Clipper and the magnificent flagship, five-masted, 228-passenger Royal Clipper.

The Star Flyer began its’ maiden season in Central America last November, in Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua, where it will sail six, seven, 10 and 11-night cruises out of Puerto Caldera to explore the bays and inlets of the Pacific coastline, with visits to lush rainforests and hidden lagoons.

Star Clipper Cruises has exciting itineraries in Central America and the Caribbean, where the Clipper ships will visit dream locations in the Grenadines and British Virgin Islands among others. The company’s ever popular ocean crossings are ideally suited to those who dream of long sea voyages, while the summer season will find the ships roaming the Mediterranean (French or Italian Riviera), the Greek Islands and a fascinating new route between Athens and Istanbul, including Turkey as a new destination.

Turkey should be an awesome destination to see from the decks of a Star Clipper Ship. In an article released today in eTurboNews.com, Turkey is expecting 31 million tourists in 2011!

The article states, “In the Turkish Hoteliers Federation (TUROFED) annual tourism report, Mr Ahmet Barut, the President of TUROFED said “The total tourism revenue is expected to reach USD 25 billion in 2011 with 31 million visitors”.

Turkey is on the way to becoming one of the top tourist destinations and is currently ranking as 7th in visitors numbers in the world. The tourism sector in Turkey has grown nearly 16% in the last 3 years whereas the more traditional destinations of Spain and France have contracted by a similar amount.”

Starting in May, 2011, The Star Clipper Cruise Line will begin sailing Turkey, seven nights Southern Turkey or with the Greek Isles and Northern Turkey. I can’t wait!

To find out more, visit www.starclippers.com.

 

The Captain offers a lesson on a sextant. Photo by N.Birnbaum

Star Flyer anchored off Curu Preserve, Costa Rica. Photo by N.Birnbaum

Read Full Post »

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 »