For the first time in three years, luxury cruise line and host to three stunning clipper sailing ships, Star Clippers has announced three new ports of call for its 2024 Mediterranean sailings. Anyone who has traversed the waters in one of the three elegant ships in the fleet will know just how special it feels to sail from intimate destinations to well-known ports, all while soaking up the elegant atmosphere within the ships.
Star Clippers operates three of the world’s largest and tallest fully crewed sailing vessels. The ships can drop anchor in smaller harbours and visit ports often untouched by larger cruise ships and provide guests with the amenities and atmosphere of a private yacht.
High standards of service are provided by an attentive crew and all three ships have expansive teak decks, swimming pools, informal dining, a convivial Tropical Bar on deck and a comfortable piano bar and are large enough to offer first-class accommodation and dining. The two smaller ships, Star Flyer and Star Clipper take 166 guests each, with a crew of 74, while Royal Clipper carries 227 with a crew of 106.
New Mediterranean sailings
The specialist cruise line has revealed three new ports of call for its 2024 Mediterranean sailings; Milos (Greece), Sifnos (Greece) and Porto Ercole (Tuscany, Italy). It is the first time multiple new ports of call have been announced since 2019.
Milos – labelled the ‘2022 Greek Island of the Summer’ by Conde Nast – will feature on the 11-night sailing on board Star Clipper in June 2024, which also includes stops in Rhodes, Santorini and Hydra. Sifnos, known for its traditional pottery and fringed by white, sandy beaches is showcased on a 14-night Rome – Athens sailing on board Star Flyer in September 2024, which is a debut itinerary for the tall-ship sailing company, comprising of firm favourites such as Sorrento, Katakolon and Mykonos.
Porto Ercole is a new addition to the cruise line’s three-night taster sailings on board Royal Clipper, which sees the largest and only five-masted, full-rigged sailing ship cruise in and out of Rome. The small Tuscan town, which dates back to at least 1296, fits the company’s ethos of visiting unchartered gems since it is visited by only a handful of other small cruise ships.
Cruise-only prices start at £782 for a three-night Rome sailing on board Royal Clipper, departing 19th June 2024. Price includes a 10% early booking discount, valid until 31st January 2024. 20% discounts are available on selected dates and additional discounts for past passengers are available.
Costa Rica sailings and sustainability
In addition to these new Mediterranean ports, Star Clippers has introduced a new itinerary for this winter within their Costa Rica itineraries on board Star Clipper. Why not take a break this festive season and head to the likes of Panama, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, taking in beaches and serene stops each day?
December to March sees the tall ship take in some resplendent stops with the seven-day round trip from Puntarenas in Costa Rica, stopping at four places in Costa Rica and one in Nicaragua. Or choose the sailing which docks up at three places in Costa Rica and two in Panama, including Islas Tortugas in the former and Coiba Island in the latter country.
On these sailings you’ll be safe in the knowledge that your ship is promoting sustainability and eco-friendly practices ad Star Clippers has become the first cruise line to be certified as ‘Pura Vida Pledge Approved’ by the Costa Rican Tourism Board. The recognition comes as a part of an initiative established by the tourism board to promote the country as the ultimate natural escape – Costa Rica Sanctuary.
Costa Rica Sanctuary, which has named explorer and writer Levison Wood and TV presenter Julia Bradbury as ambassadors, focuses on showcasing the country through real people with real stories that come under five pillars: culture, adventure, nature and wildlife, wellness and sustainability.
The Pura Vida Pledge is a four-step plan within the initiative in which the country recognises and promotes hand-selected tour operators that focus on eco-friendly travel and work with sustainable hotels and excursions. As a part of the pledge, customers are also encouraged to offset their carbon footprint and respect local communities by leaving no trace.
For reservations or more information on sailings call 0845 200 6145 or visit starclippers.co.uk.
