Royal Clipper
A Sailing Diary
Going
Ashore
 |
|
Water
sports marina |
Star Clippers cruises offer several
itineraries in the Caribbean--mine was the Grenadine Islands, but
Royal Clipper currently also sails the Windward Islands from
Barbados and her smaller fleetmate Star Clipper sails the Leeward
Islands and Treasure Islands from St. Marteen. With alternating
itineraries, it's possible to sail back-to-back and spend two weeks
on board without repeating ports.
All voyages focus on the
outdoors--the sea, pristine beaches, and island adventures. Scuba
diving excursions were available every day, sometimes in the morning
and afternoon. When at anchor, the water sports platform was often
the busiest spot on Royal Clipper with passengers sailing the
sunfish and having a blast riding on the banana boat.
While the diving was reportedly
great--there were many scuba divers on my cruise--you didn't have to
be a diver to enjoy the itinerary. Most days we divided our time
between mornings in the small island towns and afternoons at the
beach. The water sports team provided beach fun via zodiac, pulling
the banana boat offshore and providing other water toys.
 |
|
Idyllic
beach at Mayreau |
Excursions were varied and included
cultural and natural attractions (whale watching, botanical gardens,
plantations, hot springs), off road treks (jeep safari), and water
adventures (snorkeling and swimming). Passengers are free to explore
independently, but must be back on board when Royal Clipper sets
sail from her morning anchorage near town to reposition near a beach
for the afternoon.
I love to snorkel, but I am
admittedly a poor swimmer. That didn't stop me from joining the
"Southern Grenadines by Speedboat" tour, though. We met at
the gangway and embarked on a catamaran headed for a snorkeling spot
amid the coral reefs that dot the Tobago Cays Islands. The boat had
excellent gear, including snorkel vests for floatation--a necessity
for me. Unfortunately, the current was pretty strong and my time in
the water was limited. The variety of fish and coral I saw was
amazing. After an hour we motored past the exclusive conclave on
Palm Island and headed for Mayreau, one of the top ten beaches in
the Caribbean, where the water was calm for swimming.
Our tour ended at Petit Bateau,
where the crew from Royal Clipper had set up an elaborate barbeque
on a private stretch of beach. The ship's sports team was geared up
for water sports activities and a session of water gymnastics.
 |
|
Bequia,
where the sea is as important to life as is breathing. |
A highlight of cruising on Royal
Clipper is her ability to visit off-the-beaten-track islands, of
which Bequia is a gem. Nine miles off the coast of St. Vincent and
only seven square miles in size, it is the largest of the
Grenadines.
Bequia's appeal is its utter
serenity... charming buildings set amid riotous flowers and uncrowded
nearby beaches. The island's main source of income is still fishing
and much hasn't changed in centuries; however, it's possible to
check your email at an internet cafe with high-speed connections and
then relax at a beach bar with Jimmy Buffett tunes playing in the
background. Try the local Hairoun beer and chill out in paradise.
Life doesn't get any better than this!
More Sailing Diary
-->
The
Royal Clipper Experience
Back to -->
Embarkation
Life
on Board
More Cruise
Reviews
