Royal Clipper
A Sailing Diary
The
Royal Clipper Experience
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Atrium |
"What's that big cruise ship
over there?" A fellow passenger asked that as we watched
SeaDream Yacht Club's SeaDream II anchor nearby. I suppressed my
surprise and simply offered the vessel's name. My shipmate probably
had the impression that SeaDream II is larger than Royal Clipper (it
isn't) because of its appearance, specifically the height of a
traditional cruise ship's superstructure versus a sailing ship.
However, Royal Clipper isn't just
any sailing ship. Inspired by the legendary Tall Ship Preussen,
which in 1902 was the largest and fastest sailing ship in the world,
Royal Clipper is the largest and only 5-masted full-rigged sailing
ship built since. The similarities stop there. Preussen may have
been magnificent, but it didn't feature three swimming pools, a spa
and gym, an Internet center, and graceful staircases that connect a
triple deck atrium. And there's that "skylight" over the
atrium--actually the glass bottom of the swimming pool
overhead.
Polished wood and brass railings
surround each of the atrium's decks--at the top, the piano bar is
the ship's main salon; in the center is the purser's office, Sloop
Shop, and, past trompe l'oeil murals, are cabin corridors; the
bottom deck is the grand dining salon, divided by raised sections
and intimate alcoves.
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Wheelhouse |
From dawn until late night, the hub
of activity is the outdoor Tropical Bar, aft of which is the cozy
library with its comfy seating and faux fireplace. Computers are
located in the rarely-used Observation Lounge. If the weather is
foul, it's the only dry spot to find a forward facing view of the
sea.
The Sun Deck features a small bar,
three swimming pools (more accurately termed dipping pools),
plentiful lounge chairs, and the wheelhouse.
Captain Nemo's lounge and spa/gym
are located down a staircase low in the hull. There are no elevators
on Royal Clipper.
Accommodations
At only 150 square feet, standard outside cabins are small when
compared to most cruise ships, but the efficient layout and nautical
appointments make them pleasant and comfortable for two. Triples are
available, but, as one shipmate who was sharing a cabin with her
sister and mother observed, "I have to leave the room to change
my mind." Inside quarters and category 5 cabins are somewhat
smaller at 107 to 118 square feet. Check the deck plans for cabin
configurations--some have fixed double beds and there is an inside
designated for single occupancy.
Deluxe Suites and Owner's Suites
range from 204 to 355 square feet and contain such lavish
appointments as a whirlpool and mini-bar. Deluxe Suites have tiny
private verandas.
Dining
Meals are open seating in the formal dining room during scheduled
hours; breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style and dinners are
leisurely occasions, served in the European manner. Hint: If you
want your salad before your main course, just ask. Menus,
created in consultation with chef Jean Marie Meulien (who has been
awarded Michelin stars throughout his career), include appetizers,
soups, pasta, sorbet, at least three entrees, salad, cheeses, and,
of course, desserts.
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Sunlight
streams into the Dining Room from the overhead skylight |
Should you want to remain in your
bathing suit, casual buffets are set up adjacent to the Tropical Bar
at noon (the Deck Snack Buffet) and at 5pm (the Afternoon Snack).
Some of us were so full after the latter that we chose to skip the
dining room meal (beginning at 7:30) altogether. Some of the
"snacks" were themed and filling--a Neptune luncheon,
snacks with waffles or crepes, and a taco bar.
While room service is available
only to suite occupants, those of us in standard cabins could always
find a pot of coffee and fresh fruit trays in the Piano Bar.
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"Sailing
in search of romance is much like trying to catch the
horizon." -- Unknown
Photograph courtesy of Dr. Scott Fenske |
Royal Clipper Fast Stats
5,000 tons
439 feet long
54 feet wide
227 passengers
(double occupancy)
5 masts
197 feet mast
height
42 sails
56,000 square feet
of sail area
The feeling of the
wind powering this large ship through the water is spine-tingling.
However, you will miss the wondrous sight of her underway unless the
captain can schedule a photo opportunity utilizing one of the tenders. It
can be hit-or-miss depending on the weather, but we were fortunate
on my sailing. The demand was so great that two tenders were
used.
I can't even begin to
describe the sight of sails unfurling until Royal Clipper was moving
through the water (and giving the motorized tenders a run for their
money.) Once again, it took my breath away. I was simply awestruck
by the power and beauty of pure sailing.
For the trip of a
lifetime, or simply the thrill of real sailing, Royal Clipper
delivers it all. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this
unique vessel.
You'll sleep like a
baby.
Previous Royal Clipper Sailing Diary
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