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Welcome Aboard the Star Clippers
Fleet [top]
For many, few things stir the spirit like the romantic era of the great clipper
ships. The cruise line Star Clippers proudly carries on the tradition of the
tall ships of years past with their magnificent fleet. The Royal Clipper,
Star Flyer, and Star Clipper are all true sailing ships
worthy of the clipper heritage. On board, you'll experience what it is like to
have up to 55,000 square feet of white billowing sails majestically unfurl
above you as your ship glides serenely out of the harbor and into the sparkling
open seas. Feel the sun and wind on your face as the bow slices through the
azure seas en route to your next exciting port of call.
On your cruise, you'll experience the essence of sailing in its purest form, on
a ship where computerized systems have not replaced human hands in the ancient
ritual of raising sails. The bridge on board each ship has an open door policy
where you can stop in to ask questions or partake in navigating anytime you
like. Classes are offered daily for those wishing to participate in the art of
sail handling.
Each ship in the Star Clippers fleet boasts a variety of facilities, and, more
importantly, a great deal of space. In fact, the fleet has more outdoor space
per passenger than most conventional cruise ships. On board you'll find two
swimming pools (three on the Royal Clipper), an outdoor tropical bar
on deck, library, as well as an intimate piano bar. Like the finest private
yachts, the ships of the Star Clippers fleet combine the elements of tasteful
style with an attention to detail and nautical tradition that is reflected in
everything aboard.
Each night, enjoy dining with friends amidst the intimate style of a private
yacht where the savoring of continental cuisine and fine wines is enhanced by a
gracious staff in tasteful surroundings. Mix and mingle over cocktails, with
soft music, spirited conversation, and good company. The dining room offers a
mellow setting rich with warm woods and brass accents, complemented by fine
wines and culinary delights. You are free to dine at a different table every
night as you desire - alone or with whomever you choose. And the dress code is
always refreshingly simple: resort casual is the order of the day and night.
Carrying only up to 227 guests (170 for the Star Flyer and the Star
Clipper), the ships' ambiance is intimate yet spacious. Though these
are clipper ships built for grace and speed, the creature comforts have not
been neglected. Staterooms combine the nautical charm of traditional clipper
ships with the amenities and services of a modern resort.
Accommodations are thoughtfully designed featuring private marble bathrooms,
television, telephone, private safe, hair dryer and other amenities an
experienced traveller has come to expect. Deluxe Outside Cabin Category 1 is
equipped with mini bar and whirlpool bath and the cabin door opens onto the
deck. The minimum rate Category 6 does not include television, has no marble
bath and is configured with bunk beds.
Special Cabin Requests
Although the special group rate you have taken advantage of on your Vantage
cruise does not guarantee cabin selection, we will be happy to advise the
cruise line of any special requests. We must receive your request at the time
of booking. Please note that cabins within your category may be located on more
than one deck and cabin availability on your deck of choice may be limited.
Periodically, cruise lines will randomly upgrade passengers for space allocation
purposes. Please keep in mind that these upgrades are at the discretion of the
cruise line and selection of passengers to be upgraded is not in Vantage's
control.
Dining Information [top]
All meals are included on board Star Clippers fleet and are served in
open-seating style in the Clipper Dining Room. Please note that a section of
the Dining Room is reserved for passengers who prefer to smoke. Only cigarette
smoking is allowed.
Breakfast: 6:30 - 10:30 am, continental breakfast on deck
Buffet: 8:00 - 10:00 am, breakfast buffet in the Dining Room
Lunch: 12:30 - 2:00 pm in the Dining Room
Dinner: 7:30 pm - 10:00 in the Dining Room
Onboard Attire
The atmosphere on the ship is very relaxed and casual. For daytime wear, walking
shorts, bathing attire with cover-ups, skirts, light pants and hats are
recommended. In the evening sun dresses, skirts or slacks for women and slacks
with polo or dress shirts for men are recommended. Jackets are not required.
Cruise Line Special Meal Requests
The cruise line will be able to take requests for a variety of special dietary
requirements, provided requests are received by Vantage at the time of booking.
Please submit any special dietary requests in writing to Vantage to allow us
enough time to transmit your request. Kosher meals are not available on board.
Please confirm any dietary requests with your Vantage Program Manager once on
board.
Money Matters On Board [top]
The Star Clippers fleet sails with the tradition of a "cashless society."
Passengers will receive a personalized cruise card which can be used to
"charge" products and services while on board ship. Passengers are advised to
carry their identification cards with them at all times. Each account can be
settled in cash, travelers checks, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express on the
final day of the cruise.
The currency for charges on board is the Euro.
Currency Exchange
The Front Office does not handle foreign currency exchange on board. U.S.
dollars can be exchanged at most ports of call, and traveller's checks and
major credit cards are generally accepted.
Gratuities
Gratuities for shipboard personnel are not included in the price of your trip.
For your convenience, $8.00 per person, per day is automatically added to your
shipboard account to be divided between your cabin service staff and dining
room personnel. A 15% gratuity is also added to your bar bill.
The suggested gratuity for your Vantage Program Manager is $3 to $5 per person
per day.
General Information about the Star
Clippers Fleet [top]
Air Conditioning
All cabins and public rooms are fully air-conditioned and the cabins can be
regulated individually by the passengers.
Electrical Current
The electrical current on board the Star Flyer and the Star Clipper is 110-volt
(U.S. current). On the Royal Clipper the electrical current is 220-volt. Any US
electrical appliances will require a converter. All cabins are equipped with a
hair dryer (except those in Category 6 aboard the Star Flyer and Star Clipper).
Keeping in Touch
Vantage is in constant contact with the tour group through communication with
the Program Manager. In case of emergency or if friends or relatives should
need to contact you while you are travelling, please advise them to call the
Vantage Customer Service Department at 1 800 322-6677.
Additionally, most ships offer ship-to-shore communications; however, they tend
to be rather costly, averaging $12 to 15 per minute. Please refer to the
instructions provided in the information packet in your cabin. Passengers may
want to contact their long distance telephone service prior to departure to
obtain a four digit access code. The access code will allow you to make calls
while in port and have them billed to your home. Long distance prepaid phone
cards do not work on board.
Laundry
Laundry services are available at an additional cost and may be arranged through
your room steward. Dry cleaning is available on the Royal Clipper only.
Medical Facilities
A qualified physician or registered nurse is either on staff or is immediately
available from shore. In addition, the ship's officers are qualified in
administering first aid. Passengers requiring prescription medications are
advised to bring them on board. Only over-the-counter medications are available
at the Sloop Shop.
Special Occasions At Sea
If you will be celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or honeymoon during your
cruise, please advise Vantage of such occasions at time of booking. We will
forward the information to the cruise line. Please verify the arrangements with
your Vantage Program Manager once you are on board.
Valuables
Each cabin is equipped with a private safe located inside the closet. Operating
instructions are posted on the inside of the closet door. The safe is
complimentary.
Shore Excursions [top]
Star Clippers' "Shore Excursions" booklet will be provided with your final
documents. You can also view shore excursion options on their website:
www.starclippers.com. This booklet will provide detailed
descriptions of the excursions offered by the cruise line, including degree of
difficulty, meals, and tour highlights. You will have the opportunity to
purchase these tours while on board ship.
The optional shore excursions that are offered while you are on board ocean
cruise ships are offered solely by the cruise line and must be reserved
directly through them. Each cruise line determines its own reservation policy.
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