Tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers will operate a winter season in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore from December 2016 to April 2017. This marks the line’s return to the region for the first time since March 2010.
The 170-passenger Star Clipper will end its summer season in the Mediterranean and sail via the Suez Canal and Sri Lanka to its winter home port of Phuket, where it will operate seven-night round trip cruises on two different routes from 2nd December 2016, as well as some voyages to Singapore.
There are two itineraries, northbound and southbound, as well as seven departures that either begin or end in Singapore. Star Clipper will explore the many islands scattered off the coast of Phuket, accessible only by water, with some of the most beautiful beaches and dazzling marine life in the world. There will be numerous opportunities for sunbathing, snorkelling, other watersports, exploring on foot and taking photo safaris in the ship’s Zodiacs. Ports of call include:
Northbound from Phuket
- Ko Surin National Marine Park, a cluster of five forested islands with exquisite beaches and spectacular underwater life
- The Similan Islands, an archipelago of coral and granite with crystal-clear water and diverse wildlife
- Ko Rok Nok, an uninhabited island with incredible reefs
- Langkawi in Malaysia, with beautiful beaches and temples
- Ko Kradan, a laid-back beach resort
- Phang Nga Bay, offering spectacular scenery of forested limestone towers and hidden coves
Southbound from Phuket
- Ko Butang, with gorgeous beaches and world-class snorkelling
- Penang, with diverse colonial heritage
- Ko Adang, a tiny, unspoiled island in the Tarutao National Marine Park
- Ko Rok Nok, an uninhabited island with incredible reefs
- Phang Nga Bay, offering spectacular scenery of forested limestone towers and hidden coves
- The Similan Islands, an archipelago of coral and granite with crystal-clear water and diverse wildlife
Mikael Krafft, Owner and President of Star Clippers says: “We have been waiting a long time to resume these popular itineraries and are now returning to Southeast Asia to explore beaches, islands and anchorages not visited by any other cruise ship. We know from 15 years of past experience, when we based a ship in this region every winter, how popular these voyages are with nature-lovers and those who enjoy the sensation of sailing on a graceful tall ship in the tropics.”
Meanwhile, Star Flyer will continue to operate in-depth Cuba voyages from Havana and Cienfuegos for the winter of 2016/17, interspersed with longer cruises taking in St Maarten and the Panama Canal. Royal Clipper will sail from Barbados all season, exploring the Grenadines and the British Virgin Islands, with two extended 14-night voyages to the ‘ABC Islands’ (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) and extended voyages to accommodate Christmas and New Year.
Star Clippers’ winter 2016/17 programme goes on sale in June 2015.
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 recognised as one of the premier speciality cruise lines.
Passengers can enjoy the romance of sailing on board a true tall ship in a relaxed atmosphere with high standards of service provided by an attentive crew. 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, but small enough to call into intimate ports, untouched by large cruise ships.
The two smaller ships, Star Flyer and Star Clipper, take 170 passengers each, with a crew of 74, while Royal Clipper carries 227 with a crew of 106. A fourth ship will be delivered in the second half of 2017, carrying 300 with a crew of 150.
For more information: www.starclippers.com and 1300 295 161