Name: Royal Clipper
Brand: Star Clippers

At a glance

Royal Clipper is an intimate-size cruise ship operated by Star Clippers, in service since 1999. It carries 227 guests and 106 crew (2.1 guests per crew member) at 5,000 gross tons. It is the largest of 3 Star Clippers ships by guest capacity. On Cruiseable's Bliss scale it scores highest for romantic (9/10) and lowest for family friendly (2/10). It is rated 3.5 out of 5 by Cruiseable, 3 out of 5 by Cruise Critic, 4 out of 5 by Berlitz and 4.5 out of 5 by Conde Nast. It has 40 cruises on sale.

Builder's plate

Specs

Cruiseable: 3.5 / 5
Cruise Critic: 3 / 5
Berlitz: 4 / 5
Conde Nast: 4.5 / 5

Guests: 227
Crew: 106
Gross tons: 5,000
Decks: 4
Length: 439 ft
Beam: 54 ft
Maiden voyage: 1999
Launched: 2000
Refurbished: 2013
Space ratio: 2.1; Gross tons per guest
Guests per crew: 2.1
IMO: 8712178

Bliss scores

What Royal Clipper is best at

Ten dimensions scored by our editors on a 10-point scale. The Cruiseable app ranks every cruise against the mix you care about.

Active 8.0
Adventure and nature 7.0
Cultural 7.8
Dining 7.0
Entertainment 4.0
Family friendly 2.0
Party 5.0
Romantic 9.0
Spa and fitness 4.0
Staterooms 6.0

Our review

Royal Clipper: Seagoing that evokes grandeur of a past age

Royal Clipper, owned by Star Clippers Cruises, is a distinguished five-masted, fully-rigged sailing ship that offers a unique seagoing experience, blending the grandeur and tradition of classic sailing with modern amenities and luxurious service. Inspired by the legendary tall ship Preussen, Royal Clipper is the largest square-rigged sailing ship in the world, holding a Guinness World Record for this distinction. With 42 sails spanning more than 56,000 square feet, the ship provides a splendid sight and a true sailing experience, enhanced by state-of-the-art navigation systems and a spacious design.

For passengers considering a cruise, the flagship of the Star Clippers fleet balances adventure with comfort. Royal Clipper has 18,940 square feet of open deck space, three swimming pools and distinctive features like hidden balconies and crow's nests for panoramic views. Passengers can climb the mast with a safety harness to enjoy the view from above. A marina platform also allows for ocean access and watersports activities.

Who will like sailing on Royal Clipper

Royal Clipper accommodates 227 guests and is staffed by 106 crew members for a guest-to-crew ratio of nearly 2 to 1. The passenger mix typically includes American, British and German travelers. The ship appeals to those seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure and who enjoy the pure romance of sailing and who bring an adventurous spirit to the experience. Those who suffer from motion sickness may want to consider other options.

Where Royal Clipper sails

The Royal Clipper cruises the Mediterranean during the summer and offers Caribbean trips through the southern Lesser Antilles in the winter. Its size allows it to access smaller ports that are inaccessible to larger cruise ships. Transatlantic crossings are also available between seasons.

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Take a relaxing dip in the whirlpool while cruising aboard Royal Clipper. Courtesy of Star Clippers

On board

The Royal Clipper features a three-deck atrium that funnels sunlight into the elegantly appointed dining room, where guests can enjoy cuisine with a casual, no-tie dress code. The ship's interior is adorned with nautical murals and offers amenities such as a piano bar, tropical bar, library and the Captain Nemo Lounge, which includes a spa and health club with cool underwater glass portholes.

Interior renovations include frescography murals by Rainer Maria Latzke, adding to the ship's Mediterranean interior. The Royal Clipper stands as a modern homage to the clipper ships of the 19th century, offering a blend of historical charm and contemporary comfort.

Cabins

Royal Clipper offers 114 cabins that range from smaller studios to suites. The cabins are spread across the Commodore Deck, Clipper Deck and Main Deck, accommodating one to three passengers.

On board highlights

Piano Lounge Main Deck
Stunning visuals Topside
Staterooms Throughout ship

Dining

Where to eat on Royal Clipper

Photos

Inside and out

Destinations 12

Royal Clipper arrives in Kotor, Montenegro, as part of a Mediterranean itinerary. The ship carries just 227 guests and boasts 19,000 square feet of open deck and three swimming pools.
Royal Clipper, the world's only five-masted full-rigged sailing cruise ship, in Capri, Italy.
Royal Clipper, the world's only five-masted full-rigged sailing cruise ship, moored off Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Get breathtaking views of Stromboli, Italy's large volcano, as Royal Clipper sails the Tyrrhenian Sea, part of the Mediterranean.
Spend a day hobnobbing with the jet-setters of Monte Carlo during your Royal Clipper voyage.
Jump in the sparkling waters of a Costa Rica beach during a Star Clippers cruise.
Royal Clipper passes Stromboli, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. It's been erupting almost continuously since 1932.
Visit the Bonifacio Citadel in Corsica, France, during a shore excursion on your Royal Clipper sailing.
During your Royal Clipper shore stop in Antigua, take advantage of Star Clippers' complimentary water sports program.
Star Clippers guests spend a day on the beach, which runs right up to the tropical rainforest in Costa Rica.
Royal Clipper offers guests awesome views of St. Lucia and the Pitons as it sails the island nation's coast.
Couples will love spending quality time together on the beach during their Royal Clipper cruise.

Dining 7

Enjoy a grand feast and meet new people in the main dining room aboard Royal Clipper.
A look at the formal dining room on Royal Clipper.
Some of the tables in Royal Clipper's dining room have windows with a sea view.
Enjoy a freshly prepared, yummy dessert as part of your cruise aboard a Star Clippers vessel.
Live a little with a chocolate dessert after a day of explorations on your Star Clippers voyage.
An entrée prepared during a Star Clippers sailing.
Save room for dessert during your Star Clippers cruise.

On board 10

Relax to music played by the ship's pianist in Royal Clipper's Piano Lounge.
The Royal Clipper features twin blue staircases that lead to the main deck.
Meet interesting peole in the main lounge during your sailing aboard Royal Clipper.
The bell on the main deck of Royal Clipper commemorates its maiden voyage in 2000.
Take a relaxing dip in the whirlpool while cruising aboard Royal Clipper.
Relax in Royal Clipper's deluxe whirlpool at night when the ship is lit up.
Royal Clipper is outfitted with many of the traditional touches you'll find on a sailing vessel, such as a ship's wheel.
Sign up for a restorative massage in a semi-private setting on your Star Clipper cruise ship's top deck.
For a fun learning experience, head to your Star Clippers cruise ship's bridge and get the chance to chat with the captain and even steer the ship.
The captain and crew of the Royal Clipper, part of Star Clippers.

Ship exteriors 8

A top view of Royal Clipper, the largest and only five-masted full-rigged sailing ship built since 1902. Royal Clipper features including three pools, a gym, spa, large deck and solid dining options.
King of the world! Step right up to the front of Royal Clipper's bow.
Feel the wind fill the sails of Royal Clipper. The ship has five masts that fly 42 lovely sails with a sail area of 56,000 square feet.
Head to Royal Clipper's deck at sunset for scenic views of the ocean and coastlines.
Royal Clipper calls on the island of Tobago in the Caribbean.
Take a lovely walk on the white sands of Tobago Cays beach while cruising aboard Royal Clipper.
Feel the wind fill the sails of Royal Clipper during the sailing in the Caribbean. The ship switches on its engines now and then but mostly relies on wind power.
An attentive crew — nearly one crew member for every two passengers — is ready to assist during your Star Clippers cruise.

Staterooms 5

The Deluxe Suite aboard Royal Clipper affords guests a private balcony.
Relax during your voyage in a cabin with king-size bed and two windows on your Royal Clipper sailing.
Royal Clipper offers guests cabins that feature a spacious living area and mini-bar.
Book a cabin aboard Royal Clipper — some come with a full marble bathroom, king-size bed, living area and more.
Royal Clipper's Owners Suites offers guests a spacious sitting area, king-size bed, mini-bar, full marble bathroom and more.

More photos 10

Royal Clipper, foreground, the largest and only five-masted full-rigged sailing ship built since 1902, sails alongside a sister ship.
Royal Clipper is listed in Guinness World Records as the largest square-rigged ship in service, with 56,000 square feet of sail.
Take in Venice as you've never seen her during a sailing on the clipper ship Royal Clipper.
Step out onto Royal Clipper's deck at night and admire the clipper ship's beautiful lit-up five-masted sails.
Royal Clipper, a steel-hulled five-masted fully rigged tall ship, is 439 feet long and holds up to 227 passengers.
Crew and guests gather on the bow of Royal Clipper, the world's only five-masted full-rigged sailing ship.
Book a cruise aboard Royal Clipper for the cruise and sailing experience of a lifetime.
Royal Clipper leads the way for Star Clipper in exploring the Îles des Saintes near Guadeloupe in the Caribbean.
Royal Clipper, right and Star Clipper shooting the pass.
Royal Clipper sails to such scenic destinations as the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Costa Rica.