Reviewer: Beth from the USA.
Cruise Line: Star Clippers.
Ship: Star Clipper.
Destination: Thailand.
# of Nights: 7.
Departure Date & Ports: April 15, 2017, round-trip from Phuket, Thailand toKo Surin, Similan Islands, Ko Rok Nok, Langkawi, Ko Kraden, Phang Nga and Ko Hong.
OVERALL RATING: 5 out of 5 stars.
(5=EXCELLENT; 4=VERY GOOD; 3=GOOD; 2=POOR; 1=TERRIBLE)
Have you been on a small ship cruise before? Yes, 2.
Review: All About Beautiful Beaches
This sailing experience was all about beautiful beaches and a ship that offers an authentic sailing experience that can’t be further from large ship, mass-market vessels. I have not had such a truly stress-free week in many years. The ship is charming — from its size, to its wooden decks, to the crew’s professionalism and the daily “ceremony” marking the impressive raising of the sails. The ship’s operation is part of the experience as I lounged on the deck reading with the lovely sails above me and the thick sturdy ropes spooled within sight.
The entire atmosphere — both on board and off — is relaxed from the time you board through the entire the trip. There is nothing manic, crowded, or deadline-sensitive about this experience. The bulk of the stops are on nearly uninhabited beaches (most seemed to be owned and maintained by the government). Tenders ferry passengers back and forth (as often as passengers wish) for the short rides from the ship’s anchored spot to each beach. The crew brings water sports equipment (speed boat for water skiing, and non-motor sports such as wind surfing and wake boarding) to most of the beaches. The beaches are simply spectacular and are the focus of most excursions. There was one beach that became very busy with day trip visitors from Phuket, but otherwise the beaches were calm, not crowded in any way, and breathtakingly lovely.
The two non-beach excursions I did (the photo safari and the rain forest hiking/mangrove kayaking trip) were just enough “off beach” activity to balance the week. Both of these excursions, and the beach excursions were well planned and well executed.
As for accommodations and food, while the cabins are not expansive they are well-appointed and perfectly functional. Dining on board is a good experience with all meals offering a variety of well-prepared dishes. The atmosphere on board — and cultivated by the crew and passengers — is one of enjoyment. You are there to enjoy the ship, the sea, the views and the company of well-mannered people who enjoy seeing the world.
This was a relaxing, very enjoyable vacation on a truly unique ship. I would absolutely take this trip, or others offered by this company, again.
© This article is protected by copyright, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the author. All Rights Reserved. QuirkyCruise.com.
HEIDI SARNA
