Having been asked to pick out two of my all time favourite bucket-list destinations to choose from, I just had to select an awe-inspiring experience with Star Clippers – this is an experience we missed out on this summer due to Covid-19, but maybe 2021 will be our year!
I have always really enjoyed cruising as a holiday but the larger ships do not offer the chance to sail the Croatian islands in the easy- going informality I crave. As someone who loves my Donegal holidays , not wanting restricted / enforced schedules , nor being expected to follow anyones lead but my own, my bucket list cruise would be onboard Royal Clipper.
Flying into Venice to embark on a 7 night cruise visiting Zadar , Hvar ,Dubrovnik and Korcula all situated on the Croatian coast line and Korcula ,with a additional stop in the beautiful Kotor in Montenegro. The Royal Clipper which is a tall ship “mega – yacht” experience provides a unique sailing experience in full harmony with the Croatian coast line environment and the uncongested ports its itineraries offer.
Royal Clipper is the first five- masted full- rigged sailing ship to be built since 1902. She is the largest true sailing clipper ship in the world today. At Sea Royal Clipper is always under sail power except when sea conditions means she requires some assistance.
Star Clipper is a great alternative to mega cruise ships . The ships are small but also the perfect size for the amount of passengers (around 200) . It enables the opportunity to mingle with other travellers , but there is also sufficient opportunity to have some privacy (or alone time).
What to expect at some ports of call you might not have heard of yet.
Zadar – A Historic old town of Roman ruins , medieval churches , cosmopolitan cafes and quality museums set on a small peninsula.
Hvar – is a small bay town, with 13th century walls surrounding beautifully ornamented Gothic Palaces and traffic free streets.
Rovinj – is intensely charming place. The old town is contained within an egg-shaped peninsula , with steep cobbled streets and small squares
Kotor – is a medieval maze of museums , churches , café strewn squares and Venetian places and pillories. At night , the walls are spectacularly lit-up , the streets buzz with bars and live music.
After 7 days of tasting the highly rated cuisine on Star Clipper we will not be heading home. As the cruise finishes in Venice we will take the opportunity to spend two full days exploring the fascinating destination. Its not enough time to see what Venice is hiding but it’s a great post star clipper destination to explore before heading home.
