The largest true sailing clipper ship in the world
Royal Clipper is the first five-masted, full-rigged sailing ship to be built since 1902 when her inspiration, Preussen, the historic flagship of the famed Flying P Line in Germany, was launched in Hamburg.
She is the largest true sailing clipper ship in the world today and joined the Star Clipper fleet in July 2000 with immediate accolades worldwide.
The steel-hulled vessel is 439ft long and carries 42 sails with a total area of 56,000-sq-ft. Her highest mast, at an extraordinary 197ft, includes a 19ft hinged top section that can be folded down for passing under bridges and power lines.
Royal Clipper accommodates 227 passengers and 105 crew members, of whom 20 are needed to handle all sails. The remaining 85 serve passenger needs or are on support duty.
Well-known English yacht designer Donald Starkey, who has created the decor for many of the worlds most admired mega-yachts, was commissioned to design the Royal Clippers interiors. The ageless Edwardian style he chose suits Royal Clipper perfectly with its warm, welcoming atmosphere and traditional, nautical flourishes.
Experienced sailors use power winches to raise, lower and position sails from the security of the deck. While she may seem to be an apparition from the grand old age of sail, this marvellous wonder is updated with state-of-the-art equipment and navigational systems for the comfort and luxury of 21st Century cruising.
Comfortable sailing is of utmost importance and is maintained by prudent control over how many sails are set while at sea. Her sailing speed, which is determined by weather conditions, fluctuates betweeneight and 20 knots. At times when the wind fails, Royal Clipper sustains 13.5 knots or higher with her twin Caterpillar 2,500 horsepower diesel engines.
Royal Clipper balances magnificence, adventure, luxury and tradition to create the ultimate seagoing experience. With 19,000sq ft of open deck area and three swimming pools, passengers enjoy a wonderful spacious outdoor environment including 106sq ft of open space per passenger.
The main pool is inset into the Piano Bar Lounge ceiling and has a uniquely designed glass bottom and side porthole design which filters light down through a three-level atrium to the Dining Room below.
The indoor-outdoor Tropical Bar is situated on the Main Deck at the heart of the ship where passengers congregate throughout the day and into the wee hours of the night. This area can accommodate everyone on board and is the center for the nightly entertainment program as well as the focal point for all on-board activity and events.
The Royal Clippers interior spaces are dazzling. The majestic three-level atrium Dining Room features a single-sitting, open-seating dining plan with varied international fare and a no-tie dress code. The open Atrium begins at the Piano Lounge on the Main Deck with a spiral stairway hugging the Atriums perimeter, accessing retail shops, two decks of passenger cabins and, ultimately, ends at the center of the Dining Room three decks below.
The familiar ivory-colored Star Clippers grand piano is positioned high above. Guests enjoy several concerts each day and the soft piano music filters through to the dining room during the evening meal. The design inspires an atmosphere that is festive and never intimidating. Every dining room chair is within easy service reach of the waiters and wine stewards and dining is permitted at the passengers leisure within lengthy meal periods.
Among the other luxuries on-board is the Captain Nemo Underwater Spa and Lounge, an exquisite little hideaway that features floodlit underwater views through submarine portholes when the ship is anchored. The Spa, Fitness Center, Unisex Hair Salon, Massage Room and the Skin and Body Treatment Center are also located in this area.
Two identical Owners Suites, each measuring 320sq ft, are at the stern of the ship with their own private interior stairway access from the Main Deck. Each one is equipped with a lavish double bedroom with a marble bath and its own whirlpool bathtub and a separate over-sized double sleeping loft with adjacent bath.
Fourteen Deluxe Deck Suites, each measuring 255 square feet and featuring outside balconies, are available on Royal Clipper. Each Deluxe Deck Suite has a wide view of the ocean and the balconies – a first for any sailing ship – have room for a table and two chairs for outdoor dining or just relaxing. There is also an extra-wide double bed, convertible to two handsome singles, with an adjacent conversational area overlooking the private outdoor verandah through a large window. Accessible through all-weather entrance, the Deluxe Deck Suites are located along the central interior corridor that connects the ships bridge area and the Piano Lounge.
Two Deck Cabins, each 175 sq ft in space, have a corner location on the Main Deck just abaft of the library, each with a large window facing the stern, and another facing the side deck with a grand view of the sea over the rail. Both Deck Cabins have a luxurious fixed double bed, two chairs, TV for movies and news, satellite telephone, and a full whirlpool equipped marble bath and a mini bar. The cabin decor is upscale and yacht-like traditional.
Ninety outside double cabins, measuring 148sq ft, are located on the Clipper and Commodore Decks. All have a similar layout dressed in traditional polished dark woods, brass accessories, with marine prints, television for movies and news, and a satellite telephone. Most have luxurious double beds that convert to singles.
Located to the aft end of the Main Decks open space extending beyond the Tropical Bar is the Ships Library. With a maximum capacity of about 50 persons, it is ideal for a small group meeting. However, its main use is for quiet reading from the bookshelves that add rich color to the chamber. It is not uncommon to find passengers enjoying a game of chess, backgammon, gin rummy, bridge or checkers by the fireplace located in the center of the librarys aft wall.
PASSENGERS : 228
BERTHS : 114
CREW : 106
FACILITIES : One dining room (one sitting), library, three outside swimming pools, fitness centre.
