Within the established trade of sail-assisted passenger shipping, Star Clippers has released a new series of Greek Island itineraries for 2027, centred on the deployment of its tall ship Star Flyer. The programme, now open for booking, is arranged across the spring and autumn seasons and combines revised routing with a limited promotional offering tied to selected departures.
The itineraries are structured to favour smaller harbours and secondary ports across the Aegean, reflecting the operational capability of square-rigged vessels to access anchorages beyond the reach of larger cruise ships. This approach aligns with the company’s broader Mediterranean programme, which introduces a significant number of new ports and emphasises less-frequented coastal destinations across the region.
Among the scheduled voyages is a 7-night round-trip sailing from Athens (Piraeus), identified as the “Authentic Greek Escape,” incorporating calls at islands such as Astypalea and Sifnos, alongside established ports including Symi and Patmos, and extending to the Turkish coast at Fethiye. The routing is designed with shorter passages and extended time in port, enabling a more detailed engagement with local conditions and shore environments.
A longer rotation, the “Eastern Mediterranean Escape,” connects Istanbul with Antalya over a series of port-intensive calls along the Turkish Riviera and adjacent Greek islands. This itinerary follows a pattern of daily port access, linking historical centres and smaller coastal settlements across the eastern basin.
Additional sailings under the “Aegean Gems” designation concentrate on northern Greek islands, where reduced traffic and smaller harbour infrastructure allow for closer proximity to local communities and traditional waterfront activity. Across the programme, emphasis is placed on varied geography and the use of secondary ports to provide a more distributed pattern of calls.
The vessels themselves operate under sail for a significant proportion of each voyage when conditions permit, reducing reliance on engine propulsion and shaping both the operational profile and onboard environment. This method, characteristic of the line’s fleet, allows access to confined anchorages while maintaining a quieter passage relative to conventional cruise operations.
On board, arrangements follow a smaller-scale configuration, with open deck space, direct access to navigational areas, and opportunities for passengers to observe or participate in sailing procedures. The overall structure reflects a hybrid between traditional seamanship and modern passenger service.
Company representatives have indicated that the 2027 programme has been configured to meet growing demand for less congested destinations and more varied itineraries, combining smaller ports with sail-powered navigation and incremental enhancements to onboard provision. The accompanying promotional offer, applied to selected departures, includes additional onboard amenities and optional shore or spa arrangements, intended to extend flexibility within the voyage framework.