Royal Clipper

The 2000-built Royal Clipper cruise ship is a five-masted barquentine (tall sailing ship) constructed by Stocznia Gdynia SA (shipyard in Gdansk Poland). Her fleetmates, Star Flyer and Star Clipper, are authentic four-masted barquentines.

The vessel (IMO number 8712178) is currently Malta-flagged (MMSI 248786000) and registered in Valletta.

History - construction and ownership

The 227-passenger Royal Clipper is owned by Star Clippers Ltd (Sweden). This five-masted, steel-hulled, fully rigged vessel was designed by Zygmunt Choreń and built using an existing steel hull modified at the Gdansk Shipyard. She was originally conceived as a sailing holiday cruiser for Polish miners under the name Gwarek (meaning "The Miner" in Old Polish).

In July 2000, the Merwede shipyard completed the vessel’s interior. Renovations included Rainer Maria Latzke’s frescography murals, creating the ship’s Mediterranean-style décor. Royal Clipper’s design is based on Preussen, the famous five-masted German Flying P-Liner windjammer built in 1902.

Royal Clipper claims to be the largest "true sailing ship" built since Preussen. She is also listed in the Guinness World Records as the largest square-rigged ship in service, carrying 5,202 m² of sails.

Decks and Cabins

Royal Clipper has 4 passenger decks and a total of 114 staterooms, including 16 Suites, 14 Balcony cabins, 6 Inside cabins, and 106 Outside cabins. The ship offers 8 cabin categories.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The Clipper Dining Room is Royal Clipper’s three-level, open-seating main restaurant. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style, while dinner is selected from a five-course menu.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Royal Clipper offers a classic seafaring experience that blends grandeur, tradition, and adventure with the comfort and amenities of a modern yacht. Carrying just 227 passengers, she provides a spacious and intimate atmosphere, with 19,000 ft² of open deck space. Three swimming pools create an expansive outdoor leisure area.

Royal Clipper’s lounges and bars include the Captain Nemo Gym Lounge & Spa (a health club and spa featuring underwater glass portholes), Observation Lounge, Tropical Bar, Piano Bar (with live music), three-deck Atrium, Purser’s Office, and two Galleries. Additional facilities include a library (with faux fireplace and board games), a Water Sports Marina, and wireless Internet access.

Itineraries

During the summer season, Royal Clipper sails in the Mediterranean, departing from Civitavecchia-Rome and Venice. In winter, she offers Caribbean voyages in the southern Lesser Antilles. Thanks to her size, she can access smaller ports that are unavailable to larger cruise ships. Between seasons, transatlantic crossings are also offered.