Star Flyer

The 1991-built Star Flyer cruise ship is a 4-masted barquentine (in comparison, Royal Clipper is 5-masted). The vessel was constructed by Scheepswerven van Langerbrugge (Ghent Belgium).

The vessel (IMO number 8915433) is currently Malta-flagged (MMSI 248785000) and registered in Valletta.

History - construction and ownership

The 170-passenger ship Star Flyer is a tall sailing cruise ship owned by Star Clippers Ltd (Sweden). The vessel reflects her proud heritage in gleaming brightwork and polished brass. The moment you step aboard this unique ship, you discover a new age of sail. Traditions of the past and comforts of the present day coexist harmoniously here. The sisterships Star Flyer and Star Clipper were both created for affluent passengers who enjoy traveling in luxury aboard traditional sailing megayachts.

Decks and Cabins

Star Flyer has 4 passenger decks with a total of 85 staterooms, including 1 Owner Suite, 8 Deluxe, 70 Outside, and 6 Inside cabins. The number of cabin grades is 7. The ship accommodates up to 170 passengers.

All cabins feature marble-lined bathrooms and include twin or double beds. Amenities also include direct-dial telephone, television with video, and a hairdryer.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

All vessels in the Star Clippers fleet offer open-seating dining. All meals onboard Star Flyer are served in a single open seating in the Dining Room and Saloon. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style, while dinner is ordered from a 5-course menu. The cuisine is simple and flavorful, typically offering two choices per course, along with a "Chef's Suggestion" for the main course. Steak with French fries and a vegetarian option are always available as nightly alternatives.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Life onboard Star Flyer is relaxed, similar to traveling on a private yacht, and guests never feel confined. The sailing ship provides spacious accommodations, expansive teak decks, and two swimming pools. All Star Clippers ships offer significantly more outdoor space per passenger than most conventional cruise ships. Star Flyer’s decor is reminiscent of the grand age of sailing, with gleaming teak and mahogany rails reflecting her nautical heritage. Onboard facilities include an indoor-outdoor Tropical Bar, Piano Bar, and an Edwardian-style library with an Internet station, where a Belle Époque fireplace creates a distinctive atmosphere. Additional amenities include lounges (indoor and outdoor), a health club, Sloop Shop, Purser's Office, and wireless Internet access.

Itineraries

Star Flyer’s itinerary program includes Mediterranean cruises to ports along the French and Italian Rivieras, typically on round-trip itineraries. During the winter months, the ship operates Caribbean voyages (with departures from Barbados, Panama, and Jamaica), along with transatlantic repositioning crossings between the Caribbean and Europe.

Star Flyer is a tall sailing cruise ship classed as a 4-masted barquentine. Until 2010, both vessels sailed under the Luxembourg flag. Although Star Flyer is a motorized ship, her engines are switched off whenever weather conditions permit, and the crew unfurls 36,000 ft2 of billowing sails to capture the wind, propelling the barquentine at speeds of 8 to 10 knots.

The most exciting daytime activity is climbing the mast with a rock-climbing harness and relaxing above the Sun Deck in a crow’s nest. During the day, guests can also learn about sails and their maintenance. There are no shows; dinner and “captain’s story time” are the main evening events. Room service is not available.

Star Flyer was deployed in Europe (Mediterranean) and the Far East until 2008, when Star Clippers repositioned the ship to French Polynesia for year-round South Pacific service.