Star Flyer

Star Flyer is a 4-masted barquentine (in comparison, the Royal Clipper tall sailing ship is 5-masted). The Star ship was built in 1991 by Scheepswerven van Langerbrugge, Belgium and is currently operated by the Swedish "Star Clippers Ltd" company and sailing under the Maltese flag.

History - construction & ownership

The 2,298-ton, 170-passenger cruise ship Star Flyer is a true clipper ship reflecting its proud heritage in the gleaming brightwork and polished brass. The minute you step aboard this unique vessel, you'll discover the new age of sail. Traditions of the past and comforts of the present day are happily living together here. Sister ship Star Flyer and Star Clipper are both 360-feet-long and though perfect modern ships, they were created for passengers who love luxury and traditions of the legendary era sailing ships.

Cruise itinerary program

Star Flyer itinerary program is based on Mediterranean cruises to ports on the French and Italian rivieras with round-trip itineraries. During winter months, the ship offers clipper voyages in the Caribbean (with departures from Barbados, Panama, Jamaica), with Transatlantic repositioning crossings between the Caribbean and Europe.

Cabins

Star Clipper has 4 passenger decks with a total of 85 cabins, of which 1 Owner’s, 8 Deluxe, 6 Inside and 79 Outside. The cabin grades number is 7. The Star tall sailing ship is intimate, providing room for only 170 passengers. All cabins feature marble-lined bathrooms and include twin or double beds. Also included are direct dial telephone, television with video, and hairdryer.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

All of the Star Clippers cruise line's vessels offer open-seating dining. All meals onboard the Star Flyer are served in 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 fare is simple and tasty, generally with 2 choices per course, with "Chef's Suggestion" for the main course. Steak with French fries and one vegetarian selection are always offered as a nightly alternative.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Life on board the Star Flyer ship is relaxed like travelling on your own private yacht and guests never feel confined. The Star sailing ship provides spacious accommodations, expansive teak decks and two swimming pools. Actually, all Star Clippers ships offer much more outdoor per passenger space than most of the conventional ships. Star Flyer yacht decor is reminiscent of sailing grand age. Gleaming and teak mahogany rails are proud nautical heritage of the Clippers cruise line. Onboard, passengers can enjoy indoor-outdoor Tropical Bar and Piano Bar, and an Edwardian style library with Internet station where a Belle Époque fireplace creates an unforgettable atmosphere. Other facilities include Lounges (outside and inside), Health club, Sloop shop, Purser's Office, Wireless Internet Access.

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 so, and crew unfurls 36,000 ft2 of billowing 16 sails to capture the winds, thus propelling the barquentine at speeds 8 to 10 knots.

The most exciting of all daytime activities is climbing the mast with a rock-climbing harness and hanging out above the Sun Deck in a crow's nest. During the day, guests can also learn about sails and their repair. There are no shows, dinner and “captain’s story-time” are the main events in the evening. 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 South Pacific year-round service.