At 439 feet and with room for only 227 passengers, a Royal Clipper cruise is far more intimate than some of the larger cruise ships. Dressed in dark wood, brass fixtures and light coloured walls and furnishings, the ship is fully in keeping with its nautical heritage and feels both authentic and opulent. With the wind as your only propulsion (apart from entering and leaving harbours), the ship rocks and rolls with the waves ? but fear not, your sea legs will develop sooner than you think.
The cabins are full of storage space and have some of the most comfortable beds on the seven seas. They each come with a spacious bathroom and a TV and DVD player for any night owls on board. On-board you will also find three pools on the main deck, a three deck atrium with dining room, a piano bar, tropical bar and spa facilities. For entertainment during your holiday, head to the tropical bar with a varied selection from crab racing to a steel band, or to the piano bar for a more laid back evening.
At 18,940 square feet there is plenty of deck space and you'll rarely feel crowded. There are ample chairs on the sun deck, so sit back and relax with a cooling drink while you watch the waves rush past. However, if having two feet on the deck and beautiful views isn't quite enough, you can climb the mast (safety harnesses provided) to a crows nest and be privy to a bird's-eye-view of the ship, and panoramic views of the Caribbean. The Royal Clipper also has an open bridge policy, allowing any nautical enthusiasts to converse with the captain and gain new insight into the workings of this beautiful ship.
For those of you who like being both on and in the water, the Royal Clipper has a marina platform that lowers from the stern, allowing you to partake in a spot of water sports. Snorkelling equipment and loan of the kayaks, sunfish and zodiacs is free of charge, though diving equipment requires an extra fee. Excursions are also available on each island you visit at an extra charge, and these can be booked during your voyage.
So, if taking to the waters of the Caribbean makes you feel at home, or you fancy the chance of bumping into your very own Captain Jack Sparrow (or Elizabeth Swann) then a Royal Clipper cruise may well prove the perfect choice for your holiday break. In fact, are an unforgettable treasure trove of adventure for any visitor.
