Aboard Royal Clipper with Star Clippers
Cruise Overview
The San Blas archipelago is located off the Caribbean coast, east of Colon, and is made up of 365 islands that range in size from tiny ones with a few coconut palms to islands on which hundreds of Kuna Indians live.
Only about fifty are inhabited.
The Kuna rule the San Blas Territory with internal autonomy, and have tightly preserved their language and cultural traditions over the centuries despite influences from European colonies.
In addition to their own language, Spanish is widely spoken and many men work on the mainland, but live on the islands.
Women wear costumes with unique designs based on local themes, geometric patterns, and stylised fauna and flora.
The island of El Porvenir is one of the main seats of government for the Kuna Indians.
Many Kunas from the other islands came to settle on El Porvenir, bringing with them their traditional arts and crafts, including the famous molas.
These intricately hand-sewn designs are made by the women of the tribes as part of their blouses and dresses.
With the increased tourism, molas are now a favoured souvenir and craft item for visitors.
Cartagena's magnificent city walls and fortresses, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enclose a well-restored historic center (the Cuidad Amurallada, or walled city) with plazas, churches, museums, and shops that have made it a lively coastal vacation spot for South Americans and others.
New hotels and restaurants make the walled city a desirable place to stay, and the formerly down-at-the-heels Getsemaní neighborhood attracts those seeking a bohemian buzz.
The historic center is a small section of Cartagena; many hotels are in the Bocagrande district, an elongated peninsula where high-rise hotels overlook a long, gray-sand beach.When it was founded in 1533 by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Heredia, Cartagena was the only port on the South American mainland.
Gold and silver looted from indigenous peoples passed through here en route to Spain and attracted pirates, including Sir Francis Drake, who in 1586 torched 200 buildings.
Cartagena's walls protected the city's riches as well as the New World's most important African slave market.
Cruise Itinerary
Aboard Royal Clipper
Launch Year: 2000 Length: 134 Width: 16.5 Currency: EUR Capacity: 227 Crew Count: 106 Deck Count: 4 Cabin Count: 98
Inspired by the tall ship Preussen, the Royal Clipper has the proud distinction of being the largest and only five-masted full-rigged sailing ship built since her predecessor was launched at the beginning of the last century.
With her complement of 42 sails, Royal Clipper is a splendid sight to behold. You might think she was an apparition from the grand age of sail, but Royal Clipper is as new as tomorrow, boasting state-of-the-art navigation systems and all the comfort of today.
For connoisseurs of sail cruising, the 134 metres Royal Clipper offers the ultimate sea-going experience, balancing the grandeur, adventure and tradition of sailing with the superb service, amenities and accommodations of the finest modern yacht. Royal Clipper carries just 227 guests in luxurious style. A full 1760 square metres of open deck and three swimming pools create a wonderfully spacious and expansive outdoor environment.
Find your secret hideaway on one of the hidden balconies on eiter side of the bow. Or climb the mast (with safty harness provided) to one of the passenger look out 'crow's-nests', where you'll have the grandest view of all! Royal Clipper's interior spaces are just as dazzling.
They include a three-deck atrium that funnels sunlight into the elegantly appointed dining room, featuring deliciously prepared cuisine and a no-tie dress code. A convenient marina platform lowers from the stern for watersports. And the ultimate unique Royal Clipper experience, the one-of-a-kind Captain Nemo Lounge, is the site of our spa and health club with underwater glass portholes.
Royal Clipper Facilities
Royal Clipper Includes
Cabin Details
There’s nothing so easy and pleasurable as falling asleep to the gentle rhythms of the ship and sea unless it’s awakening refreshed the next morning to a new-born day.
Like a fine resort, all the amenities are here; double bed or twin beds that can be converted to queen, marble lined bathroom, private safe, television video system and DVD player, direct dial telephone, hair dryer and comfortable furnishings.
The décor is tastefully traditional.
You’ll find the accoutrements of a classic yacht, where everything is ingeniously designed for comfort, ease and efficiency. On Royal Clipper, 14 Deluxe suites offer the ultimate in cruising comfort, with private verandah, whirlpool bath and 24-hour room service.
Royal bliss
All but six of her 98 cabins are outside, and for the ultimate indulgence, two 40 square metre owner’s suites may be combined to accommodate up to 8 guests.
Star indulgence
On Star Clipper and Star Flyer, 8 deluxe deck cabins offer intimate cruising comfort, with marble baths, whirlpool tubs and doors that open onto deck. All but six of the ship’s 83 cabins are outside, and for a relaxing indulgence, a 237-square-foot Owner's Suite offers a separate sitting area, minibar, marble bathroom with whirlpool and room service.
