Star Clippers Cruises from Blue Water Holidays

This voyage was the second time we have been with Star Clippers.

The first was Barbados to Panama which we really enjoyed so on this occasion we asked four other friends if they would like to join us.

All six of us thoroughly enjoyed the trip and thought the ship was fabulous.

In my view the shore based trips were not as interesting as the Panama trip but the crew did their best.

We were in Asia during the Coronavirus situation but because of all the checks made ( temperatures taken many times, completing a form confirming countries previously listed, and giving email details ), at no time did we feel at risk.

If you are thinking of joining a Star Clipper voyage do go. You will meet others who would not dream of going on a huge liner and love the intimate feeling of being on a small ship. Some on board were there for the tenth time!

We are already looking forward to the next opportunity.

Some aspects that make Star Clipper really special are :-

• The quality of the cabins.
• Excellent breakfasts, lunch and dinner all beautifully served by attentive staff.
• All drinks are reasonably priced including very palatable house wines.
• By having a relatively small number of guests it often felt as if we were on our own private yacht.
• Those with a real interest in boats are encouraged to assist with helming, navigation and sails.
• Interesting visits ashore with local guides. ( Cost extra.)
• The captain and deck officers work hard to be approachable and answer questions.
• A briefing by the captain and introduction to the crew.

We started this wonderful holiday with a 2 night stay at the Seminyak Beach and Spa Hotel. We were upgraded on arrival to a suite which overlooked the lovely gardens. We wanted for nothing. The staff were so attentive from the moment we arrived. The grounds and pool area were very well kept. The food was amazing from the buffet breakfast , pool snacks and evening restaurant.

While we were there we went to a Balinese evening at the hotel , which was great fun.

We did venture out to shops and bars near by, all in easy walking distance but found them to be a bit backpacker orientated, in contrast to the 5* hotel.

Benoa Port was the start of our Star Clipper 7 night cruise.

This was our first cruise and we loved every minute of it. From the unfurling of the sails , to the magical uninhabited islands and then ending the day with a special cocktail. The cabins were immaculate and quite spacious ( cat 2 ). Food was excellent and catered for every taste . Drink prices very reasonable. There were 152 guests onboard but the only time you saw everybody was at evening meal.

Entertainment and excursions very well organised. We had a great time and already thinking about our next cruise on a Clipper.

Our last 2 nights we spent in Ubud , at the Como Uma Hotel. Brilliant hotel in the tropical forest. Location , service and food all excellent. Used the free shuttle bus to go into Ubud which was very convenient. Also took advantage of their free yoga sessions which were amazing. This was a perfect hotel to finish off our amazing trip, celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary.

We had sailed on the Royal Clipper in the Caribbean in 2014 for my husbands 65th birthday and it was fantastic each sailing so emotional with the sails going up and the wonderful music. We therefore wanted to sail on her again for my 60th this year and the Monaco Grand Prix final just happened to fall on my birthday so it had to be booked we were a little afraid that the Royal Clipper would not be as magical as we had remembered it to be but it was it was just perfect. We booked the whole package being flights, transfers, hotel and the Royal Clipper Cruise with Blue Water Holidays and everything went as planned with no hic ups just perfect would certainly book with Blue Water Holidays again, thank you.