A cruise on the largest square-rigged passenger sailing ship in the world offers an experience unlike most at sea. With five masts and 42 sails, the Royal Clipper makes an unforgettable sight as it traverses the Mediterranean in summer and the Caribbean in winter.

The largest of Star Clippers’ three vessels — at least until a fourth launches next year — measures 439 feet long and can carry up to 227 passengers. A crew of 106 includes 20 deckhands that winch the sails into place, a spectacle admired by passengers who show up on deck, often with Champagne in hand.

The ship’s Edwardian décor gives it the look of an 18^th-century ship, but it launched at the turn of the millennium with modern amenities. A three-story atrium surrounds the dining room and lounge. Captain Nemo Spa sits one deck below the water line with portholes providing an underwater view. Among its eight categories of cabins, only the 14 deluxe suites have verandas and are usually booked first.

Passengers who feel like playing pirate can don a safety harness and climb 60 feet up a rope and cable ladder to a crow’s nest to take in the view. When the ship’s at anchor, they can head to the marina deck for snorkeling, water skiing, kayaking, sunfish sailing or windsurfing. If they choose to go ashore, two to four shore excursions are offered in each port. Tenders run frequently to the dock and in some ports, a second hits the beach. Caribbean itineraries focus on beaches, including remote spots a big cruise ship can’t access.

A Michelin-starred chef consulted on the ship’s culinary offerings. Breakfast and lunch are buffet affairs. Dinner offers open seating with multicourse menus of at least two main dishes, one vegetarian dish, starters, soups, sorbet, salad, a cheese course and dessert.

Royal Clipper

Star Clippers
760 N.W. 107th Ave., Suite 100
Miami, FL 33172