We’ve always imagined sailing the seas, sails fluttering in the wind while reminiscing back to the golden days when people traversed the globe using nothing but the wind and tidal power.
Well now the dream can become a luxurious reality by jumping aboard the Royal Clipper, and best of all, there is no work involved, one only needs to sleep, eat, enjoy and relax!
As an added incentive to the aforementioned eating and relaxation etc. In 2014, Star Clippers, the cruise company operating three of the world’s largest and tallest sailing vessels will be offering guests free daily yoga and meditation classes on the line’s magnificent flagship, the 227-passenger Royal Clipper. With nothing but the vast, open ocean as a distraction, the yoga classes will take place in the open air, on Royal Clipper’s sun-warmed teak decks, under 56,000 square feet of billowing sails, the ultimate relaxation for body and soul.
The Astanga Yoga classes (also known as power Yoga) will be held by Christel Vollmer on deck in the cool morning air, with a second session just before sunset, including meditation. Christel will also deliver lectures on the philosophy of yoga and advice for practice at home. For those who want to follow a healthy or vegetarian diet during the cruise (not us!), Star Clippers’ usual sumptuous breakfast buffets, piled with fresh, seasonal fruits, and magnificent arrays of salads at lunchtime will be available, as well as vegetarian choices at dinner.
Other activities on the transatlantic crossing include Captain’s story time, where passengers can learn about the wind, the sails and navigation; and classes in knot-tying, origami and dancing. Instead of sending emails, guests are encouraged to post messages in bottles. Evening entertainment includes all the usual Star Clippers favourites, from guest talent shows to movies and riotous music quizzes.
Guests can enjoy the romance of sailing on board a true tall ship in a relaxed atmosphere with high standards of service provided by an attentive crew. All three ships have expansive teak decks, swimming pools, informal dining, a convivial Tropical Bar on deck and a comfortable piano bar and are large enough to offer first class accommodation and dining, but small enough to call into intimate ports, untouched by large cruise ships. Now doesn’t that sound like an enticing luxury travel adventure for 2014?