Star Flyer Review
Good bargain, but uneven performance and lots of conflicting stories
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Additional details
After our cruise in 2013 on the Star Flyer, we didn't plan to ever book another cruise with them. There were just too many problems including unsafe tender transfers. However, we saw a sweet deal that included airfare and decided to give them another try. Our experience was better, but still with significant negative issues. The people who seem happiest with Star Clippers are those who don't really care where they are going or what they do -- don't worry, be happy. During the two weeks we were on board, there was confusion over excursions, because of the poor performance of the cruise director, and strong winds meant that several port stops were cancelled. None of the beach stops ever occurred, so those who wanted to use the kayaks and small sailboats were disappointed. We also never got to the Scandola Nature Reserve, which was to be a highlight even though there were three ways we should have had a chance to see it -- access from Ile Rousse, access from Porto, and a sail by on the Star Flyer herself.
On the plus side, the "hotel" side of the ship was very well run this time. All of the staff who participated in the tip pool performed very well. The food was also better than I remembered on prior cruises. Also, this was our third time on Star Clipper's ships, but the first time that the sails were used for propulsion. This captain liked to use the sails.
The bad news was that the schedule was much too aggressive for the wind conditions. We had no rain, but we skipped Ile Rousse, Corsica where we had hoped to take an excursion to the Scandola Nature Reserve (more on that later) and the beach stop that day. We did get to go ashore in St. Florent instead of Ile Rousse. The other opportunity to see the Scandola Nature Reserve and Porto also was canceled because of high wind and slow speed. That day, which was to have been a highlight turned into a full day at sea with virtually no activities. We also skipped a beach stop the last full day of the cruise. My impression was that the port schedule was much too aggressive given the speed at which the ship could to travel. The published itinerary should not depend on perfect weather to avoid cancelling numerous stops.
Cabin Review
The cabin was comfortable although with the high wind, we had a lot of "washing machine" action in our porthole. We had asked to have the cabin made up as two singles, but on our arrival found it to be arranged as a double bed. We had to request that a change be made.