Royal Clipper was the perfect choice for our age (58/60) we could enjoy life on-deck, sunbathing, reading or just looking at the sea and surrounding islands. When the ship laid anchor off the island on the cruise itinerary we could manage the steps down to the small craft ferrying us to and from the beach. On-shore as with most places in the world today, it was up to you to use common sense whilst wandering around the villages on your own (crime in the Caribbean is the same as at most ports of call in Europe). We were told to be careful by caring members of the crew, who also passed on their knowledge of what to buy, where to buy and where to get refreshments.

The restaurant was very well managed, with friendly, helpful staff. Our waiter always remembered what drink we preferred and how we liked it. Whilst busy in the evening, our meals were served promptly, drinks topped up as necessary. The themed lunches too were delightful, the Hotel Manager and all his staff deserved the high praise given by most passengers on the last evening.

What made our holiday so enjoyable was that in the evenings we could sit at the bar, listen to music quietly playing in the background and actual talk and be able to listen to the conversation of fellow passengers. There was entertainment laid on most evenings, steel-bands, talent competition etc, but it never got to the point where you could not hear your fellow passenger, a lot of people where merry but certainly not a nuisance, oh to have a local pub with the same atmosphere! Not a party ship, but for us a very HAPPY SHIP The only suggestion I would like to make to on-board activities, is that all the crew on-deck, those handling the sails, mending sails, climbing the masts, steering the ship into dock could be thanked during one of the evenings. They carry out their day to day activities, with passengers walking around taking photographs, asking question, in such a good natured way, I would have liked to see them being publicly thanked like the staff in the dining room etc. On a ship such as Royal Clipper and her sister ships in their clean, tidy uniforms they add to the beauty of sailing on such a cruise.