Fabulous. Started a two week, back-to-back from Phuket - Northern route first week, then Southern. We had done similar cruises in the Caribbean on the old Windjammer Barefoot Cruise ships back in the early noughties, before they went bust, and on the SV Mandalay twice over the past few years. This time, for a number of reasons, we wanted a bit more luxury and fancied a different route so the South East Asia sailings appealed. We were concerned that the ship can take 170 when we were used to fewer than 50 on board. In fact, during both weeks on the Star Clipper there were around 130 passengers on board. So, the ship. Stunning to look at and plenty of room to be on. Cabin size, layout, cleanliness, service all great. Plenty of deck space for us sun lovers and seemed to be just enough shade for all those who wanted it. Food, as everyone else has said, high quality, plenty of choice, loads of it, but with only one truly Thai option at dinner time,no problem for us. Dining room spacious, well airconned, sociable but not overpowerlng. Crew: Amazing, friendly, efficient - keeping the ship in top shape all the time. Peter was an excellent cruise director, Captain friendly and approachable, Anita, the hotel manager must really take credit for how smoothly everything runs. The sports team really shone, Hugo and Mathius were outstanding in looking after guests at all times, keeping us safe and entertained. Ports of call: lots of beaches (sadly a few over-run with swimming in life jackets :-) but all still very beautiful, as was the scenery, and the 'city stops' in Malaysia interesting - Langkowi one week and Penang the other. We did the island tour in Langkowi which was worthwhile and the Orangutang sanctuary in Penang which we would highly recommend. The sailing: we were solely under sail for around 65% of the time and it was as wonderful experience as we had hoped. Up on deck during the day and especially in the evenings it was an amazing, peaceful and beautiful sight. So, overall an excellent trip and we will certainly do the Star Clipper ships again on different routes. If you're just thinking of it, do it - we were not alone in loving this trip and heard absolutely no complaints from the lovely fellow guests (half Brits, some German, French, Swiss, Candian and Americans. Oh, and no signs of sea sickness whatsoever from the quite sea-sickly person! Read Less

Do not go on Star Clippers if you need pampering or entertaining. It is all about the ship, which is beautiful in itself but when under sail transcends the ordinary. Siting on deck at night, under the stars with a drink and the "one you love" is worth every penny and all the effort of getting to our pick up point in Phuket. As has been said in other reviews, the food is excellent but the entertainment officer is painful and the state of much of the deck furniture is poor. The officers appear lack lustre and oblivious to guest comfort and in some cases safety. I had to report two of the young entertainment staff for cross tanking petrol for the speed boat on deck whilst a party was going on a few feet away. Shore excursions were average but interesting if you found your own way, which is easy in Thailand and Malay. Again the crew appear to wash their hands of passengers when ashore, quite unlike Windstar their competition. It is what it is, we have sailed on Royal Clipper which is even more awesome as a ship but the Teutonic disdain for the passengers is the same. Read Less