The trip just fell short on everything. Started badly by having a toilet blockage in the public bathroom having to be fixed through our cabin. Because we couldn't dress for dinner I asked for another cabin (there were plenty that were empty). The cabin they offered was supposedly an upgrade because it was upstairs, but it was significantly smaller and noisier and had less storage space. We moved back the next morning. The food was bland and lacked imagination. In comparison, the Wind Star had a port-inspired dish on the menu each night, offered fresh made menu items at all three meals, plus the buffets at breakfast and lunch, and the option for room service whenever you desired, and there was free soda and water in your cabin at all times. Star Clipper's breakfast and lunch buffets were truly disappointing; buttered noodles should not ever be a dish on a cruise, yet Star Clipper offered it at three buffet lunches. There was the option for fresh eggs at breakfast, and I was told by another passenger that you could also order toast. You must pay for all drinks on the Star Clipper, soda and bottled water included. Lastly, on the food, the service on the Star Clipper couldn't hold a candle to Wind Star. Some, not all, of the staff were often unkempt and unfriendly, and seemed put out by any request. All they wanted to do was what they must, fill glasses, clear plates, etc. On the Wind Star the staff was professional, courteous, and seemed to genuinely enjoy making your experience the best it could be. We got the opportunity to see one of the Star Clipper's "luxury" cabins when we befriended another couple, and I'd have to say aside from the bathtub, it was no bigger or nicer than our standard cabin on the Wind Star. Certainly not worth the price. Our Star Clipper cabin was significantly smaller and older looking than the Wind Star. Also the old TV had no reception and could only be used for DVDs, which you could borrow from the Purser's Office, two at a time. We spent much more time watching movies than on any other cruise, as there is no real entertainment to speak of. Whereas the Wind Star had cultural dance troops and the like, the Star Clipper had a fashion show, where if you had bought any of their apparel, you could walk the "runway" in hopes of getting other passengers to buy stuff. Robert, the piano player was nice enough, but didn't add much to the experience. The piano player on the Wind Star was not particularly nice, but did his job very well, engaging the passengers and playing a wide variety of tunes. Oh, and on the last day they wouldn't give me my passport because they said I hadn't returned a DVD, when in reality the "Sports team" had taken it without signing it out, so they just accused the last passenger who had borrowed it. You sign them out, but don't sign them in, so if they say you haven't returned it, they hold your passport, which made me late for my prescheduled tour that morning. As for the excursions, make sure you know what you are signing up for because a lot of people were disappointed with how they handled the Barcelona tour. The tour ended at the airport, whether you were staying in the city for a couple of days or even continuing on the Star Clipper, you got left at the airport. I've never had that experience before and it was less than clear. Also, there was one couple that wanted to cancel their tour and were told they could not even though they stood before the cruise director with another couple who wanted to take that very tour, but were told it was sold out. All they had to do was switch credit card numbers, but instead both couples were left unsatisfied. In general, I found the cruise director, Anna, unfriendly, unhelpful and unapproachable outside her regular passenger interaction. Many passengers on the ship were happy repeat customers, which left my husband and I confused. What we learned was they were often sailors themselves who were looking for a "real" sailing experience. It is true that the Wind Star used their engine more (usually during sleeping hours) but in all fairness they also sailed farther and all the ports were significant, culturally or historically. I felt like the Star Clipper simply chose ports they could get to under sail. The other thing though was that none of these happy repeat customers had been on a Wind Star cruise and therefore had nothing really to compare. We were sure to encourage all to try Wind Star; I really believe they will all be more than happy with the decision! Read Less

This was our 4th Star Flyer cruise and for atmosphere on board was probably the best. Windy weather and fairly high seas meant a change of itinerary but that is part of the fun! We started from Monaco, St Tropez the next day. Then a sail across to Corsica, Menorca and finally Majorca. We were kept well informed of the changes and the reasons for them and were very happy with every port we visited. The captain was first class, a lovely friendly man who obviously enjoyed every moment of his job. The cruise director couldn't be faulted, so professional with a lovely warm personality. Food as usual top quality, cabin well equipped and spotlessly clean, all crew and staff greeting us with a big smile every day. Bill the musician on board was expert at getting the passengers singing, dancing - or just listening. If, like me, you have a birthday whilst on board you will be serenaded by the waiters at dinner and have a lovely birthday cake. Unlike many cruises this is provided as a gift from the Star Flyer - they get your date of birth from your passport. A lovely personal touch. If you love the sea, maybe a little unpredictability due to sailing conditions, a relaxed and informal atmosphere, then this ship is for you! Real sailing, miles of ropes, 36,000 square feet of sails. We can't wait for next year when we will be on the Star Flyer again exploring some new places. Read Less

I have just returned from a wonderful holiday on the Star Flyer in the Mediterranean, overall it was a memorable trip, but marred slightly by things which could be improved so easily! I estimate that 80% of the passengers were non smokers, and although you have a smoking policy it is was not adhered to, in fact one day in the tropical bar 3 German passengers were smoking cigars in full view of the Captain, The Hotel Manager and the Cruise Director! even though cigars and pipes were only to be smoked on the upper sun deck. Several of the British passengers I spoke to avoided the Tropical bar area because smoking was allowed! Perhaps you could consider changing your policy to "Smoking ONLY allowed on the upper sun deck or even no smoking at all!! The chafing dishes used in the dining room did not keep the food hot, even going in for breakfast at 08.00 the food was at best luke warm, and some days cold! I did point this out to the head waiter but he was extremely offhand about it and couldn't see "my problem". As to being advised the level of tipping (because according to the Cruise Director cabin & catering staff do not get paid!??) I feel that tipping should be discretionary, and only for exceptional service, and I personally felt no one on the ship did any more than they were actually paid to, so perhaps you should change the charging structure to include this in your overall costs and stop the begging!! Internet access charged at 12 Euros for an hour! That's the equivalent to what I pay monthly at home, when you are spending £4000 on a holiday, it should be included! Why is diving an additional cost when other water sports are included? Charlie the entertainer was very good, but did not know any Scottish tunes so we couldn't demonstrate a Strip the Willow or Eightsome reel to the non Scottish passengers , perhaps you could supply each ship with an appropriate CD of tunes. Mail posted on the ship, which I was assured would be posted in the next port, did not get posted until 11 days after we disembarked!! On a positive note, the ship was kept immaculately, The "sail away" experiences with Vangelis playing were very emotional, the deck/tender crews were very courteous and cheerful and overall it was a very memorable holiday which I have already recommended to friends. Read Less