Twenty-five years ago Star Clippers launched its first ship the Star Flyer and the company has decided to name its new ship, to be launched in 2017, the Flying Clipper.
The new sailing ship will carry 300 passengers be powered by 35 sails. It is a near replica of the dramatic France II ordered in 1911 at La Gironde shipyard Bordeaux, which was the largest square rig sailing ship ever built, said the company in a statement, adding its repeat guest rate is “more than 60 percent.”
The Flying Clipper will have three pools, including one that funnels sunlight through the ship’s atrium into the dining room. There will be a water sports platform in the stern for use when the ship is at anchor and a variety of cabin grades, including 34 suites with balconies and four luxurious owner’s suites.
The ships sail in Mediterranean waters in the summer months and relocate to the Caribbean for the winter, with a new route in Asia starting in December 2016, on board Star Clipper. In Summer 2017 Star Clippers will sail into Indonesian waters for the first time with 19 departures between May 6 – October 14 2017, and sailings of 7, 10, 11 and 14 nights, from Bali and Singapore, including Bali round trips and itineraries from Bali to Singapore and reverse.
In 2016/17 new 10-night itineraries from Havana to Cienfuegos will be introduced (at this time Americans aren’t able to book these itineraries), while Royal Clipper will continue her popular sailings in the Caribbean during winter 2016/17.