Sailing on: Star Clippers, Indonesia

Highlights

• Komodo is a true bucket-list destination. It’s unbelievable how massive the Komodo dragons are when you see them in person. Your immediate fears of these impressive reptiles are quickly put to rest as you are accompanied by a ranger who is very knowledgeable along the excursion.
  Note: The excursion to Komodo Island was included in the cruise fare and there are 2 options: 45 mins or 1.5 hrs.

• The snorkelling at each of the islands is great, however, Pink Beach is the stand out spot for snorkelling. The name Pink Beach comes from the pink colour sand that is formed by pieces or red coral combined with white sand.

• Gili Meno has underwater sculptures you can see when snorkelling. If you’re lucky enough you might even see a turtle.

Top Tips

1. Star Clipper is a four-masted sailing ship. There are no lifts so passengers need to be mobile. With a maximum of 170 guests onboard you’ll get to know your fellow passengers very well, especially at the bar over a cocktail or sitting down together for dinner. If you are not fussed on casinos, specialty restaurants, Broadway style entertainment and all the bells and whistles than you’ll love the intimacy of sailing on a small ship.

2. A lot of people who sail on Star Clipper are sailing enthusiasts but not everyone has to be. When the ship leaves port you can help the crew raise the masts as they play the sail away song (conquest of Paradise) on the speaker. This is a true sailor’s dream.

3. Star Clipper has a certified diving instructor onboard. This is for beginners and also experienced divers. Beginners can dive in the pool with the instructor onboard and make sure they’re comfortable before entering the ocean.

4. The food onboard was delicious and all open seating, though you will generally share with other passengers. Breakfast and lunch were buffet style and dinner (the more formal of the dining experiences) consisted of choices from a menu. This included a soup of the day, two choices of their selection of entrées, a selection from their list of mains and a selection from their list of deserts. The lobster night was particularly memorable.. Be sure to order this if you get the opportunity! Note: Dinner being the more formal of the dining experience, for the men, they ask kindly that you wear pants to dinner each night.

5. Snorkel gear is provided onboard free of charge, no need to pack your own.