Star Clippers Italy & Greece Cruises: Tall Ship Sailing in the Mediterranean
Cindi Sanden
Step back into the golden age of sail with Star Clippers. Discover Italy and Greece aboard authentic tall ships, visiting Amalfi, Sicily, Santorini, and hidden islands the big ships can’t reach.
Why Star Clippers Is Different from Traditional Cruises
Star Clippers is not a typical cruise line. Instead of towering mega-ships, their fleet consists of authentic tall ships—the largest sailing vessels of their kind in the world.
- Small & intimate: Fewer than 230 passengers.
- Sailing, not just cruising: Feel the wind fill the sails, climb the rigging, or take a turn at the helm.
- Exclusive ports: Shallow-draft ships anchor in secluded bays and small harbors that large cruise ships can’t access.
- Relaxed luxury: No formal nights, no long lines—just casual elegance and camaraderie.
This makes Star Clippers one of the best options for travelers who want a Mediterranean cruise with fewer crowds and a deeper connection to the sea.
Italian Highlights: Amalfi Coast, Sicily & Beyond
Star Clippers’ Amalfi & Sicily itineraries reveal a side of Italy few travelers ever see.
- Sorrento & Amalfi – Iconic cliffside towns with access to Pompeii and coastal villages.
- Taormina & Syracuse – Ancient Greek theaters, baroque piazzas, and views of Mt. Etna.
- Lipari & Stromboli – Explore volcanic islands and witness fiery eruptions at night.
- Ponza & Palmarola – Remote isles with pastel harbors and coral-lined coves, free from crowds.
This blend of well-known names and off-the-beaten-path islands creates a uniquely curated Italian sailing experience.
Greek Isles Adventures with Star Clippers
In the Eastern Mediterranean, Star Clippers offers Greek island-hopping itineraries that combine iconic beauty with hidden gems.
- Santorini & Mykonos – World-famous sunsets, windmills, and chic seaside towns.
- Patmos & Amorgos – UNESCO heritage monasteries and dramatic cliffside chapels.
- Spetses – A historic naval island with horse-drawn carriages and elegant mansions.
- Grand Voyages – Longer routes sail to Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor and Croatia’s Dubrovnik, linking Greece with the Adriatic.
With three different weeklong sailings from Athens, many guests return year after year to explore a new cluster of islands.
Life Onboard a Star Clippers Tall Ship
Star Clippers blends maritime tradition with modern comfort. Expect:
- Smart casual atmosphere – No tuxedos required.
- Open-seating dining – International cuisine with regional flavors.
- Pools, teak decks & Tropical Bar – Ideal for lounging and mingling.
- Unique experiences – Hoist sails, climb the mast to the crow’s nest, or join watersports right off the ship.
Entertainment is authentic and relaxed—crew talent shows, music under the stars, and conversations with fellow travelers replace Broadway productions.
Is Star Clippers Considered Luxury?
Star Clippers is often described as “casual luxury” or “yachting-style travel.” Cabins are comfortable with private bathrooms and air conditioning, though not as spacious as those on premium cruise lines.
The true luxury lies in the experience:
- Sailing into hidden harbors.
- Watching the sunset from the bowsprit net.
- Enjoying a private beach barbecue on a remote island.
For travelers seeking authenticity and connection, this form of luxury feels more meaningful than marble lobbies or formal dining.
What’s Included in a Star Clippers Cruise?
- All meals and snacks onboard.
- Coffee, tea, and juices at breakfast.
- Complimentary watersports (kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, windsurfing).
- Open-bridge access for guests to meet the captain and crew.
Not included: alcoholic beverages, sodas, gratuities, optional shore excursions, airfare, and transfers.
Who Should Choose Star Clippers?
- Romantic couples who want sunsets, seclusion, and the intimacy of small-ship sailing.
- History lovers eager to explore Ephesus, Olympia, and medieval ports.
- Active travelers who enjoy watersports, mast-climbing, and hands-on adventure.
- First-time sailors seeking a comfortable introduction aboard the flagship Royal Clipper with its spa, pools, and marina platform.
Why Book a Star Clippers Cruise in Italy & Greece
- Access to hidden islands and ports inaccessible to larger ships.
- Authentic tall ship sailing with fewer than 230 passengers.
- Flexible itineraries—return to Athens or Rome each year and sail a completely different route.
- Strong repeat-guest community (over 50% of passengers sail again).
Ready to experience the romance of tall ship sailing? Star Clippers makes Italy and Greece feel timeless, authentic, and unforgettable.
Watch the Experience
See Star Clippers in action in the Eastern Mediterranean. This short video captures the beauty of sailing among the Greek Isles:
Frequently Asked Questions About Star Clippers Cruises
Is Star Clippers considered a luxury cruise line?
Star Clippers is often described as casual luxury. Cabins are comfortable and well-designed, but not as large as those on premium cruise ships. The real luxury is in the experience—sailing into small harbors, watching sunsets from the bowsprit, and enjoying a private-yacht atmosphere without crowds or rigid schedules.
How many passengers are on a Star Clippers ship?
Star Clippers ships are intentionally small compared to traditional cruise lines.
- Royal Clipper carries about 227 guests.
- Star Clipper and Star Flyer carry about 166–170 guests each.
This intimate scale fosters a relaxed atmosphere and allows access to ports larger ships cannot reach.
What is included in a Star Clippers cruise fare?
The fare includes:
- All meals and snacks onboard.
- Coffee, tea, and juices at breakfast.
- Use of the ship’s pools and lounges.
- Complimentary watersports such as kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and windsurfing.
- An open bridge policy, meaning you can meet the captain and crew to learn more about sailing.
Not included: alcoholic beverages, sodas, gratuities, optional excursions, airfare, and transfers.
What is life like onboard?
Life onboard is relaxed and sociable. Expect:
- Casual dress code (no tuxedos or formal nights).
- Open-seating dining where you can eat when and with whom you choose.
- Unique experiences such as climbing the mast to the crow’s nest or helping the crew raise the sails.
- Evening entertainment that’s informal and authentic—crew talent shows, music, and dancing under the stars.
Where do Star Clippers sail in Italy and Greece?
In Italy, popular itineraries include the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Lipari, Stromboli, and hidden islands like Ponza and Palmarola.
In Greece, itineraries visit Santorini, Mykonos, Patmos, Amorgos, Spetses, and often extend into Turkey or the Adriatic with stops in Montenegro and Croatia.
Who is a Star Clippers cruise best for?
- Couples looking for a romantic, small-ship experience.
- History lovers interested in ancient sites like Pompeii, Ephesus, and Olympia.
- Active travelers who enjoy watersports, sailing, and adventure.
- First-time sailors who want the thrill of tall ship sailing but with modern comfort.
Are Star Clippers cruises good for families?
While families are welcome, the experience is designed more for adults, couples, and adventurous travelers. There are no dedicated kids’ clubs or large-scale family amenities. Older children and teens who enjoy sailing and adventure often love the experience, but younger children may find the environment less engaging compared to mainstream cruise lines.
Do the ships actually sail, or are they mostly run by engines?
Yes—Star Clippers vessels truly sail whenever wind conditions allow. The ships can operate under engine power when necessary, but much of the journey is done with full canvas unfurled, giving guests the authentic sensation of a traditional tall ship voyage.
How rough are the seas on a sailing cruise?
Star Clippers itineraries are carefully chosen for calm and scenic cruising routes in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. While any sea travel can encounter waves, the smaller size of the ships means you’ll feel the motion more than on a mega-ship. Guests prone to seasickness may want to bring medication, but most find the experience very comfortable.
