KCR Spring 2025 Magazine - Flipbook - Page 54
Costa Rican Sailing Adventure Aboard
Star Clipper
There’s something profoundly evocative about the sight of towering
white sails billowing against an azure sky. In an age where cruise ships
are 昀氀oating metropolises, the Star Clipper, a four-masted barquentine, o昀昀ers a rare and exquisite return to the golden age of sailing—an
experience where elegance, adventure, and intimate luxury seamlessly
intertwine.
Sailing along the pristine, wildlife-rich coast of Costa Rica, the Star Clipper presents an unparalleled way to explore this biodiverse paradise.
This isn’t just another holiday; it’s a voyage for those who long for the
thrill of the open sea, the whisper of the wind in the rigging, and the
romance of discovering hidden shores that are inaccessible to modern
mega-ships.
Life Aboard Star Clipper: Where Nautical Heritage Meets
Luxury
It was great to be back - from the moment you step aboard, Star Clipper’s charm envelops you. Teak decks gleam in the sun, brass 昀椀xtures
glisten, and polished wood interiors exude an old-world grandeur. With
just 170 passengers, the ship maintains an intimate atmosphere, fostering an experience that feels both exclusive and personal. It really feels
like reuniting with a cherished friend.
The crew, as always, play a vital role in making this experience exceptional. Warm, welcoming, and highly skilled, they greet each guest with
an e昀昀ortless charm, ensuring that every need is met with impeccable
service. From the attentive bartenders who craft bespoke cocktails to
the deckhands who gracefully hoist the sails, every crew member exudes
passion for sailing. The open-bridge policy allows passengers to interact
with the captain and crew, learning about navigation and the intricacies
of sailing, making the journey even more engaging. One of the journey’s top pleasures was waking up at dawn and heading up to the bridge
with freshly brewed co昀昀ee to watch the sun rise and dolphins dance at
the bow and chatting to the captain and crew about the day’s sailing
and wildlife seen. My eagle-eyed niece even spotted a sword昀椀sh leaping
right out of the ocean and a whale pass by.
Accommodations are designed with a perfect balance of comfort and
authenticity. While the cabins aren’t sprawling suites, they are cleverly
designed, o昀昀ering plush bedding, en-suite bathrooms, and porthole
windows framing uninterrupted ocean views. Thoughtful details—such
as brass reading lamps and nautical artwork—contribute to an ambience
of maritime tradition, while modern amenities ensure every comfort is
met.
For relaxation, guests can unwind in the library, where shelves are
stocked with maritime literature and travel guides, o昀昀ering the perfect
escape with a book in hand. Two decent sized saltwater pools provide a
refreshing dip under the sun, while a massage service on deck allows for
pure indulgence as the ship glides across the Paci昀椀c.
For those wanting to be a bit more active on board, each day there’s
an itinerary to enjoy – from aqua aerobics and morning workouts, to
fascinating sea lore talks, maritime rope tying, cocktail making, fruit
sculpting and more.. plus mast climbing for those not afraid of heights!
The Dining Experience: A Culinary Journey at Sea
Dining aboard the Star Clipper is nothing short of amazing – especially
when you consider the tight space the chef and his team have to work in.
The elegantly appointed dining room o昀昀ers a re昀椀ned yet relaxed setting,
where every meal is a feast for the senses. Star Clipper embraces an
open-seating policy, allowing guests to sit at any table and forge connections over expertly crafted dishes – this really does make the trip a
delight and many make friends for life. Guests often contact those they
enjoyed spending time with on previous trips and book their next Star
Clipper sailing journeys together. Little wonder the company’s repeat
guest percentages are so high!
Breakfast is a lavish a昀昀air, featuring a bu昀昀et brimming with fresh
tropical fruits, European-style pastries, smoked salmon, eggs cooked
to order, and an assortment of cheeses and cold cuts. Freshly brewed
co昀昀ee and a selection of 昀椀ne teas set the tone for the day ahead.
For lunch, a sumptuous spread of seafood, salads, and local delicacies
awaits. Expect dishes infused with Costa Rican 昀氀avours, from tangy
ceviche to grilled snapper marinated in citrus and herbs. Vegetarian and
international options ensure there is something to satisfy every palate.
Evenings are reserved for elegant, multi-course dinners, featuring a
rotating menu of expertly crafted dishes. Guests can expect options like
freshly caught lobster, and indulgent chocolate sou昀툀és. Each dish is
paired with a curated selection of wines, and the dining experience is
enhanced by the gentle swaying of the ship under starlit skies.
For those who enjoy a nightcap, the Tropical Bar is the heart of the
ship’s social scene. Live music, themed parties, and impromptu storytelling sessions create a convivial atmosphere, where guests mingle over
expertly mixed cocktails, rum punches, or 昀椀ne cognacs. We always love
seeing the crew and guest talent shows which are the best fun.
The Itinerary: Immersing in Costa Rica’s Wild Beauty
If you can tear yourself away from the delights of the ship for a while,
there’s so much to see and do. The Star Clipper’s Costa Rica itinerary is
a curated collection of the country’s most breathtaking locations—each
o昀昀ering a distinct glimpse into its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Quepos & Manuel Antonio National Park: Rainforest Wonders and
Pristine Shores
After a scenic twenty-minute drive from the port, guests embark on a
guided trek through Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica’s
most cherished ecological gems. With over 680 hectares of dense rainforest, this sanctuary is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Howler monkeys call from the treetops, sloths laze among the branches,
and brilliantly coloured toucans 昀氀ash through the canopy. A knowledgeable naturalist guide enriches the experience, sharing insights into the
park’s diverse 昀氀ora and fauna. The trek culminates in a visit to one of
Manuel Antonio’s famed white-sand beaches, where guests can swim in
the crystalline waters or simply bask under the shade of swaying palms.
For those with a penchant for culinary curiosity, the Villa Vanilla Spice
Tour o昀昀ers a fascinating excursion into Costa Rica’s vibrant spice trade.
This 160-acre sustainable farm, set amidst lush hills, produces organic
vanilla, cacao, Ceylon cinnamon, and an array of tropical fruits. A guided walk through the plantation reveals the intricate processes behind
spice cultivation, culminating in a tasting session where guests can
sample delectable vanilla-infused desserts and spiced chocolates.
Gol昀椀to: Dolphins, Kayaking & Mangrove Exploration
Gol昀椀to, a picturesque port town framed by verdant rainforest, serves as
a gateway to Costa Rica’s most unspoiled marine environments. Guests
have several ways to explore this natural paradise:
Dolphin Watching in Golfo Dulce: Aboard a motorised boat, guests venture into the pristine waters of Golfo Dulce, one of the most biologically
intense marine habitats on Earth. Here, pods of dolphins frolic alongside the vessel, sea turtles drift lazily by, and, on rare occasions, majestic
manta rays glide beneath the surface. The experience is punctuated by
a swim stop at a secluded bay, where guests can plunge into the warm,
aquamarine waters. We saw so many dolphins on our trip – some so
close to the boat you could almost touch them.
Kayaking the Mangrove Estuary: For those seeking a more active
adventure, a guided kayak expedition o昀昀ers an intimate exploration
of Gol昀椀to’s lush mangroves. Gliding silently through the labyrinth of
waterways, paddlers encounter egrets, herons, and, if fortune favours, a
pod of bottlenose dolphins. The tour includes a stop at a remote beach
