Tall Ship Cruises That Dreams Are Made Of

Transcription

1 STAR CLIPPERS Tall Ship Cruises That Dreams Are Made Of CARIBBEAN CENTRAL AMERICA BALTIC SEA MEDITERRANEAN PANAMA CANAL OCEAN CROSSINGS November April

2 Welcome to STAR CLIPPERS I must down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by... John Masefield - Sea Fever 2

3 Winner of the World Travel Award , 2010 Named as one of the World s Best Cruise Lines Named one of the World s Best Small Ship Cruise Lines Named one of the World s Best Small Ship Cruise Lines Travel + Leisure 2006 & 2008 Nominated and Highly Commended for the Best Cruise Company Category by The Daily Telegraph Cruise Awards, 2000 Best Specialist Cruise Line at the Globe Travel Awards 2008 The gentle lapping of the waves against a wind-driven hull. A pod of Dolphins playing in the curling bow wave. A salute to a propitious marriage, the wedding of a splendid cruise holiday with the romance of sailing aboard a true Tall Ship. It is this unique combination of sailing tradition and pampered relaxation that is the essence of Star Clippers. For within the setting of a magnificently evocative Tall Ship, is a world for those who seek an authentic sailing adventure without sacrificing creature comforts. Our graceful ships fly along the waves, just like the legendary clippers of a century and a-half ago. And this is as much an adventure in highly evolved relaxation as it is in tradition. For though computers have not replaced the skilled hands of our crew in the art of raising sails, we don t expect our guests to become barefoot seamen. Relax and let the crew do the work. Now, come aboard Star Clipper, Star Flyer or Royal Clipper, the largest true full-rigged sailing ship in the world today. As thousands of square feet of sail unfurl above you, you ll feel the elation of those mariners of long ago. Because this is Star Clippers, and the adventure has only just begun. 3

4 Welcome to Star Clippers Caribbean & Central America map, Contents European map, Contents Royal Clipper Star Clipper & Star Flyer Life on board Culinary Arts Rest Assured Honeymoon and Special Occasions The Caribbean Costa Rica and Central America Panama Canal Transatlantic Crossings Star Clipper Transatlantic Crossings Royal Clipper Transatlantic Crossings Star Flyer Pacific Ocean

5 Atlantic Ocean British Virgin Islands St. Maarten Caribbean Sea Martinique NICARAGUA The Grenadines Barbados COSTA RICA Panama Canal Puerto Caldera PANAMA Balboa

6 Baltic Sea Eastern Mediterranean Western Mediterranean & Grand Europe Deck Plans Cabins and Rate Conditions Holiday Information Calendar of Sailings Terms & Conditions

7 NORWAY Oslo SWEDEN Stockholm UNITED KINGDOM DENMARK Copenhagen Kiel Warnemünde Hamburg Southampton Amsterdam NETHERLANDS GERMANY FRANCE Venice SPAIN PORTUGAL Barcelona aco Cannes CORSICA SARDINIA Rome ITALY GREECE Istanbul TURKEY Black Sea Lisbon SICILY Athens Tangier Casablanca Malaga MOROCCO Tunis TUNISIA MALTA Mediterranean Sea

8 And the wheel s kick and the wind s song and the white sail s shaking, And a grey mist on the sea s face and a grey dawn breaking... John Masefield - Sea Fever Officially recognised by Guinness World Records in 2001 as the World s largest square rigger in service 8

9 Royal Clipper In 1902, the first full-rigged, five masted sailing ship, as well as the largest sailing ship the world had ever seen, was launched. The legendary Preussen dominated the seas, only to be gone in a few short years. Neither before nor since had the world seen such a magnificent sailing ship. Until today... Inspired by the legendary Tall Ship, Preussen, Royal Clipper has the proud distinction of being the largest and only five-masted full ship built since her predecessor was launched at the beginning of the last century. With her complement of 42 sails, Royal Clipper is a splendid sight to behold. You might think she was an apparition from the grand age of sail, but Royal Clipper is as new as tomorrow, boasting state-of-the-art navigation systems and all the comfort of today. For connoisseurs of sail cruising, the 134 metre Royal Clipper offers the ultimate sea-going experience, balancing the grandeur, adventure and tradition of sailing with the superb service, amenities and accommodations of the finest modern yacht. Royal Clipper carries just 227 guests in luxurious style. The Royal Clipper was officially recognised by Guinness World Records in 2001 as the World s largest square rigger in service. 9

10 A full 1760 square metres of open deck and three swimming pools create a wonderfully spacious and expansive outdoor environment. Find your secret hideaway on one of the hidden balconies on either side of the bow. Or climb the mast (with safety harness provided) to one of the passenger look out crow s-nests, where you ll have the grandest view of all! Royal Clipper s interior spaces are just as dazzling. They include a 3-deck atrium that funnels sunlight into the elegantly-appointed dining room, featuring deliciously prepared cuisine and a no-tie dress code. A convenient marina platform lowers from the stern for watersports. And the ultimate unique Royal Clipper experience, the one-of-a-kind Captain Nemo Lounge, is the site of our spa and health club, with underwater glass portholes. 10

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12 And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying, And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea gulls crying... John Masefield - Sea Fever 12

13 Star Clipper & Star Flyer They are the stars of the sea. Star Clipper and Star Flyer are as fleet as the wind and as graceful as swans. These are true clipper ships reflecting their proud heritage in every inch of their polished brass and gleaming brightwork. Step aboard these unique vessels and discover a new age of sail, where the traditions of the past are happily married to the comforts and amenities of the present day. Star Clipper and Star Flyer are modern cruise ships in every way, created for luxury-loving passengers who also love the traditions and romance of the legendary era of sailing ships. Star Clipper and Star Flyer are both 115 metres long and each carries just 170 guests in pampered comfort. Life aboard is blissfully relaxed, much like travelling on a private yacht. You ll never feel confined on Star Clipper and Star Flyer. 13

14 Each ship offers spacious accommodations and expansive teak decks with ample space and not one, but two swimming pools. In fact, you ll find that these ships offer more outdoor space per passenger than most conventional cruise ships. The decor of Star Clipper and Star Flyer is reminiscent of the grand age of sail. Antique prints and paintings of famous sailing ships please your eye, while teak and gleaming mahogany rails are richly remindful of Star Clippers proud nautical heritage. All Star Clippers ships feature open-seating dining in an elegantly appointed dining room, our convivial indoor-outdoor Tropical Bar and Piano Bar, and an Edwardian style library where a Belle Époque fireplace glows with a warmth that reflects the friendliness and enthusiasm of Star Clippers hospitable officers and crew. 14

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16 I must down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied... John Masefield - Sea Fever 16

17 Life on Board Up on the bowsprit, a couple watch the sun drop slowly into the sea as gulls circle one last time in the sky. ends gather round the piano bar and join in singing a few favourites. And in the Tropical Bar, the bartender shakes a pitcher full of some delicious cooling concoction. Now, is there anything more relaxing than this? Clearly this is not a cruise ship in the ordinary sense. With Star Clippers, you will find that there are no rigid schedules. You are free to do as you wish with your days - and evenings. To entertain you at certain ports, we bring local performers on board to give passengers an authentic taste of the local music and arts. So rather than enduring another Broadway revue, you can enjoy the conviviality of fellow shipmates while a live band plays tropical tunes from a real paradise. The Captain and crew are superb improvisers of the kind of light-hearted fun you ll only find on Star Clippers. The Captain s daily briefing on deck is wonderfully informative, and a chance to hear some great story-telling as well. And there are other events and activities, such as our hilarious crab racing contests, that have evolved from Star Clippers sailing heritage. In fact, our passengers tell us that it s the easy-going informality of Star Clippers that makes a cruise with us so enjoyable. 17

18 Culinary Arts Our inspired chefs make dining aboard a delightful culinary adventure with an international menu of foods from the corners of the Earth. When you rise, help yourself to a continental breakfast with Parisian croissants, toasted English muffins or sweet Danish pastries. Or savour a full breakfast with fresh tropical fruit and crisp bacon, grilled sausage and omelettes cooked to order in the dining room. At lunch, a marvellous buffet of seafood, salads and grilled favourites awaits your pleasure. If the day includes a stop at one of the paradisical private islands we frequent, you might also be treated to a succulent outdoor barbecue on shore. When evening comes, our elegantly appointed dining room becomes the setting for the chef s finest culinary presentations, designed to please the eye and the palate, complemented by a selection of equally fine wines. You ll find our service to be friendly and gracious, befitting a tasteful restaurant. Of course, we would not presume to dictate your seating preferences. On all three ships, you are free to dine when and with whomever you wish - including with our officers, who join our guests in the dining room most nights. The dress code? No need for formal gowns and black tie, casual elegance is the order of the day and every single night. 18

19 I must down to the seas again to the vagrant gypsy life, To the gull s way and the whale s way where the wind s like a whetted knife... John Masefield - Sea Fever 19

20 And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow rover, And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick s over John Masefield - Sea Fever 20

21 Rest Assured There s nothing so easy and pleasurable as falling asleep to the gentle rhythms of the ship and sea unless it s awakening refreshed the next morning to a new-born day. Like a fine resort, all the amenities are here; double bed or twin beds that can be converted to queen, marble lined bathroom, private safe, television video system and DVD player, direct dial telephone, hair dryer and comfortable furnishings. The décor is tastefully traditional. You ll find the accoutrements of a luxurious classic yacht, where everything is ingeniously designed for comfort, ease and efficiency. Burnished brass fittings and mahogany brightwork recall our nautical heritage. Soft natural fabrics reflect the colours of the sun, sea and sky. Prints of famous clipper ships and sailing yachts grace the walls. Everything is immaculately maintained and your steward knows exactly when to appear. On Royal Clipper, 14 Deluxe suites offer the ultimate in cruising comfort, with private verandah, whirlpool bath and 24-hour room service. All but six of her 98 cabins are outside, and for the ultimate indulgence, two 40 square metre owner s suites may be combined to accommodate up to 8 guests. All in all, your Star Clippers cabin or suite is a perfectly arranged abode for daydreams and nights of blissful rest and relaxation. 21

22 Honeymoon & Special Occasions Lifetime celebrations with memories that live forever. Ready to celebrate? Whether it s your honeymoon, a milestone birthday or anniversary, a family reunion, a special club or corporate gathering or other significant event, Star Clippers is the inspired choice. After all, what could be more romantic or memorable - than sailing away on a magnificent tall ship to distant lands! Aboard Star Clippers, celebrations become extraordinary occasions, because we are dedicated to making each moment very special. Family reunions, clubs or special interest groups and corporate events are treated with the same care and attention to detail that you would expect from a fine hotel or resort. Be sure to reserve well ahead of your cruise, because you ll find that we will provide some great ideas and original touches to make your gathering even more rewarding. Whether it s a cocktail party, a dinner or seminar on board or a special excursion on shore, Star Clippers can take care of your needs. Honeymooners can relax in perfect privacy. There s a complimentary bottle of champagne, and an assortment of fresh fruit and sweet treats, offered to all honeymooners who have proof of their marriage within six months of their sailing date, as well as a special gift and a certificate signed by the Captain. If you are searching for the perfect way to begin your lives together, a Star Clippers honeymoon offers an idyllic combination of adventure and romance in a setting that inspires hearts. 22

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25 Caribbean Their sails gleaming in the sun, Royal Clipper and Star Clipper thread their way between lush volcanic islands in a sea that can only be the Caribbean, because it is so incredibly blue. The world you ve discovered is a wonderfully unique Caribbean Paradise. A cruise aboard Royal Clipper is the perfect platform from which to launch diving adventures in the Tobago Cays, where the reefs are a marvel of colourful marine creations. Royal Clipper sails from Barbados on alternating voyages to explore the Spice Islands of the Grenadines, the Windward Islands and new for 2011, the chic British Virgin Islands. The only difficulty is choosing in which direction to sail from St. Maarten, aboard Star Clipper, but either voyage offers memorable sailing in optimal conditions. Sail across the Anegada Passage and you ll discover the Treasure Islands, so named because they include some of the most exclusive (and expensive) jewels in the Caribbean. Head southward on our Leeward Islands cruise and step ashore in Nevis. Rainforests, rushing rivers and a hundred waterfalls greet you in luxuriant Dominica, while in Guadeloupe, the island shaped like the twin wings of a butterfly, the steaming fumaroles and jungle clad slopes of Soufrière await hikers explorations in Parc National de la Guadeloupe. The Caribbean venues where our ships sail are famous for their glorious sailing weather, and every voyage promises the thrill of passagemaking under full sail. 25

26 Royal Clipper Windward Islands 7 nights Royal Clipper Grenadine Islands 7 nights St. Kitts Antigua Martinique Iles des Saintes St. Lucia Dominica Martinique St. Vincent Tobago Cays Grenadines Barbados St. Lucia Barbados Grenada Thur Bridgetown, Barbados Rodney Bay, St. Lucia Cabrits & Roseau, Dominica Antigua Basseterre & Beach, St. Kitts Iles des Saintes Fort de France, Martinique Bridgetown, Barbados Thur Bridgetown, Barbados Captain s Best, Grenadines Grenada Tobago Cays St. Vincent (am), Bequia (pm) Fort de France (am), Beach (pm), Martinique Marigot Bay & Soufriere, St. Lucia Bridgetown, Barbados 2011 Departure Dates November 12, 26 December 10 e January 14 e, 28 February 11, 25 March 31 November 24 December 8 e, 22* *(Christmas sailing) 2011 Departure Dates November 19 December 3 e January 7 e, 21 February 4, 18 March 3 December 1 e, 15 e 29 p * *(New Year sailing) CARIBBEAN ROYAL CLIPPER Economy Winter Caribbean 2011/2012: 3 & 10 Dec 2011, 7 & 14 Jan, 2012 nts Departure Dates January 19 February 2, 16 March 2, 16, 30 owner s suite deluxe suite Departure Dates January 26 February 9, 23 March 9, 23 April 6 The Captain reserves the right to alter the itinerary in order to suit wind, weather and local conditions. All dates are value season unless otherwise noted, e = economy, p = peak. guaranteed single third person port charges /2013: 1, 8 & 15 Dec Value Winter Caribbean 2011/2012: All dates from 12 Nov 2011 to 31 Mar excluding economy and peak 2012/2013: All dates from 24 Nov 2012 to 6 Apr 2013 excluding economy and peak /2013: Peak Winter Caribbean New Year Sailing - 29 Dec Please refer to page 80 for rate and early booking discount conditions and to pages for Deck and cabin plans. ship Royal Clipper itinerary / season deadline for bookings to be received by Star Clippers early booking discount 20% Economy Season 2012/2013 (1, 8 & 15 Dec 2012) 30 April 2012 Value Winter Season & Peak Winter Season 2012/ % 26

27 Royal Clipper BVI Barbados 10 nights Royal Clipper BVI Barbados 11 nights British Virgin Islands St. Kitts St Barts Antigua British Virgin Islands St. Kitts St Barts Antigua Iles des Saintes Iles des Saintes Dominica St. Lucia Barbados St. Lucia Barbados Thur Bridgetown, Barbados St Barts Norman Island & Sopers Hole, BVIs Jost Van Dyke, White Bay, Virgin Gorda, BVIs Virgin Gorda, BVIs Antigua Basseterre & Beach, St. Kitts Iles des Saintes Marigot Bay & Soufrière, St. Lucia Bridgetown, Barbados Thur Thur Bridgetown, Barbados St Barts Norman Island & Sopers Hole (Overnight), BVIs Jost Van Dyke, White Bay, Virgin Gorda (Overnight), BVIs Virgin Gorda, BVIs Antigua Basseterre & Beach, St. Kitts Iles des Saintes Roseau & Cabrits, Dominica Marigot Bay & Soufrière, St. Lucia Bridgetown, Barbados 2011 Departure Dates December 17 (Christmas sailing) March Departure Dates December 27 p (New Year sailing) March 20 The Captain reserves the right to alter the itinerary in order to suit wind, weather and local conditions. All dates are value season unless otherwise noted, e = economy, p = peak. CARIBBEAN ROYAL CLIPPER nts. owner s suite deluxe suite guaranteed single third person port charges BVI's incl. Christmas Sailing BVI's Peak Season New Year Sailing Please refer to page 80 for rate conditions and to pages for Deck and cabin plans. 27

28 Star Clipper & Star Flyer Treasure Islands 7 nights Star Clipper Leeward Islands 7 nights British Virgin Islands Anguilla St. Maarten Tortola St. Barts Nevis St. Maarten St. Barts Antigua St. Kitts Dominica Guadeloupe Iles des Saintes Thur Phillipsburg, St. Maarten Anguilla Virgin Gorda, B.V.I. Sailing Sir Francis Drake Channel (am), Norman Island (pm), Soper s Hole, Tortola (Overnight), B.V.I. Jost van Dyke, B.V.I. St. Kitts, Basseterre & Beach St. Barts Phillipsburg, St. Maarten Thur Phillipsburg, St. Maarten Nevis Dominica Iles des Saintes Guadeloupe Antigua St. Barts Phillipsburg, St. Maarten 2011 Departure Dates Star Clipper November 12 December 10 e, 23 (Christmas sailing) Star Clipper February 4, 18 March 3, 17 Star Flyer April 7 e Star Clipper December 1 e, 15 e 29 p * *(New Year sailing) 2013 Departure Dates Star Clipper January 12 e, 26 February 9, 23 March 9, Departure Dates November 19 February 11, 25 March 10, 24 November 24 December 8 e, 22* *(Christmas Sailing) 2013 Departure Dates January 5 e, 19 February 2, 16 March 2, 16 The Captain reserves the right to alter the itinerary in order to suit wind, weather and local conditions. All dates are value season unless otherwise noted, e = economy, p = peak. CARIBBEAN STAR CLIPPER & STAR FLYER Economy Winter Caribbean 2011/2012: 10 Dec 2011, 7 Apr /2013: 1, 8 & 15 Dec 2012, 5 & 12 Jan 2013 Value Winter Caribbean 2011/2012: All dates from 12 Nov 2011 to 24 Mar 2012 excluding economy and peak 2012/2013: All dates from 24 Nov 2012 to 23 Mar 2013 excluding economy and peak 2012/2013: Peak Winter Caribbean New Year Sailing - 29 Dec 2012 Please refer to page 80 for rate and early booking discount conditions and to pages for Deck and cabin plans. ship Star Clipper itinerary / season nts. owner s cabin Economy Season 2012/2013 (1, 8 & 15 Dec 2012, 5 & 12 Jan 2013) Value Winter Season & Peak Winter Season 2012/ deadline for bookings to be received by Star Clippers 30 April 2012 guaranteed single third person early booking discount 20% 10% port charges

29 Star Clipper Leeward Islands 6 nights Star Clipper Leeward Islands 8 nights St. Maarten St. Barts St. Maarten Nevis St. Barts Antigua Nevis Antigua Guadeloupe Iles des Saintes Dominica Iles des Saintes Dominica St. Lucia Thur Philipsburg, St. Maarten Nevis Dominica Iles des Saintes Antigua St. Barts Philipsburg, St. Maarten Thur Philipsburg, St. Maarten Nevis Dominica St. Lucia Iles des Saintes Guadeloupe Antigua St. Barts Philipsburg, St. Maarten 2011 Departure Dates December Departure Dates December 30 p (New Year Sailing) The Captain reserves the right to alter the itinerary in order to suit wind, weather and local conditions. All dates are value season unless otherwise noted, e = economy, p = peak. CARIBBEAN STAR CLIPPER nts. owner s cabin guaranteed single third person port charges 17 Dec New Year Sailing, 30 Dec Please refer to page 80 for rate conditions and to pages for Deck and cabin plans. 29

30 Caribbean s of Call Anguilla The island has been a British colony/dependency since it was first settled in Columbus thought this long flat island with its multitude of white sand coves looked like an undulating eel, so he named it Anguilla. It s the ideal place for our beach stop. Antigua The dockyards, marinas, old inns, venerable pubs and convivial crowds of sun-tanned yacht crews; this is the epicentre of the Caribbean yachting world. Discover the island, swim with stingrays and enjoy a kayak eco tour. Barbados Bridgetown is an interesting town full of contrasts. George Washington actually slept here! Trafalgar Square reminds you that the laid back, rum-and-funloving island s British-influenced heritage includes revered traditions like cricket and high tea. Bequia/St. Vincent The island of St. Vincent is ruggedly beautiful with tall peaks blanketed by a lush tropical rainforest. The natural harbour of Elizabeth at Bequia is a meeting point for sailors from all over the world. Enjoy our water sports programme on Princess Margaret beach. Dominica Dominica is a dream-like island, full of surprises. Hike through a steamy orchid-festooned rainforest to breathtaking Trafalgar Falls and a bubbling lake. Our ships anchor off Cabrits National Park where you may enjoy watersports from the beach. Grenada The aromas of nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla baking in the sun - these are the tropical flavours of Grenada. From the horseshoe shaped Carenage at St. George s, follow the Sendall Tunnel (hand-built in 1895) to the Esplanade and old Ft. George for a spectacular view of Grenada. Grenadines Thirty islands and specks of sand make up the gloriously untouched Grenadines. We ll call on one of these Islands, for a blissful, laid-back beach day. Take a boat tour to the Grenadines islands around Tobago Cays. We re sure, you ll never be disappointed. 30

31 Guadeloupe, French West Indies Guadeloupe looks like a butterfly from the air. Its giant wings are actually two islands, separated by the Rivière Salée, a natural salt water channel. Basse Terre, the southern or leeward part of Guadeloupe, is lush and rugged, dominated by La Soufrière. Book a visit to Deshaies Botanical Garden or Pointe Noire Cocoa House and discover how chocolate is made. Iles des Saintes Les Saintes is a thoroughly entrancing group of islands lying off Guadeloupe. You ll enjoy the superb beaches, snorkelling, diving and other watersports that we offer. Jost van Dyke, British Virgin Islands Once the hideaway for a Dutch pirate of the same name, Jost van Dyke welcomes visitors with first-rate hiking trails and the best beaches in the British Virgin Islands. A tasty, fulfilling beach barbecue awaits you. Be sure to have a drink at the famous Foxy s Tamarind Bar in Great Harbour. Martinique Martinique is the classic French Caribbean island. It is France with a tropical twist. You won t be able to resist the charms of spicy Creole cooking and tempting boutiques in Fort de France. You can also visit the Balata Gardens, the colonial part of Fort de France, enjoy an island tour or kickback and participate in our water sports programme on Grand Anse beach. 31

32 Nevis Nevis is dotted with old sugar plantations, some of them now turned into charming inns, many with interesting histories. Dominated by the perilously steep cliffs of Mt. Scenery, this small Dutch island didn t even have a road around it until Norman Island, British Virgin Islands Almost everyone has read Treasure Island. Now, you can explore the real Treasure Island where Robert Louis Stevenson wrote his great adventure story. Norman Island has long been a private preserve and little has been disturbed since Stevenson s time. Why not hop in our Zodiacs for a snorkel safari to the old caves where real hidden treasure was said to have been discovered. Soper s Hole, Tortola, British Virgin Islands Soper s Hole is where laid back is a jealously cultivated way of life. Visit the nearby ruins of 17th century Dutch Fort Recovery. There are also several favourite watering holes, beloved by crews of visiting yachts, where the local gossip flows as freely as the rum. St. Barts In its elegant little capital of Gustavia, French joie de vivre is tempered by Swedish spic and span neatness. Diversions include duty-free shopping in exquisite boutiques, beautiful beaches, excellent dining and people-watching. 32

33 St. Kitts St. Kitts was the first successful cessfu colony in the British ish West Indies. Shop in colourful Basseterre, play golf and tour old plantation houses. For the adventuresome there s a brisk hike through the rainforest or just enjoy watersports with our team on South ars beach. St. Lucia Marigot Bay, one of the prettiest anchorages in the Caribbean, is surrounded by lush hills and ringed by drooping coconut palms. Our alternate stop, the little Town of Soufrière was named after a nearby volcano. Prettier sights are to be seen at Diamond Falls and Mineral Baths where you can walk through the gardens and take a dip in the pool under the waterfalls. You won t want to miss out on our Piton snorkel safari. St. Maarten The smallest lest island in the world shared by two countries- St. Martin/St. Maarten is big on shopping. Whether you go Dutch in Philipsburg or prefer Marigot s French touch, you re always welcome. Tobago Cays Four small islets, virtually deserted but enormously appealing for those who love underwater exploration, Tobago Cays is a national park where the snorkelling is superb. Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands Take a bath at the Baths, Virgin Gorda s unique water grottos formed eons ago by ancient lava flows. Huge boulders lie scattered around the natural pools, which are delightful for swimming or soaking. Virgin Gorda is also home to Little Dix Bay, the Bitter End Yacht Club, some excellent beaches, and the best sailing around. A variety of excursions are offered and can be booked on board. 33

34 Costa Rica & Central America Where nature abounds and adventure awaits The Western Coast of Costa Rica is shaped like a giant crab, with two great claws, the Nicoya Peninsula in the North and the Osa Peninsula (with its pincer turned backward) in the South reaching out to the Pacific Ocean. Within this wide embrace lies a natural paradise so dazzling and diverse that it defies any adequate description. Ticans realized very early on that their country s amazing natural beauty and diversity must be protected, and so the government reserved a full quarter of its landmass for national parks. With 9,000 higher plant species, 800 ferns, 850 bird species, hundreds of frogs and reptiles and 10% of all mammals on earth, there s a lot to protect. Everywhere in Costa Rica, strict conservation is universally observed. Where the wild things are A pair of scarlet macaws breaks out of the treetops and soars over a beach where the only tracks are those of last night s nesting turtles. You ride your horse over the sands to a small stream where blue butterflies play over brilliant pink flowers. Sounds of jungle and surf are strangely intermingled. This is where rain forest and beach meet in Costa Rica s Corcovado National Park, the day-glo tropical version of Where the Wild Things Are. 34

35 nature unbounded With the rugged spine of the volcanic cordilleras rising just a few kilometres inland from the Pacific Coast, dramatic climate changes in 11 distinct ecological zones can occur in a very short distance. The zones range from intertidal to the dry forests of the northern Guanacoste plain to the intermontane cloud forests to the dense rain soaked jungle wildernesses of the south, each with its own eco-system. The entire Pacific Coast is indented by gulfs, bays and inlets offering refuge and nesting places for marine, bird and land animal species in countless numbers. Today it is human visitors who find welcome refuge. Surfers stream like lemmings to the sea to beaches that stretch forever. Nature lovers can soar through the jungle canopy on a wire, raft a rollicking or gentle river, hike through forests decked in giant ferns and clouds of orchids. Or just sit, stand, lie or look in any direction and watch nature perform around you. Star Flyer s new in-depth Costa Rican itineraries will give guests unparalleled access to both major and lesser-known national parks, some on remote islands and bays inaccessible to land-based tourists. We invite you to join us in a rare adventure of nature unbounded. 35