Tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers will operate a winter season in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore from December 2016 to April 2017. This marks the line’s return to the region for the first time since March 2010.
The 170-passenger Star Clipper will end its summer season in the Mediterranean and sail via the Suez Canal and Sri Lanka to its winter home port of Phuket, where it will operate seven-night round trip cruises on two different routes from December 2, 2016, as well as some voyages to Singapore.
There are two Thailand itineraries, northbound and southbound, as well as seven departures that either begin or end in Singapore. Star Clipper will explore the many islands scattered off the coast of Phuket, accessible only by water, with beautiful beaches and dazzling marine life. There will be opportunities for sunbathing, snorkeling, watersports, exploring on foot, and taking photo safaris in the ship’s Zodiacs. Ports of call include:
Northbound from Phuket:
- Ko Surin National Marine Park, a cluster of five forested islands with exquisite beaches and spectacular underwater life
- The Similan Islands, an archipelago of coral and granite with crystal-clear water and diverse wildlife
- Ko Rok Nok, an uninhabited island with incredible reefs
- Langkawi in Malaysia, with beautiful beaches and temples
- Ko Kradan, a laid-back beach resort
- Phang Nga Bay, offering spectacular scenery of forested limestone towers and hidden coves
Southbound from Phuket:
- Ko Butang, with gorgeous beaches and world-class snorkeling
- Penang, with diverse colonial heritage
- Ko Adang, a tiny, unspoiled island in the Tarutao National Marine Park
- Ko Rok Nok, an uninhabited island with incredible reefs
- Phang Nga Bay, offering spectacular scenery of forested limestone towers and hidden coves
- The Similan Islands, an archipelago of coral and granite with crystal-clear water and diverse wildlife
Meanwhile, Star Flyer will continue to operate Cuba* voyages from Havana and Cienfuegos for the winter of 2016/17, interspersed with longer cruises taking in St Maarten and the Panama Canal. Royal Clipper will sail from Barbados all season, exploring the Grenadines and the British Virgin Islands, with two extended 14-night voyages to the ‘ABC Islands’ (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) and extended voyages to accommodate Christmas and New Year.
Star Clippers’ winter 2016/17 program goes on sale in June 2015.
* Travel to Cuba by U.S. citizens is still restricted only to those going for visits to close relatives, academic and educational programs, professional research, journalistic or religious activities, and participation in public performances or sports competitions. It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure they have the proper permissions to travel legally to Cuba. Travel to Cuba is open for citizens from Canada and South America. Cuba sailings cannot be booked through the Star Clippers Miami office. For more information on Star Clipper Cuba cruises, send your request to [email protected].
Visit www.starclippers.com