Although it's been a few years since I set sail on the magnificent Royal Clipper, the memories are as alive today as if I were still standing barefoot on the warm teak decks looking up in awe of the billowing sails above me...

Sailing out of Venice was moving and made me very emotional, the haunting sounds of Vangelis filled the dusky air as the crew worked together pulling the ropes as the magnificent sails dropped down. We set sail past St Marks Square to the sound of the classical music, sipping a flute of champagne, whilst soaking up this totally unique moment. I felt like a film star as the flashes of the cameras blinded us from the shore, as crowds flocked in awe of the grandest sailing ship of all elegantly sailing past, the Royal Clipper was embarking on her next journey...

As we sailed the Croation coastline to Dubrovnik, Rovinj and Hvar, we were treated to cobbled streets, ancient ruins, exceptional architecture, bustling squares and serene harbours. The beauty of a tall ship is that they are able to get closer to the towns/ports so there is only a short tender ride to the shore. In some cases they are even able to access areas that cannot be visited by any other cruise line, creating a more 'off the beaten track' and exclusive itinerary

One day of our sailing stands out in particularly to me. The captain announced 'We have a wonderful sunset coming , I will stop the engines and you can all go out on the tender boat and we will raise all the sails so that you can take photographs of the ship from the sea.' Not many other cruise experiences would allow something of this nature, how amazing, so personal and exciting as we watched the sails drop and the sun set behind the Royal Clipper.

A very special moment indeed in all of my cruising history.

Each day was like being in my own personal sailing Yacht but without doing all of the hard work. Star Clippers have three fully rigged sailing ships, all operated by hand, offering a totally authentic nautical experience. As a guest, you don't have to lift a finger, but if you do fancy getting involved you are welcome to lend a hand with the sails or climb to the crows nest for the best view of all!

The Royal Clipper was like a Tardis,the public areas are surprisingly spacious and impeccably designed. All of the decor on all of the Clipper ships is reminiscent of the 1920's sailing era, so it's like stepping back in time when you go on board. The grand dining room sits at the bottom of a stunning 3 deck atrium with sweeping staircases, where pictures of famous sailors and ships adorn the walls. The food on board is excellent, with a'la carte dining on offer every evening and buffet breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea served throughout the day.

I felt special and thoroughly spoilt throughout this unique cruise experience...like a childhood memory of anticipation awaiting ice cream as a treat!

Star Clippers sail in the Caribbean, Cuba and the Mediterranean. Here at Go Cruise, we can book any Star Clipper cruise, weather it be a 3 night taster cruise or a 14 night Panama Canal adventure! We have access to some of the best rates and can recommend hotels for a pre or post cruise stay to complete your special holiday.
 
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Allure of the Seas comes to Europe

Allure of the Seas is to be based in Europe for summer 2015 offering an 'opportunity' to agents claims Royal Caribbean.

The ship, which offers real outdoor parks, zip lines and an aquatheatre, will arrive in Barcelona on 3 May 2015 and offer seven-night cruises from the Spanish port until October 2015.

These will call at Palma de Mallorca, Marseilles for Provence, La Spezia for Florence and Pisa, Civitavecchia for Rome and Naples.

Guests will also have the option to travel to Rome and join the ship in Civitavecchia for a week long cruise starting and ending in the Italian port.

A mini brochure specific to Allure of the Seas will be produced for agents together with a dedicated marketing toolkit that includes videos, campaign assets, offers and images.

Stuart Leven, managing director, Royal Caribbean International, UK and Ireland said: "News that Allure of the Seas will enjoy a full season based in the popular Mediterranean port of Barcelona is brilliant for agents - they have the opportunity to sell cruises on the world's most high profile ship closer to home.

"We will be supporting our agent partners extensively in ensuring that they get to learn more about this ship when sister-ship Oasis of Seas calls into Southampton later this year.

"We're urging agents to forget what they think they know about European cruises - Allure of the Seas will change the face of selling Mediterranean cruises, especially for a family audience."

The new 2015 cruises from Allure of the Seas - the first time the ship has offered cruises outside of the Caribbean - go on sale for Crown & Anchor Society members on February 12 and general sale from February 18.