Royal Clipper Sailing Experience - the Med From Malaga, Spain to Cannes, France

Story by: Cristina Hubbell and Ed Guy

In May 2025, we were given the opportunity to enjoy the Royal Clipper Sailing Experience. The Royal Clipper is the largest in their fleet of three Star Clippers' clipper ships.  Amenities include three pools, three bars, a formal dining room, a library, a gym, and a spa. Our cabin was spacious and comfortable with plenty of storage and a nicely appointed bathroom/ shower area. As avid sailors, we're used to hands-on adventures and charting our own course, so this trip was a bit of a departure from our norm. But trading the helm for high-end service and world-class amenities turned out to be a welcome change. We still got our sailing fix—just with a lot more luxury than usual!

The Royal Clipper - Photo Credit: Star Clippers

Our cruise was set to sail one of the best sailing destinations in the world - the western Mediterranean Sea, embarking in Malaga, Spain, and finishing in Cannes, France. We arrived at Malaga the night before departure and spent the following day exploring Picasso’s hometown. That afternoon, after dropping our luggage at the dock, we embarked.  We were greeted in the Tropical Bar with snacks and refreshments.  After checking in, we went to our cabin to freshen up and found our luggage had been safely delivered to our cabin.  We met our cabin steward, Ramhut. He was available to attend to anything we needed in the cabin (extra pillows, towels, top sheets). Each morning, while we were at breakfast, he made up the cabin, and every evening he turned down the bed and left a sweet treat and the agenda for the next day.

The Baked Alaska Flambé - one of the (many) amazing desserts on board the Royal Clipper. Photo Credit: Ed Guy

The meals were wonderful. Breakfast and lunch were buffet style with sweet and savory options, an omelet bar at breakfast, and a pasta station at lunch. Dinner was a 5-course gourmet meal. At least two options were available for appetizers, salad, soup, sorbet, entrée, and dessert; There was always a vegetarian option, the Chef’s recommendation, and you could ask for a pasta dish as an entrée if nothing else appealed to you. They were very flexible and allowed more than one option from each category.  The waitstaff and bartenders were fantastic, attending to our every need. I was very impressed that not only did they know our names by the second meal, but they also knew our drink of choice. Our glasses were never left empty. Drink prices reminded us of New York prices… from the 80s; no price gouging here!

Royal Clipper Breakfast Buffet set up. Photo Credit: Cristina Hubbell

Dress for dinner was casual, and one evening was themed as ”White Night”. Men were required to wear slacks for dinner.  The Captain’s Dinner was a bit more formal and ended with a show when the Baked Alaska Flambé was paraded around the dining room.

As we left port on the first night, there was a champagne toast and ceremonial raising of the sails to 1492-Conquest of Paradise. It was amazing to watch the crew raise the sails; We were even able to help! Passengers pack the top deck and angle for a spot to wave goodbye to onlookers, while we observed the officers and crew in action.  This theme and routine were repeated each time we left port.

White Night on board. Photo Credit: Cristina Hubbell

Our first day was spent at sea.  It was an opportunity to try the spa offerings and explore the ship. The therapists were skilled and provided a variety of massage options.  The spa portholes were below sea level, creating a relaxing, under-the-sea experience.  We spent some time in the library learning a bit more about the ship and perusing the collection of literature. Later, we found our way on deck.  There was the opportunity to climb the mast to a crow’s nest for amazing photo opportunities, pull ropes and trim sails, or just relax in the sun or shade. Two brave souls took a dip in the saltwater pool, it was the perfect refreshment, along with a delicious cocktail after some time in the sun.

Our first port of call was Ibiza. There were 3 excursions to choose from and the opportunity to explore on your own.  We chose a jeep tour of the Island and highly recommend this tour.  The guides were well-versed in the history and topography of the island.  We were treated to beautiful views, some history, and a tour of some of the rich and famous houses.  Our last stop was a beautiful beach with a restaurant where we had some of the most delicious tapas and refreshing cava, as well as a fantastic Mojito slushie. We enjoyed it so much I almost missed my opportunity to take a brisk dip in the Mediterranean.  

Ibiza Jeep Tour. Photo Credit: Ed Guy

Our second port day was in Mahon, Menorca.  This is such a gem of a city with many historical buildings.  Again, there were opportunities for excursions or to explore on your own.  One group rented a boat and cruised around to the beaches. We found ourselves wandering through beautiful pedestrian walkways and into a church under renovation.  This is also home to the handmade leather sandals that are created while you wait and delicious Mahon cheese.  There is also a glass-bottomed boat that will take you on a one-hour tour of the harbor and the museum located on an island in the harbor.

Relaxing at one of the 3-swimming pools on the deck while sipping cocktails. Photo Credit: Cristina Hubbell

The next day was spent at sea with many of the passengers taking the opportunity to relax after the two days of excursions.  We were reminded on this day that we were on a real sailing ship with a bit of rocking and rolling, and the crew did a great job of keeping everyone safe and steady. 

The next port of call was Monaco for the Grand Prix time trials and practice. This was the first port where we anchored and tendered in. Many of the passengers had purchased tickets; Others were able to see the race from the free viewing areas. It was very exciting to see the cars and hear the roar of their engines. And we were very impressed with the offerings at the concession stands.   On our way back to the tender, we stopped and had some delicious rosé and pizza.  We were set to depart Monaco at 23:30, so some passengers went back into town for dinner and to see the famous casino.

Finally, our trip ended at Cannes just in time for the last day of the film festival. After an early breakfast, we tendered to port.  Our luggage was attended to the night before, and we picked it up after arriving on the dock.

A beach in Ibiza. Photo Credit: Cristina Hubbell

It is hard to pick one favorite part of this trip.  If pressed, I would say it was the day spent on Ibiza.  The time spent on the boat was wonderful.  We were pampered and entertained by the crew. Many of the passengers have chosen Star Clippers as their vacation of choice, with some returning for ten or more sailings with them! You can see this company is dedicated to customer service and safety.  Given the opportunity, I would absolutely sail with them again.  I highly recommend them to anyone interested in a truly luxurious sailing adventure.  

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