The Caribbean is one of most visited cruise destinations in the world, and for good reasons: the pristine beaches, diverse culture, and proximity to the US make these islands a year-round vacation spot.

For many though, the term “Caribbean cruise” calls up images of megaships spewing thousands of passengers into crowded ports—hardly a stress-free experience.

Not so for a Star Clippers tall sailing ship. With round-trip sailings departing from Barbados and St. Maarten, Star Clippers offers a small ship experience that is oceans apart from your typical megaship cruises.

Following are just a few reasons why a Star Clippers sailing allows for a truly authentic and unique Caribbean getaway:

Keep it Small: Not all Caribbean cruise ships are massive: Star Clippers’ largest vessel, the Royal Clipper, carries a maximum of 227 passengers. And with 19,000 square feet of open deck (featuring three pools), guests have no trouble finding a private spot to relax with a good book, watch the nautical team lower and raise the sails, or to simply enjoy some personal space. The bow sprit net—located at the front of the ship—is a prime spot where guests can lay suspended over the ocean watching the dolphins frolic below.

Arrive Through the “Back Door”: While larger cruise ships disembark their thousands of passengers into busy ports filled with loud tourist shops, Star Clippers ships cast anchor in remote harbors populated with local businesses and private yachts. Small tender boats take guests to and from shore—often to visit charming towns or off-the-beaten-path beaches where it’s not unusual to be one of only a handful of snorkelers or sunbathers taking advantage of Star Clippers’ complimentary water sports activities. Here, guests can soak up the true flavor of each island, sampling the cuisine and getting to know the locals without the worry of fighting the crowds.

Let the Wind Carry You: The Royal Clipper and Star Flyer are true sailing vessels, using wind power whenever possible to navigate between islands. In fact, all Star Clippers itineraries are created using tide charts and wind maps to ensure the ships can sail under wind power as much as possible—up to 80% of the time in the Caribbean.

Star Clippers’ 2021-2022 Caribbean season is on sale now, with 32, seven-night departures to choose from with rates starting at $1,310 per person, single occupancy. Guest booking any of these sailings by October 31, 2020 will receive a complimentary one cabin upgrade and prepaid gratuities.