When you look at a tall ship, you might immediately picture pirates on the high seas. And you wouldn’t be wrong! But, these majestic vessels, though reminiscent of a bygone era, now offer an elegant and luxurious cruising experience that’s truly unmatched. With their large, billowing sails harnessing the power of the wind, these ships provide one of the lowest-carbon ways to explore the world.
Metro’s Cruise Editor, Richard Mellor , has curated a list of sustainable sailings that are redefining luxury slow-travel. Their unique blend of history, modern-luxury and sustainability will leave you wondering why we don’t travel this way more often. A beginner’s guide to tall ships Encompassing windjammers, clippers, schooners and ketches, tall ships are traditionally rigged sailing vessels, more closely resembling those used by Messrs Columbus, Cook and co than modern-day cruising colossi.
Yet cruise they still do, offering a more intimate experience and the ability to dock at smaller points. Despite the retro feel, some tall ships are luxurious; all are eco-friendly, with engines switched off whenever possible. On some itineraries, guests are expected to assist the crew, but usually this is optional.
Classic clippers The upmarket Star Clippers’ three-strong fleet is headlined by Royal Clipper, a 42-sail, 440ft-long beauty who ranks as the world’s largest square rigger in service. She has three swimming pools and the same old-fashioned, teak-accented opulence as her tw.