STAR
Clippers is sailing in the Caribbean next summer in response to Passengers
Shipping Association advice that the region is seen as safe by British
cruisers.
The
company’s flagship Star Clipper will be based in Barbados and operate two
back-to-back seven-night itineraries – the first taking in Antigua, St Barts,
St Kitts and St Lucia, while the other will visit St Lucia, Tobago Cays,
Grenada and the Grenadines.
“This
is a reaction to the events of September 11,” said sales manager Philip
Holding. “People are more confident about the Caribbean.”
Prices
start at £1,720 per person and there is a £375 per person early-booking saving
for reservations made before March 31 2002.
Star
Clipper was due to operate seven-night itineraries from Rome. These will go
ahead on Star Flyer, which was scheduled to operate summer 2002 cruises from
Greece. These have been axed. Royal Clipper will be based in the South of
France, as planned.
“We
wanted to keep the Rome sailings because there is still demand for the
Mediterranean,” said Holding. “We will be back to normal for
2003.”
On
October 27 Star Clipper leaves Barbados for a 14-night repositioning cruise to
Mexico. From November 17 to April 2003, the ship will be operating new
seven-night cruises from Cancun visiting Honduras and Belize.
“Star
Clipper is in its third winter in the Dutch Caribbean so it is time for a
change,” said Holding. “We have 67% repeat passengers so we need to
offer something new.”
Holding
said the Maya itinerary will include the chance to swim with dolphins and
manatees, scuba dive and snorkel.
“We
will be focusing on the area’s natural beauty rather than city and shopping
excursions,” he added.
Cancun cruises lead in at
£1,760 per person, with £260 per couple savings for early bookings.