star clippers to asil in the caribbean

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.