Star Clippers has identified “pockets” in its Mediterranean programme this summer where agents could join fam trip sailings as the tall-ship line revealed a new Ryder Cup package for 2023.
Fay McCormack, Star Clippers’ UK general manager, said any fam trips on 166-passenger Star Clipper (pictured) would be confirmed in the coming weeks.
She said the three-ship line will invite a mixture of new and long-standing trade partners on board.
“We continue to look at opportunities where we may be able to look at fam trips,” McCormack said. “We’re definitely committed to taking the trade on ships.
“There may be some pockets in the Med on Star Clipper.”
Star Clipper is currently docked in Sri Lanka but is scheduled to operate in the Mediterranean this summer.
The ship will offer a mix of sailings this year out of Piraeus, Greece; Civitavecchia, Italy; Malaga, Spain; and Cannes, France, before repositioning to Costa Rica in November.
McCormack added: “We’re always committed to rewarding our loyal agents but we’re also committed to introducing new agents to the brand. That is the way to promote a brand like ours confidently.
“[Star Clippers] is a different brand to others.”
She said the line was “100% trade friendly”, adding: “We’ve always got things going on with regards to the trade.”
Star Clipper will operate a new 10-night cruise-and-stay itinerary next year which includes a day at the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club near Rome.
The itinerary includes three nights in Rome and a seven night sailing on Star Clipper.
Prices for the 10-night Ryder Cup and Amalfi & Sicily itinerary, departing on September 27, 2023, start from £4,939. Ports of call include Lipari, Messina, Amalfi, and Sorrento, all Italy.
McCormack added: “Rome is one of Star Clipper’s homeports and it’s the first time we’ve done this.”