Riviera Travel specialises in voyages that go beyond the usual fly-and-flop holiday, curating trips for travellers who relish one-of-a-kind, wind-in-your-hair type adventures. Think a Nile cruise from Cairo to Aswan, a luxury yacht sailing along the Dalmatian Coast, or an Arctic cruise in the midnight sun.
Among these varied adventures, Riviera Travel’s tall ship cruises stand out for their sense of heritage and romance. They give you the rare chance to sail on a vessel that feels like a piece of living history, a world away from modern cruise ships.
This guide takes you through everything worth knowing about tall ship cruising – from the origins of the term ‘clipper’ to what makes them so appealing today.
What is a tall ship?
Tall ships come in many forms, but in the cruising world, the most celebrated are clippers. These mid-19th-century ocean-going vessels relied on sails to harness the wind, with tall masts and sleek hulls built for one purpose: speed.
They earned their name by ‘clipping’ the waves, covering vast distances more quickly than almost any other ship of their time. This made them central to the tea trade between China and Britain, as well as a popular choice for migrants and fortune-seekers heading to Australia or California.
However, the age of the clipper came and went within a generation. Steam power and the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 meant there were quicker, more dependable ways to reach far-flung destinations, and tall ships gradually disappeared from commercial routes.
Today, only a handful of original clippers remain, preserved in ports and museums as reminders of a time when voyages were measured in weeks and dependent entirely on the wind.
How can I take a tall ship cruise today?
You might be thinking, if tall ships were long ago relegated to the history books, how is it possible to take an authentic clipper cruise? In large part, we have a Swede by the name of Mikael Krafft to thank for that. As a keen connoisseur of classic ships, he had long admired the clipper and wanted to give modern cruisers the chance to sail on them.
The result? A fleet of three modern, high-tech recreations of classic clipper sailing ships. Star Flyer and Star Clipper are identical four-masted barquentines, each with 16 magnificent sails and 81 cabins. Royal Clipper, meanwhile, is the fleet’s flagship and an audacious achievement, with 42 sails rising from five masts, and 111 cabins welcoming guests.
Across all three vessels, you’ll find a strong sense of sailing heritage, as well as an impeccable level of craftsmanship – think teak decks, polished brass bells, deep-pile carpets and Belle Époque finishes.
With Riviera Travel, you can experience a cruise on these remarkable ships for yourself, rediscovering centuries-old maritime traditions without sacrificing creature comforts.
Is a tall ship cruise worth it?
Absolutely. In fact, we’d go so far as to call it bucket-list material. Here are three reasons why it earns a place on any seasoned traveller’s list.
The nautical history
What draws many travellers to a clipper cruise is just how different these historic vessels are from modern cruise ships. From the moment a clipper’s sails unfurl, you feel as if you’ve stepped into the 19th century, albeit with modern comforts close at hand.
If you wish, and conditions allow, you’ll even be able to join the crew in raising the sails. You may also be able to climb to the crow’s nest for sweeping views of the surrounding seas.
When you’re not aloft or lending a hand on deck, you can spend an afternoon on the bridge, where guests are welcome to stop by and chat with the captain or officers. Come nightfall, a crew member might show you how to work a sextant – a time-honoured instrument long used for celestial navigation.
Modern luxury
While the décor on a clipper ship is distinctly old-school – think winches, polished mahogany and the creak of timber – you can also expect all the lavish amenities of a modern yacht.
Sure, you might spend an afternoon mastering the art of tying marine knots, but after you wipe the sweat off your brow, you can cool off in one of the saltwater splash pools, take to the water straight from the ship’s marina, or sink into a leather armchair in the Edwardian library.
On Royal Clipper, you can even head to an onboard spa – complete with underwater portholes – for a treatment or sauna session.
After a day of sea and sun, you’ll retreat to a well-appointed cabin or suite. In the most luxurious options, expect marble bathrooms with whirlpools, private verandas and separate seating areas.
An easy-going ambience
In the 19th century, life on the high seas came with strict hierarchies and rigid routines. Not so now. On Riviera Travel’s voyages aboard tall ships, you can expect a refreshingly open, relaxed atmosphere, even by modern cruising standards.
In between the insightful shore excursions that Riviera Travel is renowned for, there’s plenty of downtime to lounge on a sun deck or the netting around the bowsprits, the sea rushing beneath you.
The open seating in the restaurant, meanwhile, creates an ambience of relaxed sociability. Each evening, over a four-course à la carte dinner, you can opt to dine with your travel companions or mingle with your fellow passengers. And don’t worry about squashing a tux or ball gown into your suitcase – smart casual is the dress code here.
What makes a tall ship cruise with Riviera Travel different?
Riviera Travel brings a level of finesse to tall ship cruises that few can compete with. It comes down to three key factors: ease, expertise and value.
Depending on the itinerary, your journey will begin with direct flights from the UK, including regional airports at no extra charge. From there, you’re met by a Riviera Travel expert tour manager, who ensures your trip is engaging and comfortable in equal measure. That could mean sharing if-you-know-you-know details about your ship, making thoughtful introductions, or providing recommendations about destinations you visit.
Complimentary shore excursions are also included throughout the cruise, adding an extra layer of insight, whether you’re exploring a 13th-century Byzantine monastery in Corfu or taking a guided tour through the ancient city of Ephesus.
Plus, to complement your time aboard the historic tall ship, many Riviera Travel itineraries include overnight stays in hand-picked hotels, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in a particular port more fully.
Three Riviera Travel tall ship cruises to book now
Ship: Royal Clipper
Duration: 14 days
Date: 12th of June 2026
Why this cruise?
Over two weeks, you’ll embark on a whirlwind adventure across the Mediterranean, bookmarked by overnight stays in Rome and Venice. In between, you’ll visit the luminous Blue Grotto of Capri, wander through Corfu’s silver-green olive groves and stroll the medieval streets of Kotor. You’ll also have the chance to explore ports less often sailed, like the Dalmatian isle of Hvar and the charming fishing town of Rovinj.
Ship: Star Flyer
Duration: 11 days
Date: 1st October 2026
Why this cruise?
The journey begins and ends with a stay at a five-star hotel in Athens, giving you time to immerse yourself in the ancient capital. You’ll also sail to the whitewashed lanes and windmills of Mykonos, the charming tavernas of Poros, the intricate mosaics of Rhodes and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. Of course, the two-storey Library of Celsus in Ephesus is a real highlight.
Ship: Star Clipper
Duration: 11 days
Date: 3rd of September 2026
Why this cruise?
Paired with stays in handpicked hotels in Assisi or Perugia, and Rome, this itinerary offers seven days of la dolce vita aboard Star Clipper along the Amalfi Coast and beyond. You’ll sail past the unspoiled landscapes of the Aeolian Islands and explore world-famous sites like Pompeii. There are also less commonly visited, such as Ponza – a little island with a long history.
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