STAR CLIPPERS
Nicola's Blog My Thailand adventure aboard Star Clipper
My magnificent Southeast Asia Adventure Aboard A Magnificent Tall Ship and then took over the dance floor.
Day 1 We boarded the ship at 4 pm and enjoyed the time exploring Star Clipper. The first sailaway was amazing; the weather conditions were fabulous and we were blown away by the atmosphere. Day 2 Ko Surin We arrived in port at 12 pm. After lunch, we split so that some could experience the long, white, powdery beaches - which had that desert island feeling - and others could head out on a snorkel safari. Whilst on the beach, a few of us took advantage of the free water sports in the form of kayaking and paddleboarding. I joined the tender boat heading out to the bluest waters. Life jackets are compulsory during this activity as you can then float with your snorkel and see the amazing sea life below. We saw all different kinds of species and had a good hour exploring the waters. That evening, we enjoyed the fashion show
Day 3 Ko Similan We arrived at 9.30 am and were on the first tender to the beach. As we came around the corner, the beach hit us with its ‘wow’ factor. Ko Similan is famous for some of the best deep-diving spots in the world, due to its clear water and abundant marine life. If you are a qualified diver you can take advantage of this. I personally spent most of the morning snorkelling in the beautiful waters.
The shade is not that plentiful on the beach, but we found a spot to set up for the morning. We took the jungle path to the highest point, a walk that required good shoes and wouldn’t be a good option for anyone who is a little unstable on their feet. From the top of the rocks, you can get great views of the beach and surrounding areas. This beach features on a famous Chinese programme so it can get very busy at times. There are no water sports on the island
due to the national park regulations. In the afternoon, we made our way back to the ship and some of the group took part in the water gym. Some just found a quiet spot and relaxed with a book. At 5 pm, it was time for tea and cake and to get ready for sail away. That night, we took part in the frog race – sadly, we did not win.
and enjoyed the surroundings. Eventually, the cable car opened and have opted for fast-track tickets, which were easy and did not cost that much more, we made our way to the front. Once at the top, a few of the group took the Sky Bridge. The views are amazing and the temperature was cool (which was very much appreciated, as the weather was very hot that day).
Day 4 Ko Rok Nok The ship tendered at 12 pm, so the morning was spent on the ship. Many activities were going on such as mast climbing, storytime, sailing & navigation classes with Captain Serge and knot tying. We took the tender to the beach for an afternoon of beach life. It was a very scenic spot with water sports available and its well-protected nature meant it was great for snorkelling. That evening was quiz night and a chance for everyone to show off their general knowledge. Day 5 Langkawi We arrived on the biggest island in Malaysia at 7.30 am. We took the tender to shore, where many taxis were waiting, and checked with the Cruise Director to see roughly what we should be paying for a taxi to the cable car. We negotiated 150 Ringgit (around £28) for the journey and for the car to wait to bring us back. The taxi was keen for us to do an island tour, but we wanted to experience the cable car. When we arrived, the cable car was not running due to the weather. We had to wait a few hours before it opened, but we had a look around the small shops
We headed back to the ship in time for lunch and spent the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying being on the ship. Day 6 Ko Kradan We took the tender to the beach and found a nice, shady spot to make ourselves comfortable for the day. There were fabulous snorkelling conditions and the zodiac was available to take guests to the Emerald Cove (you must be a good swimmer to take part). Water sports were also available on the beach; we took the opportunity to go out kayaking and race each other. Today also saw the Star Clipper crew prepare a beach BBQ for us on the sand. There was a great choice of food and plenty of it to go around. Full from lunch, we took a walk on the white sands before heading back onto the ship.
There was just time for coffee and cake before sail away and in the evening it was time for the Talent Show. The night included lots of laughs and good humour from everyone. Day 7 Ao Phang We were up early for the chance to go out in the zodiac. Some of us used the tender to experience seeing Star Clipper from the sea. Getting on the zodiac is not the most dignified thing in the world, but the crew are there to help. We then zoomed out, through the blue waters, to the limestone rocks that make Thailand so famous. We went in and out of the formations to see the stalagmites, the amazing lighting from the cave openings and where the fishermen live whilst at sea. Then we were taken to a spot where we had the chance to play hide and seek with Star Clipper. We waited for her to come out from behind the rocks – this is one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. The next two hours were spent chasing the ship and seeing it from all angles. Back on board, we took the chance to climb the mast. Two of us got to the Crow’s Nest to take some amazing photos. We loved it. That evening, we were sad to experience the final sail away, but we all agreed that we’d had the most amazing time.
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