I paid $1,890 for a 7-day Mediterranean cruise on a small sailing boat. I'd choose it over a mega ship every time — here's what it was like.

Laura KiniryMay 6, 2023, 17:00 IST

The author paid $1,890 for a seven-night cruise on a clipper ship around the French Riviera.Laura Kiniry

I took a seven-night cruise from the French Riviera on a small sailing ship called the Star Clipper.
It cost $1,890 for a private cabin; the intimate feel transported me to a bygone era of seafaring.

I wouldn't consider myself an avid cruiser, but over the last few years, I've fallen in love with small-ship ocean and river cruises.

The author onboard the Star Clipper ship.Laura Kiniry

The Star Clipper only fits 166 guests, according to the cruise line's website.

The author paid $1,890 for a private cabin.Laura Kiniry

When I saw the ship for the first time, it reminded me of something out of "Robinson Crusoe."

Clipper ships were popular in the mid-19th century as they were quick on the water.Laura Kiniry

I made my way to my room, a 118-square feet Commodore Deck cabin with a double bed, dressing table, closet, bathroom, and porthole windows.

The author's cabin on the lowest passenger deck had essential furnishings and a small bathroom.Laura Kiniry

Although comfortable, the room felt small for me. I made it work as a solo traveler, but I'm not sure I would want to share the same space with someone else.

The cabin had nautical-theme artwork above the bed.Laura Kiniry

The ship's onboard amenities included a dining hall, sun deck, and plunge pools. I These were the places where I spent most of my time, connecting with other passengers.

The author sunbathing on the Star Clipper's main deck.Laura Kiniry

The ship's onboard amenities included a dining hall, sun deck, and plunge pools. I These were the places where I spent most of my time, connecting with other passengers.

We departed from Cannes, France, and sailed until we stopped in Portofino, Italy, for an afternoon. For the rest of the trip, we journeyed around the island of Corsica and France's Côte d'Azur.

The ship landed at smaller ports that were free of larger cruise ships.Laura Kiniry

We departed from Cannes, France, and sailed until we stopped in Portofino, Italy, for an afternoon. For the rest of the trip, we journeyed around the island of Corsica and France's Côte d'Azur.

Even though the number of food options were somewhat limited, I enjoyed the casual dining atmosphere on the ship, and the lighthearted nightly entertainment.

The ship hosted evening activities like trivia and a pirate-themed night.Laura Kiniry

I jumped at the chance to try something new by helping the crew hoist the sails and climbing the crow's nest.

The author hoisting the sails (L) and climbing one of the ship's masts (R).Laura Kiniry

What I especially loved about the Star Clipper was its unscheduled days, which allowed me to explore at my own pace.

On the beach in the French Riviera.Laura Kiniry

The days I did go ashore were refreshingly low-key.

The Marinella Mermaid, a life-size bronze mermaid in the harbor of L’Ile Rousse.Laura Kiniry

For stepping away from my busy everyday schedule and simply enjoying the sunshine, sea, and scenery, I thought my cruise on the Star Clipper was fantastic.

The author loved the low-key experience of sailing on the Star Clipper.Laura Kiniry

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I paid $1,890 for a 7-day Mediterranean cruise on a small sailing boat. I'd choose it over a mega ship every time &mdash; here's what it was like.

I wouldn't consider myself an avid cruiser, but over the last few years, I've fallen in love with small-ship ocean and river cruises.

The Star Clipper only fits 166 guests, according to the cruise line's website.

When I saw the ship for the first time, it reminded me of something out of "Robinson Crusoe."

I made my way to my room, a 118-square feet Commodore Deck cabin with a double bed, dressing table, closet, bathroom, and porthole windows.

Although comfortable, the room felt small for me. I made it work as a solo traveler, but I'm not sure I would want to share the same space with someone else.

The ship's onboard amenities included a dining hall, sun deck, and plunge pools. I These were the places where I spent most of my time, connecting with other passengers.

We departed from Cannes, France, and sailed until we stopped in Portofino, Italy, for an afternoon. For the rest of the trip, we journeyed around the island of Corsica and France's Côte d'Azur.

Even though the number of food options were somewhat limited, I enjoyed the casual dining atmosphere on the ship, and the lighthearted nightly entertainment.

I jumped at the chance to try something new by helping the crew hoist the sails and climbing the crow's nest.

What I especially loved about the Star Clipper was its unscheduled days, which allowed me to explore at my own pace.

The days I did go ashore were refreshingly low-key.

For stepping away from my busy everyday schedule and simply enjoying the sunshine, sea, and scenery, I thought my cruise on the Star Clipper was fantastic.

I paid $1,890 for a 7-day Mediterranean cruise on a small sailing boat. I'd choose it over a mega ship every time — here's what it was like.