Environmental protection and sustainability has become an increasingly important factor for travellers when making vacation plans. In fact, a 2024 study from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council found that 75% of global travelers expressed a desire to travel more sustainably over the next 12 months. Star Clippers’ wind-powered fleet is proud to offer a “green” experience, for Saint Patrick’s Day and beyond, with sustainable sailings year-round. Recognized eight times by the World Travel Awards as “World’s Greenest Cruise,” Star Clippers practices good environmental stewardship on every sailing.
Modeled after historic clipper ships, Star Clippers fleet of three tall ships are green by design, sailing under wind power up to 80 percent of the time on any given itinerary. When the ships need to navigate under engine power, they use only high-quality, low-sulfur gas oil, a low-emission fuel that earned the Star Flyer the world’s first International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate (with sister ships Royal Clipper and Star Clipper following soon after).
When it comes to the fleet’s carbon footprint, size matters. Unlike mega ships carrying 6,000-plus passengers, Star Clippers’ ships carry a maximum of 227 passengers, which means minimal waste produced and less water consumed by passengers and shipboard operations. The size of the fleet also means the onboard recycling program and commitment to reducing single-use plastics delivers an outsized impact on each sailing.
In addition to earning seven World’s Greenest Cruise awards and receiving the world’s first International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate, Star Clippers was the first cruise line to be certified under the “Pura Vida Pledge” from the Costa Rican Tourism Board in recognition of the line’s eco-credentials.
For those ready to book their green sailing, Star Clippers has a variety of special offers available including a reduced single supplement for solo travelers on a range of sailings in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, and a pick your perk in the Med offer, which allows guests to choose between onboard credit and complimentary shore excursions, or air credits and a WiFi package. All current Star Clippers specials can be accessed here. Offers valid for residents of North, Central and South America only.
