Star Clippers has added 27 new ports of call across seven countries to its Summer 2027 Mediterranean sailing programme, the largest single-year expansion in the line’s history and a shift toward smaller harbours large cruise ships cannot access. The additions affect routing, tender logistics and port clearance windows for Royal Clipper, Star Clipper and Star Flyer between April and November 2027.
New ports by country at a glance
| Country | New ports of call |
|---|---|
| ግሪክ | Astypalea, Pighadia, Gavrio, Chania, Skyros, Parga, (returning: Symi, Kastellorizzo) |
| ቱርክ | Çeşme, Datça, Kaş, Kekova, Fethiye |
| អេស្ប៉ាញ | Roses, Barcelona, Peniscola |
| Faraŋse | Menton |
| Khuroshia | Trogir, Korčula |
| Ալբանիա | Sarandë (new country for the line) |
Operational implications for small-harbour cruising
Accessing these ports relies heavily on sail-assisted manoeuvrability and smaller vessel drafts; Star Clippers’ three-masted tall ships leverage wind power to approach anchorages where megaships are constrained by berth depth and infrastructure. From a logistics perspective, operators must coordinate tender schedules, local pilotage, and shore-side transfer capacity to maintain on-time embarkation and excursion windows.
Featured themed sailings and sample itineraries
Several itineraries have been given evocative titles that clarify passenger experience and port focus. Notable sailings include:
- Authentic Adriatic on board Royal Clipper — departs Venice June 12, July 4 and August 7, 2027; 7 nights from £2,179 pp.
- Eternal Cyclades on board Star Flyer — departs Athens June 26, August 28, September 25, 2027; 7 nights from £1,957 pp.
- Amalfi Coast programme on board Star Clipper — departs Civitavecchia May 1, July 24, August 22, 2027; 7 nights from £1,957 pp.
- Yachtsman’s Paradise on board Star Flyer — visits Skopelos and Poros; departs Athens June 19 and August 14, 2027; 7 nights from £1,957 pp.
Why travellers should look beyond major ports
Small ports offer quieter shore excursions, authentic local markets and more flexible sightseeing windows. For travellers who prefer slower-paced exploration, these calls unlock:
- Direct access to village centres without long bus transfers
- Unique cultural experiences and family-run eateries
- Outdoor options such as hiking, snorkeling and short island-hopping
Tour and excursion planning
Because many of these ports have limited shore infrastructure, pre-booked excursions and shore services can save time and reduce uncertainty on arrival. Shore-based operators must coordinate with vessel agents for tendering and confirm passenger counts well in advance to ensure smooth embarkation and timely returns to ship.
What this means for Mediterranean tourism
The expansion is likely to redistribute passenger flows toward secondary destinations, benefitting local economies and enabling more intimate travel experiences. Port authorities will need to balance increased visitor numbers with conservation measures in sensitive coastal zones and maintain efficient customs and health-clearance processes to prevent schedule disruptions.
How to choose the right sailing and excursions
At a glance, select a sailing by matching your interest—culture, swimming, or island-hopping—with the itinerary’s stop pattern and shore excursion offerings. Consider vessel size, tender procedures and on-board amenities when booking, and have a mind to book certified local guides for museum tours, eco-safaris, or adventure rafting alternatives offered on some nearby islands.
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ጐልጉለቶች፤ 27 new ports, return visits to Symi and Kastellorizzo, themed sailings such as Authentic Adriatic እንዲሁም Eternal Cyclades, and an extended April–November season. Even the best reviews and the most honest feedback can’t truly compare to personal experience. On GetExperience, you book your experience from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Benefit from convenience, affordability and a wide range of additional options—Book now GetExperience.com
To wrap up, Star Clippers’ Summer 2027 programme reintroduces small-harbour charm to Mediterranean cruising and widens choice for travellers seeking intimate travel experiences. The operational shift toward ports like Astypalea, Kekova and Sarandë supports luxury adventure travel experiences and eco-friendly wildlife safaris ashore, while also enabling more interactive online cultural workshops and museum tours with live guides to be scheduled around quieter port calls. Whether seeking cruise packages, exclusive yacht charters for events, or beginner esports coaching sessions ashore as a novelty, the new itineraries broaden opportunities for tailored travel experiences and adventure activities across the region.
Star Clippers’ 2027 Mediterranean Season: New Ports, Fresh Itineraries and Small-Harbour Charm">