by Lew Toulmin

After suffering a fire in the Bahamas in March 2006, Star Princess recovered in amazing time and is now “the safest ship afloat.” I was on board Star Princess for her first voyage after the repair, and I can report that there is no evidence of fire damage, service is excellent, and safety standards are very high.

According to Cruise Director John Lawrence and other sources, the fire broke out at about 3:10 a.m. on March 23 on a port side balcony amidships, then...

After years of trying on every ocean, in numerous ships and on dozens of islands, I finally saw it. On Feb. 6 of this year, from the waterfront patio of the Fort Young Hotel in Dominica, I finally saw the fabled “green flash.” It was bright green, sort of twinkly, very surprising and very brief. I was elated.

Some of you know exactly what I am talking about, but for those who don’t, the green flash is a sunset (or sunrise) phenomenon usually observed from ships and sometimes on shore...

by Lew Toulmin

Star Clipper is a ship that’s unique — except that she has a twin, along with a new, larger sister, with an even larger sister on the way.

While most cruise ships cruise under power, the focus of Star Clipper, her twin, Star Flyer, and the larger Star Clipper is on cruising under sail, with style and luxury. These ships are perfect for experienced sailors seeking more comfort than what is provided by the typical sailboat or for nonsailors who want to find out...