The Royal Clipper, the world's largest five-masted tall ship, has arrived in Palma as part of its Balearic Islands cruise tour. The magnificent vessel, travelling from Ibiza en route to Mahon, made a ten-hour stopover in the Mallorcan capital.
Built as a modern incarnation of the legendary 1902 Preussen, this remarkable ship features authentic teak decks, intricate rigging, and traditional deck hatches. The vessel's interior boasts an impressive dining room with a spectacular skylight, whilst the bow proudly displays a traditional mermaid figurehead, maintaining its classical maritime heritage.
Maritime excellence and luxury
Every aspect of the Royal Clipper reflects meticulous attention to detail, offering guests an authentic sailing experience whilst ensuring modern comfort. The ship's artistic elements include notable frescoes by Rainer M. Latzke, seamlessly blending classical maritime tradition with contemporary luxury amenities and safety standards.
Historical transformation
Originally constructed in Gdansk, Poland, as a sailing training vessel and later serving as a holiday home for mining workers, the ship was acquired by Star Clippers and transformed into a luxury cruise vessel. The conversion, designed by McFairlane Ship Design, was completed at the Merwede shipyard in the Netherlands in 2000. Since then, it has operated Mediterranean routes during summer and Caribbean cruises in winter.
Technical specifications
The Royal Clipper, nicknamed the 'cathedral of the seas', boasts impressive statistics: 4,425 gross tonnes, 134.8 metres in length, and 16.5 metres in beam. The vessel holds the Guinness World Record for the largest square-rigged ship in service, with 5,200 square metres of sails. It accommodates 227 passengers and 106 crew members, offering a unique maritime experience that combines historical authenticity with modern luxury.