Tall Ship Sailing in the Caribbean

Do you ever find yourself dreaming of a more adventurous life, and wondering what it is that will make you feel truly alive again, from your finger tips to your toes?  I recently discovered one of these experiences for me on a sailing vessel in the Caribbean.  Imagine the fresh ocean breeze in your face as you pull up the billowing sails of a Tall Ship with your fellow ship mates, salt water misting your skin. You’ll soon feel at home with the oceanic swells that rock this majestic vessel of bright white canvas reaching up to the clear blue skies. You’ve seen the photos and sketches of these traditional Tall Ships, but being a part of the ship stirs something deep inside your soul that pulls you into her enduring charm. 

Tall Ship Sailing in the Caribbean is both exotic and romantic at the same time. Above all, it is intoxicating!  It takes you out of your comfort zone, and into a  new life of adventure that most can only imagine. It is traditional sailing at its finest. But sailing the seas on a tall ship is not for everyone. It is NOT a cruise ship, with endless food, swimming pools, water parks, and casinos. Instead, you’ll eat what the crew prepares, swim in the ocean, play on the beach and maybe bet on a hermit crab race. What else might you expect, should you choose to embark on this type of adventure?

There are several types of Tall Ships, but one of the most important aspects to consider is whether the ship is an actual historical vessel, or a replica.  Historical vessels that currently sail the ocean blue can be nearly 100 years old, with beautiful teakwood decks, manual sails, and a literal boatload of nostalgia. Cabin size and location vary, especially if you’re sailing on a historic cargo vessel that has been refurbished into a passenger vessel.  If authenticity and history are important to you, the beauty and feel of the older wooden ships is whimsical. With this type of ship, you may likely have a captain and a crew that are very attached to her and speak of her with love and adoration. 

A generic replica of a Tall Ship looks majestic and attempts to give passengers that magical feeling of sailing the Caribbean in exotic fashion. But it was most likely built for efficiency and comfort-loving passengers interested in modern amenities along with the romance of Tall Ship sailing.  Dinner may be more formal attire than barefoot and swimsuit coverup. And you’re most likely to receive more options for island excursions. 

Another important aspect to consider is the itinerary.  Check out the area you’ll be sailing. You’ll want to make sure your ship goes to a few lesser known islands in order to get away from the big cruise ship crowds that you’ll find at the larger ports. If the captain has some choice in choosing the best island to visit on a particular day, that’s a pretty good sign. He wants you to have a good time and knows the islands well.  Also check to see how long the company you choose has been in business. Are they financially able to deal with ‘emergencies’ like a broken sail? 

After having done your research, get ready for an adventure. Remember that an adventure implies that there will be a few surprises along the way, some pleasant, and some quite unexpected. Talk to the other passengers on the ship to get their sailing stories.  Most people on the Tall Ships come back time after time, and have tried several ships along the way. And they will love sharing their stories. Part of the Tall Ship experience is the camaraderie that comes with adventurous spirits sailing together on a smaller vessel.  So enjoy the salt water baths, the breathtaking sunsets, the new friendships, and the romance of sailing on a Tall Ship. Soon, you’ll have your own stories to tell!