Star Clippers, a cruise company that focuses on sailing ships rather than motorized vessels, is expanding its Mediterranean routes with new destinations and exclusive cruises. The company’s eight-day, seven-night cruise aboard the Royal Clipper, a five-masted sailing ship, will be available only to clients of Kuoni, a travel agency, and will depart from Nice on May 8, 2027. The cruise will include stops at Portofino, Portoferraio on the island of Elba, Bonifacio, Alghero, Ajaccio, and Monaco before returning to Nice. The price is listed from 2,490€ per person, based on two occupants per cabin, with a 10% discount included for any booking made before October 31, 2026. Two lecturers and a Kuoni ambassador will accompany the travelers. This cruise is part of Star Clippers’ strategy to offer "confidential stops" and unique itineraries. Nearly 30 new destinations are planned for the Mediterranean in the summer of 2027, with many of these stops expected to be repeated in 2028. Greece will feature prominently, with new stops including Milos, Astypalaea, Andros, Kastellorizo, Parga, Karpathos, Pythagoreio, Samos, Skyros, and Symi. A sailing along the peninsula of Athos is also planned. In the Eastern Mediterranean, the company will introduce a new home port at Antalya, in addition to Athens and Istanbul, with new stops along the Turkish coast at Çeşme, Datça, Fethiye, and Kaş, as well as near the island of Kekova. To the west, the sailboats will make stops at Peñíscola, Ceuta, and Roses in Spain. In Italy, the company schedules stops at Agropoli, Palermo, Termini Imerese, Trapani, Carloforte in Sardinia, and Vibo Marina. Star Clippers does not currently plan to expand its fleet but compensates by renewing its itineraries and emphasizing its focus on confidential stops. The company relies heavily on intermediaries, with more than 80% of its business going through travel professionals. "It's a real travel project that is being prepared," says Eliana Bouvet, France representative of Star Clippers, who was interviewed at IFTM 2026. The company is increasing its efforts to support travel professionals through trainings, webinars, workshops, and roadshows. The small size of the ships, free access to the bridge, the possibility to participate in maneuvers, and the absence of restrictive dress codes contribute to the customer experience. "Meeting people is also part of the journey. Landscapes can sometimes look similar, but the people met on board are also what marks the passengers," observes Eliana Bouvet. The company summarizes this promise with an English phrase: "Sailing brings people together." In the Caribbean, where trade winds are more regular, sailing can ensure up to 60% of the travel time, an ecological advantage that helps convince customers to try the cruise product. The company also notes that sailing naturally contributes to its brand positioning.