What if your next cruise actually sailed? This week, Inside Travel Talk explores tall ship sailing cruises aboard Star Clippers, Windstar Cruises and Sea Cloud Cruises—three very different ways to trade the conventional big-ship experience for sails, smaller passenger counts and a closer connection to the sea. Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo also head to Morocco to discuss Marrakech, Fez, Erfoud, Rabat and escorted-tour options, plus cruise-industry growth, new ships, CelestyalPay, a groundbreaking gluten-free Oceania voyage and an airline check-in tip that could matter when flights are full.

On This Week’s Episode

• 

  Star Clippers Sailing in the Caribbean

  Tall ship sailing cruises: Star Clippers vs. Windstar vs. Sea Cloud Cruises
• Cruise Deal of the Week: current offers from all three sailing-cruise lines
• Why Morocco may be especially well suited to an escorted tour
• Marrakech, Fez, Erfoud, Rabat and where Casablanca fits
• Travel Deal of the Week: Cosmos and Globus Morocco tours
• Hurricane Lowell recovery and what travelers planning Kauaʻi should know
• Potential visitor taxes in English cities
• Changes affecting some Google travel-search features in Europe
• Changes to the American Airlines and World of Hyatt relationship
• Continued growth in the global cruise-ship order book
• Oceania Vista’s entirely gluten-free 2028 voyage
• Carnival Tropicale and its expanded family attractions
• Explora I’s new South America deployment
• CelestyalPay’s simpler approach to onboard food and beverage spending
• Why checking in for a flight as soon as the check-in window opens can matter

Expert Summary

The most distinctive vacation idea this week is sailing in the literal sense. Star Clippers, Windstar and Sea Cloud Cruises offer alternatives to conventional cruising, but they are not interchangeable. Star Clippers emphasizes the classic clipper-ship experience, Windstar blends sailing-yacht atmosphere with upscale small-ship cruising, and Sea Cloud leans into traditional seamanship and a more luxurious boutique environment.

On land, Morocco presents a different planning question: how to connect culturally rich cities with the Sahara region efficiently. Mark Faldmo, professional travel advisor and owner of Blue Planet Vacations, recommends an escorted tour for many first-time visitors because it can simplify transportation while adding destination context.

Quick Answers

Can you take a cruise on a real sailing ship?

Yes. Star Clippers, Windstar Cruises and Sea Cloud Cruises all operate sail-equipped passenger vessels, although their styles differ significantly. Engines remain available for maneuvering and conditions when sailing alone is impractical.

Which cruise line offers the most traditional tall ship experience?

Star Clippers and Sea Cloud Cruises put the traditional sailing experience at the center of the trip. Star Clippers recreates the romance of the clipper era, while Sea Cloud places particular emphasis on traditional seamanship, including crew members hoisting sails by hand.

Does Windstar have actual sailing ships?

Yes, but not every Windstar ship is sail-powered. Travelers specifically seeking sails should choose one of Windstar’s sailing yachts rather than one of its all-suite motor yachts.

What places should first-time visitors prioritize in Morocco?

Mark prioritizes Marrakech, Fez, Erfoud and Rabat. Marrakech delivers markets, gardens, food and energy; Fez offers extraordinary history and its medina; Erfoud provides access toward the Sahara; and Rabat combines architecture and history with a somewhat calmer atmosphere.

Is an escorted tour a good way to see Morocco?

For many first-time visitors, yes. An escorted itinerary can make it easier to combine several Moroccan cities and regions while handling transportation and logistics between them.

The Conversation

Two very different styles of travel connect this week’s biggest stories: slowing down and experiencing a destination differently. A tall ship can make the journey itself part of the vacation rather than simply transportation between ports. An escorted Morocco itinerary can do something similar on land by allowing travelers to concentrate on the destination rather than continually solving transportation and logistical puzzles. In both cases, choosing the right travel style can matter as much as choosing the destination.

Travel News: Kauaʻi Recovery, Europe Changes and Hotel Loyalty

Kauaʻi continues recovery after Hurricane Lowell

Travelers with near-term Kauaʻi plans should verify conditions rather than assume every part of the island has returned to normal. Hurricane Lowell caused significant damage, and Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources reported on September 15 that Kauaʻi state parks remained closed while infrastructure assessments and recovery continued.

The episode also provided a practical example of why disruption support can matter. Mark described Blue Planet Vacations clients whose Kauaʻi trip needed to change. Using airline waiver provisions available during the disruption, the agency was able to help move their trip to November.

The larger lesson applies beyond Hawaii: when hurricanes, winter storms or other major events disrupt several pieces of a vacation at once, changing the airline ticket may be only one part of the problem. Hotels, transfers, tours and travel protection may also need attention.

England considers more local visitor taxation

Patrick and Mark also discussed the possibility of cities across England gaining greater ability to impose overnight visitor charges. For travelers, the practical concern is total trip cost: local taxes assessed by individual destinations can make hotel costs vary from city to city.

Mark was skeptical of promises that visitor taxes necessarily translate into better tourism infrastructure. Regardless of the policy debate, travelers comparing European hotel costs should increasingly pay attention to taxes and destination fees rather than comparing room rates alone.

European travel search is changing

The hosts also discussed changes to Google’s European travel-search experience connected with European Union competition rules. Their concern is practical: travelers have become accustomed to tools that make comparing dates, flight pricing and hotel options faster.

The takeaway is not to depend on one search platform. Flight calendars and metasearch tools can be useful research aids, but travelers should still confirm schedules, fares, restrictions and final pricing through appropriate booking channels.

Hyatt and American Airlines change their relationship

Hyatt has confirmed that its enhanced relationship with American Airlines is ending. Eligible members can continue receiving certain existing benefits during the transition, with different deadlines depending on the benefit. Hyatt says linked AAdvantage members can continue earning certain World of Hyatt awards through February 28, 2027, while linked Hyatt members can earn certain AAdvantage awards through December 31, 2026.

Travelers with linked accounts should review the specific benefits they use rather than assuming everything ends on one date.

Travel Deal of the Week: Exploring Morocco with Cosmos and Globus

Morocco rewards travelers with contrasts: imperial cities, labyrinthine medinas, desert landscapes, distinctive food and architecture, and cultural experiences that can feel dramatically different from nearby Europe.

For a first visit, Mark recommends considering an escorted tour.

Four places Mark would prioritize in Morocco

Marrakech is perhaps the most recognizable introduction, with souks, palaces, gardens and abundant opportunities to experience Moroccan cuisine.

Fez offers one of the country’s strongest historic and cultural experiences. The old medina, Fez el-Bali, is characterized by narrow lanes, markets and workshops and creates a dramatically different urban experience from most North American or European cities.

Erfoud, in southeastern Morocco, is important largely because of its position as a gateway toward the Sahara. Including this region introduces a completely different landscape to a Morocco itinerary.

Rabat, Morocco’s capital, adds history and architecture in an environment Mark describes as calmer than Marrakech or Fez.

Casablanca still has a place on the itinerary, and Mark specifically mentioned its movie-related sightseeing. But for a traveler forced to prioritize, his four choices would come first.

Morocco tour options discussed on the show

At the time of the episode, Mark highlighted several Globus-family options.

A 10-day Cosmos Morocco itinerary discussed on the show began and ended in Casablanca and included Rabat, two nights in Fez, two nights around Erfoud and two nights in Marrakech. The episode quoted starting pricing of $1,399 per person, plus airfare, depending on departure date.

A shorter seven-day Globus Escape option was discussed from $1,159 per person, featuring Casablanca, Fez and Marrakech with a stop in Rabat.

For travelers wanting a bigger journey, Mark also highlighted a 17-day Spain, Portugal and Morocco itinerary, starting in Madrid and connecting southern Spain with Morocco before continuing through Seville and Lisbon. Pricing discussed on the episode began at $4,599 per person.

These prices and promotions are time-sensitive, capacity controlled and subject to change. The important comparison is not simply the starting price, but trip length, included destinations, pacing and how much of Morocco a traveler wants to experience.

Travelers interested in these itineraries can browse current Globus and Cosmos Morocco tours and compare departures, routing and inclusions before deciding which approach fits best.

Just Cruising: Tall Ship Sailing Cruises, New Ships and a Growing Industry

Cruising continues to diversify. At one end are enormous new vessels packed with family attractions; at the other are intimate sailing ships carrying little more than 100 or 200 guests. This week’s cruise conversation illustrates why “cruise” has become too broad a word to describe a single type of vacation.

Tall Ship Sailing Cruises: Three Ways to Cruise Under Sail

A listener named Cindy asked a terrific question: Can you still cruise aboard a real sailing ship with actual sails?

Absolutely.

For travelers drawn to canvas overhead, teak decks and the feeling of moving through the water under wind power, Mark identified three options worth comparing: Star Clippers, Windstar Cruises and Sea Cloud Cruises.

Star Clippers: the classic clipper-ship experience

Star Clippers is an obvious starting point for travelers who picture a romantic, traditional-looking sailing vessel.

The fleet includes Star Clipper and Star Flyer, both four-masted ships carrying up to 166 guests, and Royal Clipper, a spectacular five-masted, full-rigged sailing ship carrying 227 guests. Royal Clipper has 42 sails and is recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest square-rigger in service.

The line combines old-world sailing aesthetics with modern passenger accommodations. Royal Clipper normally travels under sail at sea when conditions permit, although engines are available when weather, sea conditions or operational needs require them.

Mark recommends Star Clippers for someone whose priority is the classic tall ship experience. Its cruising regions include the Mediterranean along with winter programs in the Caribbean and Central America.

Windstar Cruises: sailing yacht meets upscale small-ship cruise

Windstar offers a different interpretation. The experience combines the intimacy of small-ship cruising with the visual drama of sails.

There is one important booking distinction: Windstar operates both sailing yachts and motor yachts. Someone attracted specifically by wind-powered sailing needs to make sure the chosen ship is part of the sailing fleet.

Mark particularly likes the sailing-yacht concept in Tahiti and French Polynesia, where smaller-scale cruising and tropical island scenery make a natural combination.

Windstar can be a particularly interesting choice for travelers who want the atmosphere of sailing without making maritime tradition the defining theme of every aspect of the vacation.

Sea Cloud Cruises: traditional seamanship with luxury

Cruises on Sea Cloud takes the concept in another direction, combining true tall ships with an intimate, upscale onboard environment.

SEA CLOUD II accommodates up to 94 passengers, while SEA CLOUD SPIRIT carries up to 136. The latter combines traditional windjammer design with contemporary features including balcony accommodations, a spa and a swim platform.

What really distinguishes Sea Cloud is what happens overhead. Crew members still climb the rigging and hoist sails by hand, making traditional seamanship part of the experience rather than simply the ship’s visual design.

Sea Cloud also offers intriguing routes beyond familiar Mediterranean and Caribbean choices, with destinations including Morocco, the Canary Islands, Azores and Atlantic Coast.

For a traveler who wants a smaller passenger count, elevated service and sailing tradition, Sea Cloud deserves serious consideration.

Star Clippers vs. Windstar vs. Sea Cloud: which experience fits?

The simplest way to distinguish them is by the experience each emphasizes.

Choose Star Clippers when the romance of a classic clipper ship is the main reason you want to cruise.

Consider Windstar’s sailing yachts when you want an upscale small-ship vacation where sails complement the destination experience—particularly somewhere like Tahiti.

Consider Sea Cloud Cruises when traditional seamanship, very small passenger counts and a more luxurious boutique environment are priorities.

There is no single right answer. The right sailing ship depends on itinerary, onboard atmosphere, service expectations, cabin preferences and how central the act of sailing is to the vacation.

The cruise industry keeps building

The hosts discussed the enormous global cruise-ship order book and what it says about demand for cruising. One important part of the story is what happens to existing ships: older vessels do not necessarily disappear when major lines introduce new tonnage. Ships can be sold, refurbished and repositioned for different cruise brands and markets.

The result is not merely more ships. It is more segmentation—from giant family resorts at sea to premium ships, luxury vessels, expedition products and tiny sailing yachts.

Oceania plans an entirely gluten-free cruise

Oceania Cruises has announced what it calls the industry’s first entirely gluten-free ocean voyage.

The 12-night Oceania Vista sailing departs May 31, 2028, roundtrip from Southampton, visiting England, Ireland and Scotland. Oceania says the complete onboard culinary program will be gluten-free, including specialty restaurants, afternoon tea and The Bakery. The voyage is being created with Celiac Cruise.

For travelers with celiac disease or significant dietary concerns, the importance goes beyond having gluten-free menu selections. A shipwide program is intended to reduce the constant need to question individual preparation and cross-contact procedures.

Carnival Tropicale expands family fun from Galveston

Carnival Tropicale, the fifth and final Excel-class ship, is scheduled to begin sailing from Galveston on April 15, 2028.

Its centerpiece will be Sunsation Point, a multideck family entertainment area featuring WaterWorks Ultra with six waterslides, splash areas and extended evening operation. Carnival has announced four-, five-, six- and eight-day itineraries from Texas.

For families, extended evening use is significant. Pool and water-park areas traditionally quiet down later in the day; Carnival is intentionally making this space part of the nighttime entertainment mix.

Explora I heads for South America

Explora Journeys has changed its 2027-28 deployment, replacing previously planned Middle East and Red Sea sailings with new programs.

From December 2027 through March 2028, EXPLORA I will operate 10 South American journeys visiting 37 destinations, including 20 maiden ports, across countries including Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and Chile.

Mark highlighted Explora’s emphasis on longer destination stays. For travelers who dislike feeling rushed in port, late departures and overnights can materially change what is possible ashore.

CelestyalPay simplifies onboard food and beverage spending

Celestyal has moved away from making guests choose among a maze of conventional food and beverage packages with its CelestyalPay wallet.

Guests can pre-purchase food-and-beverage credit, and Celestyal adds bonus value. Current terms include a €15 bonus with €100 purchased, €100 with €500 and €250 with €1,000. The wallet is specifically for eligible food and beverage spending rather than general onboard purchases.

For travelers who dislike calculating whether they will consume enough drinks to justify a traditional package, the wallet approach provides more flexibility.

Cruise Deal of the Week: Star Clippers, Windstar and Sea Cloud Sailing Offers

This week’s cruise deal is really a three-way sailing comparison.

At the time of the episode, Star Clippers was featuring a 2027 early-booking promotion described on the show as offering up to $300 in onboard credit plus prepaid gratuities on eligible sailings.

Windstar Cruises currently advertises a complimentary all-inclusive package on qualifying voyages departing through 2027, including Wi-Fi, gratuities and select beer, cocktails and wine by the glass, along with a reduced $300-per-stateroom deposit for the promotion. Windstar also offers a Tahiti air-and-hotel package with an LAX flight component, one pre-cruise hotel night, transfers and a post-cruise day room—particularly useful because many flights home from Papeete leave late at night.

Sea Cloud Cruises currently advertises 2027 complimentary cabin-upgrade promotions, including an upgrade from qualifying stateroom bookings and a “Suite Life” offer on eligible sailings, with an advertised booking deadline of October 31.

Promotions, eligible sailings and availability can change. More importantly, these three products are sufficiently different that the promotion should not determine the cruise by itself. First choose the sailing style and itinerary that fit; then compare the available offer.

Travelers can compare current tall ship sailing cruises from Star Clippers, Windstar and Sea Cloud Cruises before choosing the ship, cabin and itinerary that best match their expectations.

Mark’s Travel Tip: Check In When Your Airline Opens Check-In

When your airline sends the “time to check in” notification, don’t ignore it.

Mark recommends checking in when the airline’s check-in window opens, commonly about 24 hours before departure. Depending on the carrier, check-in timing can affect access to seat selection, upgrade processing and how passengers are handled during oversold situations.

Checking in online does not mean arriving at the airport later. Mark still recommends allowing approximately two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international departure.

Key Takeaways

• Tall ship sailing cruises offer a genuine alternative for travelers who want the voyage itself to be part of the experience.
• Star Clippers emphasizes the classic clipper-ship feeling; Windstar combines sailing with upscale small-ship cruising; Sea Cloud combines traditional seamanship with an intimate luxury environment.
• Morocco can be especially well suited to an escorted itinerary because travelers can connect major cities and the Sahara region without managing every transfer independently.
• Mark’s Morocco priorities are Marrakech, Fez, Erfoud and Rabat, with Casablanca as another worthwhile addition.
• Cruise lines continue to become more specialized, from entirely gluten-free voyages to increasingly elaborate family ships.
• Current cruise and tour promotions should be evaluated for overall experience and inclusions, not simply headline price.
• Airline check-in is worth doing promptly even when seats and tickets are already confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tall ship sailing cruise?

A tall ship sailing cruise is a passenger voyage aboard a vessel equipped with substantial traditional-style sails and rigging. Modern sailing cruise ships also have engines for safety, maneuvering and situations where wind conditions are unsuitable.

Are Star Clippers ships actually powered by sails?

Yes. Star Clippers’ vessels are designed to sail under wind power when conditions permit, while engines provide operational flexibility when required.

What is the difference between Star Clippers and Windstar?

Star Clippers places greater emphasis on the traditional clipper-ship aesthetic and sailing experience. Windstar’s sailing yachts blend sails with an upscale, contemporary small-ship cruise style. Windstar also operates motor yachts, so travelers need to select the ship carefully.

Does Sea Cloud really raise its sails by hand?

Yes. Traditional seamanship is part of the Sea Cloud experience, with crew members climbing the rigging and manually handling sails.

Where can I take a tall ship sailing cruise?

Depending on the cruise line and season, options discussed in this episode include the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Central America, Tahiti and French Polynesia, Morocco, the Canary Islands, Azores and portions of Europe’s Atlantic coast.

How many days should I allow for Morocco?

There is no single ideal length, but the tours discussed on the show illustrate the tradeoff. A seven-day itinerary can provide an introduction to major cities, while a 10-day itinerary can reach farther toward the Sahara region. A 17-day multi-country trip can combine Morocco with Spain and Portugal.

Should I include Casablanca on my first Morocco trip?

Casablanca can be worthwhile, but Mark would prioritize Marrakech, Fez, Erfoud and Rabat first if time is limited. Travelers with a longer itinerary can add Casablanca and other destinations.

Ready to Find the Right Sailing Ship or Morocco Itinerary?

Choosing among Star Clippers, Windstar and Sea Cloud involves much more than comparing fares. Passenger count, cabin style, how often and how traditionally the ship sails, itinerary, time in port and onboard atmosphere can make these vacations feel very different.

The same applies to Morocco, where tour length and routing determine whether you get a city-focused introduction or reach farther toward the Sahara.

Blue Planet Vacations can help compare sailing ships, cabins, itineraries, promotions and Morocco tour options based on how you actually want to travel. Request a vacation quote from Blue Planet Vacations to start comparing options.

You can also subscribe to Inside Travel Talk for future travel ideas, cruise news, destination inspiration and travel offers.

When the Journey Becomes Part of the Destination

For travelers accustomed to conventional cruise ships, tall ship sailing cruises offer something refreshingly different: the possibility of looking upward and seeing canvas catching the wind instead of simply watching the ocean from a floating resort.

Whether that means standing beneath Royal Clipper’s five masts, sailing among French Polynesian islands aboard Windstar or watching a Sea Cloud crew work the rigging by hand, choosing a sailing ship can make getting there every bit as memorable as the port itself.

Add Morocco’s medinas, imperial cities and Sahara landscapes, and this week’s Inside Travel Talk is a reminder that sometimes the most memorable vacation starts by changing how you travel.

Why Trust Inside Travel Talk?

Inside Travel Talk combines current travel news with practical traveler perspective and professional industry insight. Patrick Wiscombe brings the perspective of an experienced radio and podcast host, while Mark Faldmo is a professional travel advisor and owner of Blue Planet Vacations. Their conversations focus on what travel developments mean in practical terms—from selecting the right cruise style to dealing with disrupted trips and comparing complex itineraries.