“Photo submitted THE YANKEE Cllpper is a 200-ft., three-masted schconer built in 1927 by German industrialist Alfred Krupp. Cruise the Caribbean on the Yankee Clipper IF .A current. maxim of travel is ‘‘never board a commercial airliner if the captain is: wearing a tank top,’? what does one do ' about the captain of a cruise ship who goes barefoot? . Bavid — ‘Wishart ._- TRAVEL TIPS In the case of the good ship Yankee Clipper, you, and the other 64 passengers, take off your shoes as well, pour a jar of 150- proof rum from the grog barrel, and get on with the cruise. Yankee Clipper is a 200-ft., three-masted schooner built in 1927 by German industrialist Alfred Krupp. The Americans later seized her as a war prize and she served as a navy training vessel and then gin palace for the Vanderbdilts before being acquired by Mike Burke and his company, Windjammer Barefoot Cruises. Caribbean cruises start Monday noon but suests can board Sunday after 5 p.m. by paying an addi- tional ‘“‘stowaway’’ rate of US $35, which is good value for a rum swizzle party, dinner, enter- czinment with a steel band and limbo dancer, overnight accom- modation and breakfast. Yankee Clipper has two decks of cabins with upper and lower bunks ($775 for six days), deck cabins with double beds ($850) and an Admiral suite ($900). So it’s not an expensive cruise, but then there are no frills. Yan- kee Clipper’s cabins are hand- somely constructed from wood and the bunks are a generous size, but the cabins are very small. As for. the bathrooms they are of that type where the whole thing turns into a shower. But passengers spend most of their time on Yankee Clipper’s teak decks where there is usually something going on, such as en- joying the sailing experience, tak- ing a turn at the helm, joining in on a Sailing lesson, lying out on the plentiful supply of sun mat- tresses, or simply socializing. The choice at meal times is take it or leave it. However, the lunch and dinner menus were posted in advance and passengers who asked for a substitute appeared satisfied. Lunch is done buffet-style, sometimes on a beach, and dinner is served on board in two sittings at tables for six. There is no assigned seating so it’s first come, first served. Dinner wine is in- cluded. There is, however, a philosophy and a formula to the Windjammer experience that appeals to people of all ages who are young at heart. The rum barrel, served with a snack such as pizza, comes out on deck at 5 o’clock every night. This is a time to get acquainted and share the day’s experiences. : Another part of the formula is storytime. Generally speaking the Yankee Clipper sailed for half a day and then anchored in a delightfui little bay. At that point the skipper, a personable young Australian, would gather the passengers in a horseshoe-shaped area of the deck and say what the options were for the rest of the day, what was for dinner, and what would be on that evening. The first day we sailed from Grenada north to Bequia, and got right into it. The rum barrel was barely dry before the boat race, which saw the contestants doused in beer and champagne and then diving en masse into the sparkling green water, followed by dinner, then tenders ashore for a jump-up at the Gingerbread bar. The next day we sailed, a very pleasant experience, to Mayreau and swam and snorkelled from quiet beaches, and then called in at Palm Island, another Grenadines gem with a white, sandy shore. That evening a buffet dinner was served from Palm Island’s handsome new beach bar, where we were joined by John Caldwell, author of the sea saga Desperate Voyage and laird of the tiny island. Next day was Carriacou, known as a smuggler’s and duty-free par- adise, with docking at Grenada about 1! p.m. Friday night and departures Saturday moming. Getting to and from Grenada is a bit of a hike, but at least you won’t be slowed by checked bag- gage. All you need for a Wind- jammer cruise is a small carry-on bag with your sense of humor, T-shirts, shorts and a swimming costume. As for the shoes, you can leave home without them. Ae eed Seieivem laa seu cueluelcul tend Li An Evening of Christmas Music, Carolling, Friendship, & Cruising Join your friends on board the warm, comfortable and congenial 80 foot “Malecite” for a3‘ hour Christmas Cruise. Pictures with ‘Captain Claus’, a drink of Christmas cheer, buffet dinner featuring a variety of salads, vegetables, choice of main dish including Baron of Beef and Yorkshire pudding and, of course, traditional Christmas dessert. With large picture windows, covered, heated decks, stereo system with Christmas music throughout, and the availability of warming beverage services on board, this classic yacht provides the Chzistmas value at $45 per person, inclusive. Christmas Caroling Cruises from Sunday, December 1 through December 23. ACTS SRSA ASA LH we VISA - MASTERCARD - AMEX ek SD A e th aw CALL TODAY 984-2224 REGEN = - CARIBRE, " S CRUisEs THIS CHRISTMAS WHY NOT ... Sunday, December 1, 1991 — North Shore News ~ 41 SEA FO SKY TOURS & CRUISES Ne Ony GIVE THE GIFT OF TRAVEL EMOUSIne SERVICE Personalized GIFT CERTIFICATES from $50 yor AIR BALLOON 15 Chesterfield Place, North Van Don't Buy Just Any Cruise! Talk to the Cruise Specialists () Block west of Lonsdale Quay Market) with onboard ship experience. Welll design that perfect dream cruise. Come to our open house Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat. 10-3 © Guise enters Specks 985-7447 cruisesiipe 1823 Capilano Rd. youZPygent a Falcon Travels presents ... AIR/SEA CRUISE to Disney World & Western Caribbean aboard the REGENT SEA | Weekly departures from Jan. 6 - April 12, 1992 Package includes: airfare from Vancouver Car rental in Florida nights hotel accommodation 7 nights Caribbean cruise in an inside stateroom Including 1280 Marine Dr., North Vancouver ‘Christmas Spirit’. A wonderfu © PACIFIC December 21 and 23 Departs 6:30 p.m. from Tradewinds Dock Ul, Coal Harbour (‘4 block east of Air B.C.}. Parking available. For more information call. PACIFIC CRUISES INC. 620-1090 West Georgia St. Vancouver, B.C. V6E 3V7 (604) 685-2205 Fax: (604) 688-6972. 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