A spectacular five-masted sailing ship has arrived in Ibiza, bringing one of the world's most distinctive cruise vessels into the island's port.

The Royal Clipper, measuring around 134 metres in length, arrived in Ibiza on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, after sailing from Mahón in Menorca.

The visit forms part of a longer Spain, Morocco and Portugal voyage operated by Star Clippers, travelling from Nice to Lisbon. The official itinerary places Ibiza between Mahón on October 5 and the next stage of the voyage on October 7.

With five towering masts and dozens of sails, the vessel looks very different from the large conventional cruise ships that regularly visit the Mediterranean.

Five Masts and 42 Sails

Royal Clipper was built in 2000 and is one of the flagship vessels of Star Clippers.

The ship measures 134 metres in length, has a beam of 16 metres and carries five masts supporting 42 sails.

Its total sail area is approximately 5,000 square metres, giving the vessel an unmistakable tall-ship profile when its sails are deployed.

The masts rise approximately 54 metres above the deck, adding to the ship's imposing appearance when viewed from the harbour or coastline.

Guinness World Records recognises Royal Clipper as the largest square-rigged sailing ship in service, listing its length as 133.8 metres and its five-masted, 42-sail configuration.

Inspired by the Preussen

The design of Royal Clipper takes inspiration from the famous German sailing ship Preussen, a historic five-masted full-rigged ship.

Royal Clipper combines the visual character of a traditional tall ship with modern navigation, accommodation and onboard facilities.

The result is a vessel that retains the appearance and sailing traditions of a historic clipper while operating as a modern cruise ship.

227 Passengers and 106 Crew

Despite its impressive size, Royal Clipper carries a relatively small number of passengers compared with many modern cruise ships.

The vessel has capacity for 227 guests, supported by 106 crew members.

The accommodation includes standard cabins as well as larger suites, including accommodation with private balconies and the ship's two owners' suites.

The relatively small passenger capacity gives the ship a very different scale from the giant cruise liners that can accommodate several thousand passengers.

Three Swimming Pools

Royal Clipper's outdoor deck includes three swimming pools, together with extensive open-deck space.

Star Clippers lists approximately 1,760 square metres of open deck, giving passengers plenty of space to enjoy the sea while the ship is under way.

The ship also has a marina platform that can be lowered at the stern, providing access to the water for selected watersports activities when conditions and the itinerary allow.

A Spa Beneath the Waterline

One of Royal Clipper's more unusual features is the Captain Nemo Lounge.

The spa and health club includes underwater windows that allow passengers to look out into the sea from below the waterline.

It is one of the features that distinguishes the ship from a traditional sailing vessel while maintaining the maritime character of the experience.

The ship also has a fitness area and spaces for relaxation.

A Three-Deck Atrium

Inside, the ship combines traditional maritime styling with modern cruise facilities.

A central three-deck atrium allows natural light to enter the dining area, while the restaurant occupies three levels.

The ship also features a piano bar and Tropical Bar, alongside lounges and other passenger areas.

The atmosphere is designed to be more relaxed than the formal image historically associated with luxury sailing.

Climbing the Rigging

For passengers looking for a more adventurous experience, Royal Clipper offers the opportunity to climb part of the ship's rigging under controlled conditions, with safety equipment and instruction.

The vessel also has passenger lookout positions known as crow's nests, positioned high above the water.

From these elevated points, passengers can look across the sea while the ship is under sail.

A bowsprit net at the front of the ship provides another unusual vantage point above the water.

Royal Clipper's Ibiza Visit

The Ibiza call is part of Royal Clipper's autumn 2026 itinerary.

The ship departed Villefranche-sur-Mer on October 3 on a 13-night voyage to Lisbon, calling at Ajaccio, Mahón and Ibiza before continuing towards mainland Spain, Morocco and Portugal.

After Ibiza, the itinerary continues to Motril on October 8, followed by Málaga, Puerto Banús, Gibraltar, Tangier, Cádiz and Portimão before reaching Lisbon on October 16.

The Ibiza stop therefore forms part of a much wider Mediterranean and Atlantic journey rather than being a dedicated Ibiza cruise.

A Different Kind of Cruise Ship

Royal Clipper occupies an unusual position in the cruise industry.

It offers many of the comforts associated with a luxury cruise, including restaurants, pools, a spa, suites and extensive leisure areas, but its defining feature remains its sailing configuration.

With five masts and 42 sails, the ship can travel under sail rather than relying exclusively on the appearance and operation of a conventional cruise liner.

That combination of traditional sailing design and modern amenities is what gives Royal Clipper its distinctive character.

One of the World's Largest Sailing Ships

Royal Clipper's scale is particularly striking because it combines a 134-metre hull with five masts and 5,000 square metres of sail area.

Guinness World Records recognises it as the largest square-rigged sailing ship in service.

For Ibiza, its arrival provides an unusual sight in the harbour: a modern cruise vessel that looks more like a giant historic sailing ship than a conventional passenger liner.

As Royal Clipper continues its autumn voyage towards Lisbon and eventually across the Atlantic, its October 6 stop offers Ibiza visitors another opportunity to see one of the world's most recognisable modern tall ships up close.