Robin Charnley

I recently toured Scotland and visited a Rogerson shop. I was most impressed by the level of customer service. Unfortunately they didn't have the correct size and later in my trip I visited the shop in Peebles. Again, no correct size, but they offered to get it delivered to me in London. As I was going to be away I asked if delivery could be delayed for a couple of weeks. The shoes arrived after I returned to London, as agreed. Very nicely packaged and even a hand-written note from someone called Freya. What a nice touch! What a shame that Rogersons doesn't have a presence in my City - I'd likely become a regular customer. Outstanding customer service all round. Thank You!

The USP of this company is that its fleet of 3 are all sailing ships, the largest of which - Royal Clipper - looks very like the 19th century square-rigged tea clippers. But there is a problem. If the wind is not blowing in the right direction, the ships still have a tight schedule to keep to as with any other cruise ship. For that reason they also have engines. My most recent trip was on Royal Clipper from Gran Canaria to Malaga, with stop-offs in Morocco and Gibraltar. Nothing was said officlally but you could tell the wind direction from the flags and we motored to our destination. I think this has to be accepted as reality on board such a ship.

The ships are magnificent and as a passenger you are free to move around the ship to watch the crew about their tasks. This includes standing near the bridge as the Captain etc. navigates the ship in and out of port. Now there are areas off-limits (e.g. engine room) for obvious reasons but on an earlier trip I joined a small group tour of this area led by an engineer. I read one review criticising the ship for health and safety reasons. This is a fully working sailing ship and you might encounter 'obstacles' on the deck or crew members undertaking some task. Its all part of the unique experience.

There are the operational staff - the crew - and those looking after hospitality (accommodation, catering etc.). All staff are very friendly - happy to chat if not too busy - and highly professional. The accommodation and catering is first class. You certainly won't go hungry!

Star Clippers operates in the Caribbean + Central America and the Mediterranean with transatlantic trips as they move the ships around. They previously operated in Asia but from answers to questions from passengers it was clear that such trips were not coming back on the itinerary. Pacific cruises would be even more interesting but again do not appear to be on the 'to do' list for the company.

Star Clippers has a very high percentage of repeat customers which has to be some kind of recommendation. The experience of being on the sea in one of these magnificent ships really is unique and I would also be a re-booker when an cruise of interest comes available. Its certainly the only kind of cruise trip I would ever want to take.