Lauren and Evan recently returned from sailing the Star Flyer in Costa Rica, a tall sailing ship that is part of the 3 ship Star Clipper line.  Traveling round-trip from Puerto Caldera on the Pacific Coast, the ship sailed north to San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua before making its way back down the Guanacaste coast of Northwest Costa Rica.  The highlight of the trip was the beauty of the ship’s 16 majestic sails and four masts.  The captain is rewarded for saving fuel; so the ship sails as much as possible.  The other highlight was the comeraderie on board with the other passengers which makes this trip ideal for families, family groups and single parents traveling with or without children.  Holiday sailings see a number of children on board and with port dockings most days, there is plenty to keep everyone engaged.  Some of our shore excursions included a visit to Hacienda Guachelipin in Rincon de la Vieja National Park for a day of outdoor adventures (their unique zip line includes rappelling, rock  climbing and a Tarzan swing), a visit to a local village that makes pottery developed by the country’s indigenous peoples and a trip to an active volcano and colonial town in Nicaragua with an amazing history lesson provided by our knowledgeable guide.  Shipboard activities included climbing the ship mast, water sports, exercise classes, presentations on the ports and countries visited, library with games, ship tours, some evening entertainment and DVD rentals.  We also spent two days in San Jose prior to the cruise with a stay at the beautiful Marriott San Jose.  We visited the Britt Coffee Plantation and Inbioparque, a local nature park that describes Costa Rica’s biodiverse regions.  Overall the vacation was relaxing, educational and very social.