Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships
Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
In the winter you can find our schooner, the Liberty Clipper, sailing in the Bahamas and exploring snow white beaches and crystal clear deep blue waters. Join us for a six night island hopping experience from November to May. Starting late Spring, early Summer, set sail with Boston's Tall Ships and view the harbor while under sail. The Liberty Fleet is Boston's premier tall ship sailing company. You'll be invited to help set the sails and can ask the captain to take a turn at the helm. Come relax and enjoy a beautiful harbor sail with the Liberty Fleet. We offer many different sailing experiences, from a relaxing Sunset Sail to a Daytime Harbor Sail. How about a Rum Tasting Harbor Cruise or chartering one of our ships for your business event? We even do weddings! Email or call our office and we will gladly answer any questions you may have.
Boston, Massachusetts
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships
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(69 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
733 reviews
Excellent
506
Very good
99
Average
40
Poor
32
Terrible
56
Mike H
16 contributions
Feb 2022 • Solo
This is a most incredible trip sailing throughout the Bahamas. Accommodations are fairly sparse so if you are looking for a cruise ship type of environment this is not for you. The Liberty is the true tall sailing ship with it an awesome crew that you can actually work with the setting sails.
You’re not going to find a excursion throughout the Bahamas at any price as low as the liberty cruise line. The food is prepared each day and was absolutely incredible, however it is again, not like a normal cruise ship with tons of food selections.
I would recommend buying the liquor package so you do not need to worry about how much you do drink they had everything liquor assortment and wine and lots of beer.
Being able to go as a single was awesome as the singles outnumbered the married couples on the ship.
We sailed various islands and were able to depart the main ship on a dingy to the most incredible sand beaches to snorkel.
This was a bucket list trip for me as the limited amount of passengers is definitely a plus. Our trip only had 11 passengers and there were 11 crew so we all got to know each other extremely well.
I would recommend this to anybody who wants to be Sailing the Bahamas, however it is basically camping out on the beautiful turquoise water; those who want a Ritz-Carlton experience should stay home, those who want an incredible sailing adventure, welcome aboard!
You’re not going to find a excursion throughout the Bahamas at any price as low as the liberty cruise line. The food is prepared each day and was absolutely incredible, however it is again, not like a normal cruise ship with tons of food selections.
I would recommend buying the liquor package so you do not need to worry about how much you do drink they had everything liquor assortment and wine and lots of beer.
Being able to go as a single was awesome as the singles outnumbered the married couples on the ship.
We sailed various islands and were able to depart the main ship on a dingy to the most incredible sand beaches to snorkel.
This was a bucket list trip for me as the limited amount of passengers is definitely a plus. Our trip only had 11 passengers and there were 11 crew so we all got to know each other extremely well.
I would recommend this to anybody who wants to be Sailing the Bahamas, however it is basically camping out on the beautiful turquoise water; those who want a Ritz-Carlton experience should stay home, those who want an incredible sailing adventure, welcome aboard!
Written February 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
A Liberty Clipper Bahamas Windjammer cruise is definitely not fancy (and therefore not for everyone) but it seems it was just right for you! We are very glad you had a good time onboard and thank you for taking the time to let other travelers know about your experience onboard.
Written March 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Footprints310094
1 contribution
Jan 2022
I was on the Liberty Clipper in the Bahamas in January 2022. Although the weather wasn't cooperative, the trip was great fun and the crew was marvelous. I wasn't expecting a luxury cruise, so I wasn't upset by some of the minor inconveniences which did arise. The trip was well worth the money and I would strongly recommend it to anyone who likes to be on the water.
Written February 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review and let others know about your experience onboard the Liberty Clipper. We are glad you had a good time and yes, we are very proud of our crew.
Written March 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Clarissa Z
1 contribution
May 2022
My daughter and I were on the May 8th, 6 night Bahamas trip. Our itinerary took us to Eleuthera. We hit mixed weather but honestly it just made the trip more exciting! Full sails up twice! The beaches, were beautiful. The crew worked hard and were very attentive for any of our needs, including GF & Dairy free dining options. Glamping on the Sea :-).
Written May 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Candace W
Moyock, NC1 contribution
Jan 2021
They cancelled our cruise due to COVID, which we fully understand. But they have not refunded our $2000 deposit even though the terms of their contract clearly states that if they cancel, a full refund would be made. They finally responded after several emails and voicemails and promised to pay us back, but their promises are worthless as still no refund past the date they said we would receive it. Others are in the same situation. Go elsewhere for your cruise...they will take your money and run with it....very unrepeatable.
Written February 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear Candace -
Just as we have responded to the previous review by James, we would like to let you know that we understand your frustration with the situation. It is important for Liberty Fleet to point that you and your travel partner were refunded.
Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships is a 25+ year old family-owned small business and we made every effort to accommodate our passengers to the best of our ability.
The Liberty Fleet Team
Written May 22, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kurt S
Waukesha, WI24 contributions
Jan 2022
If I were to review the captain and crew of the Liberty Clipper, Bahamas, they would get 4-5 stars. However, the ship itself needs crucial safety repairs. I debated whether to write this or not, since we really grew to love the crew. However, they deserve a safe ship. Anyone thinking of doing the Bahamas Cruise should ask the owners if the following work has been completed first:
The sanitation hoses and/or bilges/sumps need repair/cleaning. During the cruise we had 12-14 hours a day of awful septic smells. We tried to cover the drains with washcloths, but when people would flush, the smells would find their way back up the drains. Many of the cabins had this issue, it seemed to be more prevalent on the left side of the ship.
The bilge was backing up when we had high waves, luckily, we made it back to Nassau before we had any flooding.
The stantions were rusted and broken, a safety risk if someone fell on them as they would not stop even a small person from going overboard.
The sanitation hoses and/or bilges/sumps need repair/cleaning. During the cruise we had 12-14 hours a day of awful septic smells. We tried to cover the drains with washcloths, but when people would flush, the smells would find their way back up the drains. Many of the cabins had this issue, it seemed to be more prevalent on the left side of the ship.
The bilge was backing up when we had high waves, luckily, we made it back to Nassau before we had any flooding.
The stantions were rusted and broken, a safety risk if someone fell on them as they would not stop even a small person from going overboard.
Written January 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LibertyFleet2019
We appreciate the time you took to give Liberty Fleet feedback and want to assure you that our ships just recently passed the rigorous safety tests and inspections by the United States Coast Guard. The systems of a ship can be demanding mistresses and it seems like the plumbing did not cooperate last week. You mentioned the high waves and it is safe to say that the stormy weather did not help the plumbing and bilges. We are so sorry that you experienced this issue last week but also want to point out that this is an occasional situation.
Liberty Fleet is constantly working to stay on top of these things. Your comments/observations have been forwarded to upper management as well as the owner and they will take your recommendations under advisement. As said previously, Liberty Fleet does comply with all of the United States Coast Guard's strict rules as well as inspections and maintenance is an ongoing project. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the crew who work very hard and in no way do we want to endanger anyone's safety, crew or guests.
Written January 19, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James W
1 contribution
Dec 2020 • Couples
We booked a Bahamas Cruise with Liberty and they cancelled the cruise due to COVID. We certainly understand them having to cancel the cruise. But they refuse to refund our $2000.00 deposit. The terms and conditions of the cruise clearly states that in the event they cancel the cruise, a full refund will be provided.
Written December 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear James -
We understand your frustration with the situation but would like to point out that you and your travel partner were refunded.
Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships is a 25+ year old family-owned small business and we made every effort to accommodate our passengers to the best of our ability.
The Liberty Fleet Team
Written May 22, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I9192GHraquelr
Boston, MA43 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Great day for a cruise. Sunny. Warm. Trip out was just short of Spectacle Island. About 20 min. Spent the remainder coasting back. Not too crowded but announcement was made as we got on board that masks were optional. Never took mine off. Too scary with people 2-3 feet away.
Written August 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We thank you for sailing on the Liberty Clipper and for taking the time to review your experience. Liberty Fleet does require masks to be worn for boarding and moving around the ship but once our guests are seated we leave that decision up to them, as you pointed out. Passenger capacity is capped at 50% and Liberty Fleet is vigilant about following the guidelines as set by the City of Boston. Like you, we want our crew & our guests to be healthy!
Written August 14, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heather M
2 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Did the Boston Harbor Day Sail, and can I just say, what a blast. The weather wasn't optimal, but the experience was perfect. Our Captain, Tom, was such an entertainer. Great stories. Kept us all laughing and enjoying the harbor. This was definitely my favorite activity in Boston.
Written October 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kathychiara
West Bloomfield, MI196 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
We were on the feb 6 22 Bahamas six day cruise. We got to help sail through the stunning exumas. The food and snorkeling were excellent. The accommodations and service were more like camping. This is not like the Royal clipper. No concierge, no sommelier. Limited bar and bartender. No comfortable lounge space on deck. Bunk beds. This is a fun experience for a specific kind of guest. The fellow boat mates were great.
Written March 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LibertyFleet2019
Hello Kathy - We thank you for sailing on the Liberty Clipper and for taking the time to let others know about your experience onboard. Yes, this is not a luxury cruise but we pride ourselves on offering something special - real sailing on a genuine tall ship. We are glad you had a good time!
Written April 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ramonadee
Huntington Woods, MI1 contribution
Feb 2011
We loved the Windjammer Cruises so looked for a similar small boat experience. The Liberty Clipper is nothing like Windjammer except for being on a schooner type ship. The cabins are extremely cramped and they vent to the deck so there is no privacy unless you want no air or light. There will be no romance on your trip unless you are a complete exhibitionist. You will be woken up each morning due to the light and early risers hanging out on the deck around 6am. The toilets and showers were shared and ours smelled terrible throughout the trip, apparently not cleaned frequently.
Most of the trip was spent on the ship, often motoring, and very little time was spent on land. This wouldn't have been so bad if there were any activities but there was nothing to do but eat, drink and read. The deck had few chairs so it wasn't comfortable when you were stuck on the boat.
There were no organized activities like the fun contests, scavenger hunts etc like Windjammer and no attempt to take you to ports where there was anything to do. We only went to the island of Eleuthera and usually when it was too late to do anything, allegedly because the crew would not sail during the night. The first day we went to a nasty beach at 4pm with prickly sea creatures to step over on our wet landing. The water was not clear it was overgrown with sea plants. 1 Lady got stuck in a mussdy quick-sand & needed to be pulled ou. The second day there was snorkeling at a wreck and then we again put into port around 4, enought time to wander around a very small town that had nothing to do and one decent store.
I finally asked if we were going to spend a day at a beach and the captain and crew acted like that was a strange request but they did finally take us to a beach the next day.
Contrast this to the Windjammer where we went to 5 islands, islands that had shopping, nightlife, beautiful beaches, and nice restaurants.
No nightime activities whatsoever, only one night where some passengers went to a great bar with music, the highlight of our trip. No excursions were offered and basically all you could do is snorkel and use their inflatable kayaks. Little communication of what where we were going, what there was to do. The crew seemed to be on their own sailing trip and we felt like cargo. They ran out of beer several days before the trip was over and yet made no effort to get more. The so called "activities organizer" was the surliest person on the crew and seemed to resent any questions, concerns and passenger input. Food was ok but not gourmet like they described on their site. Also, be careful about sand fleas/chiggers, we got bit and when itched became infected.
Most of the trip was spent on the ship, often motoring, and very little time was spent on land. This wouldn't have been so bad if there were any activities but there was nothing to do but eat, drink and read. The deck had few chairs so it wasn't comfortable when you were stuck on the boat.
There were no organized activities like the fun contests, scavenger hunts etc like Windjammer and no attempt to take you to ports where there was anything to do. We only went to the island of Eleuthera and usually when it was too late to do anything, allegedly because the crew would not sail during the night. The first day we went to a nasty beach at 4pm with prickly sea creatures to step over on our wet landing. The water was not clear it was overgrown with sea plants. 1 Lady got stuck in a mussdy quick-sand & needed to be pulled ou. The second day there was snorkeling at a wreck and then we again put into port around 4, enought time to wander around a very small town that had nothing to do and one decent store.
I finally asked if we were going to spend a day at a beach and the captain and crew acted like that was a strange request but they did finally take us to a beach the next day.
Contrast this to the Windjammer where we went to 5 islands, islands that had shopping, nightlife, beautiful beaches, and nice restaurants.
No nightime activities whatsoever, only one night where some passengers went to a great bar with music, the highlight of our trip. No excursions were offered and basically all you could do is snorkel and use their inflatable kayaks. Little communication of what where we were going, what there was to do. The crew seemed to be on their own sailing trip and we felt like cargo. They ran out of beer several days before the trip was over and yet made no effort to get more. The so called "activities organizer" was the surliest person on the crew and seemed to resent any questions, concerns and passenger input. Food was ok but not gourmet like they described on their site. Also, be careful about sand fleas/chiggers, we got bit and when itched became infected.
Written March 12, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
erinm512017
Tampa, FL297 contributions
Hello, are currently cruising in the Bahamas?
LibertyFleet2019
Boston, MA
Hello and our apologies for the delayed. We have not been monitoring this inbox at TripAdvisor. We are back to taking reservations for the Bahamas 2021/2022 Season.
Holly Norman
1 contribution
Are guests allowed to bring their own alcoholic beverages aboard? i.e. bottle of champagne?
LibertyFleet2019
Boston, MA
Sorry for the delay in responding to your question. Our liquor license does not allow us to let passengers BYOB but as Sk8tie commented, the ships have a full bar onboard and our crew are excellent bartenders.
Laura R
88 contributions
Is this appropriate for young kids?
LibertyFleet2019
Boston, MA
Our apologies for the delayed response. If you are interested in the Bahamas cruises the minimum age is 13 years old. For our Boston cruises all ages are welcome.
For the Bahamas sailing is there a need to bring very much cash for the islands you visit or is it typically islands that you are mainly going to a beach?
LibertyFleet2019
Boston, MA
Hello and happy new year! To answer your question re bringing cash: this is not usually a cruise with lots of opportunities to spend. Most of our stops are on out-of-the-way beaches but occasionally we stop in small towns where US dollars as well as credit cards can be used in stores and bars you might come across. Personally we have spent little while underway in the Bahamas on the Liberty Clipper. Cloudy at Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships
linda8201
Scottsdale, AZ411 contributions
is there room in the cabins for a small piece of luggage on wheels? The kind that fits in the overhead on a plane
Milo T
2 contributions
In my cabin (the standard two-bunk), there wouldn't have been much space for a piece of luggage anywhere. The only floor space was to stand right in front of the little sink, which was right next to the door. The space beneath the bottom bunk was taken by emergency stuff, such as flotation devices (which, let's be real, I'm happy were there). I had a single duffel bag, which I ultimately only had space for because I had the cabin to myself, so I stowed it on the top one.
That being said, the cabins all seem to be different shapes despite being relatively the same size, so you might get lucky in how the floor space is divided.
linda8201
Scottsdale, AZ411 contributions
does the bahama ship leave port on Sunday night? I know you cannot get on the boat until 5 PM but wondering if you set sail that first night...thx
JimnPat
Lakewood, CO73 contributions
Wind and tide dependent. We left at about 11 pm and anchored off shore. Early in the morning we were underway to the Eluthera chain. The meet and greet at 6ish the evening you board is when the captain tells you his plan.
Pat M
Dayton, OH
Cruises in the Caribbean
LibertyFleet
Boston, MA1 contribution
Hello Patricia!
Let me give you a little "taste" of our cruises here - we do week-long windjammer cruises in the Bahamas on our 125-foot schooner LIBERTY CLIPPER and in the Virgin Islands on the 67-foot schooner LIBERTY STAR from November through May. LIBERTY CLIPPER holds up to 24 overnight guests and LIBERTY STAR has a capacity for 6 overnight guests.
Our cruises are truly 'unplugged' and are great for people really looking to actually get away from it all. We have no set itineraries for our trips so our experienced captains can utilize the best wind and weather for the week to determine the places we'll visit. There are several favorite spots in both the Bahamas and Virgin Islands that we'll frequent.
In the Bahamas we disembark from Nassau and typically sail to Eleuthera and visit beaches and seaside towns while looking out for some great snorkel spots, or we might go to the Exumas island chain and visit several uninhabited islands in the Land and Sea Park where we'll maybe see some iguanas, get some great hiking in, or even see the famous swimming pigs of Staniel Cay!
In the Virgin Islands we leave from St. Thomas and sail to famous spots in both the US and British Virgin Islands, including St. John, Jost Van Dyke, Tortola, and others! The Virgin Island are great for people looking for a more intimate setting (6 guests total) and looking to visit Caribbean townships and historic settlements.
Visit our website or give us a call and we'll be happy to answer any other additional questions you might have!
We hope to see you out sailing!