The moment I fell in love with the Royal Clipper.

There are moments in travel that stay with you long after you've returned home. Moments that are difficult to capture in a photograph, however beautiful, because it's not simply what you see, but how the experience makes you feel.

For me, sailing aboard Royal Clipper in August was full of those moments.

Imagine standing on the deck of a magnificent five-masted square rigged sailing ship, beginning your adventure, with the sea stretching out around you and the enormous sails towering overhead. The opening notes of Vangelis The Conquest of Paradise begin to play, it is dramatic, and romantic and extremely moving.

The magic never wears off. Every morning, I found myself up on deck at sunrise, drawn back by the beauty of the ship, the changing light and that wonderful sense of calm.

There is something rather special about beginning your day this way, far removed from the rush and routine of everyday life. There was barely anyone on deck other than the crew, which surprised me, and also made it so much more special. Like my little secret.

After more than 30 years working in travel, there are still places and experiences that take my breath away.

Royal Clipper did exactly that.

And I think she might surprise you, too.