Explore ports less travelled on Windstar Cruises’ sophisticated fleet

Words: Brian Johnston

With a fleet made up of all-suite motor yachts or masted sailing ships, WindStar’s small yet sophisticated ships can offer more unusual itineraries in destinations where large cruise ships don’t venture. That makes Windstar a favourite of well-travelled, well-informed cruisers looking for something different.

All of Windstar’s ships are noted for restaurants that highlight regional dishes and fine continental cuisine.

From the end of 2019, Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride will undergo renovations that include two new dining experiences—plus new suites and spa facilities—when the three motor yachts are lengthened and upgraded.

Windstar’s ambience is up-market and elegant and its service attentive, thanks to a high crew-to-guest ratio. Travellers choose Windstar for the relaxed lifestyle rather than raucous entertainment or needless glitz. Expect luxuries, though, such as flat screen televisions, Bose SoundDocks and L’Occitane bathroom products in the staterooms.

Check out Windstar’s cruise offerings here:

   

Explore the secluded beauty of the Mediterranean on Windstar’s sophisticated sailing cruises

Words: Brian Johnston

As with all of Windstar’s ships—which are either all-suite motor yachts or masted sailing ships—Wind Surf’s compact size means it can sail into small ports and offer more unusual itineraries in destinations where large cruise ships don’t venture. That makes Windstar a favourite of well-travelled, well-informed cruisers looking for something different.

One such itinerary is the 16-night Mediterranean cruise from Athens to Rome, departing August 4, 2019. It visits a heady combination of star destinations, including Dubrovnik, Venice, Corfu and Santorini, and equally lovely smaller ports, such as medieval Monopoli in Italy and Croatia’s Zadar with its old churches and Roman amphitheatre. A highlight is surely the fjord-like approach to Kotor, in Montenegro, which is a splendid 30km sail between cliffs. The ship docks alongside fortified walls that enclose a tangle of alleys and marble-paved squares presided over by St John’s Fortress.

You might put the ship’s sports marina—which offers up an array of water sports equipment and direct access to the water—to use in two of the final Italian ports, both of which feature a stunning bay overlooked by a volcano. Giardini Naxos in Sicily is dominated by the smoking cone of Mount Etna, best viewed from the baroque streets of resort town Taormina. And in Sorrento, on the Amalfi Coast, it’s Mount Vesuvius that provides the stunning backdrop to Wind Surf’s majestic sails.

Check out Windstar’s 16-night Mediterranean cruise here:

Cruising the Mediterranean on Windstar Cruises’ flagship, Wind Surf, is a sophisticated sail through stunning scenery and centuries of history

Words: Brian Johnston

Wind Surf is a sleek, white vessel trimmed in blue, with elegant masts rising like exclamation points that seem to announce adventure. This is an attractive ship that, because of its small size, feels like a billionaire’s private yacht. Stride its spacious teak decks as you sail out of port and feel the wind in your hair. As canvas unfurls high above, you’re taken back to the golden age of sailing.

Windstar Cruises’ flagship carries 310 guests and is 187 metres from stern to bowsprit.

As you sail, comfort comes with you. Wind Surf has a swimming pool and two whirlpools, a fitness centre and spa, an elegant lounge and two bars. The main restaurant, Amphora, serves multi-course gourmet cuisine in the evenings, while Veranda provides buffet and full-service dining for breakfast and lunch. The alternatives are Stella Bistro, for French-inspired fare, and Candles, which offers steaks and skewers matched with fine wines up on deck under the stars.

All of Windstar’s ships are noted for restaurants that highlight regional dishes and fine continental cuisine.

From the end of 2019, Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride will undergo renovations that include two new dining experiences—plus new suites and spa facilities—when the three motor yachts are lengthened and upgraded.

Windstar’s ambience is up-market and elegant and its service attentive, thanks to a high crew-to-guest ratio. Travellers choose Windstar for the relaxed lifestyle rather than raucous entertainment or needless glitz. Expect luxuries, though, such as flat screen televisions, Bose SoundDocks and L’Occitane bathroom products in the staterooms.

For some guests, the biggest luxury is the sense of adventure. Wind Surf’s sports marina has direct access to the water and carries equipment for snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding and windsurfing.