Volcanoes are not something I am normally drawn to as I am to, say, a Caribbean beach or a Parisian café. And swimming in the crater of one wasn’t exactly on my bucket list. But I am drawn to adventure and to stories.
Choose Your Adventure: In Santorini, the Wonderful Indulgence of Sailing the Caldera Read More »
There’s a reason they call these islands Europe’s Hawaii. From black-sand beaches to cities with Spanish and Portuguese influences, it always felt to me like it was everything you could want in a vacation destination.
Windstar’s Passport to the Canary Islands: Our Guide Read More »
We had booked Windstar’s Dreams of Tahiti, a seven-day sailing from Papeete on Star Breeze, a small ship hosting up to 312 people, and I was about to discover that a voyage around the islands definitely had an adventurous side.
For Adventure Travelers in French Polynesia, Tahiti Is Just the Beginning Read More »
The Tower of Jesus Christ is the last piece of its central tower. The 56-foot-high steel and glass cross was installed in February 2026, extending La Sagrada Familia’s height to 172.5 meters, surpassing Germany’s Ulm Minster (162 meters). That was a key moment in the long, turbulent history of this marvel, designed by Barcelona’s iconic architect Antoni Gaudi.
Is Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia Finished? Everything You Need to Know Now Read More »
As a travel photographer who loves the outdoors, the Tahitian Islands have long been at the top of my list of exotic destinations to visit. From tropical landscapes to fiery sunsets, these are some of my favorite photos from Windstar’s Dreams of Tahiti
Inside Windstar’s “Dreams of Tahiti” Voyage: Six Moments That Redefine Island Luxury Read More »
Let’s face it: The islands of French Polynesia are exotic to begin with and yet visiting this part of the South Pacific via a yacht-sized ship transports you even further into culture, hospitality and natural wonders. Offering experiences where greetings are genuine and adventures are offered graciously to small groups of honored guests is a
Windstar’s Passport to Tahiti: Our Guide Read More »
And soon we were being guided to Wind Spirit where she stood waiting, docked, just back from a previous voyage but shipshape and awaiting her new and eager voyagers. It’s not a big ship. It only has about 130 cabins. But it’s a sleek, tight sailing vessel with six sails that would soon be unfurled.
What It’s Like: Sailing the Islands of Greece on Wind Spirit Read More »
This trip would be different. My knowledge had broadened beyond the big ship style of travel that was mostly what we knew. Perhaps lesser known, and for us absolutely more enticing, was a luxury cruise on a small ship. “What if we tried,” I said, and this time more confidently, “for a small ship cruise that can drop us into sweet little ports and let us explore or relax however we want?”
Our First Cruise, on Windstar, Changed the Way We Will Vacation Forever Read More »
The Mediterranean is a fantasy cruise destination for many. While major cities, such as Barcelona, Rome, Venice, Athens and Dubrovnik, with their world-class attractions, get much of the attention, its quieter ports often reveal the soul of a destination and its people. Sometimes, these smaller harbors are gateways to the Mediterranean’s real treasures.
The Mediterranean’s Best-Kept Secrets: 6 Ports for Your Bucket List Read More »
What if, traveling throughout the islands of French Polynesia, you could choose to sail and to cruise, both? It turns out that you can. Beginning in March 2027 and continuing through 2028, Windstar is shifting its 148-guest Wind Star to its new year-round homeport of Papeete where it joins 312-guest Star Breeze, already ensconced there. The
In summer, Windstar’s yachts, hosting only 148-342 guests, offer a chance to travel to Mediterranean towns and villages that aren’t typically on bigger ship itineraries.
The best Mediterranean cruise for summer is a small ship, yacht-style sailing that explores coastal destinations across Italy, Greece, France, Croatia, and Montenegro while allowing travelers to stay cool on the water.
FAQ: Discovering Just the Right Yacht-Style Experience During Summer in Europe Read More »
The best bars in the Caribbean have certain attributes: The drinks are frosty, the view is dreamy and the nearby sea laps the shores ever so gently. That wonderful set of criteria, however, narrows our list of favorites only slightly, so we’ve done a little more research to find some of the best.
Best Caribbean Beach Bars Where Cuisine is Also Divine Read More »
Reds bleed into pinks, purples complement blues, and oranges meet fiery golds. Once a year, from mid-March to mid-May, the Netherlands and Belgium become drenched in natural colours. Such is the brilliant beauty of tulip season. The vibrancy of the colors is reason enough to plan to visit in the Spring. Which also helps illuminate
Full Bloom: Why Should You Cruise in the Netherlands and Belgium During Tulip Season? Read More »
If you’re heading to Northern Europe, you may be dreaming of high tea, ancient castles and quaint villages. Or perhaps you envision sophisticated cities with gourmet restaurants, art museums and shopping. What might surprise you, though, is just how untamed this region becomes the farther north you go, with landscapes shaped by prehistoric forces of
Windstar’s Passport to Northern Europe: Our Guide Read More »
I arrived in Malaga a day early to get my body attuned to the time change – and what better way to do that than to luxuriate in a ritzy hotel? The Gran Hotel Miramar, beautifully decorated for Christmas, is as posh as it gets and it’s just two blocks from the seaside promenade.
What It’s Like: Cruising Coastal Spain During Locals’ Season Read More »
