Trish and Brooke Harwood have cruised all over the world, but their most recent voyage — a two week sailing from Lisbon to Rouen (and several added days at each end) — stood out. This time they brought along their two sons and their partners, continuing a family travel tradition that started with Trish’s own
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.
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.
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 …
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.
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?”
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.
A christening ceremony to honor a new ship that joins a cruise line’s fleet is always a huge milestone in its maritime heritage. Windstar’s celebration of Star Seeker, which took place in Miami in mid-January, was way more than that.
Windstar Cruises has officially taken ownership of Star Seeker, its newest all-suite yacht, following a handover ceremony on Monday, December 15 at the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. The 224-guest yacht is the first new build in Windstar’s Star Class and marks a major milestone in the small ship cruise line’s ongoing fleet expansion.
As Star Seeker gets tantalizingly closer to launch (she debuts on December 28 in Malaga), we’ve heard a lot about “sea trials,” the next major …
Over the past few years, Windstar has been embracing its commitment to mind, body and spirit via a range of opportunities, from a series of …
Beginning in January, Windstar is celebrating “meet-ups” in ports in the Canary Islands and the Caribbean where Star Seeker and other ships in the fleet happen to coincide.
When Star Seeker debuts in December, it will reflect Windstar’s ongoing commitment to wellness while traveling. Overall, says Lieven Van Daele, Windstar’s director of guest …
By the end of the seven days, something else had taken hold. The waiters, bartenders and cabin stewards remembered our names and drink orders, always delivered with an easygoing smile. We started to feel at home.
Editor’s Note: In 2027, the world’s most famous Formula 1 race will be part of Windstar’s Race Day & Riviera Charm: Prix du Monde of …
A solo cruise is an amazing way to travel, whether you’re looking to see the world, get away from it all or meet new people! …
If you’re in the mood to cement your love, these islands, marked by craggy mountains and eye-popping lagoons, are the perfect place for that perfect proposal.
Lapped by the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena de Indias is one of the most enchanting destinations in Latin America—and a highlight on …
Visiting Italy, France and Spain onboard Star Legend earlier this year was unexpectedly magnificent. I say unexpectedly because I learned then that this part of …
I always thought that all Greek salads were created equal. Our Athens-to-Athens Greek Isles trip aboard Wind Spirit this summer proved me wrong.
Portofino is an enchanting fishing village on the Italian Riviera. Known for being a destination for celebrities, Portofino offers visitors the chance to experience la …
For all who prefer to experience the Mediterranean through their tastebuds, celebrating Christmas in the region with seasonal culinary traditions offers an authentic European experience. …
Have you ever tasted Puglian wine? This prominent wine-producing region is a wonderful destination for romantics, history buffs and amateur sommeliers alike. Pughlia, a popular …
For Windstar, celebrating 10 years of its partnership with the New York-based James Beard Foundation®, means it’s spent the last decade not just significantly upgrading the cuisine served onboard its ships, but also introducing travelers to chefs with diverse backgrounds and approaches to food.
One of the most popular themed cruises Windstar has offered over the past decade, its chef-led partnership with the James Beard Foundation, continues in 2025.
Out of nine Windstar cruises, our first a honeymoon trip from Rome to Barcelona in November 1999, we’ve experienced eight of them with some combination of our parents and/or kids. Here’s why we love these cruises for multigenerational vacations.
Windstar Cruises’ Yacht Club Voyages in 2026 offer loyal travelers a chance to sail with company leaders, explore unique destinations, and enjoy exclusive onboard events designed specifically for repeat guests.
Imagine my delight the first time I saw a Windstar ship with its marina open, beckoning me to take a placid kayak ride or a slightly more daring paddleboard adventure, or simply diving into the cooling blue water.
Two well-traveled solo cruisers boarded Star Breeze in San Diego, headed for a 14-day repositioning cruise (meaning lots of sea days) before winding up in French Polynesia.
Debbie Dixon recently returned from a two-week Atlantic crossing on Wind Star and was still feeling the glow from the trip, which she describes as …
In a festive celebration tinged with just a hint of sentimentality, Captain Belinda Bennett, who has served at the helm of Wind Spirit throughout its …
