Author name: Carolyn Spencer Brown

Carolyn Spencer Brown has, for the past 20-plus years, been one of the cruise industry’s most knowledgeable journalists, first as a staff writer at The Washington Post and later as a longtime editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic. Over the past two decades she’s traveled on more than 300 cruises on ships big, small and downright tiny. An award-winning editor as well, her cruise stories have appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Town & Country, and London’s Sunday Times.

Why Windstar is a Favorite for Multi-Generational Travels

It’s a mild August evening at the historic Liotrivi estate in Monemvasia, Greece, and our group is transfixed by traditional Greek dancers twirling and winding through the patch of olive trees where we’ve just eaten dinner, a king’s feast of fresh olives, tomatoes, feta cheese, sausage, bread, tzatziki and wine. The trill of the bouzouki, […]

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Plan Your Port: Greece’s Pátmos

Like many of the islands in Greece’s Dodecanese, a group of 12 islands, Pátmos’ appeal lies in its whitewashed villages infused with lush, ancient olive groves roamed by goats, picturesque tavernas and a series of beautiful sun-drenched beaches. What’s different? This hideaway for famous celebrities and royalty is an intimate place, uncrowded and not yet discovered by larger cruise vessels.

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In Tahiti, a Magical Mystery Cruise on Star Breeze

We all expected that Star Breeze’s cruise in February, as it began sailing year-round in French Polynesia, would be something special. The ship, replacing Wind Spirit as the line’s 12-month designate in the region, would begin its homeporting there with an 11-night trip around the Society and Tuamotu Islands, featuring some of Earth’s most beautiful

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In Tahiti, Windstar’s Wind Spirit Hands Over the Year-Round Reins to Star Breeze

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 most recent year-round series of seasons in French Polynesia (the ship has served the region for ten years), handed over the ceremonial French Polynesian flag to Star Breeze Captain Terry

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Have You Seen These Suites, Inspired by The Broadmoor and Sea Island?

Imagine that your suite evokes memories of the stately Broadmoor Resort or the lush and sunny vibe of the salt marshes at Sea Island, two prominent land-based resorts in America. Actually, there’s no need to imagine. Windstar was inspired to create suite accommodations that mirrored the Colorado and Georgia resorts, sister companies to Windstar, for

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Our Travel Guide: A Cruise Around Iceland

Iceland is one of my favorite places in the world, and over the past 30 years  I have cruised, explored on land, and combined cruises with land tours. Every time I’ve visited I’ve discovered new surprises, from fabulous cosmopolitan bookshops to Michelin-starred restaurants, and from spectacular sea-snow-mountain vistas to lava rock canyons that you travel

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Girls' Trip

Best Places to Go on Vacation With Friends

Traveling with friends is an excellent option for any vacation. You can reconnect with your friends, experience new cultures and make lasting memories. The experience can relieve stress and enhance your creativity, making it a reinvigorating opportunity for everyone in your travel group. But with so many destinations to choose from, planning your vacation might feel

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Windstar Cruise ship with green hills in the background

15 Animals Found in the Tongass National Forest

Southeast Alaska is known for its unparalleled views, rustic local charm and unique national forests. According to the Forest Service, the Tongass National Forest is the largest in the United States and the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world. As you journey through some of the 17 million acres of the Tongass National Forest, you can enjoy the

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The Dead Sea in Israel

Cruising to the Holy Land: Navigating Israel

Spectacular ruins, dewy gardens, remnants of some of the world’s oldest civilizations — Israel’s grandeur is unmatched, inspiring awe in the travelers who make their way to visit the Holy Land. Israel is a beacon for pilgrims and an iconic destination for travelers worldwide — experts forecast the number of international tourists visiting Israel will

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Woman drinking wine on a cruise ship

Why Travel Makes You Smarter

Global travel exposes you to new languages, places and ways of life, changing the way you think, making you more worldly and helping you understand different cultural practices. As a result, your brain develops more neurological connections, helping you react and problem-solve more quickly. Ultimately, you can only be as smart as your experience, and

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