Perfect moments are shy and ephemeral things, not easily captured in words. But let me try. Let me describe five perfect moments from our recent “Off the Beaten Path” Greek Islands cruise aboard Wind Spirit (it is also offered on Wind Surf).
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.
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 …
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.
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 …
Today, Windstar has revealed renderings, which are digital images that show how rooms like the Yacht Club, Main Lounge and Amphora will look – when they are completed.
In reaching out to each member of the senior team, it was also heartwarming to hear how many of them commented that Star Seeker will be a new Windstar experience
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 …
Last year, we gave each other one holiday gift: a Caribbean cruise that took place over Christmas.
One of the most common questions we get over here at Windstar’s blog is about the latest update on tipping onboard. With that in mind, …
Like many travelers, I’ve enjoyed Christmas market cruises on European rivers like the Rhine and Danube, visiting the sometimes-snowy markets in Germany, Austria, Hungary, and France. But what if you could enjoy Christmas markets in the Mediterranean? You can.
One of the questions we often hear from travelers is “when is the best time to cruise?” It’s hard to answer because there are so many possibilities! Do you prefer peak season in the Mediterranean or shoulder or winter voyages there? Do you like cooler climates or more tropical ones? Are you interested in marquee ports or offbeat destinations (or a combination of both)?
More and more, when travelers begin to invest, first in planning a trip and then by taking it, they’re wanting to spend more time in the places they’re going to. In fact, longer trips to long-haul destinations is a big trend in 2025.
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 …
Tobler, in addition to overseeing many crucial functions, including housekeeping and public spaces, is a visionary whose gift for the culinary arts has lifted the line with new accomplishments.
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.
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 …
Ocean crossings — most commonly the journeys between Europe and North America each spring and fall as ships reposition for the seasons — are one of the most underrated experiences in travel.
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 …
With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world seemed to come to a sudden halt. Stores closed, social distancing was enforced and events were …
