Sail Into the Season: 5 Reasons to Celebrate a Christmas & New Year’s Cruise at Sea
Last year, we gave each other one holiday gift: a Caribbean cruise that took place over Christmas.
Last year, we gave each other one holiday gift: a Caribbean cruise that took place over Christmas.
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.
Overlooking Turkey’s Icarian Sea are the dazzling remains of a city once so glorious it was fought over endlessly. Ephesus was founded by Greeks, expanded …
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.
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
Star Explorer, the 224-guest sister ship to Windstar’s Star Seeker, will make its debut on December 28, 2026 and will cruise year-round in the Mediterranean.
Have you wondered how Windstar plans its itineraries, chooses the wines for its onboard wine lists and develops shore excursions in ports of call? Welcome to Windstar’s new Winds of Change podcast, just launched in January 2025, which is all about offering insider access to how cruises are developed.
If you have traveled with Windstar Cruises, you’ll already know that its crew is the secret sauce that makes a cruise extra special. Here’s one reason why.
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.
I’ve built a Windstar Dad list, mostly from watching the best dad I know — my husband — light up with joy at somewhat surprising things while cruising with Windstar.
This year, one travel theme I keep hearing, over and over again, is how travelers are taking longer trips that may involve different segments, combining …
More than just focusing on trendy, in-demand places to visit in 2025 we’re seeing that travelers are intrigued by experiences and trips that allow explorations in new ways.
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.
Everyone who loves Greek cuisine, from its more than 30 Michelin starred restaurants to farm-to-table cooking, is aware of how delicious it is. Did you …
From food carts to upscale cafes on the water, the cuisine in Italy, Spain, France and beyond is just as impressive as the scenery and historical sites.
Japan is an incredible destination known, sure, for art and culture. And yet one of the best ways to dig into life there is through …
Windstar’s beverage packages are the perfect complement to your cruise. For everyone from wine dabblers to wine connoisseurs, cocktail enthusiasts and spirits lovers, you’re sure …
One of the reasons why the Canadian culinary scene is so intriguing is that it contains influences from England, Scotland and France, and also cuisine with roots in Native American and Asia cultures.
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 …
An elegant cruise on a small ship is the ultimate romantic experience for you and your significant other. With exciting excursions and plenty of opportunities …
Even the busiest of us need a vacation at some point. Taking regular breaks at work is how to make sure you’re eating enough and …
Your cruise fare includes the basics, such as accommodations, meals, entertainment and transportation to ports of call, so you may be ready to leave your …
Instead of taking your friends out to the same old restaurant or having a game night at your place for your birthday, try something different …