Captain Sander Groothuis, Windstar’s Director of Marine Operations, recently attended the MedCruise General Assembly in Alanya, Turkey. The event brings representatives of ports, cruise lines, and associate members together to discuss the cruise industry in the region. Sander gave a presentation on Windstar Cruises in the Mediterranean. Below are some of his key highlights including important differentiators on small ship verse big ship cruising.
- The Mediterranean is a huge focus for us. Greek Isles & Turkish Delights, our most popular voyage sails out of the Mediterranean.
- Windstar will sail to the Black Sea for the first time with Star Pride in 2014. We can now fit under the Bosphorus Bridge, something that wasn’t possible with the tall masts of our sailing yachts.
- Windstar spends close to seven months sailing throughout the Mediterranean.
- With the expansion of the three new all suite power yachts, Windstar Cruises is now the market leader in small ship cruising with 300 passengers or less. The advantages of small ship cruising include:
- Access to smaller, more unique ports
- Extended time in ports
- Deeper cultural engagement
- Less crowds and less regiment
Fun fact: Captain Sander’s favorite Mediterranean port to sail in is Kotor, Montenegro. What’s your favorite port?
I went on a cruise in the Mediterranean with Costa. It was such an amazing experience. I can’t wait to go back on a cruise again!
https://www.jinnygatchi.com/2013/10/31/week-9-two-princesses-on-the-costa-cruise/
Come onboard Jinny!