As our 10-day vacation “Jungles and Jewels of the American Coast” cruise involves an finish, it’s time to mirror and summarize our total impressions of our first expertise on a Windstar Cruises’ ship – the Star Legend.
My topline takeaway: Having taken dozens of cruises, this one ranks proper on the prime as one in all our favorites.
Star Legend is likely one of the six ships within the Windstar fleet — three are motorized (Star Legend is one) and three are crusing ships. Truly, Windstar prefers the time period “yacht” to “ship.” And for good cause. Measurement-wise, they’re like mega yachts, with visitor capability measured in tons of as an alternative of 1000’s.
On our voyage, there are 230 company (capability is 312) and 200 crew. Of that quantity, 91 are first-timers. Windstar boasts a big base of repeat clients.
However past measurement, Windstar — whose motto is “180 levels from abnormal” — delivers a yacht-like expertise for his or her company, from attending to our each must calling you by title after the primary day. The workers, prime to backside, on Star Legend is first fee, beginning with our room attendant, Davis, who performs like a private butler with out being intrusive.
There aren’t any formalities right here. Company and crew alike work together with a causal friendliness that evokes the sensation of a household vacationing collectively. The overriding feeling is calm down and make your self at dwelling, whether or not that’s lounging by the pool or having a latte within the Yacht Membership.
As is the case with most small ships, you gained’t discover a on line casino onboard, or flashy Broadway productions, water slides or nonstop actions 24 hours a day. However the lack of these is strictly what makes this type of cruising so engaging to many, who yearn to see the world in type, having fun with nice meals and repair alongside the way in which. It’s good that the senior officers freely combine and mingle with the company — even the Bridge is open for visits throughout sure occasions.
Our stateroom is actually extra a set, with a separate dwelling space, walk-in closet and upgraded bathtub. Whereas the stay TV channels are restricted (I did expertise soccer withdrawal), it provides dozens of flicks on demand and a few nice music channels. Our favourite playlist is Windstar Signature, with 100 songs that actually match the temper. There are additionally loads of plugs, each USB and in any other case. And for the primary time, we didn’t make the most of all of the accessible storage, one thing of a Christmas miracle.
Nearly all of Windstar cruises are centered within the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, with one ship serving Tahiti year-round and others that journey to Australia/New Zealand. They’re presently reserving journey by means of the top of 2024.
The one hiccups on our cruise was the cumbersome check-in course of, which I perceive is considerably dictated by Miami port procedures, and the standard of the WiFi, which might use some upgrading. I don’t depend the climate points — that’s not in anybody’s management.
So total, I’d fee our Star Legend cruise a 9.5 on a 10-point scale. It simply doesn’t get a lot better if you happen to’re celebrating the vacations at sea.
We’re grateful to Windstar Cruises in addition to All Issues Cruise for this cruise story.
10 Evening – Miami to Miami – Windstar Cruises Star Legend (cruisecompete.com)
