Windstar Cruise - 180° from ordinary

I was a guest onboard Windstar Cruises “Star Legend” – one of their fleet of 6 small luxury cruise ships. We were only experiencing the final 3 nights of a 10-night voyage which had taken guests from Amsterdam and around the Irish Coast, stopping in Dublin, Belfast and Portrush before heading over the Irish Sea to Scotland where my little group of agents embarked in Oban. We were very lucky with the weather, making full use of the sun deck, pool and hot tubs, which I can imagine doesn’t always happen in this part of the world!

Windstar offers an experience which they say is 180° from ordinary. Their small ships (the Star Legend takes less than 320 guests at full capacity) allow an intimate and personalised connection with crew and fellow passengers, all whilst being able to access the best small ports and hidden harbours around the world.

3 of the ships are iconic tall sailing vessels, with 4 or 5 masts and wide-open teak decks offering a magical sailing experience with the other 3 (including the Star Legend) are traditional small cruise ships – all having benefited from a recent $250million and renovation.

Once onboard we explored our spacious suites - all staterooms have ocean views and come with little touches such as fruit bowls, flowers, robe and slippers, L’Occitane amenities, mini bar and ice replenished as required. My suite had a bath as well as a shower which is unusual on a cruise ship – double sinks and French balcony doors.

3 nights was just enough time to sample the dining venues onboard – starting with an amazing al fresco lunch overlooking the island of Kerrera whilst we were in Oban harbour. Cooked to order beef Pad Thai and a crisp glass of white wine set the scene for an epic few days of lovely food and drink! An “all inclusive” package covering wifi, gratuities and alcohol can be added for USD79 per person per day.

The first evening we ate in the main dining room – no set times, no reservations required. Breakfast can be taken in your suite or in the Veranda restaurant which is on Deck 7 at the aft of the ship – plenty seating both inside and out. The brand new “Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso” (10 Michelin stars to his name) Spanish themed restaurant blew my socks off! As we were eating as a group we had family style starters enabling us to try all of the tapas style starters – with the best melt in the mouth octopus I’ve ever tried… and then I chose lamb chops as my main course which was delicious!

We saved the best until last though, as our final evening meal was in Candles restaurant – this is the same restaurant which is called Veranda by day, serving breakfast and lunch – but then transforms to a speciality steak restaurant in the evening. Honestly, the 6oz filet steak was absolutely delicious and cooked to perfection….

With no cover charges at any of the restaurants, and no charge for room service, dining is a highlight of the Windstar experience.

Windstar ships sail around the globe, with “Wind Spirit” one of their tall sailing ships permanently in Tahiti; perfect for honeymooners, romance-seekers and others looking to escape the everyday routine in pristine atolls, crystal-clear lagoons, lush rainforests and more on some of the South Pacific's most spectacular islands. Combine the Panama Canal with Costa Rica for an active, adventurous itinerary, and see Alaska in a new light, using the water sports facilities to kayak through the fjords and get far away from the larger ships. The same water sports platforms allow snorkelling, paddleboarding and beach parties in the Caribbean. The ships are small enough to transit the Corinth Canal for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I would love to chat to you about Windstar and look at some itineraries for you, so please do get in touch if you have any questions.