ABOARD THE STAR LEGEND: HIGHLIGHTS FROM A WINDSTAR BOUTIQUE LUXURY CRUISE

ABOARD THE STAR LEGEND: HIGHLIGHTS FROM A WINDSTAR BOUTIQUE LUXURY CRUISE

Embark on a journey of unparalleled luxury and relaxation aboard the Star Legend, a Windstar boutique cruise ship that promises personalized experiences and unforgettable moments. From indulgent spa treatments to exquisite dining options, I wanted to share highlights from my cruise that left me in awe.

But first I have a confession: cruises were never something that I wanted to experience. It felt like it might not be my style with the crowds, potential party and drinking environment and buffets painted a picture far from my ideal vacation. Now enter Windstar’s Star Legend, a boutique-style cruise that only carries 333 passengers. It certainly piqued my curiosity. I actually had no idea cruises of this size existed and would be financially possible as a single traveler. Could it truly offer a different kind of experience?

Well, let me tell you, it did more than that. It shattered my preconceived notions and swept me away on a journey of unexpected delight. I admit, boarding the Star Legend to explore the Mediterranean with 50 passengers (yes, you read that right!) felt more like entering a private yacht club than a typical cruise ship. The intimate atmosphere, personalized service, and luxurious touches redefined what I thought a cruise could be.

Spacious Sanctuary:

My stateroom became a haven of comfort, not just a cramped cabin. It was outfitted with ample storage, plush amenities, and generous space and seating area that allowed me to truly unwind after exploring ashore each day. Whether it was a quiet morning coffee planning my excursion for the day or returning from a day of adventure and putting on a movie, my room felt like a cherished retreat. The room was outfitted with both US and European plugs, plenty of drinks in the mini fridge and L’Occitane products in the bathroom. It was very easy to get used to turn down service complete with a new treat everyday from the Chef to coming back to a tidied up room with fresh laundry, towels and ice service. I felt a bit spoiled.

Culinary Delights:

Forget the image of bland buffets. The Star Legend is a haven for gourmands. Amphora’s James Beard-inspired menus were a symphony of flavors, while specialty restaurants like the steakhouse Candles and Spanish restaurant Cuadro44 offered unique culinary journeys. Each night, Compass Rose came alive with live music, setting the perfect mood for savoring delicious cocktails pre or post dinner.

Self-Care At Sea: 

One of the standout experiences aboard the Star Legend was the spa, where I treated myself to a hot stone massage. It was, without a doubt, the best massage I’ve ever received, leaving me feeling rejuvenated and relaxed. For those looking to unwind further, the hot tub and sauna onboard provide the perfect escape. Whether it’s after a long day of exploring or simply to relax under the stars, these amenities are a must-try. And you won’t want to miss the heated ergonomic lounge chairs in the sauna. The perfect way to rejuvenate your legs and back for the next day’s adventures.

Unforgettable Moments:

The Star Legend isn’t just about the destinations (though those were stunning!), it’s about the moments that stay with you. The enchanting ceremony and music on the first night set the tone for a magical adventure. I kid you not, listening to “Conquest of Paradise” from the film “1492” gave me chills as we departed Italy. Relaxing in the hot tub under the stars, indulging in a life-changing hot stone massage, and connecting with fellow travelers – these are the memories that truly shine. I won’t forget my 3-hour dinner in Cuadro44 with new found friends or the conversations with the staff in the spa that shared personal stories and anecdotes of their lives in their home countries.

Now, before you pack your bags and set sail for your own Star Legend adventure, let me share some handy tips and tricks I gathered from fellow travelers (and yes, I grilled everyone I knew who’d ever been on a cruise!) and my own experience onboard. While general cruise advice is bountiful, these insights are specifically tailored to maximize your enjoyment on the Star Legend, transforming your voyage into a truly unforgettable boutique experience.

Tips & Tricks

Single Traveler

Ask about waiving the single supplement. I learned that they won’t always do this, but if a cruise ship has space or the voyage isn’t as popular Windstar is known for waiving the single supplement. Gone are the days of paying double to travel as a single!

Small Ship Pros

Some additional pros to consider being aboard a small ship are that you’re able to dock much closer to the city ports. Imagine stepping off the boat and almost immediately walking into Old Nice. Doesn’t get better than that! Also, every room has a window. No need to worry about interior rooms with no natural light.

Skip the alcohol package 

Unless you plan on serious poolside sipping and drinking multiple drinks a day, it might not be worth it. The drinks on board can be purchased a la carte and are average priced from $8-$15 a drink. 

Pack Light

And purchase the laundry package and maximize its value by starting on day one! On board my ship it was $66 (as of January 2024) for unlimited laundry starting if you sign up by the second day of the cruise. I packed light on purpose with the plan to do the laundry package since I had extended time on the end of my trip. It helped me keep my luggage size small, but also have enough clothes for almost two weeks.

Internet Browsing

I spoke to many people before the cruise for my own tips and tricks to make sure I maximized my experience and so many told me to forgo internet on board. I do not regret purchasing the internet package for a second. I will tell you, that while it’s perfect for browsing. Do not expect to stream anything as it wasn’t that strong. I was able to do all of my excursion and destination planning and would have been lost without it. 

Port Excursions

I think my biggest take away from my cruise is that the next time I do one, I’d make sure to only choose ports that had close destinations. The ports in Italy are 1.5-2h away from the main attractions, which is a challenge.  If far ports are unavoidable, I’d suggest picking a journey were they are at the end of the trip so it’s after you’ve had time to settle from your flight and adjust from the time change. 

Take Cash

Even though there is a mandatory tip added to your fare, make sure you take some additional cash to tip. The tips gathered are split amongst everyone and many of the front of house staff go to a lot of extra effort to give the guests personalized experiences. It’s the perfect way to show appreciation for exceptional service.

Fill out the post-cruise survey

Make sure to take the time to fill out the post-cruise survey. You’ll want to mention specific staff by name – it helps them thrive and get promotions onboard!

Leaving the Star Legend was bittersweet, as I had truly luxuriated in every moment. This wasn’t just a vacation; it was a collection of cherished memories etched into my mind and heart. So, if you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience, and are willing to ditch the preconceived notions of “cruises,” then the Star Legend might just be your perfect escape. It showed me that boutique cruising is a world apart, offering an intimate, personalized, and truly luxurious adventure. It isn’t just me saying this either, Windstar was just voted Best Boutique Cruise Line by USA Today Readers’ Choice. Are you ready to set sail on your own Windstar Star Legend journey?

Want to read more about my time in the Mediterranean? Check out my other posts here.