First things first, ship details
– Cabin: 616 (Balcony Suite)
– 312 guests, 156 total suites
– 200 international staff
– Yacht with 6 guest decks
– Built in 1988 as Seabourn Price, acquired by Windstar in 2013/2014 and extensively stretched and refurbished in 2021
Next up, itinerary information
– Board Boston, 2 sea days, 3 days in Bermuda (Hamilton and St. George’s), 2 sea days, Disembark San Juan
– THEME: “Mind, Body, and Spirit Collection – Bermuda Bliss”
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The Experience
Check-in
Arrived at the Boston port with no clear signage. Be sure to inquire on specific pier # for Boston sailings to ensure you are dropped off at correct door and make it easier to handle your luggage. Small ship check-in is definitely easier and less painless that the large shps. Windstar’s staff was very helpful and welcoming.
Our cabins were available when we boarded so we were able to drop off carry-ons and coats. We had a letter waiting for us in our cabin, advising that due to the weather around Bermuda and Caribbean, we unable to sail as planned, and the decision was made to alter our itinerary to keep guests and crew safe.
Boston – evening departure, arrive Bar Harbor, ME next morning, 5 days at sea, British Virgin Island (1/2 Day), Disembark in San Juan as planned.
We enjoyed lunch at the buffet and chatted with fellow passengers. They were all disappointed with the drastic change in the itinerary, but we clearly understood why it was necessary. The Passenger Welcome in The Lounge further explained the itinerary change and advised of the shore excursion options for Bar Harbor and British VI. Our group signed up for the Acadia Nat’l Park ½ day tour for Maine but opted not to do anything specific for VI.
Onboard Features
- Amphora (main dining room), Candles (steak/seafood), Bamboo & Basil (Mediterranean-Asian Fusion, Star Grill, Veranda, and Yacht Club
- 24-hour Room Service
- Laundry Service
- World Spa (made our appointments for the week!)
- Fitness Center
- Boutique/Gift Shop
- The Lounge (theater) and The Compass Rose (bar)
- Screening Room (quiet room, games, etc.)
- Multiple hot tubs and a pool
- Marina platform
NOTE: Candles (steak/seafood) and Bamboo & Basil are 2 specialty restaurants, included in cruise. Reservations needed.
The Week and General Information
The captain and crew did everything possible to ensure our trip was memorial. We spent our first full day in Bar Harbor, ME, and witnessing the fall colors at Acadia National Park was awe inspiring! The weather was beautiful and the scenery stunning. We enjoyed time in town afterwards, shopping and lunch at a local restaurant.
The following 5 days at sea included choppy waters and a passenger medical evacuation. The captain kept us informed throughout the trip and we were all comfortable and feeling safe. Due to the detour for the medical evacuation, we dead-headed toward San Juan for the evac, and it got us to our other alternate port early – The British Virgin Islands, and Jost Van Dyke. We couldn’t have asked for a better day at the beach and even tried out the Star Pride’s Marina for a dip in the water off the back of the ship! Staff present to assist and ensure guest safety. Waters were still a bit rough with a strong current, so we didn’t stay long in the water, be can honestly say I tried it!!
Food and dining service onboard were very good. Thoroughly enjoyed Candles and dining in Amphora was excellent. Service was very attentive and they accommodated all special requests. Dinner in Bamboo and Basil was good, but unusual. Noisy since it’s a small venue with open kitchen. If you were confirmed for the high-top section, you could see into the kitchen to watch the chefs. Considered Mediterranean and Asian-inspired cuisine, it is a noticeably different style of dining. Multi-course, lighter fare, seafood & contemporary flavors.
Two fun dining experiences while onboard:
- Buffet lunch in the Amphora dining room, where we were able to walk through the kitchen to select our options. Very fun to see the kitchen and all its operations, while choosing from a wide variety of lunch fare and desserts.
- Farewell Dinner BBQ on deck – decks 7 & 8. Tables set up with tablecloths and candlelight. Open seating to allow you to sit/mingle with other passengers. Food stations around both decks, offering a wide variety of hot and cold dishes for dinner, along with desserts. Waitstaff on deck to assist passengers with carrying plates, finding a please to sit, getting beverages, etc. Very fun and it was a beautiful night to dine on-deck, under the stars!
My cabin stewardess (Katarina) was very attentive and made sure I was comfortable, had my preferred fruits in my cabin, assisted with laundry needs, etc. She was readily available and very attentive. A little “tough” being on a small ship with 5 days at sea. Entertainment/space is understandably limited, which limits entertainment and activity venues and options. The
staff was incredibly attentive and friendly throughout the ship. We made sure to experience all the dining options, including, The Yacht Club, along with room service. We enjoyed various onboard activities, and the evening entertainment was good. I particularly enjoyed listening to the talented violinist, Pedro.
I had pre-arranged a ship’s tour and connected with staff on onboard who walked me through the various decks and feature. All high-end suites were occupied, and I had already seen the 2 general suite options (ocean view and balcony) but was able to see a “port hole” suite on deck 3. These are frequently requested by repeat passengers because of their location (lower deck for rough waters and close to dining). Same size as balcony and OV suites.
Disembarkation was smooth, but we were delayed getting off by about 45 minutes, waiting for buses. The process was easy, just like it was for embarking the ship.
Overall, a great trip and I would highly recommend Windstar Cruises! Their attention to detail, food, and customer service is outstanding.
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