fpardo87

I just booked my first cruise for my wife and I. We don't like insane parties, so my AAA travel advisor suggested the Starpride, as an "intimate" cruising experience. We needed to book the trip quickly, as the 1/20/2018 San Juan trip is fast approaching. I felt pressured, but pulled the trigger today, the same day that she made the suggestion.

Now, I'm having reservations, after looking at recent reviews of this ship and seeing so many negative reviews.

Should I cancel this reservation?

Any input would be appreciated.

I think if you are expecting a relaxing, luxurious vacation with great food, great ports, a great ship, and all your needs taken care of by a smiling crew then you will be very pleased! Things you will not see: lines or queues, bad buffet food, loud parties or discos (except the great party at the deck BBQ one night), or inattentive service. Here are two videos I think you should watch, which match my impressions of Windstar:

1. What to expect when sailing with Windstar:

2. A review of Star Pride:

Enjoy your cruise!!!

Even on my Rome to Venice cruise, blazers/sports jackets were in the minority. I think that the laid back atmosphere permeates everything (definitely my definition of a vacation). With that said, your husband won't be out of place in a jacket. I guess it's a matter of preference, but a jacket is not a "must pack" if that's how you're looking at it.

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I've seen that on marketing materials for the sailing ships as well. The president of the cruise line recently confirmed that there is no difference between the services and products on the sailings vs. power yachts. Jackets are truly not required.

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My wife and I sailed on the Wind Surf Rome to Venice this May. We each took a carry on and backpack and used the laundry package onboard. It was great not to have to check bags!

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We are on the Dec 5 Legend sailing from San Juan. The itinerary shown in "My Windstar" online showed a check-in time of 5:00. But when our actual edocs arrived via email last week, they indicated check-in at 1:00 and all aboard at 8:00.

Thanks, Ms. Tiki. That seems to confirm what the Windstar rep told me over the phone. I'll be on the sailing after yours, Dec. 12 and land at SJU around noon. That means some time to check out old San Juan before departing. Nice.

I contacted Windstar about this and the phone rep confirmed a 1pm boarding time for the San Juan itinerary, even though the online itinerary says 5pm boarding, 10pm departure. She didn't know what to make of that discrepancy, so it would be good to know what your TA finds out.

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Has anyone sailed on Star Legend since it joined the Windstar fleet? I'm curious in your opinions on the ship and would love to see pictures of staterooms. We'll be on Star Legend for the December 12 sailing of the San Juan and Virgin Islands itinerary in a standard suite.

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I'm pretty sure all other dining venues are closed the night of the BBQ anyway (not sure about room service). and they won't let you make reservations for the night of the BBQ.

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Was on the Surf in early May for the Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast itinerary. If you are fit, don't miss the climb up the side of the hill in Kotor. Great memories and a great workout, too. And then check out the wine bars in the old town..so good and so cheap! The olive oil tasting and Pula tour in Rovinj was amazing. We brought back several bottles of the oil and have been enjoying it since. In Capri there is a boat tour and funicular excursion that bypasses the Blue Grotto...unless you like that sort of thing (it was a 2 hour wait as we motored by)...and it was excellent. In Dubrovnik, you can do the cable car on your own rather than pay for a tour...and the view really is worth it! Other than that, we did the rest on our own and had a wonderful time!!

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Thanks, Hillskis. We decided to do the excursion through Windstar.

It means there is either a connecting door or a small shared entrance vestibule. But, no, under no circumstances would you be sharing your cabin with other passengers.

Hi all- My wife and I will be on the May 3rd sailing of the Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast on the Wind Surf. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with one of the excursions being offered -- the one that includes a boat tour around the island (does not include the Blue Grotto), entrance to the Augustus Gardens, and a trip back down to Marina Grande on the funicular (cable car). The price for two of us seems comparable to doing it on our own (seems like private tour boat hires are at least €100), we don't need to see the Blue Grotto, and of course the convenience factor of letting Windstar handle the logistics is a plus. Has anyone been on this excursion that cares to comment? Thanks!

Consider Windstar in FP.

Has anyone sailed on Wind Surf since this dry dock? Noticed any changes/upgrades to passenger areas? Will be sailing on her on the May 3 sailing out of Rome to Venice.

Thanks for the heads up! Set it to record on the DVR.

Thanks for the great post and options, ducklite.

My vote goes to the aluminum water bottle.

Thanks -- was just wondering. Obviously won't make or break the cruise. Happy Thanksgiving!

We'll be on the Wind Star shortly out of Barbados on Dec. 6. It will be our second Windstar cruise. I've read about a 'welcome aboard gift' -- anyone have any thought on what that is?