After loving recent cruises on 600 and 700 passenger ships, like Oceania Insignia, Azamara Quest and Seabourn Encore, I wanted to see if going ever smaller was even better, so I booked myself on an 11-night Windstar Star Pride “Lands of the Midnight Suns”. Now this ship only holds 312 passengers, and they claim to be the market leading small ship line and have both these yacht style engine-driven ships that I went on, but they also have sailing vessels as well.
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00:00 Start
01:18 Dining Trade Offs
05:30 Excursion Trade Offs
06:22 Facilities Trade Offs
08:17 Activities Trade Offs
10:30 Passenger Trade Offs
44 Comments
Tyvm! As one of the minority who likes Atlas Cruise, a big appeal was the small ship. Your ship had 50% more passengers than Atlas, 200 being a great size for Antarctica. My first reaction now is to think 600 passenger ships are not small; until I read about the 6,000 ships. It was so convenient to always be so close. And size does affect interactions. My usual travel friend, a fellow introvert, was on the Bliss with me and we talked with zero people versus knowing dozens by name on the Atlas.
So for me, it seems like a solid “would sail on it, but not must try ASAP” and ports matter. Might be an alternative for the Caribbean since there is not high on my list, especially the big places like Nassau and private islands.
We just returned from A Windstar Cruise on the Star Legend called the Atlantic Archipelago Adventure. It toured Scotland, Ireland and Wales. While there, we spoke to a Windstar rep about a Greek Island tour in 2024. Rep stated we could put down a deposit of $800 for the two of and could cancel and receive 100% of deposit, if we cancelled 121 days before the cruise. We decided that the Greek Cruise was not for us, and decided to cancel. We did not received 100% of our deposit, we had an administrative fee of $50 per person to cancel. The Windstar rep gave us false information. Read the cancellation policy before booking with Windstar.
Love Windstar, we've done two cruises on them, going on our third next year. The only minor nit is that the excursion options are a bit more limited than other cruise ships and as you point out, pricier. Well worth the trade off for the quiet, lack of lines/chaos.
Looks absolutely perfect for me, just need to win the Lottery!
i'd like to see a review on princess cruise changes in their plus and premium packages, from the onboard credit to casual dining. We see it as we lost $200.
we have a booking on the Sapphire, which does not offer many casual dining options .
What you just described sounds a lot similar to those Antarctica cruises run by Ponant. You do these smaller ships for the destinations, not really for the facilities on board,
For me, right now at age 58, I think I'd prefer a more "active" ship. Ask me again in 5-10 years and you could well be finding me on Windstar or Seabourn, budget permitting.
Did Iceland to NYC back in 2018 on Star Pride. Enjoyed every minute and would go again in a heartbeat. Went to some places I’m never likely to visit again and the food was excellent. Back then it was 212 guests and I’ve been wondering how they squeeze 312 guests in. Now I know!
For me the sweet spot is the 600-700 passenger ships. Have always had excellent experiences on these ships. The Windstar along with river cruises are pretty boring for me. I know of others that will only sail the small ships like Windstar. It's a shame Princess sold their last 2 R class ships. If I want to do a week on a small ship, chartering a yacht with a few couples works and can be fairly economical.
It sounds wonderful. I'm really looking forward to my Panama Canal cruise on the Star Pride in December
Hi Gary, thanks for this review and for sharing your opinion. I would def try Windstar. I like the idea of experiencing being on the water, feeling the elements with little distraction from scenery.
I knew I liked you for more than just your content, Mr. Bembridge.
I cannot stand ABBA!
GAry, what do you suggest if you dont like to get hearded around like sheep on excursions and want to explore for yourself?
You say to take a look at this video to learn how the ship was 'stretched' but there's no link and no video on your channel. Looking forward to seeing it.
I have only been on two large, ~3,000 passenger budget line cruises. Windstar actually sounds to me appealing and similiar to the way people describe European river cruise ships. Both my cruises on large ships were much more about a party than the destinations.
The funny thing about his dress code comment, was before he said that I was thinking how nice everyone looked. Yes, they were casually dressed, but still nice, as opposed to the horrifically slovenly clothes most people call casual.
You mention that you found some cruisers that were repeat cruisers in these types…. well, I have a family member who has NEVER done ONE regular cruise (ie. even 1700 people) So they would not know what they are missing in terms of "live entertaiment" that I love. Granted, I frown upon anything over 2500, but I find that this number is the least that they need to have the entertainment evening shows that I "must have". Thanks for this reporting, it really gave me the info I needed for decision making.
How tall are you? You look like your head is at the ceiling in some shots.
My wife's second cousin, Caroll Spinney, who was better known to the world as BIG BIRD on Sesame Street, raved about Windstar Cruises. Sadly he died in his 80s a couple of years ago. But the small size and the itineraries and shore excursions were the things he would go on about. Nothing but good.
"I don't particularly like sitting listening to live music." What a dull boy.
Excellent. I didnt know much about Windstar. This video was very informative and is going to help me in picking future cruises. You are so good at this!
It reminds me a lot of being on a river cruise like Viking. Not a whole lot going on, but great food and a small ship and very social. Personally, I really liked it and think I would enjoy this type of a small ship.
This type of cruise wouldn't suit me at all. I love a big ship that you can get lost in. Loads of entertainment, bars and restaurants. I can see the appeal of this kind of cruise, but not for me
Great video, Gary! On a recent cruise to Iceland, we were able to make port on the smaller than most, Viking Star while bigger ships like an NCL liner had to tender in. At the island of Heimaey, we had to tender in, but I saw the Star Pride was small enough that they could dock downtown. I will take your guidance when planning our next sail-away. Thanks again!
No link in the description to the stretch video?
I thrive on a plant-based diet. Would this be easily accommodated with the same level of cuisine?
We travelled Windstar several times. Absolutely loved it. Thank you for reminding me of some wonderful memories!
I have zero interest in one of those enormous 2000 passenger cruise ships. Many of the negatives you describe are absolute positives for me. I'm not interested in 20 restaurants or casinos or shows. I want a more intimate touch with the places we are going. I don't want to be part of huge "cruise tour" groups in cities crowded with other huge "cruise tour" groups.
So I guess I'm like the other passengers who are more interested in the destinations, the talks, and far fewer people. So, I have no interest in cruises but you may have talked me in to trying one of these.
I can’t find your non members Windstar tour video,
Hooray for no casinos or big shows!
We are mainly river cruisers but I could do a Windstar!
Based on your comments, this is the first cruise I’ve been tempted to take.
That Balcony Room is Massive at 280 sq ft. We are doing even smaller at 196 Passengers on Atlas Ocean Voyages in April. A 2022 Ship.
Gary, Thank you for the great review. I'd love to try a "smaller vessel" but this may not be the one, Seabourn's 600 passenger may be the one. OF NOTE, Windstar's STAR LEGEND, is the cruise ship in the movie SPEED 2. A BAD MOVIE; my computer geek friend tore apart the computer scenes and I tore apart the mechanical scenes as I'm former U.S. Coast Guard.
VERY INFORMATIVE as always, thank you.
Bald guys like this look kinda cringe to me. Like a mannequin or something. A penis…with ears lol
Look at the huge gut on many of the males.. terrible.
From the fingernail how many times did you BONK your head when coming out on the balcony?? You look like a tall man ??🇨🇦😄
Excellent vlog, as always, Gary. That cruise does not attract me. Not enough entertainment, activities and the clientele seems too old. I’m 65 but it’s nice to have some younger people on board.
I’m shocked by the price of that e-bike and hike excursion. On Viking Sea we did upgrade one of our excursions which included a fully inclusive day in a superb beachside hotel in the Caribbean, but that was only $175 extra. The hull of the ship, near the anchor, needs a lick of paint to coverup the rust.
We are visiting Norway, via Southampton, on Anthem of The Seas next July. I follow three Norwegian musicians Sigrid, Aurora and Moyka, who often show film of Norway. It looks a beautiful country 👍🏞️🇳🇴
I've cruised on Windstar twice and it was very nice but Oceania hits my sweet spot.
bingo, painting, clay class, guess that song, towel folding class…there is plenty more activities they could add for evening time that doesnt need high energy
Much like Viking!
Gary, I love that you are so comfortable in being by yourself on these cruises. This is one aspect that terrifies me: that I will find myself alone, which is fine, but forced to table share and feel like a third or fifth wheel. You are so at ease, taking it all in. Good for you! ❤
Drives home to me that the Azamaras and Seabourns are probably the perfect size. Excellent video, as always.
Which is your favorite luxury cruise line, now that you have experienced all of them? Still Seabourn?