Star Breeze

JUNE

Scuba Diving Excursion was disappointing. Felt more like we were being herded as cattle and less about our experience. I would recommend another Dive Shop. This one was too much about $$$.

MARCH

If you've never been to the islands of Tahiti, it's hard to know which ones to visit. Everyone's heard of Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora, but there are so many other islands to see and experience. Windstar makes it so easy to experience multiple islands, without packing, moving, and unpacking, by starting its itinerary in Papeete and returning there at the end of the voyage. Some locations have overnight stays, which provide the opportunity for more time in port (this is true in Bora Bora, and some guests fulfilled the dream of staying in an overwater bungalow over night). With Windstar's all-in package, beverages, staff gratuities and wifi are included, so it's a budget conscious way to travel in the islands, not worrying about how much a soda or a meal costs...or even where to go for a good snack! Add in the reasonably priced laundry service for the voyage, and it's ideal! The Star Breeze sails Tahiti regularly, with a maximum occupancy of 350 guests, which is not an overwhelming number for the ports that the ship visits. Every day, there's a port talk about the next day's adventures, so guests get a preview of what to expect on the next island; this is very helpful. Also onboard are guest lecturers who talk about Polynesian history, migration, customs, and nature (such as free diving with whales!). The suites onboard are comfortable and quite spacious, even though there are only a few actual proper balconies; most rooms have a large picture window or a 'french balcony' that opens, but does not take up square footage away from the room. Pro tip: book your excursions in advance so you avoid disappointment! Visiting Tahiti is a 'once in a lifetime' experience for many people, but after seeing the islands by ship, it's no surprise that people are inspired to come back again!

MAY

<div>I just returned from Windstar Cruises &quot;Dreams of Tahiti&quot; cruise aboard the Star Pride. I have nothing but excellent things to say about the ship, it&#39;s crew, the food and entertainment. I felt the crew went out of their way to get to know me. They knew what I liked and always greeted me with a smile and many new my name by the end of the cruise. This was not my first small ship but the experience was so much better than another luxury line that I have taken. I loved the casual atmosphere. One night I went up to the bridge and was given a tour and the crew even pointed out the Southern Cross star constellation. I had a chance to meet Chef Gavin. He was very personable and his food and menus were really delicious. The Veranda restaurant offered buffet dining for breakfast and dinner with a nice variety along with ala carte menu items you could order. At night the restaurant turns into an intimate specialty restaurant called Candles that served amazing seafood, steaks, chicken and vegetarian dishes. I was able to get Filet Mignon and Prime rib that melted in your mouth. One day I saw Chef Gavin ashore with a fish vendor who had that evenings fresh catch. It was huge and we later saw it being carved in the Star Grill. it was amazing. Arafin was our room attendant, and he was very friendly and helpful. We always had fresh ice without asking and fun towel animals at turn down service. I had a chance to get to know Carlos at guest reception. He became a friend by the end of the cruise and would call out my name and say hello as I walked by. I traveled with a group, and we were introduced to Guenter the hotel manager, Antony the beverage manager and Rafel the Maitre D. They were all very visible during the cruise, always asking how things were going and if they could do anything for us. I really cannot say enough about the staff, the food, the service and entertainment. This cruise featured a destination event and the ship brought the food off the ship and cooked it on an island to include Polynesian entertainment that was second to none. We really enjoyed the crew talent show. Other nights provided very talented singers and dancers. Tahiti was always high on my bucket list and it did not disappoint. I highly recommend doing this by small ship because just when you think you have seen your favorite island, you arrive at another that becomes your new favorite. I cannot wait to book another Windstar cruise in the near future.</div>

APRIL

Having been on two past cruises before the change of ownership the quality of food has gone down.

JUNE

The Windstar Grand Japan cruise itinerary was an ideal introduction to Japan and included a day trip to South Korea. A wide range of excursion options were available and, best of all, the guides were knowledgeable and personable. The onboard lectures by Dr. Emma Thompson were fascinating and offered keen insights into the history and culture of Japan. Onboard the staff and crew were very attentive, thoughtful and always welcoming. Requests were graciously responded to without hesitation. The recently renovated ship was beautiful and the staterooms were well-appointed, decorated nicely and quite comfortable. Several different dining options were always available which satisfied our appetites at all times of day. (We all gained a few pounds). The servers and chefs were very friendly and very attentive. The menu choices were diverse and delicious. The ship’s special on-deck buffet events were creative and enjoyable. And dining with the Chief Engineer and his first officer one evening was a real treat. It was lovely to have a spa onboard. We enjoyed massages and a facial, which were wonderfully relaxing. We also visited the relaxation room, sauna and steam rooms. It was great to have these amenities available to us. Our adventures were topped off by the evenings’ entertainments arranged and hosted by Grace Coddle, who also was a fantastic performer. The entertainment highlight was the crew’s talent show which left us touched by their songs and dances as well as laughing so hard we had tears in our eyes. They were all fabulous! It was a very memorable cruise.

JUNE

The Windstar Grand Japan cruise itinerary was an ideal introduction to Japan and included a day trip to South Korea. A wide range of excursion options were available and, best of all, the guides were knowledgeable and personable. The onboard lectures by Dr. Emma Thompson were fascinating and offered keen insights into the history and culture of Japan. Onboard the staff and crew were very attentive, thoughtful and always welcoming. Requests were graciously responded to without hesitation. The recently renovated ship was beautiful and the staterooms were well-appointed, decorated nicely and quite comfortable. Several different dining options were always available which satisfied our appetites at all times of day. (We all gained a few pounds). The servers and chefs were very friendly and very attentive. The menu choices were diverse and delicious. The ship’s special on-deck buffet events were creative and enjoyable. And dining with the Chief Engineer and his first officer one evening was a real treat. It was lovely to have a spa onboard. We enjoyed massages and a facial, which were wonderfully relaxing. We also visited the relaxation room, sauna and steam rooms. It was great to have these amenities available to us. Our adventures were topped off by the evenings’ entertainments arranged and hosted by Grace Coddle, who also was a fantastic performer. The entertainment highlight was the crew’s talent show which left us touched by their songs and dances as well as laughing so hard we had tears in our eyes. They were all fabulous! It was a very memorable cruise.

DECEMBER

The stretching of the Star Breeze solves some issues on the previous version. There is now a full access spa with steam, sauna, heated benches a full gym and yoga room and better salon space. The new Star grill offers additional outdoor dining and the new Cuardro has fun tapas. Staff is awesome and ship is clean and medical staff first rate.

JULY

The staff make a concerted effort to learn your name and are responsive to requests. If there is a particular type of hot drink that you like, attention is paid to remember it and it is made ready without prompting.

JULY

For cruising around Iceland in counterclockwise direction, cabins with even number have superior shore views. Small ship means no lines for everything. Great food in main dining room for everyone.

JUNE

There were a few glitches with the ship itself like flooding in the stateroom across the passage way, an elevator that didn't work, etc. We understood it was going in for overhaul after this summer season. It could use it. But the crew were fantastic and especially our steward Ronald. We also got to know one of the bar people quite well, Apple, and appreciated her attention.

JANUARY

<div>We typically choose active, land-based travel but decided to do a cruise for an anniversary. We chose this cruise for the balance of luxury with small ports of call and for the ability to enjoy water sports from the boat. We were not disappointed. The ports of call provided a nice mix between many tourists to none at all. (It was definitely helpful to know some Spanish.) We were able to swim off of the boat at one port of call, and then enjoy water sports on our private island day. For some reason, they were unable to offer water skiing, although all of the equipment was available and ready to go. Not too big of a deal. Otherwise, we were impressed with the level of service this crew provided. The staff really went out of their way to ensure guests were satisfied. The cabins were large and well appointed, and they were serviced several times a day. (Shout out to our cabin attendant Hasan.) The dining was excellent at all locations (servers Yogi, Trishna and Ragan--thanks so much!!). (One exception-the coffee at the Veranda frequently had an off-putting odor, so we typically got coffee from the Yacht Club and then went to the Veranda to eat breakfast later.) The food was absolutely incredible. We like that they sourced items from the local fisherman, and that the chef made all his stock on board. The average guest was probably 10-15 years older than we were, so there was very little night life on board. That said, entertainment/activities could be improved upon if looking to capture a younger age group. One entertainer, Alex, was good. The other couple, the Radio Stars, were OK for background music as you sunbathed, but they were not good for evening entertainment. We were disappointed to hear that the ships of this line will be expanded in size over the next few years, as we thought this ship was the perfect size. We will definitely consider additional cruises on Windstar if under 250 guests</div>

OCTOBER

Met great people (passengers and crew), saw the most beautiful cities, especially Kotor Montenegro, Dubrovnik and Hvar Croatia. Would definitely take another Windstar cruise again! Thank you

SEPTEMBER

This was my first time on Windstar. Here are my thoughts: Clients were all white Americans, but there was a wide variety of ages. Very casual dress- athletic wear at lunch was common. The watersports platform is AWESOME and allows guests to play in the sea on days at anchor (weather permitting)- such a good experience and a shame most miss it. Kayaks, water toys available but you can also just sun on the rafts and swim. There are also 8 bikes available on a first-come, first-served basis which make this a great fit for active younger clients. This was my 4th Med cruise but this ship was so small it could visit charming resort towns I hadn't seen before; so do try to upsell anyone looking at mass market lines like Royal Caribbean). Not many rooms with balconies but I didn't miss it- lots of deck space and always tables to dine al fresca. Not much programming for day, and evening entertainment was low-key; but we were in port most every day. The crew was super nice, some didn't speak English well. Premium cruisers were impressed by the cuisine. Windstar cruisers loved the suites on these former-Seabourn yachts.

JULY

Overall ship upkeep and cleanliness needs attention. Breakfast buffet good quality, nice varied selections. Because this is a small ship, 200, most ports are small with no other massive ships over-running ports, except Gibraltar, which for a 1/2 day stop should be removed completely from itinerary. It is funky, and crowded, with a long, long walk thru a dodgy port area, with no cabs at ship. Stay overnight in lovely Malaga instead. Staff seems overworked and prefuctory. Private event in great locale in Mallorca but show and dancers repetitive and somewhat boring. Expected more food than tiny appetizers. This was most disappointing event of many we have had. Service has definitely slid since advent of imbedded tips with cost of goods. It was much better before with tips for great service. Now staff more lax and non involved.

FEBRUARY

Very interesting experience ......

JULY

We have always cruised on the big ships in the past and going Wind Star was such a pleasant experience. The staff and crew were marvelous and each dining experience was superb. Obviously, with a smaller ship, the entertainment was not as elaborate as on the larger ships, but that was expected. Everything else more than made up for it. One day we docked along with the Crystal, a huge cruise ship. Right from the start we could see the benefits of our ship. They could not dock and we could. Getting on and off was a breeze for us, so maybe that's why you chose the name Wind Star. The food was exquisite and every staff person gave more service than expected. Our only criticism was that our bed was hard and perhaps we should have asked in the beginning for a softer bed. But otherwise, we were in seventh heaven.

JUNE

This was our first ocean cruise. We were most impressed by the staff: friendliness, willingness to please. We visited places we never would have gone to otherwise, and enjoyed almost all of them.