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Unfortunately, I can’t see any Alaska Windstar cruises scheduled for 2024, but still wanted to include the details from past years in case they announce them closer to the cruise season, or you want to bookmark this for 2025 or beyond. Because Star Legend is smaller than all but the expedition ships, it is able to offer a more intimate onboard experience, as well as small excursions. We never had more than 16 in any group, and even then, a group that size was usually divided into two or more smaller groups. In most ports, there is at least one active shore excursion choice, from hiking (including a one-hour expedition team-guided hike in Wrangell) and glacier trekking to biking and even 4X4 jeep drives. I guess that after sailing 6 years, they felt their clientele was looking for something else. Will be interesting to see how they do with their new Middle Eastern itineraries to which they have committed 2 winter seasons in 2024 and 2025 and are really pushing hard.
Vatican & Croatian Coastlines Cruise Tour
But in response to a question from The Points Guy, Prelog suggested the line didn't have plans to deploy the ships to the most remote parts of the polar regions. Other changes to the current design of each of the vessels will include adding a new pool and a two-story spa. Windstar will also add a whirlpool to the bow of the ships. The press conference took place at Seatrade Cruise Global, the cruise industry's annual meetup at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Cruise Destinations
Among non-expedition small ships sailing in Alaska, only Seabourn and Ponant offer these types of expedition excursions. Unlike the big cruise ships -- and even many of the smaller ships -- which typically offer one day of scenic cruising in Alaska, a Windstar sailing can offer two or three days. Available on all itineraries is a day in either Tracy Arm, which John Muir dubbed one of the world's most special places, or Endicott Arm, where a resident minke whale might pop its head up to say hi. In keeping with its philosophy that travel is about more than just seeing places, Windstar emphasizes enrichment in Alaska. The ship carries a team of six expedition experts, with various specialties in the fauna and flora of the 49th state.
Review: Oceania Cruises’ Vista
Not only did I have the first mate’s sightlines, but I enjoyed a personal dialogue with the captain about what to expect when we arrived at the landing. Our final full day aboard the Star Breeze was spent in Kenai Fjords National Park. As this is one of the parts of Southcentral Alaska that I know well, I was curious as to what the crew had planned. Rather than cruising around like some of the day cruises, we anchored near Aialik Glacier the entire day.
2021: Windstar Adds New 7-Day Alaska Cruise - Travel Agent Central
2021: Windstar Adds New 7-Day Alaska Cruise.
Posted: Thu, 10 Oct 2019 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Operating smaller ships means that the fleet can usually dock in the heart of ports often inaccessible to larger vessels. Join Windstar Cruises as we sail across the sun-drenched Greek Isles, a region famous for its breathtaking vistas, ancient history and legendary hospitality. Recently ranked the #1 cruise line in Greece by experts at Travel + Leisure, Windstar combines the best of land and sea to offer a Greek cruising experience like no other. Indoors on the ship, it was warm enough other than on the Veranda.
Back on board, I spent some time in the sauna and steam room in the World Spa area. This is free for all guests, but I hadn’t tried it yet – and discovered that I loved cycling between the two and the pool outside to cool off. This day was no exception; the sun was shining all day long! Rather than booking a guided excursion, Mr. V and I opted to do it our own way. For some reason, our ship was anchored out in Sitka Sound rather than at a dock, so we had to take our tenders to reach land; we brought everything we needed for the day with us to avoid making that trip more than once.
I have been reading all the reviews of the Windstar Alaska 2018 cruises. We love Windstar and are looking forward to our Alaska cruise in June. I have noted the problems like people were cold aboard the ship and that meals were difficult/crowded. If anyone would like to comment on those things, please do so I might plan accordingly.
Day 7: Haines & Skagway
We did the inaugural season with a longer itinerary last June. We were there on a Sunday and nothing was open so I would definitely do a ship excursion. The zodiacs are a must do and the excursion crew also are experts in the wildlife and geology of AK with daily lectures. Ketchikan was full of big ships but we had a great day there.
I share travel resources and stories based on my personal experience and knowledge. We made our way up the Stikine, stopping at a Forest Service cabin and passing several waterfalls. Our destination was Shakes Glacier, up the Shakes Slough which branches off the Stikine. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it all the way, as there was still ice in the lake, but we did enjoy smoked salmon and wine while admiring the scenery before turning back to Wrangell. We spent the rest of the day admiring the scenery and soaking up the sun – this was seriously such a beautiful day in a place that doesn’t see many of them.
From BBQs to Fine Dining, guests will find all their gastronomic needs pandered to. Worth noting that even Speciality Restaurants are included in your cruise fare, although reservations need to be made. Windstar is ideal if you like to dress casually when on holiday as there are no formal nights. The dress code is informal both day and night - although if you want to dress up you can - just leave your tux and stilettos at home.
They offer almost daily lectures on everything from whales and birds to seabed sea life, fishing and local Alaskan life. The team is also always available to answer any questions cruisers have related to Alaska wildlife, culture and history. Star Collector Voyages combine some of our most popular cruise itineraries for a more in-depth exploration of each region. Featuring longer voyages of 13+ days and few repeated ports, take advantage of your time here and unpack only once. IF YOU COULD DESIGN THE PERFECT ISLAND itinerary it would look a lot like these.
In Sitka, for instance, a multigenerational dance troupe of Tlingit people came onboard to showcase their native dances and songs. In Ketchikan, the former mayor of the city, a man of Tlingit heritage, came aboard to talk about Tlingit culture. More ships enables the line to expand deployment, and bring back one of its Wind-class ships, Wind Star, to Tahiti, where it will join Star Breeze in 2027, to meet the growing demand for French Polynesia sailings. The main dining room, Amphora, will serve a variety of upscale and inventive dishes, including rotating items from James Beard Foundation-affiliated guest chefs. Alfresco dining will now be available at both Amphora and the Star Grill by Steven Raichlen. A no-charge specialty restaurant seating 38 and 24-hour room service rounds out the dining options.
Mother Nature certainly did her part, but as a majority of the 206 passengers onboard were repeat Windstar guests, expectations for the inaugural season in Alaska were high. Near the start of what was only the ship’s third sailing in Alaska, captain Ned Tutton admitted, “we’re still finding our way” — but the mostly retired crowd onboard was thrilled to take part in the adventure. The price point is also generally on par with what you’ll pay on smaller ships cruising in Alaska, like Uncruise and Alaskan Dream Cruises. Our cabin was beautiful, and more than spacious enough for two people.
I knew already that I wanted Mr. V to join me for a Signature Expedition in Misty Fjords; more on these below, but in short, I wanted us to go kayaking. This is what I did during my last visit to the area, and I know it’s the best way to see the fjords (up close and personal!). We were assigned to a morning kayak, which was perfect as the tide was reaching its peak and we got to explore a lot under the bright morning sun. In the past, Windstar has numbered a number of different itinerary options – both in length and experience.
North to Alaska: New Cruises in the "Great Land" - Luxury Travel Advisor
North to Alaska: New Cruises in the "Great Land".
Posted: Tue, 28 Mar 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
It's perfectly fine to stay on the ship and watch a glacier calve from the comfort of the ship's bridge. (Yes, there's an open bridge policy most of the time on Windstar!) Or enjoy the warmth of the Deck 8 Yacht Club, a cappuccino in one hand and book in the other, while taking in the view through floor-to-ceiling windows. You can always sneak outside for a quick photo, then dart back inside where's its warm and toasty. Star Seeker and Star Explorer both have ice-strengthened hulls, unlocking access to new destinations, however Prelog indicated they won't be operating as expedition ships or going to the poles. But the capability could come in handy for destinations like Alaska and Greenland. Gunner said the bow will be changed a bit to look more yachtlike, and a ducktail added to support the watersports platform.
We spent lots of time on the bow with jackets and binoculars. The excursion crew also pops around the ship to point out sisightings and answer questions. During our Alaska itinerary last July, during the "cruising around" days, the ship would anchor in lovely places and the Expedition Team would take the passengers out on the zodiacs and/or the kayaks.
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