First published in Senior Living Magazine, September 2014
It’s full sail ahead for Windstar’s glamorous and sexy yachts where you can sail to some of the world’s most enchanting places on the sea’s most unique, luxury cruise line.
Small, sleek and gracious, gliding their way through spectacular seas and oceans, these beautiful sailing and power yachts will take you to some of the most desirable ports, secluded coves and hidden harbors – whether in Europe and the Mediterranean, the Caribbean or Panama and Costa Rica, a return to French Polynesia with cruises from Tahiti or the new enchanting Asia & Arabia itineraries.
As you step aboard – whether it’s the 148-310 guest sailing yachts or the 210 guest power yachts – you will discover nautical tone and colors, wooden floors, shutters and clever touches throughout just enhance the feeling of being at one with the ocean. The yachts are very well designed and thoroughly laid out. Big enough to find space but small and intimate to ensure there are lots of opportunities to meet and enjoy fellow guests.
This cruise is all about engaging with other like-minded people and sharing the same sea-going experience.
One of the things best loved about Windstar is the smart casual dress code – no ties required and really not even a jacket for gentlemen and ladies can wear their pretty summer dresses. And during the day it’s shorts, tees and bathing suits, naturally. The other much loved Windstar feature is open seating dining which means you can choose where and when and with whom you want to dine and really enjoy the fun loving and social camaraderie which abounds.
And the dining – in a word it’s delish. The food is fabulous and so are the different dining options and menu choices. Whether you’re having a casual lunch in the sun by the Veranda Grill, noshing on salads and lighter options, or dining in the beautiful new Stella Bistro on the Wind Surf with its focus on contemporary dishes with a French flair – your taste buds will be wowed. The main restaurant on each yacht, AmphorA, is gorgeously decorated, providing a lovely backdrop for your dining pleasure whether it’s a table for two or dinner with your four new best friends. Service is friendly and charming – just choose the cuisine that appeals.
Time on these yachts can be absolutely magical; there’s something truly exhilarating about sailing into exotic Istanbul as dawn breaks and the domes, towers and minarets glow in the morning sunshine. Or anchoring off that charming Greek Isle with the watersports platform down and diving into the cooling waters of the Aegean Sea; and perhaps watching the sails unfurl as you sail late at night in the warm Caribbean air with a million diamond stars glimmering in the night sky.
Life feels different on these yachts; romance is in the air, laughter resonates, music plays – and all is well in the world.
Ships: Wind Star – Wind Spirit – Wind Surf – Star Pride – Star Breeze – Star Legend
Destinations: Asia – Arabia – Caribbean & Panama Canal – Greek Isles, Turkey & Black Sea – Italy – Mediterranean – Northern Europe – Tahiti – Transoceanic Voyages