ULTIMATE VACATIONS REVIEW OF A WINDSTAR CRUISE
ULTIMATE VACATIONS sailed on Windstar Cruises luxury yacht Star Breeze. This is our day-to-day review and personal photos of the ship and the Caribbean Legend itinerary from our personal experience.
We sailed on a Windstar Cruises sailing yacht, the flagship Wind Surf before, sailing the Classic Caribbean itinerary and loved it: Nice cabins, a level of elegance without over-the-top dress codes (resort-like, not stuffy), a water sports platform (complimentary) off the back of every yacht; actual sails furling (on three of their ships); and the ability to get into really cool, interesting ports larger ships simply cannot reach.
So for our second go-round with Windstar we selected the beautiful all suite Star Breeze. Same features Windstar is famous for minus the sails, but all cabins are suites beginning at 270 square feet. We were fascinated with Montserrat, found it within an itinerary that also includes exotic ports like Anguilla, Antigua, Dominica (been there but that's OK), Grenada and concluded in Barbados. So our minds were made, Windstar Cruises Caribbean Legends was our itinerary choice. We did it and it exceeded all of our lofty personal expectations. Here's our story - and we're stickin' to it.
DAY 1 CARIBBEAN LEGEND - DEPART - ST MAARTEN
Arrive St. Maarten | Windstar Star Breeze | Ship Video | Today's Events | Setting Sail
The flight to St. Maarten was gorgeous from the window seat, giving us fabulous Caribbean reef views. The transfer through town ventures past shops and is easy. Check-in with Windstar Cruises is always quick and efficient. We are really excited to experience and report on the Star Class "All Suite" Windstar yachts.
Follow our first day as we learn the yacht layout, meet the crew, learn what lies ahead this week and sample of first Star Breeze dinner.
DAY 2 CARIBBEAN LEGEND ITINERARY - ANGUILLA
Anguilla | Breakfast on Deck | Bankie Banks Dune Preserve | Anguilla video | Capt's Champagne
Ah, today is our first port of call on the Caribbean Legends itinerary. Good morning Anguilla. It is a beautiful morning for breakfast at Veranda. The Eggs Benedict do not disappoint. And neither does the fresh Caribbean breeze on deck with views of beautiful Anguilla. We can't wait to get out and explore this charming Caribbean island.
Continue our Day 2 Review of the Caribbean Legends itinerary to learn about our day on exotic Anguilla, Bankie Banks Dune Preserve and our afternoon and evening aboard. We will learn about the night entertainment and what the Drink of the Day is.
DAY 3 CARIBBEAN LEGENDS ITINERARY - MONTSERRAT
Montserrat | National Museum | Hill Top Coffee Shop Memorabilia | Montserrat Buried City
Windstar's Caribbean Legends itinerary is fantastic, but Montserrat was the main attraction is us choosing it. A little off the beaten path for some, and definitely not a high end glam port for others, but fascinating for us.
Seeing the Buried City (city was buried and abandoned by the famous volcano) hotel and all. Viewing photos and memorabilia from Air Studios (founded by Sr George Martin) featuring Jimmy Buffett, Sting, Clapton and many others made this stop fascinating. Continue reading to see our excursion of choice and photos, plus the Drink of the Day.
DAY 4 CARIBBEAN LEGENDS ITINERARY - ANTIGUA
Antigua | Dow's Hill | Shirley Heights Lookout | Antigua Video | Nelson Dockyard | Candles
Day 4 of our Windstar's Caribbean Legends itinerary delivers us to Antigua, one of the Caribbean's most historic and beautiful islands. The multitude of harbors, bays, marina's and coves are dynamic enough, but viewing them from hilltops accentuates the breathtaking majesty of Antigua. We love Antigua for a port of call, or for a resort stay.
Continue reading to learn about all the famous and scenic Antigua sites we experienced. We ate some Caribbean delights in town and enjoyed dinner under the stars in Candles, and had the Drink of The Day.
DAY 5 CARIBBEAN LEGENDS ITINERARY - DOMINICA
Dominica | 4X4 Waterfall & Rainforest | Ti Tou Gorge "Pirates of the Caribbean" site | Dominica Video | Crew talent Show
Day 5 of Windstar's Caribbean Legends itinerary bring us to Dominica, a striking lush Caribbean island, host to a plethora of attractions and activities. This is our second visit to Dominica, so we will embrace new experiences.
Continue reading to learn about out "Pirates of the Caribbean" experience, and of course - the Drink of The Day.
DAY 6 CARIBBEAN LEGENDS ITINERARY - ST. LUCIA
St. Lucia | Beach BBQ Party | St. Lucia Fort Rodney video | Pigeon Island
Day 6 of Windstar's Caribbean Legends itinerary takes us to Pigeon Island, St. Lucia, which we refer to as the most Hawaii-like island in the Caribbean. From the famous twin Piton peaks, to English forts, zip line fun to fabulous beaches - St. Lucia has everything you could desire in one Caribbean island.
Continue reading about our fabulous day at Windstar's Cruises BBQ Beach Party, our climb atop Fort Rodney for breathtaking view of St. Lucia and the Caribbean Sea, and as usual the Drink of the Day.
DAY 7 CARIBBEAN LEGENDS ITINERARY - GRENADA
Grenada | Tour of Grenada | Waterfall video | Rum Factory | Captain's Farewell Party
Day 7 of Windstar Cruises Caribbean Legends itinerary finds us in St. George's Grenada. This is our first visit to the "Isle of Spice", so needless to say - we are excited to explore. Grenada is a lush mountainous deep Caribbean island that features a rainforest, waterfalls, a 2-mile long Grande Anse beach, tasty nutmeg, and the all important Caribbean product - Rum!
Please continue reading about our in-depth tour of Grenada with driver and guide. Check out our video of a cliff jumper from high atop a spectacular waterfall. And of course see what our final Drink of the Day was.
DAY 8 CARIBBEAN LEGENDS ITINERARY - BARBADOS
Barbados | Ship Departure | Tour of Barbados | Executive Airport Lounge
Day 8 of Windstar Cruises Caribbean Legend itinerary disembarks in Bridgetown, Barbados. This unique one-way cruise began in St. Maarten and now concludes in Barbados, not far off the coast of South America, and generally considered outside of the traditional hurricane zone.
I loved the Star Breeze, the ambiance and the spacious suites. And we certainly appreciated the diversity of scenery and activities we experienced on this Caribbean Legend itinerary. But don't go anywhere yet. Check our full day in Barbados touring and our option to spend time in the Executive Lounge at the airport. Well worth it!
I can't wait to go on my next Windstar Cruise. Tahiti, Europe, Iceland, Alaska, Costa Rica? I confess to a Caribbean obsession, so we will have to wait and see.
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