Ski Mom 2

We have signed up for an Iceland cruise in 2025 but are waiting for 2026 itineraries and hope to transfer to a different cruise. When our son was in college, he and his then girlfriend flew to Iceland and rented a car and drove around Iceland hiking and camping along the way. They had a wonderful time and got some spectacular photographs. My theory is I’m too old and spoiled to back country camp or spend nights in hostels anymore and the thought of being on the cruise ship is right up my alley! I think it will be a different experience than my sons but one we will enjoy nevertheless.

We have been through the Panama Canal twice on Windstar. The first time was during the holidays 2014/2015 on Wind Spirit and the second time was in January 2024 on Star Pride. Here is my take on our passage through on the Star Pride. We got up very early and found two loungers that we knew would be mostly in the shade that day. This was our last stop (we started in Barbados and ended in Panama City for a lovely two weeks on board) so we knew where we wanted to be. We started through at the Gatun Locks. Many folks went to the bow of the ship to watch the spectacular unfold. There was plenty of room to wander from the bow to the stern, from port side to starboard. It is an incredible sight. And it takes lots of time to go through the three locks that make up the Gatun Locks. It was nice having our loungers as our “home base” for hanging out. Sailing through Gatun Lake was magical and very calming. When we arrived at the Pedro Miguel locks there were perhaps half the number of people hanging out at the bow of the ship. Once at the Miraflora locks there was practically no one up front! I love being outside by the Miraflora locks since there is usually a crowd in the late afternoon from various tours starting in Panama City and they wave and cheer at you as you go by and it’s very festive. I can’t imagine being on a large ship going through the canal. On Windstar you can roam around the ship and watch from every angle. Back in 2015/2015 we had our two teenage sons with us and we all went from the bow to the stern as we went through each lock to watch the water rise up and the locks open. The engineering of the entire system is mind blowing! This is a great advantage of being on a small ship and having the entire ship as your “balcony.”

While I saw the Windstar info and posted it on the WS CC page, I didn’t receive the Azamara email. Granted my first cruise with them isn’t until January 2025 but I did just pay in full a few days ago to take advantage of the extra on board credit. Guess I better go check their webpage!

Did you see that they will be sending one of the sailing ships back to Tahiti in 2027 because of these new ships?

Thank you! I've had my eye on it for a few weeks but haven't been able to wrangle all our friends yet into pulling the plug to sail 😄

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/windstar-cruises-welcomes-two-new-ships-to-fleet-including-first-star-class-newbuild-302113155.html

Did you take this cruise and stay in 1877? Did you by chance get any photos? Thanks.

We were recently on Star Pride 542. Great location and we enjoyed the large window, the living room when you walked in so I could drop all my stuff and the fabulous bathroom.

Well considering I haven’t really ever snorkeled and am pretty lazy in my normal life I better pick going out on the second day! Thanks so much for your input. I will definitely tell her hello!

Thanks for the recommendation! We will be on Bora Bora for two days in January. I have emailed with h2o and need to choose when to set up our snorkel 1/2 day tour with them. I can choose either day, morning or afternoon. What would you recommend? I do want to go out to dinner the first evening off ship but other than that we have no plans. 😁

Thank you Nancy for all of your wealth of knowledge about Tahiti. We are headed that direction and I was thinking I would have to go and re-read all your posts to find out this info. 😄

Nancy! You are one brave and fabulous woman! I am so very impressed with all you are going through and how your are powering through! You are an inspiration to us all! Stay strong and thank you for sharing your story with all of us. ♥️

Nancy The place I booked does not have a kitchen or living room. It is a guest house but they do deliver breakfast every morning. If this is something you’re still interested in I’m happy to share.

Just wanted to post an update to our search for a place to stay on Moorea. I found a beautiful guest cottage with its own private pool with a gorgeous view above the Sofitel. We are very excited! Last piece of our puzzle is to familiarize ourselves with the ferry schedule and to book a car. Oh, and to wait for January 2025 to roll around! 🤣 Thank you all for your input!!

We were in 542 on Star Pride recently. It’s not a balcony cabin but right next door. We thought it was an ideal location.