beachtrl

We are currently schedule to cruise on the Star Legend in June, 2022 (Baltic Delights). Still not sure whether to go or not but have some time to decide. Anyway was wondering if anyone might know what the status is on booking your own off ship tours, whether it is allowed or are you locked into using Windstar's only. Typically we always arrange our own tours and only on a rare occasion use Windstar's. Thanks!  

Kudos to Windstar for doing  the right thing!

Just saw that my cruise (Baltic Delights) on Star Legend scheduled for June 2021 was cancelled. Under the circumstances I get that this can happen. Now, there is only one cruise for same ports happening in August 2021 which we are tentatively booked on. What irritates me, is that when we initially booked there was a promotion which entailed $100 deposit vs the typical 15% down. One would think that Windstar would just transfer the deposit and honor the original deposit promotion.  As it turns out that is not case and to rebook they asking for 15% deposit. As this cancelled cruise was out of my control and as a long time Windstar alumni one would think they would honor the original promotion. Just wondering what you think or am I being too judgmental!  

Check out a product call Reliefband, I have used it on all my Windstar cruises (6 of them). Non medical FDA approved. If you start to feel seasick just put it on your wrist and set accordingly. I have seen a few other people on board with the same device. Looks like a watch.

When in Santorini you should really consider having a lunch/wine tasting at Venetsanos Winery. The food, wine and most of the view from their restaurant patio was awesome. 

We will be on the Star Pride in May and I get what you are saying. Needless to say having been on the Star Breeze last year these vessels are certainly showing their age. That said we found the ship more than acceptable and experience no problems. Having been a long time Windstar cruiser, we did do a Regents cruise to Alaska before Windstar went there. In my experience Regents is a couple of notches above Windstar in most areas especially compared to the motor yachts. The Wind Surf is in a category all to it self and we truly enjoyed that ship for exactly what it is. Bottom line for us, if cost were comparable which I don't they are, I would choose Regent's over Windstar's motor yachts as they are now.  

We will be staying in Athens in May before boarding the Star Pride. Sounds like some of our destinations are the same.

So regarding Athens here some things to look into:

The hotel we are staying is the AVA, right in the Platka area.

From the port you might want to make arrangements for transportation to your hotel. Check out George's Taxi.

We always do some tours first to get acclimated. 

Athens Free Tour has walking tours that run fairly frequently.

If you like biking check out Solebike

If visiting Santorini check out Tours by Locals, specifically we are using Eugenia L

In Malta we are doing a private walking tour through Tours by Locals using Ann Marie

Hope this helps

We very seldom would consider a Windstar package tour, primarily due to the expense and sometimes bus like nature of the tours. I agree with Strenz that tours by locals is a good way to go. In fact we are using of their guides when we visit Santorini on the Star Pride in May. It takes a bit more work, but arranging your own tours in the end will probably be more satisfying. I have found Trip Advisor's to be a good starting point for making arrangements. Also, we have had folks we met while on the ship to join us on our prearranged tours, but 10 is a large number to put together, especially beforehand. 

Just a FYI:

I am also scheduled to be on the Star Pride at the end of May. I looked at her schedule and it looks like there is a gap in the schedule in Lisbon from April 1-12.  So I am guessing she would be in dry dock during that time? Correct me if I am wrong.  I have no idea what is being done while she is is dry dock though.

Thanks for the information. Yes, it does look like she will be out of commission during that period.  

When you mentioned a dry dock visit in a couple of months, can you be more specific (if you know). We are scheduled to be on Pride in May and just wondering if it before that.

We were on the Star Breeze last September travelling Ireland/Scotland. For the most part all was OK, the ship needed some care but not like the tales I have been hearing regarding the Star Pride. In colder weather cruising there was just not enough room for morning breakfast. I'm sure that will be resolved when the ships are refurbished. 

That said, understanding the importance of the tenders, it sure would be nice to have issues like those resolved and not reoccurring.  

As we always plan our own excursions, having issues with the tenders would greatly impact our plans. I hope that is not case with our upcoming cruise!  We have been on the Surf a few times and really enjoyed the ship. It would be our first choice but the itineraries lead us to different vessels.  

We recently cruised on the Star Breeze and while in need of some updates it was in reasonably good shape. We are scheduled to cruise in the spring on the Star Pride and while I realize that all these motor yachts are scheduled for major rehabilitation, it does seem that the Star Pride passengers reviews from engine issues to overall condition are generally not so good compare to the others motor ships in the fleet. Anyone care to weigh in...

I also received an email that the casino will be removed for the same reason from the Star Pride effective early spring 2019. 

We also could not tender in Portrush due to rough seas, Captain instead took us to Oban instead which turned out to be lovely little town in Scotland. Texasstar, hope you enjoyed your voyage, a bit of a transition to the motor yachts from Wind Surf. Staterooms were great, sail away just not the same!

As we have done on the Wind Surf, bring an extension cord. You will get a couple more outlets out of it!

Thank you for all these inside tips! We are on the Wind Surf in May visiting all these ports.

We have already booked and paid in full for our cruise on Star Pride May 2017.

Had you already paid in full?

Who did you contact to ask for the difference?

Can it only be done by 'phone as our emails are not being answered?

:)

Probably best to check Windstar's website as not all sail dates are on sale. To answer your question, we have not made the final payment and best way to handle is to call them. Good luck!

Noticed a substantial price drop today for our upcoming cruise on Wind Surf in May. Windstar reduced our fares without problem, couldn't of been easier. Kudos.

I would highly recommend you consider Regents. This past August we did the Anchorage (Seward) to Vancouver cruise on the Regent's Mariner. The ship holds approx. 700 passengers, so much smaller then the typical large ships in that area as well, so provides a Windstar type experience. That said, the cost is considerably more, but it is an all inclusive format which includes excursions, alcohol etc.

Having been on Wind Surf a few times, I can report that Regents is a step above in all areas, especially the food and cabins (all are suites with balconies). Definitely worth checking into Regents for consideration. BTW, we are booked on the Wind Surf (May 2017) for Venice to Rome cruise!

We sailed the Wind Surf last October (Rome-Barcelona)...we were fortunate with wonderful weather, seas were a bit rough at times but no big deal. I agree that the ship was much less crowded as well as the ports. Go for it!!