Star Pride Observations from a long-time Crystal Cruises guest

[ryndam]

Background

 

• Over 600+ days cruising with Crystal Cruises from 1994 through February 2020.

• Last cruised Windstar Cruises on the sailing yachts WindSong in 1993 and WindSpirit in 1995 when under previous HAL ownership.

• Never sailed Star Pride under its previous incarnations as Seaborne Pride or as Star Pride prior to its “stretching”, so we have nothing to compare its previous ownership or configuration.

• Booked this 18-day b2b from Leith-Kirkwall-Norwegian fjords-Faroe Islands-circle Iceland r/t Reykjavik for the itinerary. Sailed from Leith on 7/15/22 and disembarked in Reykjavik on 8/2/22.

 

Hits

 

• The yacht is beautifully maintained, very tastefully furnished, spotless after it’s “stretching” and extended dry-dock.

• The cabin is ginormous compared to Crystal’s non-penthouse, “standard” cabins. Huge living area, massive flat screen TV visible from bed and living room, walk-in closet, double sinks in bathroom, previous bathtubs replaced with walk-in shower with hand-held wand and rain-shower overhead; more drawer and counter space than we could possible fill on this 18-day voyage; excellent black-out curtains on the massive picture window (no balcony), the window-sill in front of the picture window is large enough to sit in it, separate privacy curtains to separate living area from sleeping area. Overall, an excellently appointed cabin. Excellent soundproofing…we heard no neighbors or noises from anywhere outside the cabin.

• The staff and crew are amazing. Most are long-tenured and have been with Windstar for many, many years. Virtually all returned, without hesitation to Windstar, once operations restarted. The comradery of the crew is self-evident from the moment you step onboard. By the second day onboard, we were addressed by name by virtually all staff members, the bar tenders and waiters knew our preferences by the second evening. Most of the service staff is Indonesian, Filipino or Thai. Their warm, friendly, genuine hospitality makes you want to adopt all of them and take them home! If you do not feel part of the Windstar “family” when you finally disembark, well, I don’t know how to respond. Everyone onboard speaks of “family”, and the word is not used lightly. Service = 6* +++++.

• Open bridge policy. Except when maneuvering in/out of ports, the bridge is open to all guests 24/7. We spent many a late evening on the bridge with the officers, observing the midnight sun, getting 1-on-1 explanations of the ship’s operations, its features, the “stretching”, etc. The officers were all approachable and eager to have guests on the bridge so they could share their knowledge and love of cruising the world.

• The size of the yacht. You can get anywhere in less than 5 minutes.

• Small yacht = dock virtually anywhere. We only had two tender port landings. Tender service is seamless, just go down to Deck 3 and board. The tenders are high-ceilinged and very spacious.

• As a longer b2b cruise, unlimited complimentary laundry service was included. Left clothes in laundry bag before leaving cabin for dinner; clothes returned on hangers or folded by 3pm the next afternoon.

 

Dining

 

• Many varied number of venues for such a small yacht.

• Yacht Club on Deck 8. 270 deg. views over the bow with a wrap-around outdoor viewing deck. Specialty coffees and very light pastry and snack selections, usually 6am-6pm.

• Star Grille & Star Bar on Deck 8. It’s the outdoor barbecue grille for lunch, with standard selections and varying daily specials. Unfortunately, it was lightly used for lunch and never opens for dinner on this windy, cold, wet itinerary. It would be a very lovely venue when sailing in warmer climates.

• Verandah/Candles aft on Deck 7. This room is used for the breakfast buffet; standard quality, usual breakfast buffet selections, but can custom order eggs benedict (delicious), waffles, French toast, pancakes and omelets made-to-order. This is the only venue open for lunch (buffet service), other than the outdoor Star Grille. Daily specials at the lunch buffet, but nothing to write home about. At dinner, this room morphs into the reservations-only (no additional charge) Candles restaurant. The menu features grilled seafood, steaks, and veggies from its own dedicated kitchen. It’s a nice change from the main restaurant, since Candles has full length windows (the views are spectacular while sailing this far north). There is a very nice outdoor, covered dining terrace. Unfortunately, due to the cold, wet, windy weather conditions on this cruise, the outdoor terrace was unusable; it would be very nice when sailing in warmer climates.

• Quadro 44 on Deck 6. Open for dinner by reservation only (no additional charge). We dined there three times on this cruise. In our opinion, one of the most unique venues at sea. This restaurant would be Michelin-starred anywhere in Spain. It has its own kitchen and specializes in Mediterranean-style/Spanish-style tapas, meant to be shared. The grilled octopus is amazing. The Covina is perfectly prepared. Service is outstanding. On our second visit, the chef and the servers already knew what dishes we enjoyed during our first visit, and were already offering double portions of our favorites! Food = 6* +++++. Service = 8* (more if we could give more stars!).

• Amphora is the main restaurant way down on Deck 3. Being so close to the waterline, the outside views are through portholes, so this is essentially a “room-without-a-view”. That said, the décor is beautiful. It is open for breakfast, with the same menu as the Verandah upstairs. The difference is, all courses are served, and not buffet-style as in Verandah. We preferred breakfast here. It was much quieter, all dishes were prepared-to-order, and it was not a buffet! Amphora is not open for lunch. For dinner. It is officially “open seating”, but once you discover a preferred service-team, the maitre’d will generally hold your table for the entire cruise. Dinner is 7p-9p; we generally arrived at 7:30p, and always had the same service team at the same table. Windstar has an association with the James Beard Foundation, and each meal highlights several courses from James Beard award winners. The “James Beard” selections were always delicious. Each dinner featured 3-4 starters, a couple of salad options, a couple of soup options, at least 4-5 main course options, 2-3 dessert options. Steak, chicken, fish options are available every day. Dinner was the culinary highlight of the days’ meals and we were never disappointed. Portion sizes are appropriate and manageable; we never felt the need to order “half-sized” portions as we often had to on Crystal. The lobster tails were the best we have ever had, either on Crystal or ashore! Absolute perfection! The soufflé’s were oven-fresh, and the lightest, fluffiest ever eaten! The ship’s baker deserves a Michelin star for each and every pasty, roll, and croissant!

• Room Service is available 24/7. The full breakfast menu is always available during regular breakfast service hours. The full Amphora dinner menu is available during regular dinner hours. There is a wide selection of soups, sandwiches, burgers, snacks, etc. available all day and night. (no additional charge for any room service).

 

Bars, Wines and Liquors

 

• This is a small yacht. There are only two bars. The outdoor Star Bar on Deck 8 and the Compass Rose on Deck 6. Waiters continually roam the yacht and will take bar orders from virtually anywhere and deliver your libation to you virtually anywhere.

• Specialty coffees, bottled waters and soft drinks are included as part of the base cruise fare.

• We opted to add the full, additional cost beverage package once onboard. A la carte drink prices range from $8 beers to $12 wines-by-the-glass to $10-$15 mixed cocktails. If one only consumed one glass of wine at dinner + one glass of wine at lunch + one pre-dinner cocktail + one post-dinner cocktail, the beverage package more than paid for itself. We consumed more than that (lol). The package basically gets you open bar throughout the ship and 35± wines; no signing bar chits or receipts; the bar staff knows you are on “the package” by the second day onboard. Liquors are generally “top shelf” brands (Ketel One, Grey Goose, Bombay Sapphire, Makers Mark), but not as extensive as Crystal due to storage limitations on the yacht. The cabin min-bars are well stocked with beers, wines and liquors; these are also included as part of the beverage package and are restocked daily. The included wines were adequate once we found a few whites and reds that we preferred. Again, selections are not as extensive as Crystal due to storage limitations. Windstar allows each guest to bring their own wine onboard for personal consumption in their cabin; the quantity of bottles allowed onboard varies based on the length of the cruise. This is NOT a cruise to sample the best wines-of-the-world; there is simply not enough space onboard to offer any type of extensive selection.

 

Entertainment & Enrichment

• This is a small yacht. The itineraries are port intensive. We had only 3 full sea days during our 18-day b2b.

• No casino.

• No children’s room/activities. In fact, Windstar discourages children under age 12. There is simply nothing for them to do onboard and food selections are not geared to children’s tastes.

• Surprisingly well-stocked shop onboard, given the yacht’s size.

• We had one lecturer onboard. His expertise was astronomy and the stars. If you were interested in this subject matter, his presentation style was very informative. If you were not interested in the subject matter, well, that was about it.

• There were two resident music groups that alternated sets in the Compass Rose pre-dinner and after-dinner. The Delight Duo from Columbia know Ana & Humberto (long-time Crystal Cove duo) and their style, personality and performances are very similar to Ana & Humberto. (It was so nice to make that Crystal-connection!) The Top Society quintet are from the Philippines and are similar in style to so many other onboard quintets. Evening entertainment mostly consisted of music, conversation, watching the midnight sun and rounds of cocktails.

• There were a couple of evenings when local entertainers came onboard prior to sailing. There’s a weekly crew show, the cruise director does double duty as an occasional main stage singer, but that’s about it.

• The interactive TV in the cabin has a wide selection of movies, a dozen or so satellite TV stations, and hours-and-hours of varied recorded music selection.

• The shore excursion manager doubles as the port lecturer. His daily port lectures were very informative, entertaining, and they were not veiled sales pitches for the ship’s shore excursions. He and his two assistants were very helpful and always accessible and visible, whether in port or on the gangway and the pier when we were in port.

• We did not expect any sort of entertainment or enrichment series anywhere close to Crystal, so we certainly were not disappointed. This was a port intensive itinerary. That said, we probably closed down the Compass Rose at midnight on quite a few occasions, followed by a late visit to the bridge before turning in.

 

Other Random Observations

• For a small yacht, the gym area is unusually well equipped.

• There is a co-ed steam room, sauna and heated chaise lounges (no additional charge).

• There is a hot tub on the bow (not used much on this cruise due to nasty weather), and another hot tub mid-ship.

• There is a nice, infinity plunge pool mid-ship (filled but not used on this cold, wet trip).

• 15x around the “hamster track” on Deck 8 = 1 mile (for those who like to walk their miles).

• There are three stair towers and four elevators on this yacht. (The forward elevator is the tiniest elevator I have ever seen anywhere; it claims “4 person capacity”, but I have been in residential elevators in private homes that were larger than this dumbwaiter-sized-lift!)

• Jacco, former Crystal Society host, was onboard as the ship’s future cruise consultant. He recognized us immediately (Jacco was onboard Symphony during our final “Flying-Dutchman-cruise-to-nowhere” in February 2020. An unexpected connection: Jacco on our last Crystal cruise and here again on our first cruise since February 2020.)

• Passenger mix a group of well-traveled, experienced voyagers. These folks have been-there-done-that and are adventure-seekers looking for new places. I would guess that we were in the older demographic onboard; median age likely in the mid-50’s, if I had to guess. Nice people, many very loyal and passionate Windstar devotees.

 

Opportunities

• Windstar’s shore excursions (not included) are relatively pricey compared to Crystal (or other lines). We only booked one shorex through Windstar; it was a very small group tour with only 18 others. Windstar does send a ship’s escort along with all tours. We arranged private, independent tours in ports that we did not just venture off on our own.

• One evening during each segment was Windstar’s signature deck barbecue. It is normally held outdoors on Deck 7. Because of the wet, windy, cold inclement weather on this cruise, it was moved indoors. Maybe it’s better outdoors. On barbecue night, that is the only dinner option. No specialty restaurants. Limited room service. If one enjoys a self-service, picnic-style outdoor barbecue, then one would enjoy this. It was a complete and total miss for us, and rather than the “signature highlight” of the cruise, it was actually the lowest “low-point” for us. I had a conversation with the hotel manager and suggested that some sort of alternative dining should be offered for those not interested in an average, picnic-style, buffet dinner.

 

Closing Observations

• Incredible staff and crew!

• Well-appointed accommodations.

• Fantastic, personal yacht size.

• Open bridge policy.

• Itinerary.

• Food selections, preparation and service exceeded our expectations.

• We would return, based on the itinerary. This is not an experience for many sea days; it is a fantastic 5* floating hotel to transport you in luxury to unusual, unique and out-of-the-way locations.

 

I will also post these observations on the Windstar CC message board and the Windstar Cruises review board.

If anyone has any specific questions, I will be glad to respond.

 

Thanks for taking the time to read this tome!

 

Rob

[Ski Mom 2]

Great review Rob! We love Windstar and you have detailed many of the wonderful reasons why we love it! Next up, you need to try the sails!!

[new_cruiser]

Nice review!

One note based on my Windstar sailing experience: Amphora is usually not open for breakfast. The only time I've seen it open for breakfast was a May trans-Pacific which was also a cool/cold weather cruise. Some days of that cruise, it was open for lunch as well which is also very unusual. It may have been open for breakfast on your cruise due to the weather. We also had the "deck" BBQ in Amphora. 

 

On my two post-COVID cruises (both on Star Legend), I've felt that the deck BBQ wasn't quite as lavish as on the pre-COVID ones. Possibly that is because they cut back for the lower passenger load or for some staffing limitations. It was still nice but a bit scaled back. Star Grille was open for dinner on some nights of my cruise this spring and it was quite a nice option for dinner on deck. 

[FlyerTalker]

Rob....three quick questions:

 

Do Candles and/or Quadro have a fixed menu for the entire cruise (such as Prego or Umi), or does it vary from day to day (like Chef's Table on Viking)?

 

What's the process for making reservations at Candles/Quadro?

 

How do you order the items to stock the mini-bar, if you have the all-in package?

 

TIA

[new_cruiser]

1 hour ago, FlyerTalker said:

Rob....three quick questions:

 

Do Candles and/or Quadro have a fixed menu for the entire cruise (such as Prego or Umi), or does it vary from day to day (like Chef's Table on Viking)?

 

What's the process for making reservations at Candles/Quadro?

 

How do you order the items to stock the mini-bar, if you have the all-in package?

 

TIA

Not Rob, but here are answers to your questions.

Candles and Quadro have fixed menus. An exception at Candles is the vegetarian entree which changes daily (and I think is the same as the vegetarian entree for Amphora). The fish may also change (I can't recall). 

 

Quadro has a couple of signature cocktails. I particularly enjoyed the Gran Espanola which is rum, honey, lime and cava with a mint garnish. The other one is good too. 

 

There is usually someone at check-in taking reservations for Candles and Quadro so we usually do it then. You can reserve once per cruise (per segment if you are on a Cruise Collector or other B2B) initially. We find once about right since the menus are fixed, but you can make another reservation later in the cruise if space is available. 

 

The mini-bar starts out stocked and is restocked as items are used. If you prefer it to be stocked differently (regardless of whether you have the package or are paying ala carte), just ask your room steward and they will make the adjustments. E.g. I generally only drink ginger ale or sparkling water - colas and lemon-lime sodas are too sweet for me so I'll ask the steward to modify the mini-frig for that. (The soft drinks are free for everyone - only the alcoholic bevereges in the mini-frig have a charge if not on the package.) 

[Ski Mom 2]

1 hour ago, FlyerTalker said:

Rob....three quick questions:

 

Do Candles and/or Quadro have a fixed menu for the entire cruise (such as Prego or Umi), or does it vary from day to day (like Chef's Table on Viking)?

 

Candles has a fixed menu. 

 

What's the process for making reservations at Candles/Quadro?

Reservations for any specialty restaurants are made once you are on board and checked in. Typically you are allowed one reservation per specialty restaurant although you can request more after everyone has had the opportunity to make theirs. 
 

How do you order the items to stock the mini-bar, if you have the all-in package?

 

TIA

 

Edited August 5, 2022 by Ski Mom 2

[ryndam]

2 hours ago, FlyerTalker said:

Do Candles and/or Quadro have a fixed menu for the entire cruise (such as Prego or Umi), or does it vary from day to day (like Chef's Table on Viking)?

 

Copies of the current Candles and Quadro 44 menus are attached.

 

Rob

[Cometman]

Great review. Just got off a Royal Caribbean cruise boy do I miss Windstar.

 

Made my final payment on our upcoming 18-day cruise in November today. We can't wait!

[FlyerTalker]

On 8/5/2022 at 3:11 PM, ryndam said:

Copies of the current Candles and Quadro 44 menus are attached.

 

Much appreciated.

[Omenbird]

Thank you for this incredible review!

 

[milepig]

Amphora, as stated above, is only open fir breakfast during cold or otherwise bad weather. In our Scotland/Ireland trip Veranda was closed more often that it was open.

 

There is a massive tomahawk chop in Candles, this is about the only upcharge I've seen. Reservations for Candles and Quatro are officially once per leg, but if there is room and they know you you can usually eat more than once at each. One time on the small ship were candles is out on deck we were outside having drinks and they asked us if we'd like to stay for dinner. On WS there are no rules.

 

Yes, the BBQ has been significantly downsized, no lobster!! Desserts are considerably less fancy. Other small things.

[Strenz]

I live in lobster land.  I think the lobster tails on WS are not from New England and are frozen. I do not think folks are missing much. The price of lobster has almost doubled in New England this year .  There is nothing like fresh lobster from New England  and the tails are not. Sorry to burst the bubble.  The deck BBQ is my least favorite for I simply do not like buffets. It is absolutely beautiful looking and being out on deck wonderful. I generally have a staff member serve me the lamb chops which are delicious. I really love WS’s food healthy, varied, presented beautifully. It is simply me and buffets and frozen lobster tails. Happy Sailing

[avalong]

I sincerely hope that the "dumbing-down" of the buffet is a temporary thing due to supply issues or whatever. I really loved it in its previous incarnation.

For those of us not blessed with access to New England lobster, the ones that Windstar had were, as they say, better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. 😀 

[molemaui]

Thank you for an excellent review. 

 

Just booked the Star Pride for an October cruise. Only Windstar cruise was the Wind Surf a few years. ago. That was excellent and I expect our next one to be too. 

 

We've gotten used to ships between 400-1200 people which are much smaller than the mega ships. Not at all worried about not having the "big ship" amenities. 

[moonjelly]

Thank you for the wonderful review!

[ryndam]

I wanted to provide an update. We returned from a 14-day b2b on Star Pride last month, r/t San Juan. We were so glad to be back onboard, in a warmer climate, where we could take advantage of everything the yacht offers in better weather. Swim platform- yes! Star Bar & Grille - yes! Pools and whirlpools - yes! Deck barbeque - yes! Beach picnics on private beaches/islands - yes! yes! Outdoor dining on the Verandah/Candles aft terrace - yes! Late night visits to the bridge - yes!

 

Although we were last onboard in July 2022, so many of the officers and crew from last July were onboard last month. And we were greeted, high-fived, hugged, and welcomed back, even on the pier as we were checking in. Hotel manager Andreas was at the gangway and hauled our carry-ons himself up the gangway! So many staff, servers, housekeepers, the chef, maitre'd JP and others remembered us as soon as we were onboard. It really was returning "home" to an extended family.

 

There were 210+/- pax onboard the first week. 30 pax, including us, stayed for week two. It was almost a full ship with 290+/- pax the second week.

 

We opted for the all-inclusive package again. We really enjoy not having to sign any bar chits. The internet service has been changed to Starlink. Wow! What a difference. The satellite connection was faster and more reliable than our 5G connections ashore. And since it was a b2b Star Collection voyage, laundry was included, too. 

 

A most enjoyable, restful and thoroughly stress-free journey!

 

Rob

[SVBing]

Agreed, we were on for 2 weeks also Mar 4-18. Feeling the same good vibe.

[Misty Morning]

We were on the Pride for 16 days in November.  Amazing ship since the stretch and amazing crew.  Just came back from a week on the Surf and the difference is stunning.  The Surf's is great and the crew just as good but the ship is looking a bit tired.  Looking to book on Star Legend Panama Canal next year. Was "Speedy Jack"  still running the Star Bar?

[milepig]

On 8/9/2022 at 4:07 PM, avalong said:

I sincerely hope that the "dumbing-down" of the buffet is a temporary thing due to supply issues or whatever. I really loved it in its previous incarnation.

For those of us not blessed with access to New England lobster, the ones that Windstar had were, as they say, better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. 😀 

It was the same last fall as it was two years ago. Massively downsized from the past. But we survived.

[oakridger]

On 3/24/2023 at 2:12 PM, ryndam said:

I wanted to provide an update. We returned from a 14-day b2b on Star Pride last month, r/t San Juan.

 

Thanks so much for the update!  I just decided today to start looking into a Windstar cruise for early 2025 (busy until then!). Being a former Crystal passenger also, I really appreciate your review and perspective.  I already have a request in for more info and a quote!

 

~Nancy