I’m a claustrophobic, high-energy traveler who loves great food and intimate private settings, so while I’ve visited more than 60 countries I’d never done a cruise until I heard about Windstar Cruises where the focus is on taking you to hidden gem destinations the big cruise ships can’t go to.
So I checked out Windstar’s Star Legend online and was impressed to find only 106 luxurious spacious outside cabins that all were suites with queen beds, a separate living room area, a bathroom with full sized tub, a huge walk in closet that’s bigger than my closet at home and almost floor to ceiling windows. No claustrophobia problems here! An added bonus, some of the suites have French Balconies, ideal for taking in the sunrise and sunsets.
Since I always love any firsts and Windstar looked like the kind of unique and intimate cruising experience that fit the Travel Therapy theme I decided to take my dad on the Star Legend for his birthday to San Juan and the Virgin Islands and introduce him to one of my favorite Caribbean beach bars, The Soggy Dollar Bar, on Jost Van Dyke.
From the moment we got onboard we both knew this trip was going to be one for the memory books. From the friendly staff, to the award-winning cuisine, to the beautiful suites that were even better than the pictures showed, to the stunning off the beaten path islands we visited like Montserrat, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda, we truly did feel like we were on our own private yacht.
My dad, who has only big on the big cruise ships, kept asking, “where are all the people, this can’t all be just for us?” My dad and I also loved the Windstar staff that always called us by name, and quickly learned our favorite things to eat and drink, and truly made us feel like they were there just for us, and part of the Windstar family.
On our trip we had less than 150 guests, and the way the ship is set up, we rarely saw more than a few people in one place at a time. There were no lines or crowds, just incredible scenery and extraordinary small group and private excursions. Some favorite island trips, visiting the buried city of volcano ravaged Montserrat, racing real America’s Cup Sailboats in St. Maarten and a trip to the magical Baths on Virgin Gorda.
It didn’t take long for my Dad and I to settle into the blissful routine of walking up every morning, having a fantastic meals, exploring a new islands and the yacht itself with it’s unique water sports platform where you could sail, snorkel, kayak, paddle board, you name it, right from ship.
There was only one big problem with my first cruising experience on Windstar’s Star Legend. My dad is now hooked and keeps asking what Windstar trip I’ll take him on next! He’s convinced cruising together needs to be a new family tradition and is already sending me ideas for other unique Windstar trips. Stay tuned…
Watch my latest Travel Therapy TV segment featuring my Windstar Cruise trip that aired during Kelly & Micheal on ABC in New York City and is now featured online on AOL, Amazon, Huffington Post, YouTube and here on the Travel Therapy website!
