Column

20-07-2023

WINDSTAR CRUISES

For many, the thought of ocean cruising is accompanied by a slew of expectations – gargantuan vessels, thousands of people crammed on board, long sea days interspersed with hurried dashes on land. But while this image has long dominated the collective imagination, the truth is that ocean cruising comes in just about as many shapes, styles, and sizes as we do.

And if the above image makes you want to run for the hills – we may just have the perfect antithesis to introduce you to…
Windstar Cruises operates a fleet of six small vessels. Their two yacht styles – the iconic sailing Wind Class and all–suite Star Plus Class – have custom crafted itineraries that highlight their unique attributes: be it island hopping in Tahiti or a slow languid cruise through the Norwegian fjords.
Their itineraries traverse the great breadth of the planet – through Europe, the Caribbean, South America, Tahiti, Arabia and as of 2023 – Australia and New Zealand! Each sailing is carefully curated to enhance your experience of each destination – to immerse you within local scenery and culture.
With fewer than 350 guests onboard – you can slip past the crowds, off the beaten path and through smaller ports – all in, an intimacy that affords you the luxury of time, space and freedom. Their focus is to go beyond the ordinary and seek out exceptional experiences in out of the ordinary places.
In fact, they actively scour the world for out of the ordinary destinations – smaller ports and local spots where you can get a taste of the unfamiliar, then seek out the most authentic ways for guests to experience them – in small groups that are easily absorbed by local cultures rather than intruding on them. Their itineraries are port intensive, often with exclusive landfalls larger ships can’t access. Frequently staying late into the evening or even overnight in places.
Rather than being overwhelmed by a jam–packed onboard schedule of activities, Windstar offer a gentler pace of sailing. Listen to live music, watch the sunset over the water, listen to expert onboard lecturers or join their chef for impromptu cooking demonstration. You may even be tempted to utilise their phenomenal watersports platform onboard: snorkelling gear, stand–up paddleboards, kayaks and even smaller sail boats that allow you to get even closer to your destination.
They also offer Complimentary Destination Discovery Events which treat you to iconic experiences that capture the essence of your locale. Guest Lecturers intrigue you with regional topics, and small group excursions take you to meet locals who are delighted to share their homes, cuisines, and cultures with you. With more than 2,000 excursions to choose from, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, a history buff, or someone who loves to get to know the faces behind the many places they travel – there is bound to be something for you.

Happy Travelling!
Sienna Gardner
TRAVELLING PLACES
24 MAIN ST, TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN
07 5545 1600 travel@travellingplaces.com.au