Thanks to small ships like Windstar's, those of us who value no queues, no casinos, no ear-splitting “entertainment,” great personal service, well prepared meals properly served and true relaxation, also have cruses to enjoy.
@People_of_the_Mouse
Жыл бұрын
we would miss a balcony. that’s the trade off I couldn’t make. so it’s the train to bergen for me.
@hollybirge4087
Жыл бұрын
Absolutely why we cruise Windstar too. I’m there for the destinations.
@enjoyslearningandtravel7957
Жыл бұрын
I also value no casinos and you no queue , etc.
@ellenriddick2461
Жыл бұрын
@@People_of_the_Mousethere are real balconies on the Star class ships, you just have to book those suites.
@xr6lad
Жыл бұрын
@@People_of_the_Mousebut it did and you could open it. A Juliet balcony. I’d much rather a bigger cabin than a balcony you occasionally used: and with a Juliet balcony you so can open the doors/windows but sit in the comfort of your cabin.
@loisblake5854
Жыл бұрын
This is exactly why we love WINDSTAR, it is the non "cruise" cruise. Low-key, relaxing and quiet.
@john-brady
Жыл бұрын
And plenty of rich folks for company…
@ellenriddick2461
Жыл бұрын
It's a french balcony and that's exactly what they call it. We've never had an issue getting whatever seating we asked for. And thank goodness they don't have those horrible shows to suffer through. The food is wonderful and nonpretentious. They have the best excursions and if in Alaska you get expedition trips. No better cruiseline than windstar. We love, love everything about WS!
@MrTomV
7 ай бұрын
Just don't fall out over the railing. You're done for.
@jec1ny
Жыл бұрын
Some of the issues you see as a bug, I tend to look at as a feature. I dislike larger cruise ships as I am averse to big crowds, I don't care for 24/7 entertainment, and am not a big fan of lots of noise. When it comes to entertainment, I'm pretty low maintenance. If I have a couple of good books packed, the chances are that I am going to be set for sea days. Give me peace and quiet, some open deck space to walk on and get fresh air, and maybe a quiet corner to sit with a book and smoke my pipe and I am likely to be a happy passenger. Throw in some good food that won't spike my blood sugar level too much, and you can sign me up right now.
@sylviekins
Жыл бұрын
Apart from the pipe, I totally agree!❤
@jec1ny
Жыл бұрын
@@sylviekins Never trust a man with no vices.
@nocturn791
Жыл бұрын
Good to hear from a fellow pipe smoker! With you all the way.
@gogotraveler
Жыл бұрын
We love cruising windstar. It's by far our favorite cruise line. Everyone knows your name. The food is made from scratch. They have an open bridge. You are waited on hand and foot. We were on Windsurf for 18 days in January. We have booked 18 days from Venice to Rome in October and we have booked 15 days from Rome to Lisbon. As far as excursions have found a good mix of tours in all price ranges.
@colinkaak9874
Жыл бұрын
I would rather compromise on a small ship with 300 passengers, than fight a mega crowd nightmare on a larger ship. And no screaming kids!
@TorIverWilhelmsen
Жыл бұрын
There are adults-only cruise lines with larger ships, too, in particular Viking and Virgin.
@gerardacronin334
Жыл бұрын
There is a humongous gap between mega ships and 300 passengers. My preference is ~700 passengers or so.
@xr6lad
8 ай бұрын
@@TorIverWilhelmsennot Virgin. Anything but the insufferable trendiness of Virgin.
@alans3023
Жыл бұрын
No shows, no casino, no hordes. All sounding pretty good to me. Quality food, space to sit and enjoy bring at sea, comfortable cabins. I’m sold - but then we’re all different. Good review. Thank you.
@user-mp5ww2bt7q
Жыл бұрын
I agree, I’m tiered of the trashy bingo, show games type of cruises and would really struggle to accept it in this price class
@amyrivers4093
Жыл бұрын
I agree and I'm 45 so it just goes to show we all like different things. What is a bonus to some is a negative for others.
@deblevine4580
8 ай бұрын
Windstar is the best! We sail on many lovely lines, but Windstar has my heart!
@sherrigriswold4897
6 ай бұрын
I love Windstar. He nails the Windstar experience. The food is great, the rooms are great.
@marymaryquitecontrary
Жыл бұрын
All I can say is, this sounds PERFECT!! for me. I wouldn't miss the crowds and buzzy activities a bit-the leisurely approach floats my boat.
@JohnnyK60
Жыл бұрын
On my terrific Windstar cruise, we far from boring stick-in-the-muds, but party animals? No.
@blacksquirrel4008
Жыл бұрын
Based on your comments, this is the first cruise I’ve been tempted to take.
@gogotraveler
10 ай бұрын
I love windstar. We did 2, 18 day trips in 2023. We had a fabulous time. Food is wonderful and made from scratch. We booked 3 more back to back trips. As experienced cruisers this is our favorite cruise line. Regarding the excursions there are plenty of non active excursions in my experience. Fyi the staff from our trip in January that stayed on actually remembered our names on our return in October. I prefer the socialising of a small ship although I am conversational.
@TVHouseHistorian
Жыл бұрын
As a less-experienced cruiser, my cruising experience extends only to some of the largest commercial cruise lines, such as Princess, RCL, and NCL. What strikes me the most about your Windstar experience is the focus being primarily on exploration rather than the “floating resort” experience the larger ships offer. This cruise experience is very reminiscent of what’s offered on some of the smaller expedition-intensive luxury cruise lines where passengers attend a briefing every evening on the next day’s expedition, which requires rigorous exercise. Windstar seem to be much more in that vein. The whole ship experience has more to do with supporting what’s really important to guests, which is EXPLORATION. I love that. Don’t give me any shows. I don’t care about huge food variety, but the food *must* be somewhere between excellent and exceptional. Excellent cuisine always lends itself to convivial atmosphere among guests. As a solo cruiser, I’m ecstatic about sharing my dinner table with other guests. I hate dining alone. Bottom line: I find myself yearning for a smaller, more sedate ship experience, good food on offer, and less being CRAMMED in with the masses. I adore children, but when it comes to cruising, I detest families with all the drama they bring. Enough with the party atmosphere, which lends itself to unruly, uncouth behavior by passengers who can only afford to vacation “on the cheap.” Sorry to sound like such a snoot. I’m just over the “floating resort, loud family-friendly, drink till you drop, party hardy”experience the larger cruise lines offer.
@Beachtrader0007
10 ай бұрын
hallelujah
@lindalaceyblevins5527
Жыл бұрын
Gary, I love that you are so comfortable in being by yourself on these cruises. This is one aspect that terrifies me: that I will find myself alone, which is fine, but forced to table share and feel like a third or fifth wheel. You are so at ease, taking it all in. Good for you! ❤
@tipsfortravellers
Жыл бұрын
Yes, it is not for everyone. I hate sharing tables......
@rabbit_scribe
Жыл бұрын
@@tipsfortravellersMe too! In fact for me that's the only downside to this type of cruise, and it's a big one.
@GrandDuchessAniya
11 ай бұрын
My first and only cruise so far was on a smaller ship. My dining options were to be seated at a six top or a ten top. I chose a six top and felt like a fifth wheel to a lovely family. I switched to a ten top for the rest of the cruise, and there were only five of us total - two younger ladies who were cousins, a couple who were a tad older than I, and me. We had a blast and hung out together in the evenings. I plan to retire soon and travel more. I likely will be traveling solo and will feel somewhat safer on a cruise and/or going on trips sponsored by my university alumni society.
@wolcottwu756
10 ай бұрын
Thanks much Gary. As a repeat Windstar cruiser, I was trying to describe the experience to an interested couple. Your clear framing allowed them to make a better informed decision. They booked.
@lucydeboxer2565
2 ай бұрын
We LOVE Windstar and have been on all of their ships. Going back to the ship we always see lines of hundreds of other passengers waiting to board their large cruise ships, when we just walk up to the Windstar tent, have some ice tea and a snack and get on our tender.
@paulhaskins5191
Жыл бұрын
We’ve sailed numerous times with Windstar and feel this was a very fair and realistic view of the cruise line. For the reasons you mentioned, we tended to avoid their itineraries that have sea days, unless the day involved going through a scenic passage, like the Corinth Canal. While the pools are small, on warm weather itineraries they do open the back of the ship to form a swim platform; it’s an unique experience lying on a swim mat tethered to the back of a ship 😊
@rabbit_scribe
Жыл бұрын
The swim platform sounds amazing!
@thomasmoffatt
Жыл бұрын
My wife's second cousin, Caroll Spinney, who was better known to the world as BIG BIRD on Sesame Street, raved about Windstar Cruises. Sadly he died in his 80s a couple of years ago. But the small size and the itineraries and shore excursions were the things he would go on about. Nothing but good.
@tulinfirenze1990
9 ай бұрын
As soon as I read "Caroll Spinney", I knew EXACTLY who that was.
@heidixxx2454
Жыл бұрын
I didn't know cruise ships this small even existed. Thank you for introducing!! As an introvert, this would probably be fine for me. It would just be many more laps around the deck to walk off the food!!!
@heidixxx2454
Жыл бұрын
Very valid point! I like living in a city instead of a small town for that reason. As an introvert I thought I might like small ships because I wouldn't miss a large itinerary of on-boat activities, the hum n buzz of so much going on.@@katieNgg-tj8lj
@seashelify362
Жыл бұрын
We did 14 days cruising the Caribbean on the Star Pride last March. It was amazing. The entertainment director at that time was also an Opera singer who entertained us several times. This was a huge plus. The ship also has an area where one can jump off the ship into the ocean & go for a swim. Not as casual as it may sound as there were many currents & it was often closed…but a highlight for sure. Twice we had BBQs ashore & they brought the paddle boards, kayaks & swimming platforms ashore for all to enjoy. The crew was wonderful & it was one of our favorite trips.
@elainen8672
5 ай бұрын
Was on my first Wind Star cruise earlier this year in Costa Rica and will soon be on them again for Turkey/Greece. I've been on larger ships and just loved the Wind "Star" which has sails and only like 132 people. Being able to get into smaller places was great, I enjoyed the food and the lack of most of the things that some people seem to want! Great experience..
@kosmotini
Жыл бұрын
Windstar is a great fit for us, outstanding destinations, best crew by far and comfortable accommodations. Dining better than most big ship lines. Did I mention the crew? Our last trip had impromptu morning coffee on bridge with captain. Deck bbq night 1st officer spent at least half hour with us chatting. Genuinely made us feel welcome and special. Thankfully Windstar is not for everyone.
@BobJohnson-h3k
11 ай бұрын
We LOVE Windstar. Just booked them for summer 2024 in Tahiti & Bora Bora. Expensive, yes - but WELL worth it !
@josekirchner4040
Жыл бұрын
I’ve been cruising since the Ile de France and Queen Elizabeth, and we settled on Windstar as our favorite cruise line. We’ve always made friends, and have had repeats with many of the excellent crew members. We have 48 Windstar cruises under our belts including transatlantic repositioning cruises, and love the more freeform, less frenetic pace, the smaller places they visit. (There has been a casino, just forward of the Compass Rose starboard side.) Windstar is not for everyone, but they have a committed audience.
@zekelucente9702
11 ай бұрын
Twenty years ago we took the Windstar sailing ship from Barcelona to Nice and it was fantastic. The food was great and the experience of being under sail was unique.
@crystalgrose
Жыл бұрын
I absolutely love your channel! I have never been on a cruise before - I definitely want to go on one, and watching your channel makes me feel as though I am on a cruise. Thank You for all of the information you give as well 😊
@Dinki-Di
Жыл бұрын
This sounds like my kind of cruise, and that food looks amazing.
@ellisonketovore
Жыл бұрын
My first cruise in 2013 was on Windstar, Wind Surf to be exact, the largest of their sailing vessels. I adored the size, food, crew, the open bridge and the time it took to disembark in ports. In Ibiza, for example, we docked inside the town centre and I went back on board to use the washroom and was back with my friends in town in 10 mins. In other ports we'd pop back on the ship for lunch as the food was so wonderful.
@KenDavies-qv3fs
10 ай бұрын
My best were the ships that hold between 300 and 600. The smaller ships are more fun and easier.
@dchenkin02
Жыл бұрын
I have only been on two large, ~3,000 passenger budget line cruises. Windstar actually sounds to me appealing and similiar to the way people describe European river cruise ships. Both my cruises on large ships were much more about a party than the destinations.
@JohnnyK60
Жыл бұрын
Similar to river cruising, but not exactly. To me, Windstar was a bit less claustrophobic.
@People_of_the_Mouse
Жыл бұрын
Has anyone ever told you this is the best cruise show? Loved the bonus train trip.
@debraray5786
Жыл бұрын
We are going to Greece-Amalfi Coast-Rome Oct. 14. Our ship is called Windstar. It only holds 148 people and is one of their saining ships. I was so excited to hear your thoughts even though your ship was a bit larger. Thank you!
@lawrenceweinig2390
Жыл бұрын
Best ship ever!
@shetaz905
Жыл бұрын
This is really appealing to me. I'm not interested in a floating city. Love live music but not big productions. I don't gamble, so casinos are worthless to me. The destination and good food are important. I've never cruised before but would be willing to give this a go.
@unlvqasl
Жыл бұрын
If I had a choice between a small ship such as this or in my case Viking cruises or one of the Genormous of the Seas theme park roller coaster monstrosities I would take the small ship any time.
@jacolen3791
11 ай бұрын
I’m glad I watched this. I’ve been considering a small ship cruise. I can see the up side with the excursions and different locations that are not the typical ones on larger boats, but the lack of nightlife and entertainment seems boring and is a deal breaker for me.
@yuckyool
Жыл бұрын
Sounds good but for my lovely wife, food allergies/restrictions are VERY important. Twice burned on RCCL, we feel quite "safe" with DCL . . . but/still open to other lines especially if they can take us on new itineraries to Canada, South America and/or Mediterranean.
@kentheckethorn8921
3 ай бұрын
Hi Gary, My wife and I have cruised only once so far. Late bloomers, I suppose. This was on the Regent Explorer to Alaska. As I’ve mentioned before, we absolutely loved our Regent cruise. Now that we have had a taste for smaller ships and have seen the thrill of larger more shipboard oriented cruise ships, we are looking forward to our next cruise. We have decided to downsize and have chosen the Windstar Breeze for its 11 day Tahitian cruise. We enjoyed the shows aboard the Regent so it will be interesting to experience the smaller venue of the Windstar. We took several excursions on the Regent but I think the access to local Tahiti and the Society Islands will be far more immersive. The swimming platform looks excellent as well. Can’t wait to swim among the little beasties of the sea. Thanks again for your wonderful videos and recommendations.
@JohnDoe-sr1dd
Жыл бұрын
Love Windstar, we've done two cruises on them, going on our third next year. The only minor nit is that the excursion options are a bit more limited than other cruise ships and as you point out, pricier. Well worth the trade off for the quiet, lack of lines/chaos.
@paultyrrell9497
Жыл бұрын
Great review. As a solo traveller who has shared tables with people that were to intrusive for my liking I’ll give it a miss. The non choice of dining alone on any cruise I would find a little stressful. I like a small ship but this one a little to small
@gerardacronin334
Жыл бұрын
Totally agree.
@Oakridger2024
Жыл бұрын
I'm a solo cruiser trying Windstar for the first time. I do not usually sit with strangers at dinner, but other folks have reported that it's not a problem getting a solo table. I hope they are right and Gary's experience of them saying it may not be possible to sit by yourself was a one off! Great review as always. This sounds like my style......we'll see what I think after my cruise!
@nickfotheringham4233
Жыл бұрын
Although this Windstar ship seems a little too large for my taste, I would probably enjoy sailing on her. The only benefit I can see from larger ships is their lower risk of seasickness (and of course the ease of avoiding certain other passengers who annoy me).
@pamstachowski112
2 ай бұрын
We really enjoy Windstar. My only downside, which a personal thing, is that when my husband wants to catch a nap, do his meditations, or just lay down (due to a back issue) I have nothing to do on the ship. I do get bored occasionally. I can only sit so long. I'm not sure what can be done to accommodate that since I'm not very chatty. That said, we have been on 5 cruises with Windstar and plan many more.
@donnapeavey1886
Жыл бұрын
Their fans all grew up watching the Love Boat, this is a Cruise they expect. It would make me happy to know Gopher and Doc. Had I wanted to be on boat with 3000, I would have joined the Navy😂
@charliemarks2598
6 ай бұрын
Sir, Love your channel! My wife and I have sailed on six Windstar Cruises with our seventh scheduled for February 2025. As a few people have commented, we like the cusine, the quiet, the ports we visit, and the interesting folks that you meet onboard. A couple of other points, one you mentioned and one you did not, I love the fact that you can wander up to the bridge at four o'clock in the morning and interact with the crew. The other item is, you rarely see children onboard, and if you do see them, they are abnormally well behaved. It is a very relaxing and quiet place to be. Of the six we have sailed on, five were on the sailing ships and one on the Star Legend motoryacht prior to "the stretch".I would recommend to you traveling on one of the smaller sailing ships (Windstar or Windspirit), it is an even more intimate and enjoyable experience.
@DreamDetective
Жыл бұрын
The smallest cruise ship I have been on was the Marco Polo a Christmas cruise in 2019. Like you I met many people who had been on her many times and loved her. After one day I knew her inside out. It had most of the things the bigger ships had, a library , a game room and a craft room which was if you didn't come early the door would be shut . The shows and games were all connected to Christmas. They had something called a reindeer game which involved the people in the theatre at that time. I've been listening to you for a few years now and I've never heard you mention the library. My last cruise in July/August on the ambassador line. There was a situation ind the library was empty , no books . I was very unhappy because I always take a book almost finished and exchange it for another book in the library . I'll talked to other people on the cruise and they did the same thing. So many of us were very disappointed that there were no books on the shelves. Also the game room had no games. I had brought a deck of cards and have recently taken a bridge so I asked people if they played bridge and ended up finding quite a few people and we had a few games on sea days in the card room. You could do that on a very small ship as well. That's the wonderful thing about cruises if you can keep looking around to find out what activities are taking place either to watch or take part.
@BTScriviner
Жыл бұрын
I love the idea of a small ship. I find those floating apartment buildings that pass for cruise ships to be ugly and would be too busy for me.
@jackieknits61
Жыл бұрын
This. I want to be on a ship that feels like a ship. I grew up sailing the great lakes, so I rarely get seasick. And really, I am a bit of a generalist when it comes to food. While I can't eat very spicy or acidic foods, I am rarely at a loss for what to eat. And as far as entertainment on board, just sitting on deck watching the world go by sounds just about perfect. If the weather's too rough for that, I always bring books and handcrafts everywhere I go. Even the Dr's office. I am never bored. So yeah. Windstorm sounds just my speed.
@stevenbittinger5128
Жыл бұрын
So first let me say we have traveled to 96 countries, sometimes by ship. The best experiences have been on smaller destination type ships. Windstar had expanded over the years to include additional ships. If you like meeting educated well traveled individuals than this is your kind of fellow travelers.The ships are small enough to go where the mega ships can't. The crew to guest ratio is excellent . Crew members become more like family or friend.Soon to depart on an Iceland, Greenland,Labrador to french Canada trip. Fourth time to the arctic.Ready to go!
@shepardsmith3235
Жыл бұрын
I might add a plus for smaller ships is that they can go upriver to ports inaccessible to larger ships. For example if you want to do Hong Kong to Singapore do not take an even a medium size 70,000 ton ship. They cannot go up river to Bangkok or Saigon and these are two of the big ports. The smaller ships go right up river to downtown and you are right there. The bigger ships port three hours away and you have to be bussed to and fro. Not a way to do these ports. The smaller ships also do a lot more overnights. Going to Copenhagen and not doing Tivoli Gardens at night is a complete waste and the bigger ships DO NOT do this for the most part. Same with Athens, Rome and many other ports. So keep this in mind. Also too smaller ships can have far better itineraries so check this all out.
@kazaabitboll2026
Жыл бұрын
Rome? Lol it has no port it’s 3 hours away
@shepardsmith3235
Жыл бұрын
Correct Civitavecchia. Stay the Night in Rome and take the train back. Done this before. You must spend the night in Rome and you know that@@kazaabitboll2026
@marycolmenar1633
3 ай бұрын
Thank you for pointing out about the balcony feature. I am planning to book a Windstar cruise and will certainly opt out the balcony option. Windstar is definitely a good choice for me for I value smaller crowds and low key trips where I can relax and enjoy the journey and destination.
@hortensehorseman5328
Жыл бұрын
It looks wonderful. A juliet balcony on a ship. I prefer the smaller ships.
@suzanneball2442
Жыл бұрын
It's so interesting to me how people immediately criticize Gary's reviews of smaller or luxury ships. Obviously rich, spoiled--and probably white--passengers. They immediately must defend their choice, while he is simply describing his experience. Until I've been on 100+ cruises of every type, I'll continue to value his objective comments. It's not an all-or-nothing choice, folks. Relax.
@artful1967
4 ай бұрын
was there any need to make a race related assumption?
@johnlambrecht3878
4 ай бұрын
Could you be more racist?
@valiumtwo
8 ай бұрын
Sounds perfect. I care nothing about shows, casinos, or live music.
@Bubby869
Жыл бұрын
“Unfortunately for me, the inevitable ABBA show.” 🤣🤣🤣
@skeller61
5 ай бұрын
One thing I noticed, as a fellow introvert, at 9:41 you mentioned that you really had to make an effort to integrate, yet earlier in the video, you mildly complained about perhaps not being able to dine alone. It seems to me that you’ll meet people if you dine at a table with others more so than at activities like shows. This seems like it has elements of both ocean and river cruise ships. Personally, I like the idea of not having so many people on board, as the one big cruise ship I’ve been on (Royal Caribbean on a short Caribbean cruise) turned into a cattle car at every port, packed like sardines waiting to get off the ship. Thanks for your videos, as they highlight positives and negatives that I might not have thought about.
@nikolaik4579
Жыл бұрын
The funny thing about his dress code comment, was before he said that I was thinking how nice everyone looked. Yes, they were casually dressed, but still nice, as opposed to the horrifically slovenly clothes most people call casual.
@todddavis4543
9 ай бұрын
Once again, I find myself happy to share this planet with you. Your videos are very well thought out, very informative, very pertinent, but most of all very Gary Bembridge.
@IvyroseGullwhacker
Жыл бұрын
I would definitely try this once, at least! I think the 600-passenger ships are the MOST my style, but I absolutely love the learning while traveling vibe. The approach to destinations is awesome.
@stephenbeck4636
Жыл бұрын
Informative and thourough as always. Appreciate the range of your reviews.
@sankimalu
Жыл бұрын
Those prices looked so reasonable! I was on an Alaska cruise and the drinks were double that!
@te5056
Ай бұрын
I am on a Windstar cruise right now as I type this and it is amazing. Sailing to Visby now.
@kepckatherinec805
Жыл бұрын
Windstar’s approach to cruising just might get me back onto a cruise ship! I’ve been on only one, a western Caribbean Carnival cruise back in 1986. I was so disappointed by the glitzy decor, the constant upsell of photos and shopping “sales”, the casino crowds, the flashy/noisy evening entertainment and the brief, tacky, touristy shore excursions. This cruise that left you wanting more buzz would be perfect for me.
@JohnnyK60
Жыл бұрын
As a Windstar veteran, what you saw here is what to expect. Passengers are an interesting group, just not party people.
@BrucePotter
5 ай бұрын
WOW all the things you listed as negatives were to me actually positives. I'll have to reconsider cruising.
@MadeNCda
Жыл бұрын
Hi Gary, thanks for this review and for sharing your opinion. I would def try Windstar. I like the idea of experiencing being on the water, feeling the elements with little distraction from scenery.
@lorenadugan6355
11 ай бұрын
Vloggers Norm and Tina did a Windstar Cruise. They had reasons for doing so, mainly Covid. They indicated sanitation was not a thing that was promoted. Folks were sick all around. They also got COVID. They did love the experience otherwise.
@leemcgillivray7632
24 күн бұрын
Good stuff Gary, thanks.
@accidentalaerialist371
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Gary! You showed off the cruise line would be a great fit for me!
@juanitafurtado8805
Жыл бұрын
Excellent. I didnt know much about Windstar. This video was very informative and is going to help me in picking future cruises. You are so good at this!
@mikenagy938
8 ай бұрын
Happy to see you getting there; I put 35,000 nautical miles on my sailboat over ten years of cruising. It was 32 feet long from bow to stern.
@BobJohnson-h3k
Жыл бұрын
We LOVE Windstar - everything you said was spot on. We did our first in 2021 and are presently booking one for this coming summer.
@heatherhall7898
5 ай бұрын
Sounds perfect. See the world, new experiences, all with relaxed intimacy. No miserable micro “Vegas” shows, casinos, or tortuous lines. There are innumerable reasons I do NOT go to Vegas.
@danielintheantipodes6741
Жыл бұрын
I would not be worried by the lack of entertainment but I get that that would be an issue for many. I would enjoy the smaller size ship I think and hang out in my cabin with a pile of books! Thank you for the video!
@itzel1735
Жыл бұрын
Sounds perfect. Great tip on focusing on port intensive itineraries. Thanks.
@ravenstormchild6491
Жыл бұрын
This would be my jam! ❤
@skehleben7699
Жыл бұрын
The only time I was on a ship for several days was when I was 13 years old and my family was moving back to the USA from France and my parents decided we would do a transatlantic ship! We took the SS France and and as I recall there was a movie theater and a couple pools but I don't remember their being casinos and what not. The ship was decommissioned a few years after, sadly.
@sarahcox1805
Жыл бұрын
This sounds superb to me but I agree it would be best suited to a port-intensive itinerary - which suits me just fine! I’ll have to look into Windstar.
@christopherhogg3227
Жыл бұрын
Outstanding video! The Middle East tour with all the exotic ports sounds shagadelic!
@victoriasmith1897
Жыл бұрын
Your comments haven’t out me off sailing French Polynesia with Windstar but I think your comments about making sure it is a port intensive trip make sense to me. Usually the ship is very much the destination for me though. Thanks once again for your varied coverage.
@tipsfortravellers
Жыл бұрын
Yes, I think for French Polynesia it will work as there are ports every day and not that much sailing as the islands are all so close!
@evelynhillier2877
Жыл бұрын
Thanks, Gary. It all sounds appealing, but I fear I'd be one of those with mal de mer and I'm allergic to quite a few of the remedies. That's why we stick to larger ships e.g. Solstice class Celebrity ships.
@gilliandrysdale5306
Жыл бұрын
very balanced review which lets people decide if it’s for them ❤🏴
@yogibearstie
Жыл бұрын
The food looks outstanding
@autobotdiva9268
Жыл бұрын
bingo, painting, clay class, guess that song, towel folding class...there is plenty more activities they could add for evening time that doesnt need high energy
@jeffmarder4379
Жыл бұрын
Really fantastic review of Windstar. I took a Windstar cruise about twelve years ago and you echoed many of the thoughts I had from that experience. The entire James Beard connection seems very misleading as it seemed to imply that the cruise line itself actually won some James Beard awards. In reality, we found the food on the ship to be mediocre at best, and I’ve since had much better food on NCL and Royal Caribbean. Great description of the essence of the onboard experience, which was one of the most appealing parts of the cruise. Your video even made me reconsider the possibility of trying Windstar again! Thank you for a wonderful presentation of the Windstar experience. This was very informative and entertaining.
@joeson7700
Жыл бұрын
Best choice for MIDDLE Age group , just a full pleasurable Voyages
@nancyjorgensen7253
Жыл бұрын
We are going on our 8th Wind Star cruise this October in Greece. Love them!
@leonhue722
Жыл бұрын
Getting back to basics is the way to go.
@flossjones9678
Жыл бұрын
Would thoroughly recommend Scenic (Eclipse I and II) as a small ship option, they sure know how to look after passengers. Great itineraries, awesome food, fantastic staff and the ships are just beautiful (only 200 passengers which suit us). Worth checking out…
@benparsons3379
11 ай бұрын
My wife likes Holland America and there's nothing wrong with them. That said, if I had my way and for my money, I would only cruise with Windstar. Without question the smaller ships are my preference. Excellent service, food and beverage and staff contribute to my best sailing experiences.
@billm83army
Жыл бұрын
Good info! I HATE line dancing or Cruise Directors leading Conga Lines. For a pricey cruise I'm surprised at the Carnival / Disney crap. I never fall for expensive excursions, never. Love small ships and love no kids! I want a slightly dressy dress code for dinner, no flip flops, cargo shorts or Kiss me I'm from Virginia t-shirts
@PuenteAJ
Жыл бұрын
Great update, something I would definitely consider. Like the smaller ports concept, and the small number of people. Like you though I enjoy the buzz of slightly bigger ships. Thank you Gary
@davidh9844
Жыл бұрын
OI! Thanks a million - once again Gary one of your videos is likely to cost me a small fortune. We are Azamara junkies specifically because of the size of the ship. Small, intimate, more than sufficient facilities to keep the two of us happy, and great food and service. And no mobs, and yes, even "mid sized" ships of 2000 to 3000 passengers are loud, chaotic, mobbed. Not our style unless the ports are great, and the price even better. Windstar looks a tad small, perhaps too small, BUT as you point out, the ship has access to ports we've never heard of. I've never done any investigating. Guess where I'm going as soon as this note is finished?
@janandbud
Жыл бұрын
I sailed on the smaller sail ship the Wind Surf one of my best vacations ever.
@nancycurtis3964
Жыл бұрын
Try Hebridean Princess. 45 passengers. All inclusive. Top notch food and service. Also, Sea Dream.
@heather1980
Жыл бұрын
I thought Windstar was for me until you said it was American focused. I’m an American, but I prefer the European style of crusing.
@xr6lad
Жыл бұрын
Don’t understand the issue about the balcony. Much rather a Juliet balcony and a bigger cabin than a big balcony.
@dj2000lbs
Жыл бұрын
I went on the star pride classic Caribbean st barts my new favorite place thanks to Windstar showing me. We liked it 🙂
@francesgill8621
Жыл бұрын
It sounds wonderful. I'm really looking forward to my Panama Canal cruise on the Star Pride in December
@TheOnlyLilithcat
Жыл бұрын
The lack of lots of activity - casinos, "Broadway" shows" and the like - is not a drawback for me. And I do find the small size, good food, and service appealing. However, the lack of a usable balcony, and the emphasis on "active" excursions, are deal killers for me, as I enjoy breakfast or an afternoon cocktail on my balcony, and I can no longer handle strenuous activity.
@michaelschweitzer7267
Жыл бұрын
Nice, balanced review. You were fair in that it may not have been particularly for you (unless it had many, unique port stops, it still had merits that others might appreciate more.
@verticalmatt
6 ай бұрын
It's a cruise line for people that enjoy sailing and yachting
@enjoyslearningandtravel7957
Жыл бұрын
I like the fact being able to share a table at lunch, since I almost always travel alone. Would you find that in the smaller ship that the people mixed well with people who are traveling alone ?
@enjoyslearningandtravel7957
Жыл бұрын
I like the fact that there’s an open bridge. I’m not so sure I would like mostly American focus cruise with nine out of 10 being Americans. Nothing wrong with them but I like more of a mix of people to talk to.
@mentonish
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the review on small ships cruising, it looks like their key note passengers are those who have already experienced the big ships and are looking for more exclusive treatment.
@mjs28s
7 ай бұрын
@6:00 Wow! those are EXPENSIVE excursions / tours. I can't imagine doing those with my wife. A few of those at $250 per person and you end up doubling the cost of your trip and might as well have flown in.
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