A First Look Aboard Windstar Star Pride
“Look how small it is!”
That was my delighted reaction when my husband and I first arrived for a Windstar Star Pride ship tour in Montreal.
Carrying just 312 guests, Star Pride is considerably smaller than most cruise ships I encounter. I’ve been intrigued by Windstar for years and have quoted their cruises for clients, but this was my first opportunity to step aboard.
I expected something casual and stylish. I also wondered whether a ship this small might feel a little tight for space.
It didn’t.
Windstar, But Without the Sails
Mention Windstar and you may immediately picture one of the cruise line’s beautiful sailing yachts. However, there are two distinct styles of ships in the Windstar fleet.
The Wind Class includes Wind Star, Wind Spirit and the larger Wind Surf. These are the ships with the distinctive sails most closely associated with Windstar.
Star Pride belongs to the Star Class, Windstar’s collection of all-suite motor yachts. She doesn’t have sails, but offers the intimate, destination-focused approach for which the cruise line is known.
A Warm Welcome Aboard
After climbing the winding staircase from the gangway, I joined the other travel advisors in Compass Rose. Champagne, mimosas and canapés were waiting while we mingled before our tour.
Compass Rose immediately appealed to me. It felt comfortable and inviting, and I could easily picture returning here for a drink before or after dinner.
From there, we visited Basil + Bamboo, one of Star Pride’s included specialty restaurants. Reservations are required, although there is no additional dining charge.
We then headed outside to the pool deck. The small pool has a glass wall and waterfall feature, with sunscreen and aloe thoughtfully available nearby.
The Yacht Club was another favourite space. Its nautical feel, comfortable seating and abundant views made it somewhere I could easily imagine spending time during a cruise.
Throughout the ship, I was always aware that I was aboard a yacht rather than a floating hotel.
Surprisingly Spacious Suites
Star Pride is an all-suite ship, and the accommodations were one of my biggest surprises.
Even standard suites measure approximately 277 square feet. The suites I toured offered generous closets and plenty of room to unpack, get dressed and settle in.
We also visited two Owner’s Suites, including the impressive 820-square-foot Owner’s Suite Midship.
The décor was modern without feeling cold. I also appreciated that the accommodations didn’t all look alike. Different layouts, furnishings and details gave the suites individual character.
Lunch in the September Sunshine
Our tour concluded with lunch at Veranda.
The buffet included a fresh salad bar, salmon, Asian stir-fried vegetables and smoked duck breast, which I tried for the first time. Even the salad dressings were freshly prepared.
I paired lunch with a glass of rosé and joined some of the other advisors outside.
For late September in Montreal, we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day. Sitting outside in the warm sunshine, enjoying lunch and attentive service, gave me a glimpse of how pleasant an unhurried afternoon aboard Star Pride could be. And, of course, I couldn’t resist sampling the ice cream and peanut butter cookies I found in the dessert section of the buffet.
Who Would Enjoy Star Pride?
Star Pride isn’t designed around waterslides, children’s clubs, casinos or enormous entertainment venues. Families with children aged eight and older can sail with Windstar, but the experience seems particularly well suited to couples and adult travellers.
I would consider Windstar for clients who value interesting itineraries, good food and a more intimate onboard atmosphere. A ship this size can also visit smaller ports that aren’t accessible to many larger vessels.
Guests who are particularly concerned about feeling movement at sea may prefer a larger ship. That’s a conversation I would have before recommending Star Pride.
You don’t necessarily need to think of yourself as an ultra-luxury traveller to enjoy Windstar. For the right traveller and itinerary, Star Pride offers something quite different from a mainstream cruise without feeling formal or intimidating.
Special Windstar Sailings
Select Windstar departures are featured within Distinctive Voyages and the Culinary Collection, with some sailings appearing in both programs.
Depending on the departure, additional experiences may include exclusive amenities or culinary programming. Culinary Collection sailings can feature chef-hosted dinners with wine pairings, shoreside market visits and onboard cooking demonstrations.
Distinctive Voyages sailings offer guests a special welcome aboard cocktail party, exclusive shore event and the services of a Distinctive Voyages host like myself.
If you’re curious about Windstar, I can help identify current itineraries and any additional experiences available on your sailing.
After years of being professionally curious about Windstar, touring Star Pride made me more likely to consider the cruise line when matching clients with their next voyage.
It also left me wanting to step aboard one of Windstar’s sailing yachts next.
Did you enjoy this article? You might also like to read about my experience touring the Viking Mars, as well.
