windstar pride cruise critic

Review: Star Pride

Reviewed by Jessica Puckett

What is the line?  Windstar

Name of ship?   Star Pride

Passenger occupancy?  312

Itinerary?  A Piece of Greece and a Slice of Sicily

A Windstar cruise is for travelers who like their vacations to be luxurious, low-key, and exclusive. Their fleet of yachts, many of which have been getting refurbished in recent years, offer the chance to see popular ports and lesser known destinations. They make a cozy home base for an adventurous journey.

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?  Windstar is known for its sailing ships, but it also has a fleet of well-appointed motor ships, too, including  Star Pride . The line sets itself apart by offering small-ship voyages that take cruisers to the more intimate corners of popular destinations that larger ships can’t access. In fact, its ships are small enough to call yachts. Imagine sailing through Greece’s Corinth Canal—usually reserved for those with private yachts—or docking in pocket-size ports like the French seaside village of Sanary-sur-Mer.  

Tell us about the ship in general In 2022,  Star Pride  completed an extensive renovation and extension. The project added two new restaurants, a new spa, a pool, and exercise area. Each stateroom on the all-suite yacht also got refurbished bathrooms. There’s also a new suite category—called Star Suite—with a new design. The renovated yacht has a cozy feel, but is still large enough to give you enough breathing room in public spaces like the pool deck or cocktail lounge without encroaching on other passengers.

Who is onboard?  Mostly retired couples who are active and have an interest in history and culture. There are a few younger couples, too, including some honeymooners. There may be a few well-behaved kids on board as well. Windstar allows children age eight and up, but it’s not a cruise line that’s geared toward children, so there are few little ones on their sailings. 

Describe the cabins Every cabin aboard  Star Pride is a suite, meaning they come with a sizable seating area in addition to the bedroom space. I was in a redesigned Star Suite, which opens into a seating area with the bed toward the back of the room. It also comes with a small French balcony to step out for fresh air and ocean views (it’s large enough for just one person standing at a time). While every room on board is a suite, not all rooms have outdoor space: 10 suites have portholes, 79 have picture windows, 60 have French balconies, and six have private verandas with furniture. The redesigned bathrooms feel fresh and modern, and offer plenty of secured storage space, so your toiletries won’t go flying in choppy seas.Each room also offers creature comforts like a fully stocked minibar, a waffle-weave bathrobe, and L'Occitane bath products. 

Tell us about the crew.  The crew are upbeat and friendly, and know how to deliver five-star service. My suite was always refreshed and turned down with minimal intrusion and servers in the restaurant strike the perfect balance between talkative and helpful without hovering. Truthfully, I would’ve liked more information from the destination team for things to do outside of the cruise line’s excursions, but I found good information on each port on the destinations menu on the TV in my suite.

What food and drink options are available on board?   The standout restaurant is Cuadro, the ship’s new tapas restaurant. The menu offers classic—and delicious!—tapas dishes like charred octopus, patatas bravas, paella croquetas, and grilled chorizo. For a truly authentic tapas experience, there’s even a bar area that looks onto the kitchen, so you can watch the chefs prepare your plates and then pass them directly from the grill to you. I had two meals here on our seven-day voyage—and would’ve eaten more if it weren’t always full. Be sure to make reservations.

Elsewhere on board is the Star Grill, overlooking the pool deck; the Veranda, a breakfast and lunch buffet with some plates prepared a la carte; Amphora, the main restaurant featuring dishes from James Beard Award-winning chefs; and Candles, an outdoor steakhouse on the ship’s aft deck. There’s also coffee and grab-and-go snacks in the Yacht Club, and cocktails in Compass Rose.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?  Yes and yes! The spa also got a refresh and an extension in the renovation, making it well worth a visit. I had a facial, and my esthetician was so knowledgeable that I ended up buying several of the products she used to incorporate into my daily skincare routine. 

Activities and entertainment  As far as onboard entertainment,  Star Pride has a pool deck as well as a hot tub on the bow. In true yacht fashion, there’s also a swim platform that is unfurled at certain offshore dockings, where guests can go for a dip or engage in water sports like paddle boarding. There’s also a lounge with entertainment at night, like music and a crew show. Each voyage also has a few theme nights, like dancing under the stars with cocktails and a live salsa band. 

How was the experience for families?  There are no special services for families or kids. But it would be a good cruise for teenagers, families with adult children, or multi-gen trips.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?  Our voyage departed from Athens and visited Argostoli and Corfu in Greece, then continued on to Sicily with stops in Messina and Trapani, followed Cagliari, Sardinia, and finished in Barcelona. The stand-out excursion was Windstar’s Shop with the Chef experience, in which a small group of travelers is led by the culinary staff to local markets to pick out special provisions for that night’s dinner. Our group went to a Sicilian fish market for fresh-caught dorado, as well as a dry goods store for cheeses and olives. It was a slice of local culture I wouldn’t have otherwise gotten, and it was thrilling to see the fish we picked that day on our plates later the same evening.

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.  If you want the perks of both a private yacht and a meticulously planned cruise, look no further than a voyage on  Star Pride . From the refreshed spaces to the cuisine, crew, and excursions, you’ll be in vacation mode from the minute you step on board until it’s time to leave.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

By CNT Editors

• Windstar Cruises

Windstar's Star Pride after renovation in 2020

By suncityga , July 2, 2021 in Windstar Cruises

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Our first time looking at Windstar... we are considering booking a May 2022 Black Sea Cruise (Istanbul to Athens) and we are a little confused by the 'Balcony' term used by Windstar.  We understand most of the ship's balconies on deck 5 are 'French Balconies' (~15 sq ft).

We are looking at Category SBS (Star Balcony Suite) and we have seen ship's photos and we do not see a 'balcony' where our cabin is located (# 537). We have been told that during the last renovation in 2020 the SBS cabins were redone to include a French Balcony.

Does anyone have first hand knowledge and/or photos that would help us?

Thank you very much!

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1 hour ago, suncityga said: Our first time looking at Windstar... we are considering booking a May 2022 Black Sea Cruise (Istanbul to Athens) and we are a little confused by the 'Balcony' term used by Windstar.  We understand most of the ship's balconies on deck 5 are 'French Balconies' (~15 sq ft).   We are looking at Category SBS (Star Balcony Suite) and we have seen ship's photos and we do not see a 'balcony' where our cabin is located (# 537). We have been told that during the last renovation in 2020 the SBS cabins were redone to include a French Balcony.   Does anyone have first hand knowledge and/or photos that would help us?   Thank you very much!

Hi Lori and Raul !  I miss you guys.  That Black Sea itinerary looks fabulous!  My daughter Molly and I are booked on Star Breeze from St. Maarten in three weeks.  Our cabin is the normal Oceanview Suite and not a balcony, but a couple on our rollcall have upgraded so I'll get photos of theirs for you.  This will be my ninth Windstar and I'm sure you'd be pleased with the product.  Six were on the sailing vessels.  Our first try of the yachts was 2016.  John and I did a Caribbean itinerary on Star Legend and my sister and I did Hong Kong to Bangkok in 2018, again on Legend.  I love the oceanview suites.  They're huge, with a wonderful "living room" area next to the large window (the ov cabins they've added with the stretching switched to put the bed by the window), a spacious bathroom and large walk-in closet.  Much like a JS on RCCL.  With the port intensive itinerary in the Black Sea, you can give some thought to how much you'd be on your balcony.  Anyway, I'll get photos of each.  Here's a review of Star Breeze, but I wish it had more cabin pix.   Live From Star Breeze: What is Better on the Reimagined Cruise Yacht (cruisecritic.com)  

Here is a photo of the Star Suite Balcony.  The newly added suites in the "stretched" area have their bed by the balcony, as opposed to having the living area by the balcony.  The balcony is only about a foot wide, so you won't be eating out there, but you could stand out there and enjoy the air and sounds of the ocean.

On 7/2/2021 at 11:08 AM, MindyJohn said: Hi Lori and Raul !  I miss you guys.  That Black Sea itinerary looks fabulous!  My daughter Molly and I are booked on Star Breeze from St. Maarten in three weeks.  Our cabin is the normal Oceanview Suite and not a balcony, but a couple on our rollcall have upgraded so I'll get photos of theirs for you.    Here's a review of Star Breeze, but I wish it had more cabin pix.   Live From Star Breeze: What is Better on the Reimagined Cruise Yacht (cruisecritic.com)  

Hi Mindy, so happy to hear from you... we miss you a bunch too! Thank you for the link to the article, we could see the new French balconies in the photo of Star Breeze. If you can get additional photos, we would certainly appreciate it.

We have been considering an intense Black Sea cruise for awhile and we really love this itinerary. We were booked on Azamara Pursuit in Sept 2021 to cruise the Black Sea, but Azamara decided to move Pursuit to other parts of the Med and cancelled our cruise.

We are booked on Celebrity Xpedition in early August to the Galapagos. We still remember the fabulous photos and blog that you and John posted of your trip.

Hope you and Molly have a wonderful cruise and we look forward to sailing with again in the future!

Lori and Raul

On 7/2/2021 at 11:18 AM, themutis said: Here is a photo of the Star Suite Balcony.  The newly added suites in the "stretched" area have their bed by the balcony, as opposed to having the living area by the balcony.  The balcony is only about a foot wide, so you won't be eating out there, but you could stand out there and enjoy the air and sounds of the ocean.   If you get the new deckplan, you can see that your cabin is a SBS with a balcony

Thank you so much for your reply and photo. We have the new deck plan and a layout drawing of the new SBS cabins. Understand that the balconies are narrow, but we enjoy the sea air and the sounds of the ocean.

We experienced a Pride french balcony (pre stretching). Even though it was narrow you could stand outside and see up & down the length of the ship. It was great for taking photos from our room. And the fresh air was nice. I've booked one again in 2022.  I would prefer having the sitting area by the balcony instead of the bed although have never experienced the reverse.

8 hours ago, honumaui said: We experienced a Pride french balcony (pre stretching). Even though it was narrow you could stand outside and see up & down the length of the ship. It was great for taking photos from our room. And the fresh air was nice. I've booked one again in 2022.  I would prefer having the sitting area by the balcony instead of the bed although have never experienced the reverse.

Thanks... we feel the same way as you do. We have experienced french balconies on river cruises and we look forward to enjoying it on Star Pride during this Black Sea itinerary.

Great...Hope you have a wonderful trip. We also had our first french balcony on a river cruise. I think people that are used to the balconies on the larger ships are disappointed as they expect to be able to sit out there. Sorry, only enough room for your feet. But that is all you need to get a better view and take photos from the balcony.  And you don't get the subtle sounds and fresh air of the ocean through a window. If you are someone who spends most of your time on the pool deck the upgrade cost is probably not worth it. But it is nice to be able to get up and go outside in your PJs. if the mood suits.

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Windstar Cruises Is Adding Two New Ships to Its Fleet

The Windstar Cruises fleet is growing.

The small-ship line is adding two all-suite motor yachts to its existing fleet of six ships. The first, Star Seeker, is slated for delivery in December 2025, followed by the second, Star Explorer, in December 2026.

“Our goal was to ensure these ships are unmistakably Windstar, and a significant amount of effort has gone into achieving this,” says Christopher Prelog , president of Windstar Cruises. 

The new ships will allow Windstar to expand its presence in French Polynesia, where it’s been sailing for the last 36 years. The cruise line plans to send one of its smaller classic sailing yachts, the 148-passenger Wind Star, to French Polynesia in 2027. There, it will join the 312-passenger Star Breeze, which replaced Wind Spirit in the region in February.

The two new ships will each have 112 suites, with full private verandas and infinity windows. They’ll also boast two owner’s suites with wraparound balconies in the aft. The total capacity will be 224 guests, which will allow for a staff-to-guest ratio of 1:2.

The vessels will have other features that guests are familiar with, including the Watersports Platform, the Yacht Club café and lounge, and the hot tub on the bow. Al fresco dining will be available at both the Star Grill and at Amphora, which is also being reimagined on the new ships.

The two ships will have ice-strengthened hulls, which will allow Windstar to sail to new destinations (though the cruise line didn’t reveal where it might send the vessels). They’ll also be outfitted with forward-facing sonar, pump jet thrusters, Rolls Royce engines, shore power hookups, advanced wastewater treatment systems and other advanced technologies.

Windstar purchased its three existing motor yachts—Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride—from Seabourn in 2013. The company spent $250 million to renovate the three motor yachts, and also recently kicked off a project to renovate its three classic sailing yachts .

“As part of our company’s expanding portfolio, Windstar Cruises is poised for remarkable growth and an exciting future ahead,” says Andrew N. Todd, president and CEO of Xanterra Travel Collection, the cruise line’s parent company. “We’re excited about the possibilities of where Windstar will sail and the opportunities it brings our officers, crew and staff and our guests."

our fleet is growing!

TWO NEW STARS ON THE HORIZON

Windstar Cruises is excited to announce that we’re expanding our fleet with not one, but TWO new all-suite Star Class ships. Coming Dec. 2025, Star Seeker will be our first-ever Star Class new build, followed by Star Explorer in Dec. 2026. Serving 224 guests, each ship will feature 112 suites with full private verandas and infinity windows. They’ll also come with two new Owner’s suites with wrap-around balconies, perfect for evening cocktails or a private dinner.

Each ship will include a Watersports platform, a cozy Yacht Club café and lounge, and a two-story spa and fitness facility, among other amenities. Plus, both ships will have ice-strengthened hulls, unlocking access to new destinations. Windstar Cruises is poised for remarkable growth and an exciting future ahead. We’re excited about the possibilities this opens up for our officers, crew, staff and especially our guests. Here’s to a future of sailing 180 degrees from ordinary!

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Sights of Elektrostal, Moscow region

Table of contents:, history of the city, park of culture and leisure, historical and art museum, october cultural center, kristall ice palace, memorial complex, museum and exhibition complex.

2024 Author : Harold Hamphrey | [email protected] . Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

In the Moscow region there is a small cozy town Elektrostal. Its sights for the most part have no historical value due to the fact that the city has a relatively small history. But for a visiting tourist or city dweller, they will be of interest. There is something to see, where to go to have an exciting leisure time.

Today the population of the city is 158 thousand people. Until the beginning of the 20th century there were several small workers' settlements here. After the opening of the electrometallurgical and equipment factories, the place began to be called the natural boundary of Calm. The construction of the railway made this settlement accessible, and workers and families flocked here to earn money. In 1925, the station was named Elektrostal, and the rapid increase in population allowed the village to receive the status of a city.

The founder of the city is a prominent Russian industrialist Nikolai Vtorov. It was he who opened the plant here, creating, in fact, a city-forming enterprise that is still operating. In Soviet times, it was a closed facility, and it was not easy to get to work here.

Today Elektrostal is a promising industrial city with a great future and a heroic past. It bears the proud name "City of Military and Labor Glory".

You can learn about the sights of Elektrostal with descriptions and photos here. There are places for walking, outdoor activities and cultural development.

Those who come to the city by train are met by a monument to the metallurgist. It was installed in November 2017 for the 100th anniversary of the Elektrostal plant. The attraction is made in the style of constructivism. The monument quickly won the love of the townspeople, because this city is supported by ordinary workers.

Elektrost altsy and the founding father of the plant, Nikolai Vtorov, are honored. In 2002, a monument was opened in honor of him, which became a landmark of the city of Elektrostal. The bronze sculpture is installed on the site where once stood a monument to the leader of the world proletariat, V. I. Lenin. Times change, characters change. Today, the plant, founded a century ago, is the largest in Russia. Vtorov himself, whose fortune was estimated at 60 million rubles in gold, according to Forbes magazine, was the owner of the largest capital at the beginning of the century. He was a banker, an industrialist, an entrepreneur, a man of action.

The monument was erected byinitiative of the townspeople who wished to perpetuate the monument to the great man.

One of the popular places for spending weekends and evenings among citizens and guests of the city is the Park of Culture and Leisure. Here you can ride attractions for children and adults, play slot machines, rollerblade or bike. The park is divided into two zones. Fans of unhurried walks in the fresh air make a promenade on the Quiet Alley, and those who prefer outdoor activities flock to the Entertainment Alley. The park has a summer stage, where concerts and cafes are regularly held.

Until 1999, there was no central museum among the attractions of Elektrostal in the Moscow Region. The expositions were exhibited in schools, the house of culture, in factory museums. The city was closed, so there was no large influx of tourists and visitors. The appearance of the historical and art museum made it possible for residents and guests of the city to learn a lot of useful information about their native land, the formation of the production process, and the difficult years of the war. The exposition consists of paintings by local artists, historical artifacts, household items, documents, books and much more. The collection is updated regularly. It also hosts outdoor exhibitions, which are always popular with the townspeople.

One of the main attractions of Elektrostal, the photo of which is available to almost every resident or visitor, is the Main Alley. On herpassers-by like to stroll along shady paths, townspeople rest by the fountain after a hard shift at the plant. Flower beds are the decoration of the alley. In 2006, a flower festival was held here for the first time, which has become traditional. Each enterprise of the city and private individuals give residents a real composition of fresh flowers, which pleases with bright colors all summer long. A riot of colors, aromas and a flight of fantasy reigns here. Walking through the park, you can see Snow White with a basket, a bright well, a multi-tiered cake made from fresh flowers, hearts of lovers or a fabulous house. It is almost impossible not to take a photo against the background of these compositions.

There is a cultural center in the city. It hosts performances by local creative teams and visiting stars, performances and circus performances.

In 1971, the ice palace "Crystal" was opened in the city. Almost immediately, a children's and youth hockey team was organized, which gained sports fame. This is the home sports arena for the Elektrostal hockey team. Matches of different levels are held on the ice.

There are sections for children who go in for hockey or figure skating. Citizens come here with their families to cheer for their favorite team or go ice skating.

Elektrostal is a city with a heroic past. During the war years, more than 12 thousand citizens came to the recruiting station and went to the front to defend their homeland. Almost 4 thousand of them did not return from the battle. To these heroesdedicated to the memorial complex with the inextinguishable Eternal Flame, opened in 1968

But the electricians took part in the war in Afghanistan and Chechnya. By decision of the city authorities, their memory is also immortalized in the memorial complex.

It has become a good tradition for newlyweds to lay flowers at this monument.

In 1999, a museum and exhibition complex was opened in the city, where, in addition to the exhibition hall, there are numerous circles for children, classes for young people, and a creative workshop. Various festivals, exhibitions, city holidays and other events are held within the walls and on the territory of the complex, which attract many spectators.

Listing the sights of Elektrostal, it is impossible not to mention the temples. There are several of them in the city: the church of St. John of Kronstadt, St. Andrew's Church, the hospital church of St. Panteleimon. Another new church is being built. In appearance, the temples look ancient, monumental, in the Novgorod style. But they were all built at the end of the 20th century.

Let there be no ancient artifacts among the sights of Elektrostal. But on the other hand, all of them are connected with the history of the city, with everyday work and military exploits of ordinary residents.

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