10 things we liked about Windstar Cruises’ Star Pride: Captivating Canary Islands

With a fleet of just six boutique all-suite and sailing yachts, each carrying between 148 to 342 guests, Windstar Cruises offers a different kind of cruising experience from what one might expect. I only really discovered cruises post-pandemic, but since then I’ve become an addict, sailing with the likes of Virgin Voyages, Uniworld, and CroisiEurope over the last year (read my opinion piece on why Millennials are into cruising). In April 2024, I joined Windstar Cruises’ Star Pride ship on their Captivating Canary Islands tour, and here’s a real run down of what my partner and I enjoyed, along with our camera roll snaps. 

Windstar Cruises’ Star Pride: Captivating Canary Islands

1. Every room is a suite

On Star Pride, all 156 accommodations available are suites. Ours was as spacious as a deluxe hotel room, with an ocean view and a Juliet balcony from which to enjoy it. The bathroom was stocked with L’Occitane amenities, and there was a walk-in closet with plenty of room for luggage. This was one of the biggest cabins we’ve stayed in at sea, and therefore, the most inviting to hide out in all day with a good book. In the evening we loved that the TV was already preloaded with recent movies—no need to rely on streaming.

2. There’s a full gym on board

Some cruise gyms are tiny, so we were delighted that this ship had an actual gym, fully equipped with TechnoGym apparatus.  There was also a separate room for yoga but classes were early and we preferred to come and work out independently. Since hardly anyone used it (as usual on a cruise ship), most of the time it was ours and ours alone. After stuffing my face on other cruises, I know to have a balance when at sea these days. 

3. The bar package includes a ton of drinks

We had the Captain exclusive beverage package, which is $65 a day. This can be good value  if you’re drinking three or four drinks per day, but if not then go a la carte. The package includes premium options, including French and Italian wines with your meals, cocktails from the bar, and anything from the mini bar.

4. Free medicine if you forget yours

A smaller, boutique ship is always going to be rockier than a mega vessel. When feeling seasick I went to the guest relations counter ready to purchase something to take for it. To my surprise, they were happy to give us pills as we needed each day for free. They helped, and we thought that provision was a nice touch for guest comfort.

5. Reusable water bottles are everywhere

Cruises are notorious for bad environmental behaviour, but thankfully there are a few pioneers for change. Windstar’s sustainability efforts are impressive: we did not see a plastic bottle on the whole trip. Every room was stocked with three reusable water bottles, and we were  encouraged to take them on excursions. There were refill stations everywhere, and at each dining destination, nothing we ate or drank from was single-use.

6. There weren’t many kids

Maybe it was because we went off-season, but what we noticed about this boutique ship was the lack of screaming kids. There were youngsters, yes, but only a handful, and they were cute! The ship doesn’t have massive water slides and children’s shows, which may deter families. As someone visiting in a couple, the quiet (and mostly older) clientele suited us well. Not strictly adults-only, you’re allowed to bring your kids, but indeed a sophisticated setting.

7. Someone to make artisanal coffees every day

You know on most giant ships there are so many cruisers that they line the buffet stations with self-serve machines, and charge separately for a handmade cappuccino? Not the case here. The lovely Kwan (pictured) made our  coffee every morning and it was included at no extra charge. On port days she happily put it in a takeaway cup for us to enjoy on the go.

8. Convenient excursions for older travellers

Excursions are always expensive on a cruise, and on some islands, you don’t need to do them, like Madeira, where the ship docks right in the heart of Funchal. We booked a tour separately on GetYourGuide called From Funchal: Whales and Dolphin Adventure Tour to save money and look for wild dolphins. It took place close to the ship and lasted about two hours.

However, on La Gomera, I recommend booking excursions directly with the cruise ship. The island is packed with parks and UNESCO heritage sites, and with limited time we wanted to check as many off as possible without worrying about missing departure. Admittedly, it was geared more toward older guests, and we would have preferred a more challenging pace, but still did see a lot (just via coach). If I were travelling with my mum this would have been perfect as it was extremely convenient with pick up and drop off right on the pier. Minimal walking.

9. A luxe spa area

We only discovered the spa area towards the end, and I wish we had earlier. It was quiet and so relaxing, with a separate steam room and sauna. We found it when I got a facial treatment, which was needed halfway through because the sun and sunscreen had given me breakouts. I chose the Skin Energizer for Men to clear out my pores. Wait for the special promo to come around which offers a discount on any treatment during port days.

10. The fine dining was a highlight (pre additional costs)

Finally, the food, which is what half of our cruise was based around. The Veranda restaurant was the all-day destination, but in the evening it transformed into Candles, which was our favourite. We dined there twice, including on the last day, when I had the steak. Of course, since we had the captain’s exclusive package, I enjoyed mine with a Tuscan wine. Delicious.

One thing to note about this cruise is that a hefty service charge/gratuity will be added to your folio for the end of the trip.  Virgin Voyages includes everything upfront, so you don’t have to worry about tips. However, the likes of Windstar and Royal Caribbean will add large sums for gratuity per day, per guest. Worth remembering so you’re not shocked on the final day.

Discover more about Windstar Cruises Star Pride

But wait there’s more…

• Before departing, we stayed at and reviewed the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
• Cruising the Caribbean? Here are all the best boutique and luxury hotels on the island of Puerto Rico
• And if you can’t get enough of boat life, here are the best boat hotels in the world