With a fleet of just six boutique all-suite and sailing yachts, each carrying between 148 and 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). Recently, I joined Windstar Cruises’ Star Pride ship on their Captivating Canary Islands tour, and here’s a real rundown of what my partner and I enjoyed, along with our camera roll snaps.
Windstar Cruises’ Star Pride: Captivating Canary Islands
Star Pride is an all-suite small luxury cruise ship operated by Windstar Cruises that carries around 312 guests and specialises in intimate yacht-style voyages. On the Captivating Canary Islands itinerary, the ship sails between destinations such as Tenerife, Lanzarote and Madeira, offering a quieter alternative to mega-ship cruising.
FAQ: Windstar Cruises’ Star Pride – Captivating Canary Islands
What is the Star Pride cruise ship?
Star Pride is an all-suite small cruise ship operated by Windstar Cruises that carries around 312 guests and focuses on intimate, yacht-style cruising experiences.
Where does Windstar’s Canary Islands cruise travel?
The Canary Islands itinerary typically sails between Spanish islands such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma and Lanzarote, often including stops in Madeira, Portugal.
How many passengers does Star Pride carry?
Star Pride accommodates approximately 312 passengers, creating a small-ship atmosphere compared with large ocean liners.
What type of cruise experience does Windstar offer?
Windstar Cruises specialises in luxury small-ship cruises that focus on personalised service, unique ports, and a relaxed yacht-style atmosphere.
Are all cabins on Star Pride suites?
Yes. Every accommodation on Star Pride is a suite with ocean views, and many include French balconies or separate living areas.
What dining options are available on Star Pride?
Guests on Star Pride can dine at venues including Amphora Restaurant, Candles Grill, and the Yacht Club Café, with menus inspired by regional cuisine.
What is included in a Windstar cruise fare?
Cruise fares with Windstar Cruises typically include accommodation, meals in onboard restaurants, entertainment, and select beverages depending on the fare package.
When is the best time to cruise the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands are a year-round cruise destination thanks to their mild climate, but the most popular sailings occur between October and April when temperatures are pleasant, and crowds are lower.
Where do Canary Islands cruises usually start?
Many Canary Islands itineraries begin in Santa Cruz de Tenerife or Las Palmas, both major cruise ports in Spain’s Canary Islands.
What makes Star Pride different from large cruise ships?
Star Pride offers a more intimate onboard experience, access to smaller ports, and a higher crew-to-guest ratio than typical large cruise ships.
Is Wi-Fi free on Windstar Cruises?
Wi-Fi is not always free on Windstar Cruises ships, but many bookings now include complimentary internet as part of the All-Inclusive Fare, which also covers select drinks and gratuities.
How much does Wi-Fi cost on Windstar Cruises’ Star Pride?
Wi-Fi on Star Pride typically costs around $60 for 200MB, $120 for 500MB, or $250–$350 for an unlimited package, depending on cruise length, although some fares from Windstar Cruises include Wi-Fi as part of an all-inclusive package.
When was Star Pride refurbished?
Star Pride was refurbished and lengthened in 2021 as part of Windstar Cruises’ $250 million Star Plus Initiative, which added new suites, expanded public spaces, and upgraded onboard facilities.
What is the dress code on Windstar Cruises?
The dress code on Windstar Cruises ships, such as Star Pride, is casual elegance, meaning daytime resort wear and smart-casual attire in the evenings, with no formal nights required.
Does Star Pride have a pool?
Yes. Star Pride has a small outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool on the deck, offering space for relaxation while sailing.
Is Windstar Cruises adults-only?
Windstar Cruises is not officially adults-only, but its small luxury ships, including Star Pride, tend to attract mostly adult travellers and couples rather than families with young children.
What is the Captivating Canary Islands itinerary?
The Captivating Canary Islands itinerary on Star Pride explores islands such as Tenerife, La Gomera, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria, often including a stop in Madeira, Portugal.
1. Are all cabins suites on Star Pride?
Spacious suites brightened with fresh flowers
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. Does Star Pride have a gym?
Full gym on board with views of the ocean
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
One of the many bars onboard serving cocktails, beers, wines, and more
We had the Captain’s exclusive beverage package, which is $65 a day. This can be a good value if you’re drinking three or four drinks per day, but if not, then go à 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
These saved me from seasickness
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
Our water bottles and fruit platter
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. Is Star Pride good for couples or families?
A sailing day, enjoying dinner on the deck
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
A latte with soy milk made by the ship barista
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
One of the landscapes from our excursions
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 our departure. Admittedly, it was geared more toward older guests, and we would have preferred a more challenging pace, but we 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
The spa featured treatment rooms, plus a steam room and a separate sauna
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 Energiser 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. What is the food like on Star Pride?
Dinner at Candles
Finally, the food, which was 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 at 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
