Day 1 \u2013 Port of Miami<\/h2>\n
As we entered the Port of Miami, our driver didn\u2019t consider us once we stated our ship was at Terminal E. He insisted there was no ship at Terminal E. Trust us, we stated.<\/p>\n
Sure sufficient, there it was \u2014 sandwiched in between two Carnival megaships was Windstar Cruises Star Legend. With a visitor capability of 312 (there are 240 booked for this cruise), it was extra yacht than ship, which occurs to be this cruise line\u2019s calling card.<\/p>\n
This is our first time on Windstar, which might be departing Miami on a 10-day \u201cJungles and Jewels of the Central American Coast.\u201d For us, it was the proper approach to spend the Christmas holidays.<\/p>\n
Known for his or her crusing ships, Star Legend is one among three of Windstar\u2019s motorized yachts, which have been present process a $250 million renovation. The ship was truly reduce in half and a brand new midsection inserted that boosted visitor capability by 100, in addition to upgrading staterooms and services all through the ship.<\/p>\n
After a considerably concerned check-in course of, we discovered our room on Deck 4, the place our baggage was already ready for us. Let\u2019s speak concerning the room, which was each properly appointed and laid out.<\/p>\n
There was a residing space within the middle with a sofa, two chairs and a desk. Along with chilled champagne, there was a phenomenal flower association and chocolate-dipped strawberries awaiting our arrival \u2014 a beautiful welcome from Windstar.<\/p>\n
We have a walk-in closet, and the toilet options two sinks and a roomy, glass-walled bathe \u2014 very good. There is a extra storage across the mattress, together with a beneficiant variety of retailers and USB connections. Another factor we actually appreciated had been curtains that shut off the sleeping space.<\/p>\n
Like many smaller ships, Star Legend doesn\u2019t characteristic balconies. We had a big window, and a number of the rooms have French doorways, just like a number of the river ships we’ve got cruised on. Overall, it was one of many nicest staterooms we\u2019ve had on a cruise ship.<\/p>\n
The subsequent order of enterprise was the necessary muster drill. After watching a security video, we discovered our muster station and went via what to do within the occasion of an emergency. With that out of the best way, it was time for some meals.<\/p>\n
Since lunch hours had been over, we ordered room service, after which dived proper into unpacking and organizing ourselves for the following 10 days.<\/p>\n
Sailaway was scheduled for 4:30, so we headed topside to discover a drink and a seat. There are indicators of the season all through the ship, with Christmas timber in lots of the public areas in addition to shows by the central spiral staircase.<\/p>\n
Windstar\u2019s mantra is \u201c180 degrees from ordinary,\u201d striving to create a \u201cfriendly, unpretentious and relaxed ambience.\u201d We noticed proof of that straight away, as friends launched themselves and had been keen to start out up conversations. Smiling, pleasant workers members had been fast to supply steering when wanted.<\/p>\n
As the afternoon received later, and storm clouds gathered over the Miami skyline, it was clear our departure was delayed, one thing the captain quickly confirmed. There had been paperwork points with the native authorities, so everyone simply sit tight. Meanwhile, the skies opened up and we received a kind of tropical downpours Miami is known for.<\/p>\n
As we deliberate our night, we thought we might begin within the Compass Rose lounge, on Deck 6 by the boutique store. Dark and welcoming, with its personal bar, the band Back on Traxx was taking part in, so we discovered a desk, ordered some martinis and loved the efficiency. Afterwards, we met the lead singer and we thought she appeared acquainted: She had checked us in once we received on the ship. On the smaller ships, the crew has to put on numerous hats.<\/p>\n
Time to show our consideration to dinner. Star Legend\u2019s predominant eating room is the Amphora Restaurant, which is first come, first serve on Deck 3. For extra intimate eating, there\u2019s additionally Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, a James Beard Foundation acknowledged chef, specializing in Spanish-inspired dishes, and Candles, each of which require reservations however are included together with your fare.<\/p>\n
Karnick, the ma\u00eetre d\u2019 at Amphora, was type sufficient to attain us reservations at Quadro 44, the place we loved a scrumptious cod, poached in olive oil and served in a salsa with manila clams. I adopted that up with an orange-infused creme brulee, whereas Pam tried the Torta de Santiago \u2014 \u201cboozy almond cake with sangria fruit whipped nata.\u201d Both the meals and the service had been topnotch.<\/p>\n
As the clock moved towards the ten o\u2019clock hour, we had been nonetheless docked in Miami. Now we had been beginning to fear a bit. Would it have an effect on our first port of name, Key West, set for the following morning? Then, simply earlier than 11, we noticed motion. The cruise had formally began.<\/p>\n
Now we\u2019ll see what tomorrow brings.<\/p>\n
Photos \u2013\u00a0Our stateroom on Deck 4 \/\u00a0A vacation show by the staircase<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Day 2 \u2013 Key West<\/h2>\n
Day two of our cruise on Windstar Star Legend, and we\u2019re up early. The solar is shining via our window and the ship is shifting briskly via the waves towards Key West. little doubt making up misplaced time with our late departure from Miami.<\/p>\n
Breakfast is being served on the Veranda, an indoor\/out of doors venue aft on Deck 7. Pam secures us an open-air desk and she or he orders Eggs Benedict, her favourite, whereas I am going with the French toast.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re discussing what we need to do in Key West when the captain comes on for a ship-wide announcement. We study Celebrity Apex has docked forward of us, and as a result of excessive winds and unfavorable situations, the cease at Key West has been scrapped out of an abundance of warning.<\/p>\n
Disappointed? Yes, however most likely not as a lot as new mates Leo and Mary. Leo had instructed us the night time earlier than he was planning to discover a Key West bar and watch the World Cup finale between Argentina and France. The ship\u2019s restricted stay TV channels have little to supply sports activities lovers.<\/p>\n
So now we\u2019ll have two days at sea whereas we head for our subsequent port of name, Costa Maya, which the captain is hopeful we\u2019ll attain early to provide us additional time there.<\/p>\n
After breakfast, I\u2019m tackling some Internet connection points whereas Pam explores new areas on the ship. Her quest takes her to the Yacht Club Cafe and Library, an actual gem positioned on the entrance of the ship on Deck 8.<\/p>\n
Offering panoramic views and plush seating, friends can calm down with the espresso or drink of their selection, swap journey tales or simply benefit from the solitude. Throughout the day, they serve sandwiches, lights snacks and desserts. Some friends take turns engaged on a big puzzle whereas others learn. For Pam, it\u2019s the proper place to don headphones and take heed to her in depth music assortment.<\/p>\n
Later, lunch is offered within the Veranda or the Star Grill, positioned on Deck 8. While there’s a restricted menu, most go for the buffet, which right now celebrates all meals Greek. Pam goes with the eggplant, whereas I customise a rooster gyro on the carving station. The climate is a mixture of clouds and solar, and because the afternoon wears on, overcast skies produce occasional rain showers.<\/p>\n
Later, we attend the Captain\u2019s Welcome Reception, held by the pool on Deck 7. As wait workers serve friends wine and champagne, Captain Nick, who calls the UK house, introduces his senior officers. He additionally offers us some excellent news: We are cleared to dock in Costa Maya at 4 pm tomorrow, which can permit us to in a single day and supply additional time in port after the large ships depart.<\/p>\n
The casual type of yachting Windstar is thought for extends to the captain and his senior officers as effectively, who freely flow into among the many friends, answering questions and fascinating in dialog. You notice the expertise actually is \u201c180 degrees from ordinary.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dinner tonight is in the principle eating room, Amphora. Maitre d\u2019 Karnick has organized to provide us a sales space, which is far appreciated. Pam begins with one among her favorites \u2014 Lobster Bisque \u2014 adopted by grilled rooster, whereas I am going with the arancini, a pineapple boat and the duck a l\u2019orange, all splendidly ready.<\/p>\n
After dinner we head for the Compass Rose lounge, the place Back on Traxx is doing a set of dance music, adopted by a tribute to The Beatles. For the latter, the band is joined by Entertainment Director Gill, who contributes lead guitar and vocals. It evokes quite a few friends to get their dance groove on. Fr us, we really feel like we\u2019ve been dancing all night because the ship rolls back and forth within the waves.<\/p>\n
One of the opposite perks Windstar has offered us is day by day laundry service, which on a 10-day cruise is a Godsend. I despatched out a batch of garments this morning they usually had been returned earlier than 5 pm. Now I\u2019m on a mission to see how we prepare to maintain that going after we get again.<\/p>\n
Windstar, you\u2019re spoiling us!<\/p>\n
Photos \u2013\u00a0Captain Nick on the reception \/\u00a0The Yacht Club Cafe and Library<\/p>\n
Day 3 \u2013 Costa Maya<\/h2>\n
Early morning on day three, and we’re greeted by a blazing pink sky over Caribbean waters as daybreak begins to interrupt. Windstar\u2019s Star Legend is making its means towards Costa Maya on the Mexican coast, and we at the moment are some 600 miles from our start line, Miami.<\/p>\n
On sea days, the main focus is principally on well being and health, with varied actions centered across the Fitness Center, spa and Motion Studio. I take a look-see, however since we aren\u2019t gymnasium rats, we’re content material to observe the puzzle fanatics within the Yacht Club.<\/p>\n
There are different occasions on the schedule, and after a leisurely breakfast on the Veranda, we head for the Lounge on Deck 5, the place Executive Chef Stefan Vasilev is holding a cooking demonstration. Today he\u2019ll present us the way to make \u201cShrimp and Bay Scallop Mascarpone Risotto.\u201d<\/p>\n
Assisted by Entertainment Manager Gill, he makes it look straightforward as he blends arborio rice, shallots, garlic, shrimp, scallops and a half-dozen different elements into an entree. The viewers is handled to samples and get a duplicate of the recipe. If solely we might get Chef Stefan to make an look in our kitchen, we might be all set.<\/p>\n
A short while later, we make our approach to the Compass Rose for a cocktail demonstration. It could also be morning, however you realize it\u2019s 5 o\u2019clock someplace, proper?<\/p>\n
The bartender prepares three drinks for us to attempt, beginning with the legendary Singapore Sling and ending with one among our favorites \u2014 the Lemon Drop Martini (with sugar on the rim, naturally). Everyone will get to pattern these as effectively. One takeaway for us: Martinis shouldn’t be shaken for greater than eight seconds (I at all times are inclined to go longer, perhaps as a result of we similar to the sound of a shaking cocktail).<\/p>\n
The demo additionally launched us to a brand new model of gin we haven\u2019t tried: Mermaid. It is available in a number of varieties and the bottles are lovely. Now that\u2019s on our record as effectively.<\/p>\n
Back on the Veranda, right now\u2019s lunch theme is Mexican, and there\u2019s a taco constructing station the place the chef will create your favourite mixture of flavors. Our open-air desk offers us an incredible view of the ocean, and it\u2019s an excellent day to dine al fresco, having fun with chips and guacamole. Also applicable as we shut in on Costa Maya.<\/p>\n
Most friends spend the afternoon stress-free on loungers within the pool space. It\u2019s day for it, because the commerce winds preserve the warmth index down.<\/p>\n
Back in our stateroom, we word the ship has stopped shifting. Looking out the window, we see two giant ships \u2014 Carnival Pride and Royal\u2019s Adventure of the Seas \u2014 beside us. No query about it: We have arrived at Costa Maya.<\/p>\n
Located within the jap Yucatan, Costa Maya has quickly grown right into a thriving cruise vacation spot, internet hosting hundreds of friends each month. At the top of the pier, the terminal includes a well-developed buying space, together with eating places, a saltwater pool and swim-up bars.<\/p>\n
Guests are greeted by locals carrying colourful Mayan costumes (photograph op, anybody?), and on earlier visits we’ve got watched the \u201chigh flyers\u201d carry out the Mayan ritual of hovering round a 75-foot-high pole. It\u2019s fairly spectacular.<\/p>\n
As friends from the opposite ships in port stream again to re-board, we are going to quickly have the retailers all to ourselves. For us, it means getting a desk at one of many eating places and connecting to their WiFi. For all its lovely upgrades, Star Legend\u2019s Internet connectivity is marginal at greatest.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s loads to be stated for overnighting at a port. You can transfer at a extra relaxed tempo, uncover extra of what there may be to see and do and escape the warmth after darkness falls. We take our time going again to the ship, then snap some images of how lovely the ship appears to be like docked at night time.<\/p>\n
Back onboard, we’ve got reservations at Candles. By day, that is the Veranda buffet. At night time, it’s remodeled into Candles, making a sea of sentimental glowing gentle on the open-air tables. Yes, romance is within the air.<\/p>\n
Since Windstar has partnered with the James Beard Foundation, you realize the meals throughout the board is particular. Candles are not any exception. Pam began with the \u201cTop Chef\u201d Tomato and Watermelon Salad, whereas I had the Roasted Shitake Mushroom Cromesqui. The parts had been excellent.<\/p>\n
While many select the high-end steaks for his or her entree, as non-beef eaters we each went with the Grilled Branzino, including a baked potato and onion rings for sides. Paired with one among our favourite wines, the setting was simply as magical because the meals. And the service, as per ordinary, was impeccable.<\/p>\n
After watching the large cruise ships steam away, we headed again to Compass Rose to finish our night listening to Back on Traxx. Afterwards, Entertainment Director Gill can be internet hosting \u201cThe Marriage Game,\u201d the place spouses learn how a lot they actually find out about one another. No, we\u2019re good in that division.<\/p>\n
PHOTOS \u2013\u00a0Chef Vasilev on the cooking demonstration \/\u00a0Star Legend docked at Costa Maya<\/p>\n
Day 4 \u2013 Costa Maya<\/h2>\n
It\u2019s day 4 of our 10-day cruise on Windstar Star Legend, and we\u2019ve been docked at Costa Maya on the Yucatan coast since yesterday afternoon.<\/p>\n
A glance outdoors our stateroom window reveals we\u2019ve been joined on the dock by a cruise megaship, Norwegian Bliss. Later within the morning, Royal\u2019s even greater ship, the Oasis-class Allure of the Seas, additionally arrives in port. The pier resulting in the terminal is one big mass of humanity. The retailers and eating places must be thrilled.<\/p>\n
The distinction in measurement between Star Legend and Allure is hanging. Our high deck, Deck 8, barely reaches the lifeboats on Allure. But after seeing the throngs of individuals exiting Allure and Bliss, it makes us grateful to be among the many 240 friends on this ship.<\/p>\n
Today variety of us are on excursions, many to see the Chacchoben Mayan ruins, often called \u201cThe Place of the Red Corn.\u201d Having been right here a number of occasions earlier than, we elect to remain onboard and luxuriate in some quiet time, in addition to do some exploring.<\/p>\n
While Pam listens to her music within the Yacht Club, I am going to Deck 7 and head for the Bridge. Normally, a ship\u2019s Bridge is off-limits to friends, however Windstar has an open-bridge coverage when attainable. The Bridge crew welcomes me in for a fast tour.<\/p>\n
Like Captain Nick, lots of the Bridge officers are from the UK. As they speak concerning the varied navigation and security methods, I\u2019m invited to seat within the captain\u2019s chair and \u201ctake the con.\u201d Careful to not contact any buttons, I seize of pair of binoculars and scan the horizon for boat visitors (sure, I do know we\u2019re docked, however go along with me). Thanks guys, for making me \u201ccaptain for a hot minute.\u201d<\/p>\n
At one finish of the pool deck, up on Deck 8, you\u2019ll discover a colourful wall mural. It\u2019s the work of Alex Nunez, a Cuban-American artist primarily based in Miami who makes a speciality of large-scale works that draw from nature and make the most of daring colours. We discovered from the workers that Ms. Nunez was on Star Legend previous to arriving in Miami to execute the portray, however needed to anticipate a particular primer, so she truly completed the work the day earlier than we sailed. At some level quickly, she\u2019ll be portray a companion mural on the different finish of the pool.<\/p>\n
We even have learn that she likes to typically embody hidden messages in her artwork. If you discover it, happy me know. I\u2019ll preserve trying.<\/p>\n
In the afternoon, Entertainment Director Gill is internet hosting one other spherical of Trivia in Compass Rose. While not my wheelhouse, I take pleasure in giving it a go. Fortunately, one other visitor, Bill, requested me to associate up. The matter was \u201cgeography,\u201d and whereas we didn\u2019t win, we did seize second place. The first-place winner scored a keychain. Now I don\u2019t really feel so dangerous.<\/p>\n
Later, we attend a session on our subsequent port, Santo Tomas De Castillo, in Guatemala. While we’ve got visited this nation as soon as earlier than, it was at a special location. We\u2019ll be docking at its largest business port, the place a few of us will tour Quirigua, a Mayan website with a UNESCO \u201cCultural Heritage of Mankind\u201d designation. Others will go to a nature protect, whereas we’ve got opted for a Trolley Tour of the realm.<\/p>\n
The climate has turned cloudy once more, with on and off showers. It may very well be we\u2019ll have to pack an umbrella together with our sunscreen simply in case.<\/p>\n
PHOTOS \u2013\u00a0Gerry takes the wheel on the Bridge \/\u00a0A wall mural by Alex Nunez \/\u00a0Cruise ship friends crowd the pier at Costa Maya<\/p>\n
Day 5 \u2013 Santo Tomas De Castilla<\/h2>\n
Five days into our cruise on Windstar Star Legend finds us off the coast of Guatemala, getting ready to dock at Santo Tomas De Castilla. It\u2019s sunny, a welcome sight, and the probabilities of rain are 50\/50.<\/p>\n
One side of our cruise we stay up for is our day by day open-air breakfast within the Veranda, the restaurant on Deck 7. You can get eggs or omelets made to order, serve your self from the buffet or order from a menu. The service, as it’s all through the ship, is superb. There\u2019s nothing like a leisurely breakfast at sea.<\/p>\n
Today we’re signed up for the Trolley Town Tour, which can take us via the streets of Puerto Barrios. Our information relates attention-grabbing details concerning the space, in addition to the tradition and nation as an entire. One factor is clear rapidly: It appears everybody on the town owns a bike or scooter.<\/p>\n
We move a big facility run by Chiquita, the place dozens of vans switch their well-known bananas for cargo all through the world. Stores with vacation decorations line the streets, whereas youngsters come as much as greet us at each cease. The Guatemalan persons are heat, pleasant and welcoming.<\/p>\n
As a parting reward, our information arms out the standard Guatemalan \u201cWorry Dolls,\u201d which, based on legend, will relieve you of no matter worries you may have by putting it underneath the pillow once you go to mattress. With every thing happening on this planet, I could have to take two, though this cruise is doing job of taking these away.<\/p>\n
Other excursions obtainable embody visiting Mayan ruins, seeing the San Felipe Fortress (inbuilt 1595) and a nature hike to waterfalls.<\/p>\n
While the place we’re docked is an industrial, working port, and in addition the headquarters for the Guatemalan Navy, there’s a \u201cWelcome to Guatemala\u201d terminal the place yow will discover tourism info and distributors promoting native items. When we had been there, a bunch of dancers additionally carried out. Considering they don\u2019t get the cruise visitors different ports do, they\u2019ve achieved a pleasant job of creating guests really feel welcome.<\/p>\n
For lunch within the Veranda, Chef Vipon is providing a customized stir fry. Since it’s beef solely, we go along with a rooster burger and fries.\u00a0 It\u2019s noteworthy that after just a few days on the ship, lots of the crew will name you by identify after they see you \u2014 one other good good thing about small-ship cruising.<\/p>\n
This afternoon, I’ve organized with the resort supervisor, Christian, to see a number of the ship\u2019s staterooms so I can get an outline of the lodging obtainable on Star Legend. Chief Housekeeper Hadi offers me a tour of the premium staterooms aboard. Besides the proprietor\u2019s suite, the ship\u2019s largest, there are two \u201cIsland\u201d suites within the entrance of Deck 5 that characteristic an expanded residing space, extra home windows and and upgraded tub.<\/p>\n
In complete, Star Legend has 156 staterooms, lots of which had been added within the refit. As beforehand famous, they’re among the many nicest we\u2019ve stayed in and would qualify as suites on most different ships. Hadi additionally identified the stewards onboard handle 10 staterooms, whereas on most cruise traces, they might have accountability for 20 or extra. This permits them to offer extra particular person consideration. On that final level, Davis, our attendant, makes positive we’ve got contemporary ice twice a day, a service we not often expertise on different ships.<\/p>\n
Tonight the principle occasion is the Crew Talent Show within the Lounge on Deck 5, once you get to see the individuals who handle all our wants in a very completely different gentle. Among the performers is our very personal Davis, who joins his fellow housekeepers from Indonesia to carry out his nation\u2019s conventional hand dances (with the disclaimer they\u2019ve had quarter-hour of rehearsal).\u00a0 They draw giant applause, as do singers, dancers, a magician and a hilarious take-off on synchronized swimming.<\/p>\n
If I say \u201cDon\u2019t quit your day jobs\u201d it isn\u2019t as a result of they don\u2019t have expertise \u2014 it\u2019s as a result of they\u2019re too good at taking good care of our wants.<\/p>\n
As we depart Guatemala, we head for Roatan, Honduras, which Captain Nick tells us is 137 miles away. We ought to dock by 8 am tomorrow. Stay tuned.<\/p>\n
PHOTOS \u2013 The \u201cisland Suite\u201d on Star Legend \/ Our tour information talks about Guatemala \/ \u00a0Housekeepers from Indonesia carry out within the expertise present<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/allthingscruise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Windstar-Island-Suite.jpg?ssl=1)
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/allthingscruise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Big-French-Key.jpg)
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/allthingscruise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Big-French-Key.jpg?ssl=1)