Cruising the seas, Windstar style.

I am always on a mission to learn all that I can about anything travel so tonight I went to learn about Windstar Cruises. I honestly didn't know a thing about the product or the destinations but went in with an open and curious mind. As far as cruising goes, people either love it or hate it so I like to see just what's out there for the in-betweeners, like me. Personally, I'm not a big fan of large scale ships and disembarking upon a port of call in a swarm of tourist frenzy,but that's me and everyone has their own likes and dislikes. That's what makes the world such a cool place. Anyhoo, onto Windstar.

Windstar ships are meant to make you feel that you are sailing on your own yacht. Who doesn't want to do that? It's luxury, personalized attention, exceptional cuisine and a whole lot of YOU time.

Windstar guests are typically experienced travelers who want a more intimate experience who are usually around the age of 45-65.  A Windstar cruise may not be a great idea for families as there are no cruise directors and activities geared towards children. If you're someone ( like me) who likes  to avoid crowds, lines and mass tourism, a Windstar cruise is right for you. It's a perfect place to get a bunch of friends together and enjoy the beauty of the sea and beautiful destinations such as

All Windstar cruises include all meals in all of the venues including room service, all non-alcoholic drinks. You can add on a premium beverage upgrade for roughly $54 a day per person. Think about it, a mimosa in the morning, a glass of wine at lunch, a few beers while out on the deck hanging with your new friends, champagne and wine with dinner? $54 covers that and much more ~ well worth your money if you like that sort of thing. All on board entertainment, a full DVD for in room entertainment, a fitness facility, a casino and non-motorized water sports as well as transportation to and from all shore excursions and hotel extensions and Windstar's open bridge policy. Any time you want to go and hang out on the bridge of the ship, you can do it. There are no off limits here ~ Windstar wants you to feel like this is your private yacht!

One of the suites ~ complete with a sitting area and TWO bathrooms.

Windstar has yachts with sails and fully functioning engines for those not so windy days. When you hear the engines quiet, you can know that the winds are carrying you across the sea.They have also recently purchase a couple of cruisers ( with no sails) that clip along at 16 knots which gets you from here to there in no time flat but with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the ride.

I think what struck my wanderlust was where Windstar sails. If you're up for nothing but 14 days at sea on a transatlantic cruise, you can do it. Most cruises are 7-8 days. Italy and the Dalmation coast, Tahiti, Riviera, Sicily, Ireland and Scandinavia, Southern Spain, Greece and the Amalifi coast, the Adriatic sea, the Caribbean and even the Panama Canal are many of the delicious places Windstar cruises to. The itinerary allows you to enjoy the ports of calls at your leisure and there are often times over nights at the ports which allow you to really enjoy the destination. Imagine a night in Rome or perhaps Tahiti! Either way, the destinations can't be beat!

I was impressed with what Windstar has to offer and I'm certain to hop on a Windstar yacht in my future. If you have a love of the sea and escaping from it all, you may want to consider Windstar for your next getaway.

You can check the reviews for yourself but I think you'll find that Windstar cruises really are a treat for the traveling soul.