windstar cruise excursions

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Wind Star Activities

Entertainment & Activities

Shore excursions.

Shore excursions are not included in Wind Star's cruise fare. The line offers a variety of standard tours and Concierge Collection options, which have smaller group limits and are geared toward offering a more intimate local and cultural experience. Standard tours on our Costa Rica and Panama Canal cruise included a foodie tour of Panama City and ziplining in Costa Rica, while Concierge Collection tours ranged from a yoga retreat on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula and a visit to a mountain lodge with a homecooked lunch.

On select itineraries, such as those in the Greek Isles and Mediterranean, passengers also can tag along with the executive chef when he visits a port of call's fish or produce market. This free tour is usually offered once during the cruise; those interested must sign up at reception.

Select warm-weather itineraries dedicate one day to a complimentary beach outing and barbecue. Passengers are taken via Zodiac to the beach, where they can spend the day sunbathing on a lounger, unwinding with beach yoga, taking advantage of Wind Star's water sport equipment (kayaks, paddle-boards and snorkeling gear), wildlife-spotting and exploring on their own.

Ice-cold infused water and soft drinks are available to take as needed, while a pop-up bar offers a "beach cocktail of the day" and other alcoholic beverages for an added fee (or as part of a prepaid beverage package). Crew members transport food from the ship to the island, for the barbecue lunch, which includes a generous spread of grilled meats, fresh salads and fruits, savory sides and freshly baked desserts.

Daytime and Evening Entertainment

A few low-key activities are available during the day, such as napkin- or towel-folding demonstrations, fruit carving shows or un-hosted games of bridge. Wind Star has an open-bridge policy (rare in the cruise industry), so you can visit the wheelhouse to chat with the captain or officers at any time, as long as the ship is at sea and conditions calm -- no reservations or guided tour necessary.

Wind Star hosts the majority of its entertainment in the Yacht Club lounge, a new space added during the ship's November 2018 refurb, which replaces the tight lounge-casino venue that was there before. The new room boasts a bar in the back, a coffee counter toward the front, a small dance floor and an entertainment corner with a baby grand piano, electronic keyboard and amplification equipment.

A single musician or musician-and-singer duo perform in the Yacht Club lounge every evening, covering well-known songs from a range of entertainers, such as Frank Sinatra, James Taylor, Carol King, Jason Mraz and Lady Gaga.

Wind Star's passengers are generally not a late-night crowd. Passengers meet to talk and sometimes dance. The musicians also occasionally will host activities such as trivia or themed music and dancing. If the weather is agreeable, people will often have a glass of wine or cocktail upstairs at the Pool Bar. Every night, Wind Star holds "Cigars Under the Stars," on the top deck; cigars are available for purchase.

While we enjoyed the laid-back vibe day and night, which fostered great conversation with new friends, we were a bit disappointed in the lack of activities offered throughout the day and at night. We would have liked to see something like a game of beanbag toss on the top deck, or more rounds of trivia at night. Passengers on our cruise seemed to have an itch for more variety and staying out after dinner, but ended up with more of a "I guess we'll just go to bed" attitude.

Every night, the ship's destination manager (often accompanied by a local naturalist) gives destination and excursion talks every evening in the Yacht Club lounge, during which waiters pass platters of appetizers, such as cocktail shrimp, cheese puffs and salmon rolls. They also take drink orders.

Local talent is also invited onboard one evening when the vessel stays a bit later in a port. For example, on our cruise, local school children performed a traditional folklore dance in the Yacht Club lounge during a stop in Puerto Jiminez, Costa Rica.

Wind Star Bars and Lounges

There are two bars onboard, with a selection of top-shelf products that are available to be served throughout the ship.

Most cocktails run $8 to $12. Beers are $6 to $7, and wine is $8 to $13 per glass, with some exceptional vintages that run higher. Also available are aperitifs, ports and a variety of tequila, whiskey, bourbon and vodka.

Windstar offers two beverage packages: The Topmast Discoveries Beer & Wine package ($49 per person, per day), which includes domestic and imported beer and 33 varieties of wine by the glass, and the Captain's Exclusive beverage package ($59 per person, per day), which covers all domestic and imported beers and 33 varieties of wine and Champagne by the glass as well as cordials, liqueurs, apertifs, cocktails and mini-bar items.

Yacht Club (Deck 3):  Sporting a sleek, transitional design (blending modern and traditional elements) with a nautical color scheme, this spacious lounge has ample seating for daytime and nighttime activities -- two- and four-top cocktail tables, and sofas and chaises surrounding coffee tables with ottomans for added relaxation. Other room features include a skylight, a dance space in the center, a cozy area where the musicians perform and large picture windows, dressed with dark-wood plantation shutters on three sides. There's also a video/TV monitor that's used for port talks.

Pool Bar   (Deck 4):  This is the busiest bar during the day, when passengers tend to spend time outdoors. It's also the bar mostly used by waiters to retrieve specialty coffee and other drinks during breakfast and lunch hours at the Veranda.

Wind Star Outside Recreation

On Deck 4 aft, there is one plunge pool, good for a refreshing dip but not big enough to swim laps. Next to it is the hot tub, which can comfortably fit four people.

Sun deck space can be found by the pool and on a flying-bridge sunning platform with a large wooden ship's wheel (a great photo op) that hangs over the Pool Bar. There are enough chairs, padded chaise lounges and tables with umbrellas to seat everyone.

When at anchor in appropriate water and climate, Wind Star opens its water sports platform, entered via a trap-like door in the floor on Deck 2 aft, for direct access to the sea. Use of the life vests, floating mats, snorkeling gear, kayaks and skiffs for rides is complimentary. On special itineraries, the ship also will stock up with scuba-diving equipment. Passengers who wish to snorkel (or dive) during their cruise can retrieve a sanitized mask and snorkel, and keep it with them for the duration of the sailing.

On other itineraries, bicycles are carried onboard and available for rent in select ports of call: half-day for $15, full day for $25.

Wind Star Services

The reception desk is located on Deck 3, midship. There, passengers can purchase internet packages: a $60 "email package" for 200 megabytes, $120 "surfing package" for 500 megabytes and an unlimited internet plan for $35 per day, which must be purchased for the entire the cruise. Internet speeds depend upon the satellite connection. We found it to be mostly slow throughout the cruise, except when the ship was anchored near a more developed port, as long as we accessed our device from the lounge.

The Library, located on Deck 3 midship, has a four-person card table (with imprinted chessboard) and glass-door bookshelves holding hundreds of DVDs to borrow for free. There are books (fiction, nonfiction and travel guides), games and puzzles, which were a popular activity on our sailing. Two computers are set on a desk shelf in the library for use by passengers who didn't bring their own laptops or tablets.

Next door, at the Signature Shop, where all items are duty free, you can buy fine and costume jewelry, watches, sunglasses, sundresses, shirts, pants, Tilley hats, a Wind Star yacht model (which can be shipped to your home) and Windstar Cruise logowear, as well as sunscreens, toothbrushes and grooming sundries. Due to customs regulations, the gift shop is never open when a ship is in port.

There are no self-service laundry facilities. Many passengers who cruise for longer than a week take advantage of the laundry package, priced at $16 per day for two people or $8 per day for one person (passengers will be charged for each day of the cruise). Every day, you can have your bagged dirty clothes washed and returned to you folded or neatly hung. Laundry deals also are offered throughout the cruise; for example, passengers can take advantage of a one-time rate of $45 to wash and press as many clothes as they can fit into one bag.

Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the ship, including your cabin; it's only allowed outside on Wind Star's Flying Bridge (Deck 5), where the "Cigars Under the Stars" event is held. During hours that Candles is offered by the pool, the smoking area is moved to Deck 4, forward.

Wind Star does not have an art gallery, nor are there official ship photographers.

The medical facility is on Deck 2 aft, and it's staffed by a physician. Medical fees are charged to your stateroom account, and a receipt is provided for travel insurance purposes.

Spa & Fitness

The tidy WindSpa, tucked near the Lounge on Deck 3 aft, has two treatment rooms, where you can enjoy a 75-minute deep tissue massage ($179), 75-minute Elemis salt scrub ($199) or a 50-minute pro-collagen, age-defying facial ($145), among other bodywork techniques.

There are offerings specifically for men, such as the Elemis deep-cleanse grooming treatment with shave ($75). In its beauty salon area, services include haircuts ($25 to $35 for men, $59 to $79 for women, including blow dry), permanent color (from $95) and highlights (from $89). Manicures (from $45), acrylics and shellacs are in demand, as is the Go SMiLE teeth whitening ($149).

Spa deals are promoted throughout the cruise, such as progressive discounts on signature treatments. For example, if you book three services at once, you get 10 percent off the first, 20 percent off the second and 30 percent off the third.

The compact, mirrored gym on Deck 2 aft contains a handful of cardio and weight machines, as well as free weights, foam rollers and yoga mats. (Passengers taller than 6 feet will have an issue on the treadmills, due to the fitness center's short ceilings.) Towels and complimentary bottled water also are available.

A spa coordinator leads yoga or Pilates classes almost every morning, on the top deck.

Wind Star is not designed for young children, particularly infants and preschoolers. There are no child care facilities, babysitting capabilities, child-friendly activities nor a designated children's menu.

The ship is very much adult in orientation, so if you are considering bringing an older child, think about the youngster's personality and interests. A quiet, well-mannered 12-year-old, who is happy to hang out with family all the time, will do fine. A similarly aged child who would much prefer a vacation that offered a rock wall to climb, water rides, kid peers and video games, will not.

While the minimum age to sail is 8, the line discourages bringing children. Passengers under the age of 21 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone who is at least 25 years old.

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• Cooking Demonstrations
• Deck Parties
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes
• Nightly Recaps & Briefings
• Watersports Platform

* May require additional fees

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My 8 Favorite Experiences On Board A Windstar Cruise In Tahiti And The Tuamotu Islands

• Australia and South Pacific
• Cruises and Sailing
• Destinations
• French Polynesia
• Types of Travel

I always dreamt of being in Tahiti and sailing around the remote French Polynesian islands, and in May I turned my dreams into lifelong memories on a small sailing yacht with Windstar Cruises. It was love at first sight! I had goosebumps as I boarded the sparkling white 148-passenger  Wind Spirit  in Papeete, Tahiti, for an 11-day sailing adventure in Tahiti and the Tuamotu Islands. 

While I could easily have just stayed on the ship for the entire cruise, I also wanted to explore the islands, motus and reefs famous for their clear turquoise waters, rich underwater reef life, and some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world. I was able to find the perfect balance of incredible on-ship experiences and jaw-dropping off-ship experiences available at a reasonable price with Windstar. 

Everything about my first Windstar cruise was dreamy, from my comfortable cabin and beautiful open spaces on-board, to the on-ship enrichment opportunities plus delicious food and beverages. These are my eight favorite experiences on Wind Spirit in Tahiti and the Tuamotu Islands:

1. Epic Sail Aways And Sun-Downers

Every time we sailed away from a port we gathered on the outside decks in flowy linen and gauze clothing with sun-downers in hand, my favorite being an Aperol Spritz. As the sun began to set, we watched in awe as the sky began to burst with ever-changing colors. Music would start to play and all eyes were focussed on the giant masts as the tall white sails began to unfurl one at a time. This was my first time witnessing epic romantic sail aways on a true sailing yacht, and I know it will not be my last.

2. Snorkeling On Fakarava, The Island of Dreams

Windstar offered many snorkeling excursions, but the one in Fakarava, the so-called Island of Dreams in the Tuamotu Islands, stood out from the rest.

Fakarava’s lagoon is classified by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve . From a small dive boat, we entered the clear warm water with our fins and masks. (All snorkeling equipment is provided free of charge by Windstar for use throughout the cruise). While the depth of the water and current varied, we nonetheless had spectacular views of the magnificent corals, colorful tropical fish, and even black tipped reef sharks. 

The Society Islands and Tuamotu Islands are arguably the best places in the world to snorkel, so if you too love snorkeling, you can take advantage of all the snorkel excursions in Rangiroa, Taha’a, and Bora Bora in addition to Fakarava. 

Sea days are ideal for splurging on spa treatments to relax and rejuvenate. Since the spa was quite small with one hair dresser, one masseuse, and one aesthetician, I booked a deep tissue massage, a BIOTEC Anti-aging Firm-a-lift facial, and a hair appointment for color and a blow dry immediately upon embarkation. 

Unlike spas on some larger ships with saunas, steam rooms, elaborate changing rooms, treatment pools, and lounge areas pre and post treatments, the Wind Spirit Spa has just three treatment rooms and a small reception area; however, the massage, facial, and salon services were as good as or better than what I’ve experienced on some of the more elaborate ship spas. I flew directly to a family event in New York City following the cruise and thanks to the spa team, I looked like a million bucks even after traveling for 18 hours!   

4. The Mamas And Papas Group On The Pool Deck

While we were anchored in Raiatea, the Sacred Island, Windstar’s on-board enrichment program included an opportunity to meet the Mamas and Papas (not the American folk-rock band!), who came aboard and immersed us in Polynesian culture.

We were taught traditional dances, how to create flower crowns and leis, and how men and women wear the traditional pareo wraps. Dressed in our new Polynesian attire, the dance floor became crowded and festive. Having been in Tahiti for a few weeks before the cruise, I came to love the warmth and kindness of the Tahitian people. It was a treat to spend a few hours with these men and women as we learned about their culture and traditions.

5. Glorious Food And Restaurant Choices

I adored having the freedom to dine when, where, and with whomever I preferred, indoors or alfresco on the Wind Spirit . Reservations are required only at the romantic and intimate Candles Restaurant, which is outdoors on the Bridge Deck with starched white tablecloths and a steakhouse-style menu. I even dressed up a little for Candles, making dining under the stars even more special! 

Windstar is the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation. I tried many extraordinary chef-inspired dishes at the Amphora Restaurant and even ordered room service from the same menu one night when I chose to enjoy dinner alone in my cabin. Hands-down this was the best room service I have ever experienced on a ship!

For breakfast and lunch, the bright Veranda Restaurant offered panoramic views while we sailed and had a buffet with many varieties of yogurt, fruit, salad, bread and dessert. Meals could also be ordered from the menu including eggs benedict, hamburgers, and daily specials. The staff from day-one knew my name and greeted me personally without hesitating. With 118 guests on board for our sailing, I was so impressed that the staff were able to greet us by our names, not just at mealtime, but all the time as we moved around the ship. It made me wonder how they learn our names so quickly.

Pro Tip: There is so much more to Windstar’s extraordinary food-centric attention. I found three exceptional experiences, unique to Windstar, that revolved around private barbecue parties on the Wind Spirit and on secluded islands and motus for Windstar-guests-only. All were weather-dependent and involved an enormous amount of effort by the staff. More on these below.

6. Deck Barbecue Under The Stars

The Galley team brought their finest cooking talents out to the pool deck where large barbecues were set up to prepare everything from paella to pork and beef. In the late afternoon long tables with salads, breads, vegetables, and other meal accompaniments were set up, and the deck was outfitted with dozens of perfectly set tables and chairs, enough for all 118 guests to enjoy dinner and the show that followed. Staff spontaneously burst into singing and finding strategic positions to lead guests in Line Dancing. Under clear skies with bright stars overhead, the party carried on for hours. We applauded the Windstar team’s talent, creativity, effort, and spirit of hospitality and fun. 

7. Windstar Private Island Experience 

Another exceptional Windstar experience was in Motu Mahaea on Taha’a, known as The Vanilla Island. My day started with a short tour of a vanilla plantation followed by an exhilarating snorkel adventure with black tip sharks and rays circling around us. Our dive boat then took us to Windstar’s private island surrounded by white sand beaches and corals for the complimentary Private Island experience.

Wearing only bathing suits and rashguard shirts, we fit right in with the other guests who were wearing beach gear. Staff had already set up a full bar with all sorts of tropical drinks, and a full lunch buffet, complete with a giant seafood paella pan, meat skewers, and an assortment of hot and cold salads and side dishes. I lounged comfortably on the beach after the delicious lunch and went into the shallow water to snorkel a little more. 

No doubt transferring all of the food, drinks, towels, dishes and glasses, and the cooking and serving equipment to the private island was an enormous effort, yet the entire Windstar team was in great spirits throughout the day and into the early evening when we all returned to the ship. We all agreed that this was one of our best days on the cruise. 

8. Bora Bora Destination Discovery Event

The third in a trio of outstanding experiences on this Windstar cruise in Tahiti was the Bora Bora Destination Discovery Event. Bora Bora was the most beautiful of the Society Islands. It is surrounded by tiny reef islets formed by broken coral and sand, called motu , in small pristine secluded areas.

Windstar took guests by catamaran to the motu where Windstar’s executive chef arranged an extraordinary private feast on the beach. Traditional Polynesian fire dancers dressed in loin cloths performed after dinner to the delight of all the guests. I looked forward to this event; however, I had to fly home from Bora Bora for a family event just hours before the festivities began. I did hear from other guests by email about how they enjoyed the feast and fire dancing. This experience is also completely complimentary to Windstar guests!

Windstar Tahiti Pro Tips

There is a treasure box of intimate and immersive shore excursions; however, if your heart is set on particular excursions offering limited space, I recommend booking them early. You can change your mind and make adjustments on the ship daily.

Commencing in February 2024, the 312-passenger Star Breeze takes over as Windstar’s year-round Tahiti ship doing the Dreams of Tahiti seven-night cruise offering the same experiences I so enjoyed. 

Windstar will also sail a new exciting 14-day itinerary, Tahitian Treasures & Magnificent Marquesas , in 2024 and 2025 calling on the Tuamotu Islands of Fakarava and Rangiroa en route to and from the Marquesas, ending with the Society Islands of Tahaa, Bora Bora (an overnight), Moorea, and Papeete.

I have highlighted only my top eight experiences on the Windstar Tahiti and Tuamotu Islands cruise; however, I could easily have written about so many more magical moments and experiences while on board. If you dream of Tahiti as I did, this is a wonderful way to turn those dreams into memories.

Her tagline is, “The goal is to die with memories, not dreams,” and Judi is making and sharing new travel memories all the time.

• CruiseMapper
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• Cruise Industry
• Windstar opens bookings for Star Seeker's 2025-2026 Caribbean...

Windstar opens bookings for Star Seeker's 2025-2026 Caribbean, Alaska, and Japan voyages

Windstar Cruises will welcome its newest addition , Star Seeker , to its fleet in December 2025. The small-ship cruise line has unveiled the yacht's inaugural itineraries, opening bookings for voyages across the Caribbean, Alaska, and Japan. The 112-suite vessel will offer guests a range of immersive experiences as it travels to these diverse regions.

Star Seeker's maiden voyage departs from Malaga (Spain) on December 28th, 2025, featuring a transatlantic crossing and a special New Year's Eve stop at Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The voyage will culminate in Miami (Florida USA) on January 13th, 2026, where the ship will undergo her official christening. The event will be marked by exclusive tours and celebrations for Windstar's partners, media, and travel advisors.

Following her christening, Star Seeker will sail on an 8-day Caribbean voyage from Miami to San Juan , stopping in the Dominican Republic and the British Virgin Islands. The ship will continue her Caribbean season before transiting the Panama Canal en route to Alaska. Between May and August 2026, the yacht will offer scenic cruises through Alaska, providing guests with opportunities to explore remote ports like Haines and Wrangell . Windstar’s Signature Expedition program will return, allowing passengers to explore Alaska’s fjords and glaciers via small boats or kayaks launched from the ship’s Watersports Platform. Knowledgeable expedition guides will lead these adventures and offer onboard presentations on Alaska’s natural and cultural history.

Star Seeker will then cross the Pacific to Japan in early September 2026, resuming Windstar’s popular Grand Japan itinerary. Highlights include scenic cruising of the Inland Sea, visits to the Peace Memorial Parks of Nagasaki and Hiroshima , and stops at lesser-known ports like Takamatsu and Karatsu .

Additional itineraries in Southeast Asia are currently being developed for Star Seeker.

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Home » Cruise News » South Pacific Destination For Windstar Cruises Celebrates UNESCO World Heritage Status

South Pacific Destination For Windstar Cruises Celebrates UNESCO World Heritage Status

The Marquesas Islands, a remote destination in the South Pacific, has celebrated its new status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Windstar Cruises began sailing this year to the Marquesas Islands — a remote, South Pacific paradise that welcomes just a few thousand visitors per year. In July, the Marquesas received broad international recognition by being named one of the world’s newest UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Windstar is commemorating the moment by offering a celebration cruise departing September 26th, hosted by Windstar’s French Polynesian Attaché Hironui Johnston, along with three Marquesas Islands mayors. An additional celebratory sailing will take place on March 27, 2025.

UNESCO recognized the Marquesas for its gorgeous geography and remote location, in addition to the surrounding waters being “among the world’s last marine wilderness areas.” UNESCO also recognized the Marquesas’ unique culture and heritage.

Windstar has been sailing in French Polynesia for over 36 years, creating deep relationships and partnerships with local officials across the region. With the expansion to include the remote Marquesas, the total number of islands the line visits in the South Pacific is 11. Windstar’s year-round cruises (also including the Society Islands and the Tuamotus) bring the culture of French Polynesia onboard with a designated cultural ambassador for all sailings.

All itineraries include a complimentary Bora Bora Celebration Destination Discovery Event, which is a private feast on a beach with local performances from music to fire dancing. Local food and beer/spirits are highlighted onboard, while curated shore excursions led by locals enrich the cruise.

“We are honored to host the mayors of these incredible islands on board Star Breeze for this celebration of the UNESCO World Heritage status,” said Stijn Creupelandt, vice president of hotel operations at Windstar Cruises . “This designation is a testament to their work at preserving their culture and environment.”

The mayors from the Marquesas’ Ua Huka, Fatu Hiva, and Tahuata joining Windstar on the September 26th celebration sailing (a 14-day round trip voyage from Papeete) will speak to the process and journey of being recognized as an UNESCO site. They will also discuss rāhui – a traditional community-based approach to resource management; why the mayors of the Marquesas work together and the legends that inspire this cooperation; and how they are empowering the next generation to conserve and protect the destination.

Workshops will also be led on board with hands-on topics like traditional Marquesas lei crafting, Haka Manu (Bird Dance) lessons, and culinary demonstrations on how to make I’a mito (the Marquesas’ version of poisson cru – a dish similar to ceviche) and Keukeu, which is a traditional dish of goat with coconut milk. Additionally, professional photographers Pat and Rosemarie Keough will round out the programming with photography workshops aimed at expertly capturing the island’s natural beauty and teeming underwater life.

Have you ever taken a cruise in the South Pacific? What’s your dream island destination that you haven’t yet visited? Drop us an anchor below and let us know!

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DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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Windstar Opens Bookings for Star Seeker’s Inaugural Itineraries

• September 4, 2024

Windstar Cruises has opened bookings for sailings on the Star Seeker, set to join the fleet in December 2025, with itineraries covering the Caribbean, Alaska and Japan.

The Star Seeker’s maiden voyage begins on December 28, 2025, from Málaga, Spain, with a special New Year’s Eve stop in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands. The cruise will end in Miami on January 13, 2026, where the christening ceremony will take place.

The christening event in Miami will include special activities and ship tours for Windstar staff, partners and media.

The Star Seeker’s inaugural Caribbean voyage will depart on January 15, 2026, from Miami, visiting San Juan, the Dominican Republic and the British Virgin Islands before continuing to Alaska and Japan.

“I’m really excited we’ll be able to sail the new Star Seeker in the Caribbean before the ship continues on to its final destinations of Alaska and Japan,” said Windstar President Christopher Prelog.

“Star Seeker will likely not return to the Caribbean again, so it’s a wonderful but fleeting chance for our Caribbean destination fans to experience the ship. We have some celebrations planned to bring Star Seeker together with other Windstar ships in the Caribbean, like a sunset sailing parade past the pitons in St. Lucia with Wind Spirit and Star Pride. It will be a warm welcome to the fleet for our new ship.”

Windstar’s newest ship will transit the Panama Canal to Alaska, with sailings from May to August 2026. Options include voyages from San Juan to Juneau (49 days), Costa Rica to Juneau (25 days) and Mexico to Juneau (17 days). In Alaska, the Seeker will offer seven or eight-day Scenic Alaska cruises and longer 10-, 11-, or 12-day Alaskan Splendor cruises from Vancouver to Juneau or vice versa.

Additionally, the line’s Signature Expedition program will return, with activities like RIB boat explorations and kayaking from the ship’s Watersports Platform, and guided presentations on Alaska’s natural environment and culture.

In Japan, the Star Seeker will offer the Grand Japan itinerary from early September to October, featuring Inland Sea cruising, visits to Hashima Island, Peace Memorial Parks and ports such as Takamatsu and Karatsu. Passengers can also add a three-day tour of Osaka and Kyoto.

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10 Luxury Cruise Lines That Will Make You Want to Ditch Plane Travel Forever

Explore cruise lines that embody the VERANDA spirit, offering luxury and well-appointed design around every corner.

Thinking about booking your next dream vacation? As stunning as land-locked adventures and beautiful hotels can be, there’s something to be said about sailing the seas. Fortunately for us, nowadays, there are cruise ships that far exceed the family-fun agenda of the classic companies so often advertised on TV. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with those cruise liners, there’s something special about not only traversing the ocean but doing so decked out to the nines. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best luxury cruise lines of 2023. Ahead, uncover the company that best aligns with your idea of the ultimate water-bound getaway.

Silversea is the “jewel in the crown” of the Royal Caribbean Group, not to mention the original luxury cruise line, first entering the space in 1994. The company touts 12 all-inclusive ships with destinations all over the world. Whether you want to explore the American West Coast, South America, Northern Europe and the British Isles, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, or even Antarctica, Silversea has a cruise to fit your fancy.

Speaking of fancy, the most luxurious cruise that Silversea offers is its 125-Day Chile to Norway sail, which rings up at $94,700. You don’t have to invest that much to enjoy a Silversea cruise, though. No matter which type of suite you book, you can expect butler service, optional 24/7 in-suite dining, endless access to premium beverages and craft cocktails, and complimentary caviar around the clock.

Explore Silversea Cruises

Paul Gauguin

Paul Gaugin stands out for its single-ship escapade into the luxury cruise space. With a variety of cruises that explore French Polynesia and the South Pacific, Paul Gauguin is a small-ship cruise line with 7-, 10-, 11-, and 14-night itineraries that focus on intimate experiences, delectable cuisine, stunning stateroom balcony views, butler service, and more. With a 1:1.5 crew-to-guest ratio, you can rest assured knowing that all of your needs will be met aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin.

Explore Paul Gauguin Cruises

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Scenic is unique in that it not only offers luxury ocean cruises but river cruises, too. The brand prides itself on operating and innovating with guest experience in mind. As such, all of its cruises have so much to offer voyagers, from extensive dining, leisure, and wellness options to striking design elements that will make you want to stay aboard for much longer than your itinerary.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has nine ships with oceanic destinations spanning from the Arctic and Europe to the Caribbean and Australia. Meanwhile, if you find yourself in France, you may want to check out Scenic’s beloved river cruises, in which you can tour the Seine in the utmost style.

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Ponant has a fleet of 13 luxury cruise ships with destinations dotting the globe. The award-winning French cruise line is beloved for its tailor-made voyages, in which guests have access to myriad bespoke experiences both on and off board, from in-room dining to once-in-a-lifetime immersive excursions.

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Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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On a river cruise in Russia you’ll likely visit two of this expansive country’s most important cities, St. Petersburg and Moscow. St. Petersburg has always been more of a city focused on the arts and Moscow on business and politics. Tolstoy even remarked about this dichotomy in his masterpiece novel Anna Karenina . In St. Petersburg you’ll find the ornate Hermitage Museum, an art museum which was started by Catherine the Great. In Moscow you’ll be wowed by the colorful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral at Red Square. When cruising through Russia you’ll also get a chance to experience the rural parts of Western Russia in Goritsy or the Mandrogi village, which is reconstructed to look just as it did during the 18 th century.

Things to Do on a Cruise to Russia

Adopt the pluck and determination of the Russian people and realize that there is nothing you can’t do on your cruise to Russia. Russia is full of crazy stories, exciting history and beautiful traditions, so drink it in with some unforgettable experiences. A few of our favorite things to do are outlined below:

• Explore the armory at the Kremlin where you can see the stunning royal jewels of the czars and czarinas. Don’t forget to check out the Faberge eggs, intricately decorated and jewel-adorned eggs created in the late 1800s and early 1900s.  
• Visit a wooden church with 22 domes that is made without one single nail. This remarkable building is in Kizhi Island surrounded by other buildings at an open air museum.  

• Spend a day discovering the more than 3 million works that make up the Hermitage Museum, which is housed in the Winter Palace, a former home of Russian royals located in St. Petersburg.  
• Though ballet comes from Italy, Russia has made this elegant dance form what it is today. Be sure to enjoy a performance at either the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow or the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg.  

• Enjoy a Shashlik lunch. Shashlik is a Russian variation of a shish kebab which generally consists of grilled beef or cubed lamb that is been marinated and is roasted on a spit often paired with a variety of vegetables such as tomato, onion and eggpant.  This is a popular fast food dish in Russia.  
• Go to GUM, Moscow's exorbitant shopping mall, to shop (or just browse) through one designer store after the other.  

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River cruise lines offer in-depth visits to Russia where you’ll get a real sense of the nation’s culture – from the big cities to the rural outposts. Each day is packed with history, art and tradition. 

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Russian river cruises either flow north or south, meaning they either start in St. Petersburg or Moscow. Moscow is the current capital of the country, but St. Petersburg used to hold that title and was the home of many of the country’s czars. Both of these large cities offer great art museums and incredible domed churches. No matter where your river cruise starts, you’ll get a real sense of Russian culture as St. Petersburg offers an exploration of Russian history while Moscow is on the cutting edge and looking forward. 

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Catch a glimpse into grand Russia in our Russia cruising photo gallery. Preview many of Russia’s national treasures – like the Peterhof Palace, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Katherine’s Palace and Red Square – before contacting one of our cruise experts to plan your very own trip to this fascinating nation.

Assumption Cathedral in Yaroslavl from Volga River

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