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Sailing the Dalmation coast |
| Reviewed By: lester, stanmore on 7th Aug 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Windstar |
Times cruised before: 10+ |
| Cruise Ship: MYS Wind Star |
Sailed:
July,
2008 |
| Destination: Adriatic |
Age: 56-65 |
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The Windstar. Venice to Dubrovnik 26 July to 2nd Augut 2008.
Firstly let us address the headings as detailed above; There is only one restaurant for dinner and it is open seating, no sittings you go in and out when you like. There are no formal evenings so dress is just smart casual for dinner. There is no entertainment provided other than a piano player at the appropriate times and locations, so if you like the big shows and a cinema this is not for you. Though the beautifully appointed cabns have a flat screen Tv, plus DVD player. plus Bose sound system and you can take out one of their Ipods as well if you so wish. We did not take any of the excursions as to us this was not a sightseeing cruise, it was a chillout leisurely sail along one of the most beautiful coatlines we have ever seen (Dalmatian).
As past cruisers on such lines as Silversea, Sea Dream, and Seabourne we were a little apprehensive about trying the Windstar. Upon arriving in Venice and seeing her alongside that wonderful setting, we were delighted with what we saw. We were not disppointed when we got on board. However, the dark wood combined with port holes did make the cabin raqather dark. This was more than compensagted for by the new bathroom modules, inclduing a great double headed shower, all fully stocked daily with luxurious L'Occitaine toiletries.
The overall ambience was extremely relaxed, including the 2 days watersports off of the drop down marina at the stern (all included). The officers and crew made us feel very welcome and continually interacted with us and our fellow passengers, the Irish Captain, even getting up to sing one night in the lounge, to great acclaim. The open bridge policy was an absolue delight especially at sail in and sail away, and our particular favourite at 11pm with just us and the gloriously clear night sky. Yes we did have very good weather which helps.
Another plus for this particuloar cruise was that it was the very first time the ship had sailed this itinerary (Venice,Koper(Slovenia), Pula, Opatija, Zadar, Split, Korcula, Dubrovnik (all Croatia). Which was probably why the Captains wife was also on board !! We loved every port but our "Wow" was definiely the sail away from Venice. To see it from the water is spectacular. Again due to this being a first, all the ports were extre,mely clean as they all seemedto be brand new, and within easy walking distance of the town centres.
One of th nicest things about being on the Windstar was the sailing. When the sails unfurled and filled with wind it was truely spectacular. We also enjoyed the fact tht the Windstar herself was on show. All the locals wherever we were came out to see us, and when we were at anchor in the bays, they took to their boats, kayaks, windsurfers, and genreal flotillas to come and view us at close range.
We would not hesitate to recommend Windstar to any discerning cruiser who would prefer a private yacht experience rather than the razamatazz of the big ships.
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| | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| | Onboard Activities | n/a |
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