Windstar Cruises
A pocket-sized, cozy, and elegant ship for mature-age cruisers
The Ship. Star Legend can cruise to places where large cruise ships can’t, thanks to its ocean-yacht size. For a grand, boutique-size ship vacation in premium surroundings, with just over 100 other couples as neighbors. it’s hard to beat. It is best suited to sophisticated, well-traveled couples who want to relax.
Star Legend is a contemporary gem of a ship with a handsome profile, almost identical in looks and size to sisters Star Breeze and Star Pride, but younger and built to a higher standard, with streamline ‘decorator’ bars made by Mercedes-Benz located along the side of the upper superstructure and a slightly different swept-over funnel design.
An aft water-sports platform and marina can be used in suitably calm warm-water areas. Water-sports facilities include a small, enclosed ‘dip’ pool, sea kayaks, snorkel equipment, windsurfers, and water-ski boat (use of water-sports equipment is complimentary).
Inside, a wide central passageway divides port and starboard side accommodation. High-quality interior fixtures, fittings, and fabrics are combined in its sumptuous public areas, including a main lounge, observation lounge, nightclub, screening room, library, reception desk, shop and mini-casino (with tables and a few slot machines). There is no glitz anywhere, and the dress code is always relaxed.
Passenger gripes: There is no walk-around promenade deck. Gratuities are not included, and Internet use costs extra. Almost all entertainment and activities are geared towards American tastes. Overall, this is a premium ship that provides a relaxing experience, but don’t expect any ‘wow’ factor from the food – it’s disappointing and lacks flair. Also, there are fewer crew members than when operated by the previous owner.
Accommodation. This is spread over three decks, and there are several price categories. All suites are comfortably sized and comprehensively equipped. They are, for example, larger than those aboard the smaller SeaDream I and SeaDream II, but then the ship is also larger, with almost twice as many passengers. All suites have a sleeping area with premium bedding, duvets and high-quality linens, a large walk-in closet that illuminates automatically when you open the door, digital safe, umbrella, wall-mounted clock and barometer, and 110/220-volt power outlets.
Marble-clad bathrooms have one or two washbasins, depending on accommodation grade, a decent but not full-size tub (four suites have a shower enclosure only – no bathtub), plenty of storage areas, thick cotton towels, plush terrycloth bathrobe, and designer soaps.
In 2001, 36 French balconies were added to suites on two out of three accommodation decks. These are not balconies, but have two doors that open wide onto a tiny teakwood ‘balcony’ that is just 10.6ins (27cm) deep – just enough for your toes. The balconies do allow you to have fresh sea air, however, together with some salt spray.
The largest accommodation are four Owner’s Suites (Ibsen/Grieg, each 530 sq ft/49 sq m, and Eriksson/Heyerdahl, each 575 sq ft/53 sq m), and two Classic Suites (Queen Maud/Queen Sonja, each 400 sq ft/37 sq m) – these are superb, private living spaces. There is a fully secluded, forward- or side-facing balcony, with sun lounge chairs and wooden drinks table (Ibsen and Grieg don’t have balconies).
Dining. ‘AmphorA’ Restaurant is a part-marble, part-carpeted dining room that has portholes and elegant decor. Open-seating dining means that you can dine when you want, with whom you wish.
The menus are creative and quite well balanced, with a decent selection of dishes, including some regional specialties. The food is nicely presented, with some items cooked to order, but it’s not life-changing. The selection of fruit and cheese is small. The wine list is quite sound, with prices ranging from moderate to high. Overall, while the accommodation is good, the meals are disappointing, and experienced staff members are lacking.
Breakfasts and lunch buffets (plus some à la carte items) are provided in Candles (which has indoor seating at just eight tables) or the adjacent outdoor Veranda Café. At night the indoor/outdoor venue becomes Candles Grill, a reservations-required steakhouse.
Additionally, the Star Bar provides an above-poolside setting for candlelit dining (steaks and seafood).
Entertainment. The Lounge is the venue for shows, cabaret acts, lectures, and most social functions. It has a sloping floor that provides good sight lines. This is a small, premium ship, so shows are small scale.
Spa/Fitness. The Spa is a small but well-equipped health spa/fitness center, located just aft of the navigation bridge. It provides sauna and steam rooms with separate facilities for men and women, an integral changing room, and a beauty salon.