WE’RE on board Windstar’s Star Legend cruise for eight nights, having arrived in Iceland in the middle of the summer to embark on a North Atlantic voyage. We’re ensconced within the luxurious surroundings of this recently refurbished ship that will transport us from Reykjavík to Edinburgh, cruising down the ocean to discover a clutch of islands.
Warm weather and calm seas may not accompany us every day, but what this voyage lacks in climate it makes up with some of the most staggering scenery imaginable – from moss-covered volcanic undulated landscapes to craggy shorelines and quaint villages, not to mention those azure skies and sapphire seas.
With a maximum of just 312 like-minded inquisitive, well-travelled guests and more than 200 staff onboard, we envisage this to be a trip of a lifetime.
Star Legend
We experience first-hand that a cruising experience is not just about getting from one location to another – it’s also about the voyage. There’s a swimming pool and hot tub to enjoy on deck and the Yacht Club to play cards in, socialise and read, while indulging in the all-day offering of hot drinks, sandwiches and snacks.
Before our al fresco breakfast each morning, we commence the day either in the gym or at a yoga class in the pilates studio.
Pool deck
Windstar has a fleet of six ships, three all-suite motor yachts and three classic sailing ships. Each vessel features a watersports platform that guests can enjoy during warm-water sailings, comprising paddle boards, kayaks and a floating island.
We utilise the open bridge policy while at sea to visit Captain Simon and Jack, the Second Officer, who shows us around the bridge and shares an insight into life at sea. The fact that Windstar is a privately owned company is reflected in the dedicated service we experience from every member of staff on board.
The Windstar team greet everyone personally and they quickly establish guests’ every little preference, like the extra hot coffee with oatmilk waiting for me every breakfast.
Candles Restaurant onboard Windstar
The vast majoiry of the knowledge-thirsty passengers are return guests of Windstar. Our spacious cabin has a queen-size bed with Egyptian-cotton monogrammed linen, a cosy lounge area and a marble bathroom fitted with a large power shower and L’Occitane amenities.
The cabin’s Juliet balcony is our vantage point for early morning arrivals into port and our evening sunset sailings.
Yacht Club
Windstar design creative itineraries with the educated, adventure-seeking traveller in mind. Immersive shore experiences are led by local experts, including a retired history teacher and former scientist.
There’s a choice of multiple tours for each destination that we pre-select prior to departure, ranging from energetic scenic hikes and historic explorations to visits to local villages and culinary experiences. On-board lectures provide an opportunity to delve into the politics and history of each destination, which enriches our experience on every island visited.
Windstar is the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving America’s diverse culinary heritage. The unrivalled cuisine is helmed by Joseph Kalynuik, who we meet during a cookery demonstration on our first morning.
Our favourite dining choice is the elegant Cuadro 44, which highlights hearty Spanish dishes inspired by 10-time Michelin-starred Anthony Sasso and his travels across the Iberian peninsula. I trust he was transported by Windstar.
by Amanda Bernstein
Windstar Cruises offers a number of Iceland itineraries in 2024 with prices starting from £2,675 per person for a seven-night cruise round trip from Reykjavik. Price includes all meals including speciality restaurants and port taxes.
Call Windstar Cruises on 0808 178 2233 or visit Windstar Cruises