Star Breeze
Windstar Cruises
Ship Reviews
Based on 13 reviews
Submit your review Cruise reviews reflect the opinions of travel editors and cruisers/ readers and may not represent those of our company.
Japan and South Korea
May
Pros: The itinerary and excursions; staff and crew; ship’s amenities.
Cons: Substandard internet (which is soon to be replaced)
Recommended: Yes
The Windstar Grand Japan cruise itinerary was an ideal introduction to Japan and included a day trip to South Korea. A wide range of excursion options were available and, best of all, the guides were knowledgeable and personable. The onboard lectures by Dr. Emma Thompson were fascinating and offered keen insights into the history and culture of Japan. Onboard the staff and crew were very attentive, thoughtful and always welcoming. Requests were graciously responded to without hesitation. The recently renovated ship was beautiful and the staterooms were well-appointed, decorated nicely and quite comfortable. Several different dining options were always available which satisfied our appetites at all times of day. (We all gained a few pounds). The servers and chefs were very friendly and very attentive. The menu choices were diverse and delicious. The ship’s special on-deck buffet events were creative and enjoyable. And dining with the Chief Engineer and his first officer one evening was a real treat. It was lovely to have a spa onboard. We enjoyed massages and a facial, which were wonderfully relaxing. We also visited the relaxation room, sauna and steam rooms. It was great to have these amenities available to us. Our adventures were topped off by the evenings’ entertainments arranged and hosted by Grace Coddle, who also was a fantastic performer. The entertainment highlight was the crew’s talent show which left us touched by their songs and dances as well as laughing so hard we had tears in our eyes. They were all fabulous! It was a very memorable cruise.
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Japan and South Korea
May
Pros: The itinerary and excursions; staff and crew; ship’s amenities.
Cons: Substandard internet (which is soon to be replaced)
Recommended: Yes
The Windstar Grand Japan cruise itinerary was an ideal introduction to Japan and included a day trip to South Korea. A wide range of excursion options were available and, best of all, the guides were knowledgeable and personable. The onboard lectures by Dr. Emma Thompson were fascinating and offered keen insights into the history and culture of Japan. Onboard the staff and crew were very attentive, thoughtful and always welcoming. Requests were graciously responded to without hesitation. The recently renovated ship was beautiful and the staterooms were well-appointed, decorated nicely and quite comfortable. Several different dining options were always available which satisfied our appetites at all times of day. (We all gained a few pounds). The servers and chefs were very friendly and very attentive. The menu choices were diverse and delicious. The ship’s special on-deck buffet events were creative and enjoyable. And dining with the Chief Engineer and his first officer one evening was a real treat. It was lovely to have a spa onboard. We enjoyed massages and a facial, which were wonderfully relaxing. We also visited the relaxation room, sauna and steam rooms. It was great to have these amenities available to us. Our adventures were topped off by the evenings’ entertainments arranged and hosted by Grace Coddle, who also was a fantastic performer. The entertainment highlight was the crew’s talent show which left us touched by their songs and dances as well as laughing so hard we had tears in our eyes. They were all fabulous! It was a very memorable cruise.
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Luxury expanded
December
Pros: Spa gym food staff
Cons: None
Recommended: Yes
The stretching of the Star Breeze solves some issues on the previous version. There is now a full access spa with steam, sauna, heated benches a full gym and yoga room and better salon space. The new Star grill offers additional outdoor dining and the new Cuardro has fun tapas. Staff is awesome and ship is clean and medical staff first rate.
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180 degrees above ordinary
July
Pros: Attentive to service and details The staff is quite responsive to requests for assistance.
Cons: The food in some of the restaurants is sometimes greasy.
Recommended: Yes
The staff make a concerted effort to learn your name and are responsive to requests. If there is a particular type of hot drink that you like, attention is paid to remember it and it is made ready without prompting.
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Circling Iceland
June
Pros: Wonderful scenery, Great food, no lines
Cons: Expensive excursions, limited on board entertainment
Recommended: Yes
For cruising around Iceland in counterclockwise direction, cabins with even number have superior shore views. Small ship means no lines for everything. Great food in main dining room for everyone.
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Star Breeze
May
Pros: Perfect size ship with limited number of passengers
Cons: The ship was not in tip-top shape
Recommended: Yes
There were a few glitches with the ship itself like flooding in the stateroom across the passage way, an elevator that didn't work, etc. We understood it was going in for overhaul after this summer season. It could use it. But the crew were fantastic and especially our steward Ronald. We also got to know one of the bar people quite well, Apple, and appreciated her attention.
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Small ship, big service
January
Pros: Excellent service
Cons: Waterskiing not available
Recommended: Yes
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