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The sun shone, Barcelona charmed and a champagne bottle smashed across the bow of the gleaming new Star in the Windstar Cruises fleet with the successful christening of the power yacht Star Pride.
The Christening of Star Pride
Guests gathered pierside and enjoyed a typical Spanish fiesta with tapas, sangria and champagne as the absolutely delightful Nancy Anschutz (“call me Nancy”) performed her Godmother duties and named the new yacht. Phil and Nancy Anschutz the wonderful owners of Windstar Cruises, now that it is in the portfolio of the Xanterra Group of Companies, along with Windstar CEO Hans Birkholz and the impossibly baby-faced yet very experienced, Captain Alan MacAry, a veteran of Windstar, were guests of honour as we began our adventure with the christening of the Star Pride.
The new flag raising ceremony on Star Pride.
We cruised along the French and Italian Rivieras on board the 212 guest, all-suite yacht (formerly Seabourn Pride) with “real people” as I call them – all past guests of Windstar, and a small group of trade and media representatives. As we sailed from Barcelona a new tradition was born. As this ship has no sails there had to be a new ceremony implemented as the music from “1492: Conquest of Paradise” was played. This happens on every ship in the Windstar fleet as it leaves port. So up high above the Star Bar 2 crew appeared in dress whites and slowly unfurled, with great ceremony and care, the Windstar flag bearing the company’s new and elegant logo. As the music played and goose bumps, smiles, and yes a few tears appeared, the flag was hoisted and cheers abounded along with more champagne toasts. We were off.
The next few days played out as they should. A fabulous inaugural dinner was served in the AmphorA restaurant with exceptionally good cuisine and wine. We called at some lovely small ports – a standout being Sanary-sur-Mer with the executive chef and his team leading guests on a shopping expedition to the Wednesday market for fresh fish and produce which were served in both restaurants later that night. Another popular choice was Portofino, and for me, the island of Elba. On many evenings we departed late at night – 10 or 11pm – affording guests the chance to dine ashore or enjoy the Monte Carlo Casino, as an example.
The Yacht Club
A popular venue was the Yacht Club, forward and high up; the spot for early risers breakfast and snacks, to read, watch the view or check e-mail. The ship has received a major refurbishment with new décor - carpeting, drapes, wall coverings and more - in colours of soft sea, sand, blues and muted tones. The Yacht Club is perhaps the most typical Windstar spot.
The beds are comfy and the spacious suites have a mini-bar, i-pod docking station and a DVD player. Bathtubs and 2 sinks are appreciated also. Some suites have a French balcony but as the “ship is your balcony” and everyone wants to be outside most of the time – it is not essential.
The Deck BBQ on Star Pride.
Other welcome features, the casual but elegant atmosphere, the watersports platform - brought down twice, and the crew – wonderful and friendly. Great service with a smile from an experienced staff, many of whom have been with Windstar for years. We dined at the al fresco Candles (the Verandah during the day for breakfast and lunch) by reservation in the evening and both food and service were terrific. Each suite may dine in Candles once per voyage enabling every guest to have this opportunity.
Vanessa with Michael Tzekas aboard Star Pride
One highlight was the elaborate Deck BBQ with a fabulous seafood buffet, a roasted suckling pig and a huge dish of paella. The music from the house band was wonderful and the show that brought the house to its feet, was a crew show featuring line-dancing, the limbo and a fabulous rendition of “gangnam style”. A great way to end a fabulous voyage on a lovely yacht. A true Star has been born and is a welcome addition to a brand that is doing so much right.
