Step Onboard: Star Legend

On the 4th August 2023, Sandra, our Head of Sales, spent the day on board Windstar’s stunning Star Legend. Here’s what she had to say about the trip!

 

What a fantastic experience on Windstars Star Legend. The ship looked majestic with the backdrop of London. We boarded by tender just across the river from the Tower of London to HMS Belfast and straight onto the ship. Not many cruise ships would have such a great entrance for guests to be immersed in the city’s bustle and history, with easy access to water taxis to explore London.

 

The atmosphere on the ship was very calm and relaxing compared with the bustle of London. Star Ledend is 29 years old but looked great after a refit in 2021 and is spacious, with a maximum guest capacity of 312 with 190 crew. I only saw an entry-level cabin Star Porthole Suite, which was spacious; I would have been thrilled to be a stowaway in. The suite was well-appointed, with rich but subtle furnishings. The king-size bed had a large picture window, a sitting area, a desk, and an all-important drinks fridge.  The bathroom was roomy with his and hers vanity sinks, and adjacent was a walk-in closet to top it all.

Life on board

Life aboard was relaxed, luxurious and sociable; numerous live musicians at the bar areas and even a juggler entertained us. Windstar prides itself on its service and catering; you will not be disappointed. They have pioneered plant-based alternatives and even plant-based-only cruises for 2024 that sold out in 8 weeks. Don’t worry if vegetables are not your thing, as there is a culinary experience for all. There are lovely intimate areas in all restaurants:

 

  • AmphorA is an elegant main restaurant, open for dinner only.
  • Cuadro44 by Anthony Sasso, intimate dining with 38 guests, with a fresh take on modern Spanish cuisine.
  • Star Grill is a casual outdoor eating experience while sailing with an ever-changing backdrop in partnership with chef Steven Raichlen.

 

 

Some guests were on an 89-night cruise from Iceland and finishing at Istanbul. How would you pack for a cruise of this length? On asking a guest, they said they packed for a week only, as the ship offered free laundry service, and his wife liked to purchase the odd item along the way. He also mentioned the service, and after being on the ship for a day, all the staff knew their names and were interested in what they liked to ensure they had the best time.

What was the highlight?

My cruise highlight was sailing through Tower Bridge with the road bridge raised, then past Canary Wharf and through the Thames Barrier to Tilbury; as we meandered down the river dining on the deck, it was a surreal experience, and I really did not want to end. I certainly enjoyed every moment and can’t wait to book a cruise.