A Boutique Sailing Adventure

A Week Aboard Windstar’s Wind Star: A Boutique Sailing Adventure 

Sunday – Piraeus, Athens 

Embarkation day! We boarded the elegant Wind Star in Piraeus, Athens, moored right beside the towering Resilient Lady from Virgin Voyages. The contrast was striking—just 148 guests aboard our graceful sailing yacht versus 2,770 on the mega-ship next door. The afternoon was spent exploring the teak decks and intimate lounges of the Wind Star, soaking in the charm of a true sailing vessel. That evening, we dressed to impress for dinner at Candles, the ship’s speciality restaurant. With impeccable service and cuisine that rivalled top-tier restaurants ashore, it set the tone for a week of indulgence. 

Monday – Mykonos 

After a short tender ride, we arrived at the glamorous island of Mykonos. Wandering through the maze of whitewashed alleyways, we made our way to the iconic windmills before enjoying lunch in Little Venice, where the sea laps at the edge of the cafés. The afternoon was spent exploring boutiques and hidden corners of the town, with the ship’s tender waiting to whisk us back to our floating home. 

Tuesday – Kusadasi 

Kusadasi offered two unforgettable experiences. In the morning, we joined a private market tour led by the ship’s Head Chef—a hidden gem of an excursion open to all, though we were the only ones who signed up. We browsed vibrant Turkish stalls, learned about local ingredients, and even selected items to be served onboard later that day. The evening brought the Destination Discovery Event, Windstar’s signature experience: a candlelit, silver-service dinner in the ancient Library of Celsus at Ephesus, accompanied by a live string quartet. Dining among Roman ruins under the stars was nothing short of magical. 

Wednesday – Patmos 

We opted for a challenging hike from the port to the Holy Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, perched high above Patmos. The climb was tough, but the panoramic views were breathtaking. Back onboard, we took advantage of the ship’s watersports platform—a unique feature of Windstar’s yachts. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and even bouncing on the trampoline in the crystal-clear Aegean made for a fun and refreshing afternoon. 

Thursday – Santorini 

We were the first ship to arrive in Santorini, allowing us to beat the crowds and climb the 588 steps to the town (we skipped the cable car and donkeys in favour of burning off breakfast!). The views from the top were postcard-perfect. That evening, the ship hosted a deck barbecue while moored in the caldera, with the sunset casting golden hues over the cliffs—a truly unforgettable moment. 

Friday – Monemvasia 

A delightful surprise awaited us at breakfast: Windstar’s sister ship, the Wind Spirit, was docked in Monemvasia and greeted us with a friendly horn salute. The medieval town, carved into the rock, was a treasure trove of history and charm. We explored its winding streets and climbed to the castle ruins for yet another round of stunning views. 

Saturday – Nafplio 

Our final full day brought us to Nafplio, Greece’s first capital. Though tempted by the seafront cafés, we tackled the 999 steps to Palamidi Castle. For someone with a fear of heights, it was a bit nerve-wracking—but the reward at the top was worth every step. The castle offered sweeping views of the town and sea, a fitting finale to our week of adventure. 

Sunday – Athens 

Disembarkation day. The only disappointment of the week was having to leave! Windstar’s Wind Star delivered a truly unique and intimate cruise experience—one filled with culture, cuisine, and camaraderie. Until next time, bon voyage! 

If you are interested in booking your next voyage with Windstar then head over to our website and call our team of experts.