TravelAge West
Search Sponsored by

Explore TravelAge West

Destinations

Back
  • Africa & Middle East
  • Asia & South Pacific
  • Caribbean
  • Central & South America
  • Europe
  • Hawaii
  • Mexico
  • USA & Canada

Travel Types

Back
  • Family
  • Adventure
  • Cruise
  • River Cruise
  • Tour Operators
  • Luxury
  • Hotels
  • Culinary
  • Romance
  • Wellness
  • Sustainability

Directories

Back
  • Hotels
  • Cruise
  • Job Seeker Center

Interactive

Back
  • Click & Win
  • Geo Quiz
  • Slideshows & Video

Professional Development

Back

Industry Insight

  • Business Features
  • Interviews
  • Events
  • Opinion
  • Tech
  • Podcasts
  • Coronavirus and Travel
  • Need to Know Research

Education

  • Certifications
  • Digital Guides
  • Fams
  • Thought Leadership
  • Advertiser Spotlight
  • Webinars
  • Immersive Family Experiences

Events

  • Global Travel Marketplace
  • GTM West
  • WAVE Awards
  • Future Leaders in Travel Retreat

Sign Up for Our Monthly Cruise Newsletter

I accept the T&C and Privacy Policy.

Search TravelAge West

Clear Field
Dana RebmannContributing Writer

Share

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Cruise

Cruise Review: Windstar’s Star Legend in Alaska

Nov 11, 2018
Cruise Review: Windstar’s Star Legend in Alaska
Windstar's Alaska itineraries allow clients to get closer to the region's coastlines.
Credit: 2018 Windstar Cruises

As we sailed past Alaska’s Chiswell Islands on our way to Kenai Fjords National Park, guests and crew were all smiles, watching sea lions, puffins and humpback whales play — and we were barely an hour into our first full day onboard Windstar Cruises’ Star Legend.

Mother Nature certainly did her part, but as a majority of the 206 passengers onboard were repeat Windstar guests, expectations for the inaugural season in Alaska were high. Near the start of what was only the ship’s third sailing in Alaska, captain Ned Tutton admitted, “we’re still finding our way” — but the mostly retired crowd onboard was thrilled to take part in the adventure.

Windstar excursions go beyond Alaskan port overviews and whale-watching trips. Concierge Collection excursions are typically limited to fewer than 10 guests and include activities such as a glacier helicopter landing and airboat adventure in Juneau, along with halibut fishing in Hoonah.

Immersive Signature Expeditions are led by a team of experts.
Immersive Signature Expeditions are led by a team of experts.
Credit: 2018 Windstar Cruises

Sign Up for Our Monthly Cruise Newsletter

I accept the T&C and Privacy Policy.

Signature Expeditions offer clients opportunities to get closer to Alaska’s coast, to spot goats along the Tracy Arm fjord and harbor seals resting on icebergs in front of Aialik Glacier. Led by the onboard Signature Expeditions Team, zodiac tours are limited to just six passengers. Weather permitting, kayak expeditions navigate shining icebergs, offering opportunities for all levels of paddlers. 

Guests who don’t take part in a Signature Expedition still gain knowledge and insight, thanks to daily talks covering everything from whales and Alaska’s fishing industry to how to make the most of your phone’s camera during your sailing and beyond.

As for accommodations, each of the 106 suites onboard Legend features ocean views, a spacious bathroom with a bathtub, a walk-in closet and a sitting area that’s perfect for taking in the scenery.

Windstar has returned to Alaska after a 20-year hiatus.
Windstar has returned to Alaska after a 20-year hiatus.
Credit: 2018 Windstar Cruises

Windstar is the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, and Legend offers a variety of options for gastronomes. There’s seated dining in Amphora at every meal; Veranda serves a buffet at breakfast and lunch, then in the evening becomes Candles, a fine dining option; and the top deck, Yacht Club, offers smoothies, yogurt parfaits and sandwiches, along with coffee and tea. Room service is available around-the-clock and is perfect after long days onshore or for evenings spent whale watching on deck. 

Live music is typically offered in the Compass Rose lounge after dinner, and there is a small casino. But evenings tend to be quiet onboard Legend. The small library offers a nice selection of books and DVDs for viewing in guest suites. The ship’s open bridge policy makes it easy to visit the captain and learn about navigation.

At WindSpa, cruisers can receive treatments ranging from facials and massage to acupuncture. Personal training is available at the fitness center, but several classes are complimentary, including stretch, yoga and Pilates. There is also a small pool and two hot tubs.

Windstar has three Alaska itineraries for the 2018 season: Wonders of Alaska & Canada; Alaskan Splendors; and Islands & Inlets of the Inside Passage. In 2019, most of the season will be dedicated to Alaskan Splendors sailings. The Islands & Inlets of the Inside Passage sailing will be offered twice — once in August and once in September.

The Details
Windstar Cruises
www.windstarcruises.com

Tell Us What You Think! forum

Related Content

A Travel Agent Guide to Selling Sailing Ships Cruises

A Travel Agent Guide to Selling Sailing Ships Cruises

  • Most Read
  • Most Shared
  1. Which Cruise Lines Require COVID-19 Vaccinations?
  2. Why Are So Many Flights Being Canceled?
  3. 3 Free Hula Shows on Kauai
  4. A Quick Travel Guide to Mazamitla, Mexico
  5. What’s New in Acapulco, From New Attractions to Enhanced Safety Initiatives
  1. Why Are So Many Flights Being Canceled?
  2. 6 Tips for Better Cybersecurity While Traveling
  3. An Inside Look at “The Real Love Boat,” Filmed on Regal Princess
  4. Air New Zealand Will Launch Lie-Flat Seats in Economy
  5. Airline Passengers With Disabilities Have a New Bill of Rights

From Our Partners

More Stories Like This

regentsevenseasgrandeur

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Announces Sailings for 2024-2025

NCLH No Vaccine_HERO

These 3 Cruise Lines Don't Require Vaccination Against COVID-19

Review: Silver Dawn

Review: Silver Dawn

Explora Journeys Reveals Luxurious and Comfortable Suite Designs

Explora Journeys Reveals Luxurious and Comfortable Suite Designs

CLIA Updates Website for Cruise Agents

CLIA Updates Website for Cruise Agents

Which Cruise Lines Require COVID-19 Vaccinations?

Which Cruise Lines Require COVID-19 Vaccinations?

MSC Family offerings_hero

MSC’s New Seascape and World Europa Will Be Two of the Line’s Most Family-Friendly Ships

covidcruise

COVID-19 Policies Onboard Cruise Ships Are Changing — What to Know About Testing, Vaccines and More

What to Expect From the New Seabourn Venture

What to Expect From the New Seabourn Venture

Review: Ocean Victory in Alaska With American Queen Voyages

Review: Ocean Victory in Alaska With American Queen Voyages

TravelAge West

About TravelAge West

  • About Us
  • Contributors
  • Sales Team
  • Contact Us
  • My Profile

Advertise

  • Advertise With Us
  • Write For US
  • Media Kit
  • Upload Ad Material
  • Digital Ad Specifications
  • Reprints
  • Subscribe to Print

Stay Connected to TravelAge West

Get Us in Your Inbox

I accept the T&C and Privacy Policy.


Northstar Travel Group

Northstar Travel Group

  • Travel Weekly
  • Travel Weekly Asia
  • Travel Weekly China
  • TravelPulse
  • TravelPulse Canada
  • TravelPulse Quebec
  • Meetings & Incentives
  • Travel Technology
  • Corporate Travel
  • Hotel Investment
  • Data Products
  • AGENTatHOME
Copyright © 2022 by Northstar Travel Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. 100 Lighting Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094-3626 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000
Load Carousel Here
Load Video Here