windstar alaska cruise reviews

Cruising Alaska With Windstar Cruises

This cruise to Alaska with Windstar Cruises was my third cruise to Alaska, my 29 th cruise all over the world and my third time on this ship, the Star Breeze! While each cruise I have taken to Alaska has served a different purpose, this was my favorite, by far.

I promise to share everything below about my trip so that if you are looking to take a Windstar Cruise to Alaska, you will be readily prepared. Keep reading!

This itinerary I chose was 12 days and started in Vancouver, B.C. and ended in Seward, AK. This was a one way itinerary. Both of the other cruises I have taken in Alaska were round-trip out of Seattle, which meant less ports because it needed to get to Alaska and back to Seattle. 

I honestly was not sure how easy (or hard) it would be to start in another country and end elsewhere, but honestly, it was perfect.

Planning for a cruise to Alaska

One of the things I love MOST about cruising with Windstar Cruises is that their rooms are big and beautiful, room service is included 24/7, the excursions are the best, and since the ships are more like big yachts, so they hold less than 350 guests and can get into a lot of places bigger cruise lines cannot. AKA all the best spots.

The last two cruises I took to Alaska were on big cruise ships through the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay – and while I did love those cruises, this smaller, more intimate cruise just fit the bill for me.

Plus – I got to experience so much more of Alaska because the cruise was longer and I was able to get into places bigger cruise lines cannot.

One of the very first things to consider before cruising to Alaska is time of year. Cruises typically run May – September for Alaska. From my personal experience, May was far too cold, rainy, snowy, and foggy. There were days I could not see anything. I would not cruise to Alaska in May again, most likely.

I have cruised in July in 2019 and now in June and the weather has been mostly spectacular. Most days of adventure have been extremely warm, sunny and bright and required no jacket. In my humble opinion, this is the best way to experience Alaska on a cruise.

When the conditions are nice like this (and it is never a guarantee), the waters are sparkling blue, the sky is clear and everything just feels so refreshing. The experience is completely different from fighting cold or rain/fog elements.

The second thing to consider is itinerary. There is a wide variety of itineraries for Alaska and I will tell you why I picked this one: the stops and it being one-way. Knowing the cruise was one-way, I knew I would get to see so many more places I had never been to and would not be stuck with a bunch of sea days trying to get to and from the originating port. Not that this is a bad thing – but this is why I chose this specific itinerary.

Yes, it can be easier going in and out of Seattle. However, I had no issues going through Vancouver OR Anchorage.

I will say this, because I started in Vancouver, I ended up staying in the city for a couple days because I had never been and there was a few things I wanted to do. You do not have to do this, but if you do – I stayed at the Fairmont Pacific Rim (right across the street from the cruise terminal) and my two favorite activities were the seaplane (right across the street) and the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

When the boat docked in Seward, AK at the end of the trip, it was a 2.5 hour drive to Anchorage. Because I could not find a flight I wanted that day, I ended up staying the night in Anchorage. Well, part of the night. My flight left at 2:55AM.

My Alaska Itinerary with Windstar Cruises

Here is my exact itinerary:

Day 1: Embark Vancouver

Day 2: At Sea

Day 3: Ketchikan – in port

Day 4: Misty Fjords

Day 5: Wrangell – in port

Day 6: Sitka – in port

Day 7: Tracy Arm

Day 8: Haines – in port

Day 9: Juneau – in port

Day 10: At Sea

Day 11: Kenai Fjords:

Day 12: Seward depart – Anchorage

From the 12 days, 5 of the days were in actual ports where the boat docked and you could book excursions or do whatever you wanted on your own.

3 days were spent in Fjords and two types of excursions were offered off of the boat: zodiac tours and kayaking.

2 days were sea days and then you had the start and end days.

I have been very vocal on Instagram the last couple years in professing my love for Tracy Arm, and surprise, it’s still just as beautiful, if not more so, than when I came in 2019! Don’t let these three days in the Fjords fool you – they were some of the best experiences out here in Alaska.

What to do in each port in Alaska

I have been to this city twice before and there are a lot of things to do in Ketchikan .

Our ship docked in the port, so there was easy on and off access to the city. Right across the street and down a couple blocks is the famous “Creek Street.” If you do nothing else in this port, make sure to walk over and see it. It used to be a brothel back in the day and now is lined with shops.

The tour I booked for this port was a Wilderness Exploration and Crab Feast. It was an easy/moderate tour and lasted about four hours. We drove for about 30 minutes to the George Inlet Lodge where everything would start. We took a boat out for a 7 miles cruise through the Tongass National Forest and George Inlet.

During our boat exploration we saw a ton of eagles, the beautiful landscapes, crabs, and much more. The boat was heated and offered inside and outside viewing.

Back at the lodge, we had an unlimited crab feast! All you can eat Dungeness crab (which is insanely delicious and fresh), a salad and this incredible blueberry cheesecake. The lodge area is really beautiful and they have a gift shop if you want anything. This tour was $259 per person.

When my tour was over, I spent time in Ketchikan walking around. I love buying souvenirs in Alaska and on this trip, I got a new Ulu Knife! These knives are so sharp, but I love them. I also went down to Creek Street again because I love seeing everything built up on wood.

Some of the other excursions Windstar offered in Ketchikan:

• Lumberjack Show (this is very popular)
• Canopy ZipLine Expedition

Misty Fjords

One of the best parts about cruising on a smaller ship with Windstar is being able to anchor in these smaller spaces. There was not a town here, but we anchored in the Fjords and it was stunning!

Only two excursions are offered during anchor:

• Kayaking Expedition $219 per person
• Zodiac Expedition $229 per person

Either tour is great, it just depends on what you want to do. With kayaking, you are doing all the work and with the zodiac boats, you are in groups of six or less and you get to just be a passenger on an open air boat.

This was a new port for me that I had never been to and I was excited to get out and explore. We docked here, so getting on and off the boat was easy. 

I booked the Stikine River and Glacier by Jet Boat Tour and it was insane!! First, the jet boat was going against the rushing stream up the river and it was really fun. Second, when you start getting around glacier ice, the boat whips and turns fast and its a big thrill. If you are not into that, I would not recommend it – but it was pretty calm most of the trip. 

On our way up to the glacier, we stopped in a little cove area known as Andrew’s Creek (fresh water) and the water was crystal clear. You could see the sand ridges deep below us – that clear! You could also see where the water was not mixing with the river. Absolutely beautiful. 

Once we got closer to the glacier, I noticed there were some homes randomly placed in the water with only a boat to get to them. Pretty remote living for the right person. 

Unfortunately the glacier was still about 10 miles ahead before sheets of ice completely stopped us, but I did love this tour so much. Seeing the glacier would have been a bonus, but I saw many others on this trip and it didn’t take away from how fun this tour was. 

This tour was $399 per person and it was a 4 hour tour. 

Some of the other excursions Windstar offered in Wrangell included:

• Canoeing 
• Boating tours 
• City Highlights
• Hiking 
• Island Heritage 

This was my second visit to Sitka , and on my first visit I felt like I did so much that I already knew where I wanted to return. When I went the first time a couple years ago, I saw whales, sea otters, eagles, bears, etc. I was on land and sea and it was amazing!

Sitka is unique in that the port doesn’t have much in terms of things to do but there is a free shuttle to town every 10-15 minutes. We did not dock here, but tendered in. If you do not take a tour like I did, you will want to keep that in mind because you will need to catch the last tender back to the boat and be mindful of lines at the shuttle buses in town. 

I knew the only place I wanted to go this time was to see the bears again and to show my guest. It is the easiest and safest way to see a bear in Alaska. We took the shuttle into town and called the taxi driver listed where the tours were. 

He took us up to Fortress of the Bears and we stayed for about two hours. The taxi ride with tip was about $60 round trip and the entrance fee to see the bears was $15 each. 

You could easily spend hours here watching the bears. There was black and brown bears and they were all so playful. Highly recommend visiting either on your own or on a tour. 

Some of the other excursions Windstar offered in Sitka included:

• Sea Otter Quest
• Bike and Hike 
• Artist Walk
• Wildlife Quest and Fin Island 

Tracy Arm Fjord

I have been very upfront about thinking this is the most beautiful place in the USA and I stand by this decision three years later after revisiting. I woke UP TO THIS VIEW! A big piece of glacial ice floating on by!

What I loved about visiting this time is that the Windstar ship is so much smaller than most cruise liners and we were able to anchor around the corner from both North and South Sawyer Glaciers!!

I do want to note that weather conditions dictate the outcome of this stop and what you will be able to see. There was not a lot of glacial ice in the water later in the day, so we were able to see both glaciers.

While I would recommend doing the zodiac boat tour if you want to get super close to the glacier as it is not guaranteed to see either if the ship cannot make it down the path. 

The captain did surprise it though! He ended up taking us to view BOTH glaciers. And for an even bigger surprise, he turned the ship in a very tight area where North Sawyer Glacier was and it was just so impressive. 

First time visiting Haines and I struggled with what to do here. Not because it wasn’t interesting, but because there was a lot I wanted to do and not enough time. 

We docked here in Haines, making the boat access extremely easy. The town was pretty easy to walk to but there was also a shuttle right outside the cruise ship that ran on a loop about every 10 minutes and made three stops in town, all day. If you just want to go to town or if you need to purchase something – this is an easy way to do it. 

I ultimately did a tour – I picked the Wilderness Odyssey by Jet Boat! This jet boat was much different than the one I did in Wrangell because it was a flat bottom boat and completely open to the earths elements. Luckily, the weather was fantastic. 

On this tour we boated through about 25 miles of the Chilkat River system. We saw a lot of bald eagles and no other wildlife. Our guide thought we would see moose or even bears, but no luck. 

I really enjoyed this experience because it was a bit slower than some of the other tours and we really took our time, breathing in that fresh air of the last frontier. I think you can easily walk away really appreciating Alaska’s beauty. 

This tour was $175 per person and included lunch.

Some of the other excursions Windstar offered in Haines included:

• White Pass Railroad 
• Photography Tour 
• ATV Adventure 
• Chilkoot Lake 
• Bald Eagle Preserve 
• Wildlife Refuge (this was a big hit among guests on board)

This was my third time visiting Juneau and I knew I wanted to do something new! There are so many great things to do in Juneau that deciding on something will be hard, but know that whatever you pick, it will be amazing!

First things first, even if you choose not to do an activity or want to do an activity and then explore downtown, that is an option. While cruising with Windstar on this trip, we were not docked, we had to tender into the port. There was a relatively steep ramp to walk up to get onto the road and shops are everywhere.

Fun fact about Juneau – it is the only capital in the USA that has no roads connecting it to the rest of the state. The only way in and out is boat or plane.

The first time I came here, the weather was terrible and I took the tram up right in the port and the fog was so thick I could not see anything. I also went out to Mendenhall Glacier on that visit.

On my second visit to Juneau, I took a day trip out to Tracy Arm Fjord (a stop that was on my itinerary already on this ship) and arguably the prettiest place in the USA!

So for this trip, I knew I wanted to do something unforgettable and something I had never done anywhere in the state. I went with the Seaplane Glacier Discovery and Taku Lodge Feast. This was one of my top 5 favorite things I have ever done and highly recommend.

For this excursion, I got off the boat and took a quick ride over to the seaplane port. Everyone got a window seat on the seaplane and we took a 25 minute flight, flying over 5 glaciers!!

The seaplane landed on the Taku River and we spent awhile at the Taku Lodge having a delicious lunch and enjoying the views. The Taku Glacier, which is five miles across and Juneau’s biggest, is right across the river and massive.

The lodge served wild Alaskan salmon, slow cooked baked beans, fruit compote, Alaskan sourdough bread, Taku Lodge ginger cookies, and more. They even served drinks with glacier ice!

For this incredible experience, the price was $529 per person. It is on the higher end of pricing but seeing those glaciers from the seaplane was priceless.

Some of the other excursions Windstar offered in Juneau included:

• Dog sledding
• Trails and ales
• Whale watching
• Helicopter tours
• Glacier trek via helicopter
• Culinary walking tour
• ..and more!

Kenai Fjords National Park 

This was the last stop on the cruise and technically we did not dock. Because we were in the National Park, parked between fjords AND facing Aialik Glacier, there was only two, but epic, excursions to choose from. You could do the zodiac boat ride or kayaking. 

This was my personal favorite experience of the entire trip. Yes, you could see the glacier the entire day from the ship, and it was over a mile away, but felt so close. However, getting on the zodiac boat and getting up close AND seeing sea otters everywhere – priceless!

Another thing I want to note is that a lot of cruise ships do not come here. This is an excellent way to experience this National Park since it is rather remote. 

• Zodiac Boat Tour – $229 per person
• Kayaking – $219 per person

Life on board the Star Breeze

If you have never cruised with Windstar Cruises before, I promise you it is not like the big cruise liners, which can be a good or a bad thing, depending on what you are into.

Because the Star Breeze is more like a large yacht, you won’t find endless activities and dining options on board, but for the things that are, they are superb.

This cruise was mostly all-inclusive. The only time I paid for food was a specialty 30 ounce T-bone steak in Candles (which was optional).

The ship has six restaurants:

• Amphora – the main dinner dining room
• Candles – steak house by reservation
• CUADRO 44 – tapas style dinner restaurant by reservation
• Yacht Club Café – light bites and coffee open daily
• Star Grill – usually open for lunch
• Veranda – daily breakfast and lunch buffet and menu
• Room service is also included 24/7

Bars: you can get a drink anywhere, including your room, but if you want to go to a bar..

• Compass Rose

Alcohol is not included on the ship. You can purchase per drink OR get a drink package. If you already know you plan to drink daily, you might as well get a drink package and just not worry about it.

There are two different types of drink packages on board :

• Beer and wine package $49 per person/per day – this package will cover the beer and wine that is covered on board. This does not include bottles of wine or specialties. There are 33 wines to choose from and domestic and imported beers.
• Captains Exclusive Beverage Package $59 per person/per day – I think if you are going to get a package, this one is elite. It includes everything above PLUS: all the drinks in the minibar (liquors, wines, and drinks), cordials, liqueurs, aperitifs, etc. If you want to be able to have cocktails, beers, wines etc. at any time, this is your best bet.

Alternatively, you could get the “All-In Package” which includes drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities for $89 per person/per day.

Activities on board:

• Spa – hair, nails and body
• Nightly entertainment
• Expedition lectures
• Coffee chats in the morning
• Morning mile walk
• Work out classes like yoga, boot camp, etc.
• Specialty meals like BBQ’s on deck

Dining on board the Star Breeze

One area that I think Windstar outshines many other cruise lines is in their food department. They have menus with James Beard chefs’ dishes on them in the main dining room, Amphora, and everything is incredible. I have never walked away from a meal on board and thought “I didn’t like that.” Quite the opposite actually!

Let’s talk about the food .. 

Amphora – main dining room for dinner 

This is my second favorite dining spot on board and the menu is different each night with inventive dishes that are delicious. The food is amazing and the service is incredible. I am telling you right now, no one works harder than the Windstar staff and no request is too big. Have an allergy? Let them know and they will take care of you. 

I ate a LOT of seafood because it was readily available but the choice is yours! I also LOVE desserts. My fave. 

Candles – the steak house 

This is my favorite restaurant on board! I love steak and the menu does not change. You do need a reservation and I highly recommend booking in advance. I would suggest booking on days you are in the fjords because it is outside and you will have a magnificent view!

Cuadro 44 – Spanish 

This is a newer restaurant concept for Windstar and if you love Spanish food or tapas – definitely make sure to dine here. You do need a reservation, but it is included!

Room Service 

Available pretty much around the clock but the menu does not change. You can get breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Whatever you like. 

I love room service breakfast for days my tours start very early or come back right as breakfast ends because room service breakfast runs until 11!

Star Grill + Verandah Lunch 

both lunch restaurants are wonderful. They have a buffet style dining and a small menu you can order from. The menu does not change but it is meant to supplement the already large selections available. 

Can I just say – the desserts every single day were fantastic!!

What I packed for my trip to Alaska

Alaska is very unique and unlike most cruises. When you go to the Caribbean, you will most likely have tropical weather and pack for warmer climates. Alaska is .. wild. It could be 85 degrees and sunny and then a heavy fog cold front moves in with rain and its 45 degrees. Bottom line – it can be unpredictable, but I have you covered.

As a side note – I could have done carry-on only for this cruise. The unlimited laundry package was $178 for two people for the entire trip. You can send out laundry or pressing as often as you want and it comes back by 5pm the next day!

After three cruises through Alaska, these are my ride or die items I would not travel without.

• Light raincoat – a lot of the tours I took were on boats and certain times throughout cruise season it does rain a lot. In fact, many of the cities will tell you it rains well over 200+ days per year. Better to be safe than sorry.
• Layers – long sleeves, sweaters of varying thickness, jackets, etc. You can always remove a layer.
• Bathing suit – the ship I am on, Star Breeze, has a pool and two hot tubs!
• Hat and gloves – I really only found use for these out on kayaks and zodiac boats getting to the glaciers. It was very windy and chilly.
• Variety of shoes – tennis shoes, nice shoes for dinner, walking shoes, etc. I would absolutely make sure you have comfortable walking shoes as you will be getting in and out of boats, walking steep ramps, possibly getting in and out of boats, planes, trains, etc.
• Film camera – I LOVE my camera and take it everywhere. The reason I love this cheap film camera is because it’s nostalgic and I never worry about a “perfect shot.” I take the photo and move on. PLUS – getting them developed is so fun – I never remember what is on the roll.
• Camera Bag – this is my ride or die because it is waterproof! You never know when the rain will pour down and you can at least protect your camera(s).
• Sunscreen – clouds or full sun, do not forget sunscreen. You will not be swimming in the waters in Alaska but you will be exposed to the elements. You can easily get sun burned.
• Bug spray – I only needed this a few times, but the mosquitos can be relentless.
• Face masks – the crazy weather patterns will dry out your skin. I swear by these.
• After sun face and body sheets – I never travel anywhere without these masks. They saved me in the Maldives and now I know their power.
• Chapstick – the wind both on the cruise and excursions can be strong, leaving you with dry, chapped lips. Come prepared.
• Spare battery charger for your phone – I always have this back up battery pack for my phone. I can get two charges off of it and for long days, I need it.
• Chair clips – you wouldn’t think you would enjoy the chairs on deck or even sunbathe in Alaska, but you can! It gets windy from time to time, so these clips are great at holding down your towel.
• Lotion – your hands and other body parts will get dry. Trust me on this.
• Face moisturizer – if I didn’t put face moisturizer on every day, I would be flaking skin.

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•  WATCH:  One-of-a-Kind Sitka

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Windstar Alaska questions

By VetteCity , March 4, 2019 in Windstar Cruises

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I have been reading all the reviews of the Windstar Alaska 2018 cruises. We love Windstar and are looking forward to our Alaska cruise in June. I have noted the problems like people were cold aboard the ship and that meals were difficult/crowded. If anyone would like to comment on those things, please do so I might plan accordingly.

I have a few questions. Hope someone will advise me.

1. Our ship says it debarks in Seward/Anchorage. What does that mean? Does it mean that it debarks in Seward and then Windstar provides transport to Anchorage?  Is there an extra charge for that?  Could we take a train to Anchorage? We plan to stay overnight in Anchorage and then take the train north. Any suggestions about where (or what area) to stay overnight in Anchorage?

2. What sort of clothing would you pack for a June 25 departure? We have excursion plans nearly every day on the trip including kayaking, fishing, etc. Is a down jacket, gloves and hat too much or too little?

3. Dinner attire- every Windstar we've ever sailed had people dressed well at dinner. I love that. Is that the normal attire on the Alaska trip?

Any other tidbits of information anyone has to offer would be welcomed. Thank you

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Share on other sites, ridethetide.

We did the Vancouver roundtrip itinerary last July and loved it so much that we are doing the Seward-Vancouver itinerary this July.  It is an amazing trip!  Windstar can provide transportation to Anchorage, but you will need to make reservations and pay for the transport.  We are using Windstar transportation to get from Anchorage to Seward the day of embarkation.  There is a beautiful train ride that you could take instead.

Definitely take a parka, rain gear, hat, and gloves and some sweaters and/or polar fleeces. The weather is unpredictable but can be quite cold and damp. I only wore shorts one day.  Layers are the most practical way to go.

Passengers in the dining room still dressed in a "casually elegant" fashion, with slightly more emphasis on casual since many wore sweaters.

I didn't notice the ship being especially cold, but that could be because I was wearing heavier clothing than usual.

The only meals that were noticeably crowded were lunches in the Veranda, especially if the weather was too cold or wet to sit outside.  However, you can also eat lunch in Amphora, which is very nice and has plenty of seating.

The Expedition Team really helped make our cruise memorable.  I highly recommend you participate in the excursions that utilize them.

We cruised Alaska many years ago and were there the same time you will be. We all packed a 3 in 1 coat. The outer layer was waterproof and the interior layer was a polar fleece. That way we had 1) a rain jacket for the rain

2) a polar fleece if it was chilly

3) combine the two together for when it was cold and rainy.

Now that being said, we live in Minnesota and that jacket was plenty for us. 

In addition, we dressed in layers. I had short sleeve tops that could be paired with either a sweater or a long sleeve top/jacket/sweatshirt. I also had long pants and crops that went with everything. 

Our cruise ended in Seward and since there were 6 of us traveling, I made arrangements ahead of time with a taxi/limo to pick us up and take us to Anchorage where we rented a car and then did from Anchorage up to Denali, Fairbanks and the Arctic Circle on our own. It was a wonderful trip!

And the coolest part of our trip was being there during the longest day of the year. The sun didn't really ever set and at midnight it was still somewhat light out...pretty cool! Enjoy!

new_cruiser

The train you can take from Seward to Anchorage is the Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic. 

https://www.alaskarailroad.com/ride-a-train/route-map/coastal-classic

It leaves Seward at 6 PM and gets into Anchorage at 10:15 PM. You can drop your checked luggage at the train station in the morning for the evening train. They also have an area where you can leave carry-ons but it would be best to keep any valuables with you. The train station is close to the dock and there is a free shuttle that will take you there and into town. There is plenty to do in Seward for the day. 

In Anchorage, I've stayed in the Hilton which is a short walk to the train station and the museum or at the Voyager Inn. The Hilton is fairly typical Hilton and Voyager Inn is a decent hotel for an overnight in Alaska. Hotel Captain Cook (next to Voyager) is supposed to be more upscale, but for such a brief visit wasn't worth the extra $ to us.

We rented a car from Anchorage for the trip north. It gives you more flexibility. We drove round trip from Anchorage - they wanted an arm and a leg for one-way rental from Anchorage to Fairbanks. 

Near where we stayed for Denali, we had an exceptional dinner at 229 Parks Restaurant (it's on Parks Hwy near the 229 mile marker). 

Like Ski Mom, I had a fleece and a waterproof shell (though mine were bought separately rather than as a 3 in one). I was there in May 2018 which had pretty rainy cool weather and that was warm enough even then supplemented with a scarf, wool hat and gloves. The waterproof shell is good as a windbreaker even when it isn't raining. A fleece is preferable to down because down loses its insulating quality if it gets wet (unless you really mean a synthetic fill jacket).

For my inner layer, I sometimes wore a turtle neck and sometimes a short sleeve shirt. I also had a wool flannel shirt I could wear over that when I wanted something lighter than my fleece. For feet, light weight wool socks (so they would provide warmth in case they got wet) and water-proof low-top hiking shoes (Merrill Moab WP).

Windstar supplies waterproof pants and gloves for the kayaking and zodiac expeditions. I have short fingers so I brought my own wool mitten-gloves and they worked well enough.

Indoors on the ship, it was warm enough other than on the Veranda. Temps in the Veranda can be cool even if you sit inside if people are going in and out a lot. Indoors at the Veranda was crowded at times because people wanted to sit there for the view rather than Amphora and our cruise had cold enough weather that people often didn't want to sit outside at the Veranda. They did have Amphora open for lunch and breakfast. Ours was the first Alaska cruise and at the beginning, there were some service issues as the crew got used to operating both restaurants at the same time for breakfast and dinner but after a few days it got better.

Dinner dress was pretty typical Windstar - some wearing slacks and a polo shirts and some dressing up more. 

10 hours ago, ridethetide said:   The Expedition Team really helped make our cruise memorable.  I highly recommend you participate in the excursions that utilize them. Enjoy....

The cruise was fantastic and the Expedition team was a big part of that. I loved the kayak excursions. It was my first time in a kayak.

Raincoats, gloves, hats, layers are essential in Alaska in my opinion.  Around any of the glaciers it will be cold.  

The train from the port to Anchorage is nice.  The train from Anchorage up to Denali is off the charts.  Reservations would be required in advance.

Host Jazzbeau

We did this on Princess, but most of the land stuff is relevant to you.  We took the train [from Anchorage to Whittier, but Seward to Anchorage would be similar] and enjoyed the ease and scenery very much.  We stayed at the Hilton [we are Gold, so it's a no-brainer], but ate at the Captain Cook [very good restaurants].  For the interior portion to Denali, the advice on the Cruise Critic Alaska forum was definitely: Rent a Car!  Which we did [from Enterprise in Anchorage].  That turned out to be terrific advice:  on the drive up, 'the mountain was out' so we could pull over at every pull-over and gape in awe!  Then we were able to visit Wasilla [not to meet Sarah Palin, but] for the Iditarod Headquarters Museum, and spend a night in Talkeetna [not to meet the Cat that was the mayor, but] for Flightseeing to Denali with glacier landing and the NP Ranger Station where the climbers start their journey, on the way to Denali where we took the NP bus deep into the park [the only day the mountain wasn't out for us, but hopefully YMWV].  On the drive back to Anchorage, the mountain was out again, so we pulled over at all the pull-overs again and again gaped in awe – you can't do this on the train!  [My research didn't turn up anything in Fairbanks that was really worth a detour, and as noted above it was much easier to rent a car for rt Anchorage.]

• 1 month later...

My TA is recommending the 5 day pre cruise land tour to Denali but it isn’t cheap. Any experiences?

1 hour ago, milepig said: My TA is recommending the 5 day pre cruise land tour to Denali but it isn’t cheap. Any experiences?

This is pretty damning but the reviewer seems to have a lot is issue with Windstar

https://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=631391

I recommend a land tour to Denali very highly, but it is easy to DIY.  We flew in to Anchorage and stayed one night [grueling flight from the East Coast], then rented a car from Enterprise and drove up to Talkeetna for two nights [best place for flightseeing of Denali] then on to Denali for two nights [taking the National Park bus deep into the park], then back to Anchorage for another night before the cruise.  You can't get lost, since there is basically only one road from Anchorage to Denali.  You can stop at dozens of places along the road if "the mountain is out" for great pictures.  You can stay right in Talkeetna [the big lodges are very remote] and you don't need to stay in "glitter gulch" at Denali because you have your own car to drive to the park entrance.  You will gain tremendous flexibility and control, and save money too.  For more details, see my blog:

https://jazzbeauxalaskacruise2013.wordpress.com

and the Cruise Critic Alaska forum:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/33-alaska/

Your blog is amazing. Thanks for the link!

• 2 weeks later...

I just received an email about changed to our Seward/Vancouver ITIN next June.

Due to "port congestion"  they're replaced Cordova and Ketchikan with Petersburg and Prince Rupert (BC)

June 2019 or June 2020?

We are doing a Windstar Vancouver to Seward June 2019. I haven't received that email.

On 4/16/2019 at 7:25 PM, milepig said: My TA is recommending the 5 day pre cruise land tour to Denali but it isn’t cheap. Any experiences?

We planned a post cruise excursion. When we dock at Seward, we are taking a bus to Anchorage, staying overnight. (There is also a very scenic train ride but it doesn't leave until around 6 pm). The next day we are taking the train to Talkeetna, staying a couple days and doing a glacier flight. Then we are taking the train to Denali. We are staying a couple days, doing one of the bus trips into Denali. Then we are taking the train to Fairbanks where we are flying out. We booked the glass dome train ride. Our cruise begins in Vancouver. We are flying in a couple days early, renting a car and doing the scenic highway to Whistler. 

1 hour ago, milepig said: I just received an email about changed to our Seward/Vancouver ITIN next June.   Due to "port congestion"  they're replaced Cordova and Ketchikan with Petersburg and Prince Rupert (BC)   Thoughts?

53 minutes ago, VetteCity said: June 2019 or June 2020?   We are doing a Windstar Vancouver to Seward June 2019. I haven't received that email.

oops - this is June 19 2020. If this works, here's the new and old schedule:

10 minutes ago, milepig said:   oops - this is June 19 2020. If this works, here's the new and old schedule:  

I will be interested to hear other cruisers opinion of the change in the future itinerary.

Sorry for the total Alaska nube question, but our itin has four days that say ""cruising around..." I assume this means that the ship indeed "cruises" around the area. I do note that some of them also have excursions that pick you up right from the ship. Do you indeed just sort of cruise around the area - is there narration on board?

1 hour ago, milepig said: Sorry for the total Alaska nube question, but our itin has four days that say ""cruising around..." I assume this means that the ship indeed "cruises" around the area. I do note that some of them also have excursions that pick you up right from the ship. Do you indeed just sort of cruise around the area - is there narration on board?

During our Alaska itinerary last July, during the "cruising around" days, the ship would anchor in lovely places and the Expedition Team would take the passengers out on the zodiacs and/or the kayaks.  If you were not taking the excursions, you just stayed on board and "oohed and awed" at the unending and ever-changing beauty of the surroundings and the wildlife that would appear. I highly recommend the excursions.  They were so incredible.  However, my husband stayed on board and thoroughly enjoyed himself as well.

On 4/26/2019 at 12:59 PM, milepig said: Sorry for the total Alaska nube question, but our itin has four days that say ""cruising around..." I assume this means that the ship indeed "cruises" around the area. I do note that some of them also have excursions that pick you up right from the ship. Do you indeed just sort of cruise around the area - is there narration on board?

We did the inaugural season with a longer itinerary last June. One stop was Prince Rupert for about a half day. We did a seaplane excursion which was great. We were there on a Sunday and nothing was open so I would definitely do a ship excursion.  The days that we just cruised were great. It is breathtakingly beautiful. The zodiacs are a must do and the excursion crew also are experts in the wildlife and geology of AK with daily lectures. They made themselves available day and night. Ketchikan was full of big ships but we had a great day there. Private excursions are hard to come by and just as expensive as the Windstar ones. It's a short season and guides commit to the ships for their living. We normally do not take the ship's excursions but did with one exception on this cruise. Loved each one and felt that we got our money's worth. Absolutely do a land tour before or after. The state is mind blowing and the beauty immense. We did the Windstar land tour but there are others. You can also rent a car and go on your own. Its is easy to get around with good roads and no traffic congestion. We will go back and spend a couple of weeks driving but if you only have a short time do a tour. 

1 hour ago, sb44 said: We did the inaugural season with a longer itinerary last June. One stop was Prince Rupert for about a half day. We did a seaplane excursion which was great. We were there on a Sunday and nothing was open so I would definitely do a ship excursion.  The days that we just cruised were great. It is breathtakingly beautiful. The zodiacs are a must do and the excursion crew also are experts in the wildlife and geology of AK with daily lectures. They made themselves available day and night. Ketchikan was full of big ships but we had a great day there. Private excursions are hard to come by and just as expensive as the Windstar ones. It's a short season and guides commit to the ships for their living. We normally do not take the ship's excursions but did with one exception on this cruise. Loved each one and felt that we got our money's worth. Absolutely do a land tour before or after. The state is mind blowing and the beauty immense. We did the Windstar land tour but there are others. You can also rent a car and go on your own. Its is easy to get around with good roads and no traffic congestion. We will go back and spend a couple of weeks driving but if you only have a short time do a tour. 

Thanks. We’ll do Denali before on our own with a rental car (cheaper than I expected) and stay probably 3 night. 

We have 4 “cruising in a bay” days. How would you divide those up? 

No easy answer to this one. I would let the daily program dictate the day. Definitely do the zodiacs as much as possible.  The kayaks also depart at different times. One suggestion is the earlier the better as most of the animals, bear, moose, etc., are up and about early and less visible as the day warms up. They will depart from below and several times a day. There will also be other activities going on so each day is a bit different.  Weather always figures in as well.  Make sure you bring some good binoculars as the cruising days are through some of the most spectacular places ever. We spent lots of time on the bow with jackets and binoculars. The excursion crew also pops around the ship to point out sisightings and answer questions.  Our cruise was fabulous and hope yours is as well. 

We have four of these days. Only one is yet showing up under excursions, priced at $185

1 hour, 15 mins - Approximate Tour Departure 8:15 AM • $185.00

Four of those for two people can really add up.

We have chosen to do the kayaks rather than the zodiacs. Is that a bad choice? We both enjoy kayaking very much.

20 minutes ago, VetteCity said: We have chosen to do the kayaks rather than the zodiacs. Is that a bad choice? We both enjoy kayaking very much.

It's not a bad choice. I did the kayaking at all 3 opportunities and really enjoyed it. The first stop (Kenai Fjords), I also took a zodiac to see how it compares. It was fun, but not better. I preferred the more active alternative of the kayak.

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5 Incredible Excursions On A Small Ship Alaska Cruise

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When filling out your cruise itinerary, excursions are an important consideration. Some excursions are leisurely, others are active. But all contribute to the depth of experience that you will have. For an Alaskan cruise, nature and culture predominate. From learning about First Nation totems to fishing or glacier and bear encounters, these side trips will create lasting memories and add a spark to your trip.

For my first cruise to Alaska, I chose Windstar’s Alaskan Splendors itinerary on their newly renovated, all-suite Star Breeze to have a mix of sailing and exploring. The small ship was able to negotiate narrow channels, affording fabulous up-close views of America’s “last frontier” even from onboard.

Pro Tip: Windstar offers excursions with varying degrees of exertion from easy to strenuous. Be sure to ask for guidance when selecting the ones that best suit you. In case you decide to forego leaving the ship to while away the time from the top deck, you’re still likely to see humpback whales and orcas breaching nearby.

Here are my five favorite excursions that brought me deep into the culture and wild beauty of Alaska.

Windstar hosted me on this cruise, but all opinions are my own.

1. Tracking Bears

Tongass national forest.

From the port of Wrangell, we set sail on a frisky speedboat which took us to the Anan Wildlife Observatory in Tongass National Forest, a guaranteed spot for bear and eagle sightings. As I seldom experience seasickness, I sat next to the captain up front — the bumpiest of seats — as we zipped and slammed across the water. The rewards were great. Not only did I have the first mate’s sightlines, but I enjoyed a personal dialogue with the captain about what to expect when we arrived at the landing.

Spotting bears and even being around bears requires concentration and caution. We were instructed to walk single file remaining close together in a silent procession with the rifle-toting ranger, our leader and protector. Bears are serious business, and we definitely didn’t want to become fodder for their lunch. After the half-mile hike, we arrived at the viewing deck where we enjoyed a prelude of bald eagle sightings. We learned to distinguish the juvenile birds with their dark heads and mottled wings from the adults who evinced a yellow beak and a white head and tail. They soared so close that we didn’t need binoculars to view them.

Our quest, however, was to see the bears, and we had multiple ways to do so. Sometimes the black and brown bears simply strolled near the platform, triggering a mad rush as we crowded to the side to catch a glimpse. Other times, we gathered along the rail over Anan Creek to watch the hungry guys catch runs of pink salmon.

The true gift of this excursion was the chance to shelter in the intimate photo blind at stream level with salmon and bears in full view. Watching the bears’ varying degrees of success diving for, catching, and devouring their prey provided endless entertainment and awe. It was the circle of life coming full circle.

Pro Tip: You should be physically fit for this excursion. The boat ride takes about an hour and can be uncomfortable for those prone to motion sickness. The trail to the observatory is gravel and dirt with some roots and is muddy and slippery in places. To reach the photo blind, you must descend a long stairway. Also note that this is a rainforest, so dress and pack your gear appropriately.

2. Kayaking To The Glaciers

Inside passage.

Windstar offers two ways to experience the mighty fjords and icefields of Alaska’s Inside Passage from the water. You can join a zodiac tour, where the leader takes care of paddling and steering, and all you do is sit back and take in the breathtaking scenery. Or, as I preferred, snuggle into a two-person kayak, relying on coordination with your fellow boater to navigate alongside blue-tinged drift ice. We watched lazing harbor seals and bobbing otters as we made our way toward the magnificence of the glaciers and waterfalls.

Kayaking with your spouse (or with any partner for that matter) can be a challenge, but done correctly, you move serenely yet swiftly toward your goal. In the kayak, you can position yourself horizontally under waterfalls and close to the glaciers to see not only the ice but also the mountain goats that impossibly make their home high on the cliffs.

Silence is occasionally broken by the sounds of water cascading down cliffs and the thunder of calving glaciers, dripping icebergs in their wake. I felt privileged to watch the unfolding renewal of the glaciers and caught my breath each time I heard a thud.

Windstar has several excursions by kayak — one by the high waterfalls of Misty Fjords , a second to Kenai Fjords’ Harding icefield, and another to Tracy Arm-Endicott Arm’s twin glaciers. Icy water conditions often determine the destination, and we were directed to Endicott Arm on my excursion. Bordered by steep rock walls and glacier-covered mountains, this teal-sapphire blue passage afforded a front-row seat to the impressive Dawes Glacier. I left feeling very small, smaller than usual in this amazing landscape.

Pro Tip: If the trip turns inclement, you always have a choice to return to the ship by zodiac. On the other hand, I completed a 2-hour kayak in a downpour, counting on the many rain-resistant layers I wore to protect me. It was an experience I’ll never forget.

3. Dogsledding On The Glacier

In Juneau, Alaska’s state capital, we met our pilot for a dogsledding adventure on Mendenhall Glacier . We watched a short instructional film and were given special boots for walking on ice and snow, a noise-blocking headset with a microphone for the helicopter flight, and guidance on how to best enjoy the view of the massive blue-tinged icefield from above.

Our chopper ride was even more adventurous than anticipated. The fog (and wind) had started rolling in, and we were the last flight allowed to the glacier that day. First there were green mountains, then snow-covered ones, and finally glaciers appearing through almost whiteout conditions. Had the weather worsened, we might have spent the night at the dog camp with the mushers rather than returning to the Star Breeze . I felt like Neil Armstrong landing on the moon.

The dogsled ride was thrilling. We zipped through the all-white setting, led by a spirited team of canines. I alternated sitting in the sled or standing in the back with the musher. With the weather turning nastier by the minute, we started to fantasize about camping with the pups and their very special trainers, some of whom had participated in the Iditarod race. We had just enough time after our glide across the glacier to meet the dogs up close, pet them and learn a little about life on Mendenhall before boarding our chopper in the thickening mist.

Pro Tip: Does it take a bit of courage to do this trip? Well, yes. Especially if you’ve never been in a helicopter before. And once you land, you have a couple of choices to make: sitting in the sleigh as you careen across the snow, or taking a big sip of courage and standing on the wooden ski-like pedals at the back where you join with the dogs and musher in controlling speed and braking.

4. A Wildlife Safari

Taking to the water allowed for another type of animal encounter. This time, on a small ferry-like boat from Sitka and narrated and guided by a naturalist, we searched for sea otters, eagles, and the very lazy harbor seals that seem to enjoy cuddling as much as hunting for fish.

This quest is hit-or-miss. You can circle and circle and see nothing for significant periods of time. You might distinguish more cloud shapes than animal silhouettes for a while, but when the animals appear, it’s magical. Bald eagles sit perched in treetops. Otters pop their furry heads up for a moment, diving back underwater almost as quickly as they appear. It occurred to me for a brief moment that I could have seen more marine life at my city aquarium. But what set this apart are the majesty of the setting and the unpredictability of nature as it reveals itself like the tease of the humpbacks we could only see at a distance.

5. A Vintage Locomotive Trip

Listed as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, the White Pass & Yukon Railroad in the gold rush town of Skagway dates from 1898. Tracing the steep route followed by Klondike Gold Rush Stampeders, a vintage railcar leaves Skagway depot traveling on a narrow-gauge railway overlooking gorges and scenic landmarks with evocative names like Bridal Veil Falls and Dead Horse Gulch. If you’re adventurous, this is a great excursion, and if you’re a photographer, it’s a real winner.

Between the cars, a moving platform beckons the daring to stand in the outdoors, caressed by the wind and protected from falling only by waist-high, wrought-iron railings. It’s pretty chilly out there, but the views make up for it as you ascend 2,888 feet. The “money shot,” from a photographic point-of-view, is a curve of the train’s front or back end, showing the cars in crescent formation as they round a bend.

There were many more “Kodak moments,” like when you traverse a wooden bridge high over the valley or enter a long tunnel and emerge from the dark to a burst of sunlight. White Pass Summit gave me a shiver as well — both U.S. and Canadian flags fly at the boundary between the two countries.

Pro Tip: Restored gold-rush town Skagway is a vivid historical immersion with museums focusing on the challenges (and lawlessness) of the prospectors, a saloon with a kitschy bordello tour (yes, it really was a brothel), and a 19th-century brewery updated slightly for today’s visitors. Don’t forget to look down — Skagway’s sidewalks are made of wood.

Windstar’s Alaskan Splendors Cruise

The 11-day itinerary from Alaska to Vancouver left from Seward, a 2 1/2-hour bus ride from Anchorage along Seward Highway, a designated National Forest Scenic Byway. While this wasn’t a scheduled excursion, it might well have been, passing along mountain-rimmed Turnagain Arm with non-stop, stunning vistas.

Related Reading:

• 7 Bold Winter Adventures To Experience In Alaska
• 7 Reasons You’ll Love An Expedition Cruise In Alaska
• Alaska By Small Ship Cruise: Wilderness, Solitude, And Wildlife Sightings

A Board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association, Meryl shares her finds in a myriad of travel publications. She is the author of Fodor’s Family: New York City with Kids , a restaurant reviewer for Gayot.com, and a yogini and classical pianist. Follow Meryl's journeys via Instagram and across social media.

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Windstar Cruises Alaska Cruises

Alaska is a destination on many bucket lists and for good reason! Alaska is one of the most naturally stunning places in the world, and Windstar Cruises will help you experience the beauty yourself. While on your Alaskan cruise, you’ll see things you’ve only seen in photographs. Sprawling glaciers, villages rich in gold rush history, national parks filled with unique wildlife, and much more are waiting for you! Experience Sitka, one of Alaska’s oldest towns, which has fascinating native Alaskan, Russian, and early American settler history. Sitka houses 22 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and features the special designation of being the place where Alaska was officially transferred from Russia to the United States. Your Windstar cruise to Alaska will be like nothing else you’ve ever experienced before. No matter what kind of adventurer you are, Windstar Cruises is ready to help you have the trip of a lifetime. Find out more about Windstar Cruises to Alaska by giving The Cruise Web a call today at 1-800-377-9383.

Things to Do on an Alaska Cruise with Windstar Cruises

Allow yourself to be entranced on a Windstar cruise to Alaska, which offers innumerable excursion activities to please any type of traveler. See indigenous wildlife, such as whales, moose, and bald eagles in their natural habitat, or try your hand at sportfishing. Discover the history of the native Alaskan people by visiting the various museums, and then create your own souvenirs by embarking on a photo tour. In Juneau, for example, you can bring home photos of the Taku Glacier, a great natural wonder. Windstar’s Alaska cruises also allow you to visit Icy Strait Point and experience native cultures up close where you’ll learn firsthand the history of the region and its people. If it’s thrills you seek, Icy Strait Point also features one of the biggest ziplines in the world. Continue below to find out more of our recommended excursions while cruising to Alaska with Windstar Cruises:

• Sportfishing (Sitka, Alaska) Try your hand at the traditional salmon fishing methods: trolling or mooching. Trolling is when the fishermen have two or four lines and are fishing off downriggers while the boat is moving. Mooching is when fishermen hold the rod and work the bait while the boat is anchored. Sitka is one of Alaska’s best fishing places and this excursion will give you a prime opportunity to catch a unique souvenir; you’ll be able to fish for king, silver, chum, and pink salmon. If you live within the continental US, you can meet with local fish processors to have your catch sent to your home.  

• Taku Glacier Adventure (Juneau, Alaska) Explore Alaska’s Taku Glacier – the largest and only advancing glacier on the Juneau Icefield. This tour is ideal for small groups, and presents an opportunity to visit a remote, helicopter only location – a place few visitors get to experience. During this excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to explore an ancient landscape, taste the purity of the water from glacier streams, and fly in a helicopter over the Taku Glacier and numerous others.  

• Haines Photo Tour (Haines, Alaska) Create your own souvenirs of your Windstar Alaskan cruise by participating in the photo tour of Haines, Alaska. You’ll have the perfect opportunity to photograph the mesmerizing scenery of the Chilkat Valley with an expert photography guide to help you capture the best shots of the natural wonders. May, June, and July will feature wildflowers and bald eagles. In August, pink salmon begin their journey up the Chilkoot River to spawn, which is the best opportunity to see brown bears feeding along the river.  

• Discover Alaska Whales (Juneau, Alaska) Alaska’s waters have one of the highest concentrations of humpback whales and this excursion is a perfect opportunity to see them up close! You’ll sail out on a research vessel where you are guaranteed to see a humpback whale. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in numerous science activities onboard and learn about whale research. You could also see orcas, sea lions, harbor seals, and porpoises! The experienced captains will slow down when a whale is spotted, giving you plenty of opportunity to snap a priceless photo!  

• Cruise the Kenai Fjords (Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska) The Kenai Fjords may be Alaska’s smallest national park, but it’s large in allure. Most cruise lines can’t visit the Kenai Fjords but when you sail with Windstar, you’ll see it up close. The Kenai Fjords has a breathtaking arctic landscape, carved by glaciers, and is home to many marine animals and other wildlife. This is where you’ll make the memories that will last you a lifetime. Take advantage of Windstar’s unique opportunity to see one of Alaska’s most captivating areas.  

• Totems Poles in the Salmon Capital (Ketchikan, Alaska) Ketchikan, Alaska features several standing totem poles scattered throughout the parks and city, including several at Totem Bight State Park, Potlatch Park, Saxman Totem Park and the Totem Heritage Center. Admire the bright colors and detailed etchings before making your way to the shops and cafes along Creek Street, built upon a boardwalk overlooking Ketchikan Creek.  

Top 10 Windstar Cruises Alaska Cruises

Windstar cruises alaska departure ports.

Learn more about the various departure ports for an Alaska cruise with Windstar Cruises. Your specialty Windstar Alaska cruise could embark from any of the following departure ports:

Photo Gallery for Windstar Cruises Alaska Cruises

Check out our image gallery of Alaska cruising photos for Windstar Cruises. Remember, this is only a small sample of the beauty waiting for you on a Windstar Cruises Alaska cruise vacation.

Humpback Whale in Alaska

Harbor Seals in Alaska

Bear Catching Salmon in Alaska

Tracy Arm Fjord in Alaska

Totems in Ketchikan, Alaska

Killers Whales in Alaska

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EDITOR'S PICK

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Windstar Cruises Review

The following companies are our partners in Cruise Lines: Carnival , Celebrity Cruises , Cunard , Disney , Holland America , Princess , and Royal Caribbean .

We sometimes offer premium or additional placements on our website and in our marketing materials to our advertising partners. Partners may influence their position on our website, including the order in which they appear on a Top 10 list.

The analyses and opinions on our site are our own and our editors and staff writers are instructed to maintain editorial integrity. Our brand, ConsumersAdvocate.org, stands for accuracy and helpful information. We know we can only be successful if we take your trust in us seriously!

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Windstar Cruises operates a fleet of small luxury cruise ships that offers a private yacht experience and on-board entertainment. This includes local performances from different regions of the world. The company travels to 155 ports throughout the South Pacific, Caribbean, Central America, and Europe. It gives vacationers a variety of activities such as kayaking, swimming, and water skiing.

Windstar Experience

Food and Dining

Windstar offers delectable cuisine and inspired wine pairing that let their guests enjoy quality culinary experience while their on vacation. Guests can choose where to dine and when without reservation required or even have their food delivered directly in their room with Windstar’s 24-hour room service. The cruise line provides on-board dining that features a broad range of seasonal and fresh ingredients which are sourced from each port along the voyage. New dishes are served each night that highlights the flavours of the regional cuisine.

Dining Choices:

• Stella Bistro

Staterooms and Suites

Each of Windstar’s yachts offers different staterooms where guests can relax. Windstar’s yachts provide spacious staterooms with luxurious touches for the pleasure of their guests. Below are the available staterooms and its features available in each yacht.

• Wind Spirit
• Star Breeze
• Star Legend

All Accommodations Includes:

• Direct Dial Phone
• Fully-Stoked Mini Bar/Refrigerator
• Fresh fruits and flowers
• Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
• Bathroom with granite countertop and shower

On-Board Activities

Windstar has a variety of activities and entertainment offered on-board for passengers to choose from. Guests are provided with a relaxing massage at the yacht’s WindSpa, lively workout in their fitness center, and splash from Watersports Platform. Other activities that travellers can enjoy on-board are casino and live music in their lounge.

Cruise Ships and Itineraries

Destinations

• Mediterranean
• Northern Europe
• Greek Isles and Turkey
• Costa Rica and Panama Canal

Excursions Offered

The company allows their guests to enhance their cruise vacation through the shore excursions that they offer. They let travellers embrace the culture, history and cuisine of each destination they visit giving options of hotel and land packages for them to experience. Travellers can find a cruise and book their excursion online at Windstar’s website or call their customer service hotline for detailed information about their shore excursions.

Windstar Cruises - Summary

Windstar is highly recommended for vacationers searching for a more intimate vacation. It brings its own brand of fun and recreation with its water sports platforms that includes kayaking, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, diving, and floating. A great getaway for people searching for an alternative to traditional cruise line services.

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7 best cruises for seniors who love to travel by sea

T he best senior cruises mix adult-focused onboard activities with fascinating destinations ashore. No two retirees want the same thing from their travels. However, generally, most seniors have time to dedicate to longer itineraries.

Some have saved their money to enjoy a more premium cruise ship experience, but all are happy to snap up a cruise deal or find a promotion offering increased value from their cruise booking.

How did we choose the top cruises for seniors? We prioritized cruise lines that target couples and adults, rather than families, as well as cruise ships with fine dining, grownup entertainment and plenty of opportunities to socialize. We looked for destination-intensive cruises offering immersive cultural opportunities, bucket-list itineraries and a range of sailing lengths.

We dismissed the huge ships with their whiz-bang top-deck attractions, although these are ideal for grandparents on a multigenerational holiday with family. We also skipped the small expedition ships that require a level of physical fitness not all seniors possess.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Based on those criteria, here are the seven best cruise lines for seniors who love to travel and are looking to spend more time at sea.

Viking 's 930-passenger ocean ships top our list of the best cruises for seniors because they are designed specifically for an adult crowd. No one younger than 18 is allowed on board, and all the programming is created with passengers aged 50-plus in mind.

These cruises are ideal for academic-minded seniors. Viking chairman Torstein Hagen says that he set out to create "the thinking person's cruise," and lectures and other destination-specific programming are the main form of entertainment on board. That doesn't mean Viking cruises are boring, though. In fact, the crowd-pleasing ABBA tribute show in the theater is not to be missed.

Viking ships are comfortable, homey oases done up in sophisticated Scandinavian decor.

Itineraries are focused on getting senior cruisers to key attractions around the world, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with a shore excursion each day included in the cruise fare. Thrifty retirees will appreciate the "no nickel and diming" philosophy and cruise fares that cover everything except cocktails and spa treatments.

Complimentary dining includes a specialty Italian restaurant and the Chef's Table, with its rotating tasting menus themed around international cuisines.

Related: What's included in your cruise fare?

Also recommended for the senior and baby boomer crowd are Viking's river ships in Europe , Vietnam and Egypt (among other destinations) and the line's expedition products in Antarctica and on the Great Lakes , which have similarities to the ocean ships, including the all-inclusive pricing.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar 's small sailing ships and motorized yachts range from 148 to 342 passengers. Although kids 8 and older are allowed on board, you are unlikely to see many on these upscale vessels. Most Windstar cruisers are active seniors who come as couples, pairs of friends or solo travelers, looking for a destination-rich experience on ships where they won't feel lost in a crowd.

Windstar has two classes of ships. Older couples celebrating a milestone anniversary should choose a sailing ship, with its vast open deck space and picturesque sails that set the mood for romance. Seniors who prefer more personal space should seek out the 312-passenger motorized yachts with their all-suite accommodations.

Related: A beginner's guide to picking a cruise line

Cruise highlights on all ships include an outdoor deck party with a lavish buffet and late-night conga line, as well as meals created by James Beard Foundation-affiliated chefs. (Windstar partners with the prestigious culinary organization.)

Because of their small size, all Windstar ships can visit quiet harbors and out-of-the-way places that big ships can't in destinations like Tahiti, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean .

Azamara Cruises

With four nearly identical ships holding fewer than 700 passengers each, Azamara has carved out a niche catering to well-traveled seniors looking to cruise in clubby surroundings.

The line's cruises are best for seniors who don't want to splurge on a fancier luxury product but still want an upscale level of ambiance, service and amenities. While kids aren't banned, the line makes clear on its website that it "discourages" passengers younger than 18.

Azamara passengers appreciate the boutique hotel-like decor, which includes faux fireplaces in the impressive libraries, called The Drawing Room on each vessel.

The line's destination-focused itineraries in Europe and elsewhere spend more time in ports than average ships, staying overnight in key destinations. This is ideal for passengers who want to explore on their own. The line also offers a complimentary "AzAmazing Evenings" program on every cruise. They feature cultural performances ashore in amazing destinations, such as Turkey's ancient city of Ephesus.

Related: 5 best adults-only cruise lines

Holland America

Holland America is one of the best cruise lines for seniors because it hits the sweet spot with its midsize ships. Carrying 2,668 passengers or fewer, these vessels offer big-ship amenities but lack the more over-the-top waterslides and thrill attractions found on megaships. The line is a great choice for baby boomers and older seniors who wish to enjoy the line's alternative dining options, casinos and choice of entertainment.

An older crowd does not mean a sedate group. Holland America hosts live music in a big way. Passengers dance the night away at venues that include B.B. King's Blues Club, featuring some of the best live bands at sea. Explorations Central (EXC) programming is designed to educate passengers about the destinations they visit, and a fun roster of other onboard pursuits includes a winemaking experience with Chateau Ste. Michelle.

The ships are also particularly accessible. Many staterooms offer roll-in showers and other assistive features. Vessels also are equipped with a lift system for pools and tenders.

Related: The 4 classes of Holland America ships, explained

In addition to one-week cruises in the Caribbean and Alaska (the line's specialty), Holland America explores South America, the South Pacific and other destinations around the globe. The line also offers months-long world cruises.

Senior travelers with a penchant for traditional cruising will find Cunard 's ocean liners to be a top cruise option. Founded in 1840, the cruise line has a long legacy and is proud of its less casual vibe, which includes nightly dress codes. Go old-school with dress-up galas held in real ballrooms with high ceilings and twinkling chandeliers. Gentlemen hosts are on hand if ladies need a dance partner.

Those same ballrooms host daily afternoon tea, complete with finger sandwiches and scones with cream, served on fine china by white-gloved waiters. Other refined onboard activities include watching shows in Queen Mary 2's onboard planetarium, attending lectures by guest speakers, fencing, taking art classes and enjoying classical concerts.

Not everyone stays in a fancy suite, but seniors ready to splurge should book either Queens Grill or Princess Grill rooms for upscale accommodations and meals served in exclusive, intimate restaurants.

QM2 is the only ship that offers regular transatlantic service between Southampton, England, and New York. The 2,081-passenger Queen Elizabeth and 2,061-passenger Queen Victoria spend time in Europe and other destinations, and all three ships offer world cruises around the globe. When it debuts in 2024, the line's 3,000-passenger Queen Anne will also sail in the Mediterranean.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Retirees who have worked hard and are ready to treat themselves right will find that Regent Seven Seas Cruises is one of the best cruises for seniors looking for luxury.

The cruise line brags of operating the most luxurious ships afloat. It's hard to argue that point, especially on the line's latest ship, $545 million, 746-passenger, all-suite Seven Seas Grandeur. The ship boasts a football field's worth of marble, an impressive art collection and one of the most expensive suites at sea — a Regent Suite, which is priced at $11,000 per day, per couple.

Other high-end lines, such as Seabourn and Silversea , operate intimate ships with extraordinary service, accommodations and cuisine. However, Regent differs with its shore excursion-inclusive, one-stop-shopping fares and grand European hotel ambience — especially on the sister ships Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Explorer.

Related: 12 best all-inclusive cruise lines

The other Regent ships are well-maintained 480- to 684-passenger older vessels. On all, if you don't feel like going to one of the restaurants, you can stay in your bathrobe and order a meal served course by course in your suite.

Also, except for summer and holiday periods, you are unlikely to find kids on board.

Regent sails to some 450 ports of call around the world, including world cruise itineraries, so senior travelers can find sailings to all the destinations they've been waiting to explore.

Oceania Cruises

Wellness-focused seniors love Oceania Cruises ' 648- to 1,210-passenger ships for their spa and fitness center and healthy food options. Foodies are drawn by the inspired dining. PBS host and cookbook author Jacques Pepin has a French bistro on the line's two largest ships, Marina and Riviera, and he's one of the line's culinary advisors. All the line's ships include impressive steakhouses , and some feature Red Ginger, an extraordinary modern take on Asian cuisine, as well as other eateries.

The ships provide an appealing country club-like ambiance, which is upscale without being fancy. Older passengers tend to be the sort who like to entertain themselves, though they might be distracted by the standout attraction of a real cooking school where expert chefs give classes on Marina and Riviera.

As a nod to solo travelers, the line is in the process of adding solo cabins designed and priced for one.

Oceania is known for destination-focused itineraries in the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe, among other places. Most are 10 nights or longer; world cruises are up to 180 days.

Bottom line

You'll find seniors on nearly every cruise line out there. Some older travelers are looking to explore the world, while others prefer cheap trips to beachy destinations.

Everyone's top choice will be different, but we think these seven lines represent the best senior cruises. They prioritize an adult-focused onboard experience and destination-intensive itineraries more readily accessible to retirees.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.