The Windstar Star Legend is part of the 180° From Ordinary experience. That’s the focus of Windstar, and my sailing on the Windstar Star Legend was an extraordinary experience.
| Just The Facts | |
|---|---|
| Gross Tonnage: | 12,995 GRT |
| Entered Service: | 1990 |
| Year Refurbished: | 2021 |
| Stateroom: | 156 |
| Passenger Count: | 312 |
| Crew: | 204 |
My Windstar Star Legend Review
Windstar Star Legend, previously Seabourn Pride, underwent a refurbishment in 2021. As part of the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative, Star Legend was stretched by 84 feet. This all-suite ship added 50 new suites ship.
Due to its size, the Star Legend stops at many smaller ports that larger ships cannot visit. My trip circumnavigated the British Isles, visiting Dublin and Belfast. The ship sailed from Edinburgh and finished in London, right at the London Tower Bridge.
Our ports included:
- Leith
- Oban
- Belfast
- Dun Laoghaire
- Fishguard
- Isles of Scilly
- London
Arriving in Leith a day early, we hopped on a double-decker tour bus to explore Edinburgh before starting our cruise.
Layout
With just six passenger decks, Star Legend is simple to navigate, with no distance being far. It’s simple to get between venues without getting lost or spending time trying to figure out where you are. There are elevators at both ends of the ship, but it must be noted that all don’t go to the ship’s upper decks.
Suites
I sailed with my husband, and our cabin, Star Ocean View Suite 444, was ideal for our 10-night cruise on the Atlantic Archipelago Adventures voyage.
Upon entering our stateroom, I confirmed that we had made a good choice by sailing Windstar, as this brand was a new experience for us. The room’s layout brought back memories of a long-ago cruise on Seabourn Pride.
Both of us remarked about the size and comfort of the stateroom. I wondered if I would have preferred the bed near the entry, but after getting accustomed to the room, I knew this was the best arrangement. I recalled a ship designer’s comment that you don’t go directly into the bedroom when you enter a home.
My concern that I wouldn’t be able to see out the window from the living area quickly dissolved. If the bed had been closer to the front door, we wouldn’t have had to squeeze past the foot of the bed to see the view or enjoy the comforts of the living room.
This stateroom cannot be converted to a two-twin configuration in the SS1 category. However, it worked for us, and we found the layout conducive to our traveling style.
With plenty of outlets in the bedroom area and USB ports, we appreciated the thought that went into the design of this cabin.
Across from the bed, the long vanity/table contained European and North American outlets and USB ports. At the vanity end of the space, there were large drawers. Toward the desk end of the counter, there was a fabric bench that fit under the desk. It was nice to have ample space to recharge electronics. A television hung above the vanity area of the counter.
Separating the living area from the bedroom, a solid drape was pulled out to divide the large suite into two private areas if desired. We had an inviting sofa with a coffee table in the suite’s living area. With such a configuration, we didn’t hesitate to order room service meals on several occasions. Opposite the couch, two additional upholstered chairs provided a comfortable seating alternative.
In the living area, where carafes of fresh water were provided daily, there was also a minibar equipped with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments.
Near the main entry to the cabin, a walk-in closet provides plenty of space for hanging clothes.
A small stand has drawers for extra storage. One of the drawers hides a safe. Triangular-shaped shelfs work for additional storage. In the cabin are life preservers, waffle cloth bathrobes, and slippers.
The bathroom is right next to the closet. To navigate this modern and updated bathroom, one must step up into the toilet, which is typical of most ship bathrooms. Nobody needs a horn.
Two sinks make sharing the space easy, but there isn’t upper shelf space for the sink near the shower. A long shelf stretches below the sink the entire length of the vanity. Toiletries include L’Occitane products, and it is certainly nice to have various options.
Having one toiletry for each function instead of one pump liquid dispensing a product that works as body wash, hair wash, and who-knows-what-else is a real luxury.
The long shower has grab bars, a rain shower, and a handheld shower. The fluffy white shower rug gave the bathroom a homey feel and a soft landing for my feet.
Dining
Star Legend offers a surprising number of dining options for a small ship. The choices of casual, grill, fine dining, and experimental will please the pickiest of guests.
The Yacht Club is a library-like gathering place with beverages and takeaway choices. Grabbing something and enjoying the view from the wall of windows is the perfect way to start the day.
Veranda
This is the buffet offering that opens for lunch and breakfast. There is no dinner buffet on Star Legend. I’m not a fan of buffets, but I tried this option for breakfast and lunch. It’s possible to get eggs to order along with other traditional breakfast offerings. Food is scattered throughout the space, including in areas that require climbing down stairs.
For lunch, in addition to choosing from the many buffet choices, you can also get the cooked-to-order dish of the day or a burger or hotdog from Star Grill. You can order these from Veranda, or you can sit out at Star Grill and enjoy these and other dishes at this outdoor venue.
Star Grill
Head to this casual outdoor space if you are looking for traditional grilled and BBQ foods under the guise of Steven Raichlen. There’s an excellent selection of international foods as well.
Amphora
This is a traditional main dining room in an elegant setting. Dinner is the only meal served at this open-seating venue. The menu changed daily, and there were vegetarian options. Classics like fish, chicken, and beef are always on the menu.
Candles
Veranda transforms into a more intimate space in the evening, becoming a unique dining experience. While dining outside in warm weather is possible, we found it a tad chilly to enjoy the outdoor area. We opted to sit in more intimate side areas of the space and enjoyed the low lighting and quiet atmosphere. Be sure to explore the gourmet salts that come with your meal.
Cuadro 44
A specialty restaurant included in the fare, this restaurant by Anthony Sasso ranks as my favorite. Cuadro 44 describes itself as an eclectic Spanish restaurant. Tapas-style foods are meant for sharing. The tomato bread offered as an appetizer tantalizes the taste buds. Although a seemingly simple appetizer, the complex flavors made me return for more.
The tapas menu includes pork legs raised on acorns, anchovies, paella croquettes, and octopus. Main dishes include cod, chicken, lamb chops, and more. The menu designates the dishes’ origin in Spain.
The open kitchen allows for watching the chefs in action. Several seats are available facing the cooking area. The chefs’ orchestrated roles, primarily done in silence, added to the enjoyment of our meal.
With only 36 seats, Cuadro 44 requires reservations, as does Candles.
Officially, guests may only dine here and at Candles once, but especially if the ship isn’t full, it’s worth checking to see if space might be available.
Room service is always available with its menu. Moreover, anything offered on the Amphora menu could also be ordered through room service.
Entertainment
Entertainment on Star Legend is primarily self-directed. Small groups sing or play for evening entertainment. During the day, trivia and cooking demonstrations gather guests together.
The ship has an open bridge policy, and it is worth a trip up top to see how it works. All Windstar ships now have Starlink high-speed internet if you need to stay connected.
Public Areas and Watering Holes
In Star Legend, most public areas also have watering holes. Yacht Club on the upper deck offers a relaxing space for a snack, reading, or enjoying the view.
Outside at the Star Grill are sofas and chairs to enjoy conversation while enjoying a drink from the bar.
Back inside the ship, Compass Rose serves drinks while guests enjoy pre-dinner music. Demonstrations and other larger gatherings take place in the spacious lounge.
Fitness Center and Spa
The spa and fitness center prioritize wellness and fitness. Guests pay no additional fee for access to the sauna and thermal loungers. The fitness center may be smaller, but it offers everything guests need for a satisfying workout, including a pool and hot tub for post-workout relaxation.
While the sports deck has water toys, it was not open during our sailing. But in warmer weather, it’s something worthy of exploration.
Closing Thoughts
Sailing on a new brand creates excellent expectations, excitement, and trepidation. How closely do the brochure and marketing reflect the experience? Could I survive for ten nights? Being on a ship and sailing guarantees my survival, but would it be an enjoyable experience?
From the minute I set foot on Star Legend, I knew I would be pretty happy to relax in these surroundings for the entire cruise. The space, the service, the food, and the serenity of Star Legend provide the perfect experience for those seeking a leisure trip. But, I immediately recognized this as an excellent opportunity for anybody working remotely.
Then again, the ports are so attractive that they could distract those working on the road. And while this would be a case where I sail for the ship, the ports of call are quite the draw—new ports interspersed with familiar favorites added intrigue to the itinerary.
Great food, like-minded cruisers, and comfortable surroundings made our Windstar yacht experience 180° from ordinary! I can’t wait to try their sailing ships.
Be sure to check the Windstar sailings. Searching may yield a luxury sailing at a competitive price.
