Europe | Windstar Cruises - Star Pride
June through August
Edinburgh, Scotland; Kirkwall, Scotland; Bergen, Norway; Alesund, Norway; Molde, Norway; Torshavn, Denmark; Reykjavik, Iceland
Cruise beneath the Midnight Sun to sparkling Norwegian fjords, steaming Icelandic geysers, ancient Scottish standing stones, and the bucolic Faroe Islands. Hear the echoes of Old Norse tongues, see lands once lauded in ancient Viking sagas, and witness sights that will stir your soul. As a Windstar guest you experience it all from a uniquely thrilling perspective.
All-Suite Yacht
With only 212 guests, a Star Pride cruise will make you feel like you're on board your own private yacht almost as soon as you step aboard. The sitting area of your spacious, newly refurbished suite gives you an expansive ocean view — making it a welcome retreat.
When you're ready to make an appearance, the lounges, club, casino, screening room, and library are waiting to be explored. Take some "you" time in the tranquil WindSpa . . . enjoy a dip in the pool . . . work off that decadent dessert in the Fitness Center . . . and, of course, you are always welcome to visit the Bridge to examine navigation charts with the Captain.
Star Pride is large enough to pamper and entertain you, yet small enough to tuck into delightful tiny harbors and hidden coves that others can’t reach.
Day 1: Edinburgh, Scotland: The culturally and historically rich capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh is bounded by the Firth of Forth and the Pentland Hills. There is something for every interest, and sites and activities too numerous to mention. Some of the most popular attractions include The National Museum of Scotland, with over 20,000 exhibits spread over 36 galleries, the Museum of Childhood, full of toys and objects both past and present, Dynamic Earth, the only place in Scotland where you can travel through time and around the planet, and Edinburgh Castle, sitting majestically at the top of the Royal Mile, where a gun has been fired daily at 1 p.m. since 1861. The best preserved castle in Edinburgh is the Craigmillar Castle, built around 1400. Dirleton Castle boasts gardens first cultivated in the 16th century and featured in the "Guinness Book of Records" as the world’s longest herbaceous border. Featured in Dan Brown’s novel, "The Da Vinci Code," Rosslyn Chapel, founded in 1446, is both mysterious and beautiful. The National Galleries of Scotland showcases 65,000 art objects from Rembrandt to Picasso. The Royal Botanic Gardens, founded in 1670, offer 72 tranquil acres of what is considered one of the finest gardens in the world. The award-winning Scottish Seabird Centre features a range of state-of-the-art cameras to view the lives of the many seabirds in the area. Walkers will want to tour the Real Mary King’s Close, a world-class attraction of underground streets where people lived between the 17th and 19th centuries and Old Town, with many preserved medieval and Reformation-era buildings. Amazing panoramic views all across the city are found at Scott Monument, the 200-foot-high Victorian Gothic monument in honor of Sir Walter Scott.
Day 2 & 3: Kirkwall, Scotland: Everything about Orkney is olde, from the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae (the “Scottish Pompeii”) to the peat-distilled whiskey at Highland Park. Even the local brogue hints at times past, accented by the area’s Viking legacy.
Day 5: Bergen, Norway: Colorful Bryggen, Bergen’s Hanseatic quay and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is so delightful you may find it difficult to explore further. But do. Watch the Huldras (forest nymphs) dance at Kjosfossen Waterfall, wander the narrow smau between the old buildings climbing the hillside.
Day 6: Geiranger, Norway: Visit tiny goat villages to sample homemade cheese. Take a RIB boat out on the spectacular Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buy yourself a mango ice cream cone and absorb all the beauty around you.
Day 7: Alesund, Norway: At the entrance to spectacular Geirangerfjord, Alesund has been voted the most beautiful town in Norway, and not only because of its location. The town burned to the ground in 1904 and was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style, with a few added elements from Nordic mythology – a longboat here, an image of Thor there.
Day 8: Molde, Norway: Known as the City of Roses, Molde is encircled by 222 mountains, each one worthy of oohs and ahhs. Breathtaking excursions await, including the world-famous Trollstigen scenic mountain road with its sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and hairpin turns. Or take the low road—the Atlantic Road—twisting its way across the islands of the North Sea like an asphalt roller coaster.
Day 10: Torshavn, Denmark: Dock within walking distance of Old Town and marvel at a place where people mow their roofs and 17th century buildings are considered young. Listen to echoes of Old Norse in the language of shopkeepers and passersby as you shop for warm knit sweaters made from the islands’ distinctive wool.
Day 12: Reykjavik, Iceland: The world's most northerly capital enjoys almost 24-hour sunlight in summer, all the better to show off the city’s eclectic architecture and dazzling natural wonders. Soak in the milky Blue Lagoon, visit Guilfoss Waterfall, or explore the surprisingly vibrant local museum and art scene.
All meals in all venues at all times, including room service menu available 24 hours; all non-alcoholic beverages, including cappuccino, espresso, and other specialty non-alcoholic drinks; welcome cocktails at reception; all onboard entertainment; unlimited use of Fitness Center; unlimited use of all water sports equipment; informative nightly port talks and destination briefings.
Options include AmphorA Restaurant, Candles, Star Bar, Lounge, Veranda, and Compass Rose.
A pool, fitness center, two whirlpools, a spa, casino, watersports platform, and a host of activities and events are available at your leisure.
Here is a sampling of excursion highlights:
A knowledgeable guest lecturer will be on board presenting interesting topics on this beautiful region throughout your cruise.
Window shop along colorful Bryggen, Bergen’s old Hanseatic wharf and a UNESCO site.
Cruise Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, past tumbling waterfalls and abandoned mountain farms
Explore the great outdoors by RIB boat, kayak, hikes, or bicycles.
Admire the Art Nouveau architecture of Alesund
Travel the breathtaking Trollstigen mountain road or sea level Atlantic Road in Norway.
Gracious Balcony and Ocean View suites, Classic Suites, and Owner’s Suites feature queen beds, Egyptian cotton linens, luxury bath products, waffle-weave roes, separate bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, whirlpool spa tubs, massage showers, separate bedrooms and living rooms, in-suite dining areas, fully-stocked mini bars/ refrigerators, Wi-Fi, fresh flowers and fruit, safes, direct dial phones, granite vanities, magnifying mirrors, and 110/220 outlets.
WindSpa pampers with spa services.
The Fitness Center is fully equipped for your workout away from home.
A Complimentary Windstar Destination Discovery Event - Molde: The Magnificent Caves of Bergtatt
Why would you enter a darkened cave in the land of the midnight sun? Because these may be the most spectacular – and unusual – caves you’ll ever explore. The drama begins with the scenic drive north to the marble caves of Bergtatt. Upon arrival, you’ll go by boat deep into the caves where light from chandeliers (yes, chandeliers!) reflects on the crystal clear water. Tapas and sparkling wine will accompany the on-stage entertainment provided by local singers and dancers at your Windstar Destination Discovery Event.
Please note: This Destination Discovery Event has been scheduled in a way that will allow you to book and experience another shore excursion on the same day and you will not miss anything.
Distinguished Recognitions, Pleasant Holidays Family of Brands
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