they also learn about artisan cheeses and breads.
The culinary curious are introduced to exotic
fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood. Sleuthing
out what will soon appear on their plates, allows
inquisitive passenger an insider’s view.
That’s how Tom Honderich, five-time
Windstar voyager, felt when a lifestyle writer he
met on an earlier trip, found the chef’s venison
purchase was listed on an evening menu. “Gayle
made sure we dined at Candles (the ship’s open-
air restaurant) that night. It’s easy to make friends,”
he says, “with so many interesting people around.”
Tom and his husband, Gordon Chastain,
chose a Costa Rican eco-itinerary this January to
bird watch and enjoy a deck party as they passed
through the Panama Canal.
There are many reasons to take to the
seas. Sailing on the
Wind Spirit
to Tahiti is the
ultimate destination wedding plan. Nature lovers
join romantics taking in French Polynesia’s
sand-surrounded shimmering lagoons. From
Fakarava’s designated UNESCO Biosphere to
shopping for black pearls in Papeete, each island
on this journey is justifiably called a paradise.
Steering the way to paradise is in the hands
of capable staff. Each Windstar ship has an open
bridge where the captain and crew welcome
passengers 24/7. “It gives guests a chance to see
how we navigate the yacht, ask questions and
to talk to officers freely,” says Captain Belinda
Bennett. Named as their fleet’s first woman
captain, Ms. Bennett grew up on St. Helena, a
remote Atlantic island. In the water before she
could walk, she says “I was told I have saltwater
in my veins...” Adding she “loves and respects
the ocean.” Captain Bennett commands the
Wind Star
and enjoys this yacht’s family
atmosphere that includes photo ops with
guests. She’s happy to point passengers to
her favorite pizzeria in the Grenadines.
Tradition and connection are affirmed
daily with Windstar’s sunset rendition of
1492:
Conquest of Paradise,
from a movie soundtrack.
Raising their glasses as sails rise and engines are
powered up, passengers toast pleasant memories
of days past and belief in those to come.
Crystal Yacht Cruises
The 2015 launch of the 62-passenger
Crystal
Esprit
reflects the downsized direction that
appeals to cruisers seeking people and places
up close and personal.
After roaming the Indian Ocean with stops
in the Seychelles earlier this year, the
Esprit
transitioned to the Mediterranean where spring,
summer and fall will find the ship weaving its
way through ports in Greece, Italy, and Croatia.
Full and half day excursions are included so
guests can choose to rise in a hot air balloon
over Venice or share a meal with Bedouin
amid Qatari sand dunes. Arranging private art,
music or foodie forays are exciting options in
destinations such as Corfu, Kotor and Dubrovnik.
After rewarding shore exploration, Executive
Chef Adam Jenkins has destination-inspired
38
THE AFFLUENT TRAVELER
|
Cruise Spotlight
Windstar’s nightly menus are crafted
to highlight the spectacular flavors of
the regional cuisine.
Cruise Spotlight
CS
Photo courtesy of Windstar Cruises
