The sea is the number one reason I cruising. I long for its color and sound. The salt water floats with the pain and pain I'm chasing forever on the dry land. Imagine my joy when I first saw a style boat driving the dock, greeting me on a calm kayak or a bolder paddle board adventure, or simply jumping into cool blue water. This is the kind of moment you won't find on most cruise ships – just a few steps from the cabin.
On most cruise ships you can see water, but you can't get into the water without going through a tour or access to the beach or some way to visit. While both ways to explore are fun, the watersport platform at the rear of the Windstar yacht (that's the stern) brings the sea to you in an easier way.
This is what you expect on the docks on the Windstar boat, which destinations are best for enjoying water sports on the boat.
What is the dock on Windstar yacht?
The back of the boat literally opens, creating a mini Marina that goes straight into the water. Free equipment used by the marina includes kayaking and paddleboards, large buoys, trampolines, small sailing boats and snorkeling equipment. Currently, Star Breeze in Tahiti has a new toy, an Aquebana, which is an inflatable area with tables, chairs, and even a roof for sun exposure. The best part is that you don't have to know how to use the device to take advantage of the fun on the platform – you can simply dive into the sea and swim. The crew was there to help. Think of it as a day without sand on the beach. Swim, rest in the sun, or put on a life jacket and float in the sea.
Need to know: Some destinations are more suitable for docking activities than others
First, Windstar’s dock is only open on days when the ship is anchored. When sea ill is safe, the pier is open in certain ports. It is only used in places approved by local authorities, and ship traffic will not harm guests. When open, it is always composed of crew members to ensure guests’ safety. And some itineraries are not really suitable for the dock experience. The most important of these are the Mediterranean seasons of locals in winter and early spring.
If you plan ahead and want to notice the days when the dock is open, use the “At a glance” feature in the online cruise description. On the far right of the call map port, there is a column of “piers”. A check mark in a blue circle indicates that the dock plan is open. However, safety conditions are the ultimate determinant even when the number of anchor days of the available docks, so the schedule changes once you board the cruise.
These are four great areas for Windstar's dock fans
South Pacific and Tahiti:
Windstar has been cruising in French Polynesia for nearly 40 years. This means officials and staff are well aware of these ports and work hard to ensure guests have a complete experience in the South Pacific, including playing in the crystal clear waters of as many ports as possible. Star Breeze Homeports held throughout the year in Tahiti, bringing 312 guests to exotic ports such as Moorea, Bora Bora and Rangiroa.
The itinerary starts with the seven-night round trip from Papeete The dream of Tahitithere is a four-day dock. Or slightly expand the adventure with a 10-night voyage and add six scheduled dock days to the Tuamotu Islands. For a cruise that allows Stars to brag rights, one of the itineraries of one of the best water sports platforms in the fleet, see 14 nights The treasure of Tahiti and the magnificent Marquisthere are eight days in total to enjoy the dock.
These itineraries are perfect for relaxing or energetic times at the marina. If you are like me, this will never be in the water time even if I book a guided snorkeling or scuba tour (both of which can be used on a Tahiti cruise). The pier gives you the freedom to enjoy your morning tour, return to the boat for lunch, and then venture back to the sea alone before the boat leaves. The Tahiti cruise also includes a “private island” day on a Motu (island), where crew members bring water sports equipment ashore for more fun. This is a great opportunity to learn new skills, such as paddling or sailing on a cute overturned boat. The crew stands in the water and provides instructions to help you master it.
Caribbean Sea:
In the winter you will find more style fleets cruising the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, but the Windstar version of the Caribbean version is not what you see from the decks of most cruise ships. In the real Windstar 180-degree fashion, the itinerary here is searching for small islands, quiet coves and barren beaches. For the best marina opportunity, check out the beach fun and sunshine: a remote Caribbean resort. It was a full five days of Watersports Platform Bliss, which is scheduled to sail and surf on a dock cruise ship in a remote area of the British Virgin Islands.
If you prefer Windstar's motor yachts, take a look Star Collector: Cute Leewards Cruise on board Celebrity Pride or Seeking stars. The 14-night cruise included five days of water sports platform use, including Les Saints in Guadeloupe (one of the few Caribbean islands where whales can be watched) and idyllic Bequia.
Just like in Tahiti, Caribbean cruises are usually on a beach day on a private island, with marina equipment moving from boats to beaches. Private Island Day, the days when the marina runs from the boat all provide plenty of time for the fun of the tour and water sports platform without missing anything.
Mediterranean:
Although local restrictions and heavy boat traffic prevent the dock openings of many Mediterranean ports, there are a few opportunities to dive directly into the Azure Ocean from your yacht. Imagine swimming in the crystal water near the Amalfi coast in Italy or the Greek mainland Monamvasia. The chance to dip your toes into the Med itinerary includes seven nights The treasure of the Greek Islands Car in Wind Star and Feng Ling. Or check for eight nights Classic Italy and Dalmatia coast Sailing. (And check out our blog about the best ports in the Mediterranean for docking activities).
I especially like the treasures of the Greek island itinerary because of its busy call ports of quiet treasures like Santorini and Milos, where you can explore the town in the morning and then spend an afternoon on the Mediterranean waters like hanging out on the Mediterranean waters as if you were on a private yacht.
Panama and Costa Rica:
In mine First Panama Canal Tourone of the most pleasant surprises is not only that the waterway itself is an engineering miracle, but many of them require access to rural outposts – jungle, white sandy beaches, pristine oceans and rivers. Isla Parida is an amazing discovery. Located in a nature reserve of 50 islands, and part of Chiriqui Marine National Park Lovela Parida, it has a magnificent beach, one of which is over 1300 feet. Here you will attend Windstar’s iconic beach party and transfer from the marina to the beach. Golfo Dolce and Quepos are two ports anchored by ships, meaning that the docks are open on a quiet day.
