Which Cabin Should I Choose on Windstar’s Star Pride?
There are only 106 cabins in four categories on this intimate, all-suite power yacht, the latest addition to Windstar Cruises’ fleet of sailing vessels. In fact, the May 2014 debut of the refurbished Star Pride — formerly Seabourn Pride — added much-needed suites to this line, which is otherwise known for its cozy cabins. At 277 square feet, even the smallest Star Pride suite feels spacious.
All passenger accommodations are on Decks 4, 5, and 6. We like those on Deck 6 (cabins beginning with “3,” as well as all four owner’s suites) for their easy access to Verandah — where breakfast and lunch are served — and the alfresco Star Bar.
Because Star Pride doesn’t have the nightlife options of larger ships, it’s a plus that its just-renovated cabins create a quiet haven for guests seeking to enjoy cocktails or a relaxing pre-bedtime soak — the tubs, although not jetted, are deep and fill quickly. We reviewed the four cabin categories to see how they compare:
Photo by Donna Heiderstadt
Ocean View Suite
Shown: 322
From: Starting at $2,499 per person, double occupancy.
Best For: Couples OK with saving on their cruise fare by forfeiting French doors that open for fresh air. Other than that, these suites are practically identical to balcony suites, the next category up.
What You Get: At 277 square feet, the 64 suites in this category have a queen-size bed with a Euro Top mattress (convertible to two twins), a walk-in closet, plus a sitting area with a sofa, two chairs, a flat-screen TV and DVD player, and a Bose® SoundDock® speaker.
This “living room area” is sectioned off by tied-back floor-to-ceiling curtains. The patterned taupe carpet, leather headboard, and blond wood built-ins contrast nicely with the royal blue sofa. The picture window offers plenty of light, and the only design flaw is a stylish but overly bulky desk chair that creates a bottleneck with the bed. Bathrooms here are identical to all the others on Star Pride: white-and-gray marble walls and floors, a granite-top vanity with two sinks, a full-size deep soaking tub-shower combination, L’Occitane® toiletries, and plentiful storage.
Photo by Donna Heiderstadt
Balcony Suite
Shown: 304-319
From: $1,000 more per person than an ocean view cabin.
Best For: Guests who prefer sea breezes to air conditioning, or who like knowing the outside temperature before heading out on deck.
What You Get: Star Pride’s 36 balcony suites, located on Decks 5 and 6, are the same size as ocean view suites. But despite their name, these technically don’t have a balcony — just French doors that open inward, allowing for fresh air and unobstructed views over a waist-high glass panel and wooden rail. Décor is also almost exactly the same — with the exception of rounder beige sofas than the more rectangular blue sofas in the ocean view category — as are the in-room amenities and bathrooms.
Photo by Donna Heiderstadt
Classic Suite
Shown: Suites 1 and 2
From: $2,100 more per person than a balcony suite.
Best For: Those who want separate living and sleeping areas as well as outdoor space for reading or enjoying sail-away cocktails in total privacy.
What You Get: At 400 square feet, these two wedge-shaped suites on Deck 5 forward are known as Suite 1 (Mykonos-themed) and Suite 2 (Portofino-themed). They are a mirror image of each other except for variations in some fabric palettes (Suite 1’s is pale green while Suite 2’s is blue) and artwork that reflects the theme — for example, vintage black-and-white photos of Portofino in Suite 2.
Each suite has a curved living room with a forward-facing window, plush beige sectional sofa, two chairs and a dining table, as well as a flat-screen TV, DVD player, and Bose SoundDock speaker. Striped curtains and window-paned French doors separate the living space from the bedroom, which has a queen-size bed with a Euro Top mattress, as well as a small, side-facing balcony and a dressing area/make-up mirror.
Photo by Donna Heiderstadt
Owner’s Suite
Shown: Suites 3 and 4
From: $1,000 more per person than a classic suite.
Best For: Guests who can afford the top accommodations and who plan to entertain — the living area can host 10 to12 guests for cocktails and canapés.
What You Get: There are four owner’s suites (Suites 3, 4, 5, and 6), but at 575 square feet, 3 and 4 are larger and are located forward on Deck 6. Two smaller units (Suites 5 and 6, measuring 520 square feet) are located midship on Deck 6. The two larger suites offer the most spacious living areas onboard, featuring a curved wall of forward-facing windows located opposite a sophisticated, pillow-topped sectional sofa and leading to a forward-facing balcony. While not sizeable by any means, the private balcony in these suites is the largest onboard.
The airy living room also has a dining table that seats four, a flat-screen TV, and a DVD player. The bedroom, located off the living room in Suites 3 and 4 and separated by window-paned French doors and floor-to-ceiling curtains, has a picture window on one side and access to the bathroom on the other. In addition to the queen-size bed with Euro Top mattress, you’ll find a second flat-screen TV and DVD player. Closets are located along the interior hallway, as is a guest bathroom. Book one of these suites, and the staff will serve drinks and hors d’oeuvres to guests if you wish to have a pre- or post-dinner gathering in your cabin.
Bose and SoundDock are registered trademarks of Bose Corp.
L’Occitane is a registered trademark of L’Occitane in the U.S. and other countries.
