Windstar Star Breeze Cruise Glitter and Glam of the Rivieras

Day 1 ROME What better way to start the trip than to set out from Rome, the Eternal city of passion, food, culture, and thousands of years of history. Check out the Coliseum – with a guided tour you can bring this incredible architectural masterpiece to life, feel like you’re witnessing the gladiator games before your eyes. Take in a fabulous lunch – maybe spaghetti carbonara with a little wine - before you saunter past the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps en route to experiencing Vatican city, with the unforgettable Sistine Chapel. Then prepare to be pampered as you board the Star Breeze to start your Windstar Riviera adventure. The boarding process is smooth and effortless. You immediately feel welcome as you settle in to your new home on the seas. The staff is exceptional and warm, greeting you by name within minutes of boarding. You immediately know you can trust the staff – they never try to oversell, but rather, always give honest informed advice about what’s best for your needs, whether it’s the drink package, shore excursions or laundry services. And the accommodations are called suites for a reason. Even the standard suites are gorgeous – spacious and elegant – there is nothing standard about them. Every detail is perfectly appointed to ensure a superior experience. Make sure you’ve left some room for the fantastic food on board your Windstar cruise ship. From the fabulous buffet lunch on arrival (who knew chocolate bread pudding with vanilla sauce could taste so good!) to the five star dining experience for dinner, you won’t be disappointed. From lobster bisque and to-die-for lobster risotto to filet mignon that melts in your mouth, you’ll barely have room for the sumptuous desserts. You won’t be bored in the evenings either. You’ll get the best of both worlds – the intimacy of a smaller luxury ship with the offerings of a luxury liner: from library to casino to nightly entertainment. Day 2 PORTOFERRAIO Ah! Wake up on your first day to a breathtaking view of Portoferraio and you know you’re in for a treat this week. The beauty of the smaller luxury cruise experience is that Windstar’s Star Breeze can snuggle up to quaint hidden ports that you couldn’t experience on larger cruise lines. And it turns out our shore excursion director was right – we don’t need to spend money on shore excursions – we can explore this gem on the Italian Riviera on foot, making sure not to miss the many gorgeous nooks and crannies, including a long stretch of wide-open beach that felt like our own private paradise (not another soul to be seen along the spectacular stretch of shoreline). Wander up to the top of the fort to catch the stunning views of the Mediterranean with its ever-changing shades of blue on blue. As we left the ship, one of the stewards told us to make sure we tried out his favourite gelato shop – the best in the world he said – made fresh everyday. Wow! He was right. Only steps away from where we docked, we could savour creamy multi-flavoured gelato. I dare you to try it without closing your eyes and purring. Stop and enjoy a seaside café or hop back on board for lunch at your leisure. You’ve got all day to enjoy everything this introduction to the Riviera. While we didn’t need to, because the suites are all gorgeous, we upgraded to an owner’s suite to check out the experience. Wowza! 575 square feet of luxury space at the front of the ship, with our own private balcony and wrap-around windows, separate bedroom and living room areas, full bathtub and powder room, with a walk-in closet. Not too tough to take! Day 3 PORTOFINO What can I say? Everyone needs to experience Portofino. No wonder Orlando created a mini-replica of this famous Italian Riviera town. Tucked into a fabulous bay, the gorgeous facades wrap around like a movie set, boasting shops and fine dining. Make sure to explore though. Wander up the hillside to discover amazing hidden gems, whether jaw-dropping private residences, hidden beaches or the impressive tiered Catholic cemetery built into the hills. Be prepared to get spoiled with the Windstar all-inclusive excursion to Villa Durazzo, with wine tasting, pesto demonstrations and balsamic vinegar tastings that will leave your taste buds buzzing. Make sure to book your private dining reservation in Candles restaurant. While the main dining room is fabulous, it’s nice to experience the intimacy of the on-deck candlelight dinner at the renowned steakhouse. Day 4 MONTE CARLO First stop on the French Riviera. Experience the lives of the rich and famous up close and personal. Monaco is a nation unto itself. Visually stunning from the moment you leave the docks and walk along the promenade towards town, you’ll be amazed by the sheer abundance – from awe-inspiring private yachts the size of floating hotels, to lush gardens and sculptures, to the azure waters of the Mediterranean flanking you along the way. Check out the change of the guard at the palace and walk part of the Grand Prix circuit. But make sure to leave time for the Oceanographic museum, with its massive water tanks with sharks, sea turtles and exotic sea life and the specialized tanks with such beauties as seahorses or jellyfish. This is a late night port, so make sure to save energy to glam up and head back in to check out the famous Grand Casino or Café de Paris. The building is gorgeous, but you’ll no doubt be impressed by the array of high-end vehicles casually lining the front entrance, from Rolls, to Bentleys and Ferraris or Lamborghinis. Day 5 CANNES Big sigh! One of my new favourite spots in the world! Cannes is definitely one of those spots where you’ll want to come back and spend some time. You’ll know there’s some big money here the moment you get off the cruise ship. The bay is lined with unbelievably lavish private yachts, but somehow there’s no pretention here. It invites you to experience all it has to offer and to become a part of this vibrant resort town. Wander along the Boulevard de la Croisettes, alongside the beach. En route, check out the fabulous art and artisans along the walkway. Make sure to visit the market and surprise your senses. It’s hard to describe (or do justice) – you have to experience it. An explosion of colour, scents and energy first hits you as you come upon the market. Row upon row of gorgeous fresh food on display and for testing. It’s a sensory smorgasbord. Try exotic mushrooms, or zucchini blossom fritters, made to order while you wait. Yum. Day 6 SANARY-SUR-MER Another hidden gem along the Riviera that you can experience thanks to the smaller luxury cruise experience of Windstar. And what a treat to hit this beautiful spot on Hallowe’en, as the kids (in full costume) and families wander the streets, going from shop to shop collecting their goodies. Shop-owners and kids alike dressed up and the street was loaded with games and activities, complete with a stunning old carousel. Gorgeous. You’ll feel like you took a step back in time to a gentler place. Some great deals can be found in shops on the lovely winding backstreets alongside some fabulous art galleries. The cemetery is a must-see – reminiscent of New Orlean’s above-ground mausoleums, this lovely spot gives you time for quiet reflection and appreciation. Speaking of treats, the Windstar Hallowe’en BBQ on deck as we sailed away from Sanary-Sur-Mer was nothing short of spectacular. The buffet was a smorgasbord of incredible culinary delights that stretched around the sizable deck, including a massive pan of delicious paella that I couldn’t have stretched my arms around. Incredible. The chef wanders from table to table engaging with the guests, making the entire experience personalized and perfect. With a backdrop of fabulous entertainment, a crew show and dancing, what more could you ask for? Day 7 PORT-VENDRES Bittersweet day, knowing it’s our last port visit. I loved this quaint fishing village. It was a refreshing change of scenery from the glamour of Monte Carlo – a nice counter-perspective, rounding out the Riviera experience. How perfect to end the cruise with an authentic experience, immersing yourself in the culture and cuisine. Later in the evening, over-indulging for our last feast in the exquisite dining room, we basked in the warmth of gathering numbers and contacts of new friends from this incredible voyage. Day 8 BARCELONA Disembarkation was smooth and seamless although we were reluctant to say goodbye. If you can, take an extra day in Barcelona to take in this amazing city and to complete the perfect trifecta – Italy, France and Spain. Explore Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s renowned promenade in the heart of the city so you can feel the heartbeat of the city. Stop into the market for an incredible sensory experience. Swing by the Barcelona Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece, inside and out. Finish off this amazing experience by taking in a meal at any one of Barcelona’s many incredible dining offerings. Go home renewed and satiated, with a renewed respect and love for the infinite variety available to experience when we spread our wings and fly.