Star Pride Review

Star Pride’s stretching and refurbishment in 2022 improved the ship’s ability to serve a clientele who want variety, comfort, and quality service. Windstar repeat cruisers talk about the feeling of cruising on a wealthy friend’s yacht and that is exactly what the line achieves on Star Pride with an atmosphere that is both laid-back and welcoming. The split-deck layout, where staterooms occupy half of each of the middle decks, means that dining and entertainment options are mere steps away from any cabin. And surprisingly for such a small ship, there are choices for almost everything – from what to eat to where to sunbathe or where to enjoy the ocean view.

Star Pride is ideal for cruisers seeking lesser-known ports with a sociable cohort of fellow passengers via a premium, yet unpretentious ship.

Windstar Star Pride Features a Blissfully Simple Deck Plan

Though there are a few secret hideaways to explore, the layout on Star Pride is basic – everything guests might need is close at hand, with adequate spacing between venues to allow for smooth traffic flow, with pathways that are entirely indoors if the ship is sailing in inclement weather conditions.

Decks 7 and 8 are all public space, encompassing the pool and one hot tub, The Veranda/Candles shared restaurant space, sun decks, the spa, salon, and gym area and the Yacht Club. Decks 3 to 6 are split between forward staterooms and dining and entertainment options in the aft of the ship. The dramatic brass-railed circular staircase dominating the atrium acts as an easy route connecting all the important indoor spots, as well as the gangway on Deck 4.

Even though the elevators are exceptionally small, they are adequate in spacing and numbers along the length of the ship to accommodate those opting not to take the stairs between decks without much waiting. Stairs are required to board or depart the ship at the gangway.

As for those secret Star Pride spots we mentioned, at the forward end of the stateroom hallway on Deck 5 there is a doorway that opens onto a small whirlpool deck. Stairs connect this perfect hideaway to the cabin hallway of Deck 6 and the walkway around the Bridge on Deck 7. The first time we stepped out the doorway onto this deck, three people enjoying the peace and quiet gave us a look that said, “Don’t you dare tell anyone where you found us.”

The Yacht Club, forward on Deck 8, is not quite that secretive, but we encountered many other cruisers who did not know of its existence. The entrance is somewhat recessed on the starboard side of the forward elevator and stairwell.

Star Pride Rooms are All Suites and All 277 Square Feet or Larger

At 277 square feet, even the smallest of the 156 suites on Star Pride feel more like hotel suites than traditional cruise cabins. Each has separate sitting and sleeping areas separated by curtains, a large walk-in closet, and large double-sink bathrooms. Choices among the basic suites include staterooms with French balconies, large picture windows, or portholes.

Most of the suites on the ship are nearly identical, so position may be a deciding factor when choosing a suite. Keep in mind that the farther forward the room is, the more movement you will feel in rough waters. Room numbers begin at the front of the ship, so for mid-ship stability, look for staterooms ending in thirty or higher.

There truly are no rooms/cabins to avoid on Star Pride, but a word of caution is in order regarding suites 400 and 401. These are Oceanview staterooms, with an unusual shape due to the curve of bow of the ship. Guests we met enjoyed the slight change of floorplan but warned of early morning anchor chain noise on the days the ship anchored in port.

Beyond the basic 277-square-foot suites, Star Pride features a handful of larger suites. The two Owner’s Suites can even be connected to neighboring rooms, creating Grand Owner’s Suites in either two- or three-bedroom versions. Throughout the ship, selected pairs of suites share a common vestibule with a door that can be closed to create connecting staterooms.

Windstar Star Pride Has Unexpected Dining Choices

During its stretching, Star Pride gained a Spanish cuisine restaurant (Cuadro 44) and a world-class outdoor grill eatery (Star Grill). Both are chef inspired and help boost the ship’s options for all three meals. For example, during our sailing, the Star Grill served a daily grab-and-go breakfast that fell neatly into the niche between the full buffet breakfast served in The Veranda and the continental bites served at the Yacht Club coffee counter.

As interesting (and tasty) as Cuadro 44 is, it can’t outshine Candles, Windstar’s famous steakhouse style, reservations-only dining experience held on the aft deck of The Veranda. You know you’re in for a memorable meal when they let you choose your cutting utensil from a custom wooden box.