Miami is one of the world’s most popular holiday spots. It has so much to offer; from its countless beach areas, to culture and museums, from spa and shopping days out, to endless cuban restaurants and cafes. Miami is a multicultural city that has something to offer to everyone.
With an average temperature of a pleasant 76°, there seems to be something for everyone in Miami. South Beach’s trendy nightlife, the charm of the Art Deco district, the calypso energy of Little Havana, the busy Calle Ocho area, the luxury of Miami Beach and the Coral Gables, the variety of shopping in Coconut Grove and the sports lures of deep-sea fishing, golf, boating, and tennis – only the beginning of the delights to be found here.
San Felipe de Puerto Plata is the capital of the Puerto Plata province on the Dominican Republic’s Atlantic north coast. The city is best known for its beaches. Playa Dorada’s lengthy beachfront is backed by resorts and an 18-hole golf course. The city’s old colonial-era center is dominated by the 16th-century Fortaleza San Felipe, a Spanish fortress that now houses historical and military artifacts.
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, is a vibrant city on the northern coast known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and lush landscapes. Visitors can ride the only cable car in the Caribbean to the top of Pico Isabel de Torres for breathtaking views and explore the botanical gardens. The city is also home to the historic Fort San Felipe, a 16th-century fortress offering a glimpse into the region’s colonial past. The Amber Museum showcases exquisite Dominican amber, while the bustling Malecón, a seaside promenade, is perfect for enjoying local cuisine, shopping, and the lively culture of Puerto Plata.
Samaná (pronounced sah-mah-NAH) is a dramatically beautiful peninsula, like an island unto itself, of coconut trees stretching into the sea. It’s something of a microcosm of the Dominican Republic: here you’ll see poverty and fancy resorts, brand-new highways as well as bad roads, verdant mountainsides, tropical forests, tiny villages lined with street-side fruit vendors, secluded beaches, and the radiant warmth of the Dominican people. Samaná is the name of both the peninsula and its biggest town, as well as the bay to the south. It’s worth noting that to locals, Samaná denotes only the largest town, Santa Bárbara de Samaná, which makes a great departure point for whale-watching or an excursion to Los Haitises Park across the bay. The bay is home to some of the world’s best whale-watching from mid-January to late March. It is now the site of Puerto Bahia Marina and Residences and the Bannister Hotel, contemporary, luxurious yet moderately priced. This complex has brought an entirely new level of tourism to this area, and given yachts a full-service facility in what has always been a desirable cruising destination.A visit here is really about two things: exploring the preserved natural wonders and relaxing at a small beachfront hotel. The latter is most readily accomplished in Las Terrenas, the only true tourist center, where you can find picturesque restaurants, accommodations of all types (including the new oceanfront Sublime Samaná and the luxury condo-hotel, Balcones del Atlantico), and great beaches. At Las Terrenas you can enjoy peaceful playas, take advantage of the vibrant nightlife, and make all your plans for expeditions on the peninsula. The other pleasures are solitary—quiet beaches, the massive national park Los Haitises, and water sports and hiking. A relatively new toll road connects Santo Domingo to the peninsula; it’s about a 2- to 2½-hour drive. Small El Catey International Airport is near Las Terrenas and is now being served by twice-weekly JetBlue flights (Wednesday and Saturday). On the Dominican Republic’s Samaná Peninsula, the green mountains teem with coconut trees and dramatic vistas of the ocean. The area is full of hidden beaches reachable only on foot or by sea, protected coves, and undeveloped bays. A visit to Samaná is really about two things: exploring its preserved natural wonders and relaxing on the beach. There are a number of all-inclusive resorts where you can hang your hat, quaint and low-key beachfront hotels, as well as new world-class properties, where you can find complete relaxation and tranquillity.
Lovely Samana is an environmental treasure. Untamed, with plenty of coves, bays, mountains, waterfalls and diverse geography zones where nature abounds. The protected natural area known as Los Haitises National Park is home to two endemic mammal species, the Hispaniolan hutia and the Hispaniolan solenodon along with numerous birds including the brown pelican, frigate birds, barn owls, stygian owls and Hispaniolan amazons. Its beaches are famous for body-boarding and wading.
Jost Van Dyke, four miles long, is truly known as the ‘barefoot island’. The smallest of the British Virgin Islands, it is known as a popular destination for yachts and is celebrated for its casual lifestyle, protected anchorages, fine beaches and beachfront restaurants and bars. The island has fewer than 200 inhabitants and they are widely known as a welcoming people. The island’s name conjures up its rich, colorful past. Jost Van Dyke is said to have been named for an early Dutch settler, a former pirate. At Great Harbour, Little Harbour, and White Bay there are safe, protected bays and pristine beaches shaded with coconut palms and seagrape trees. Discover inviting shops selling local treasures, restaurants, and bars. ‘The Painkiller’, one of the Caribbean’s most popular drinks, originated at the Soggy Dollar Bar. Foxy’s and Gertrude’s in White Bay are renowned for drinks made with the island’s famous rum, frosty beers, and tales of pirates and sunken treasure. Explore Jost Van Dyke’s history in the vegetation-covered ruins of centuries-old sugar mills, or on the old trails that crisscross the island. Revel in the natural beauty of the pristine, untouched beaches. Hike up to the highest spot on the island, Majohnny Point, and take in a stunning 360 degree view of the Caribbean. Relax in the natural ‘bubble pool’, a popular tourist attraction. Jost Van Dyke conjures up images of what the British Virgin Islands may have looked like many years ago.
For an island comprised of a mere eight square miles, it’s amazing how much there is to do on Jost Van Dyke. Visit the national park on nearby Diamond Cay, snorkel among swaying sponges and angelfish at Sandy Spit, or pilot your own boat around Sir Francis Drake Waterway. After all that, you’ll be ready for an evening drink on the beach — where you can admire your Windstar ship aglow in the harbor.
Arrive at the boardwalk of Pusser’s Landing and mingle with other yachtsmen in the utterly charming marina at Soper’s Hole. Find a deserted stretch of beach to kick back and ponder this tiny port’s rich heritage of romance, pirates, and adventure. An evening departure features a once-in-a-lifetime romantic sunset Sail Away.
The imposing façade of El Morro fortress is just one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in San Juan. Admire the colorful colonial buildings from your casually elegant ship, docked right in the heart of Old San Juan.
This luxurious 548-square-foot suite combines floor-to-ceiling windows and a wrap-around balcony for an unparalleled cruising experience. Perfect for evening cocktails or a private dinner, the wrap-around balcony adds 248 square feet of space and offers unobstructed views of the sea. The suite boasts a separate entryway — as well as separate dining and living areas — and a guest powder room. The bedroom includes an inviting king bed (convertible into two XL twin beds if desired), and the bathroom features a luxurious double walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets. For family bookings, the adjacent suite can be combined to provide extra bedrooms and space for entertaining.
Step into a stylish and bright open living area with a spacious adjacent bedroom. This 353-square-foot suite welcomes you with spectacular views, courtesy of the sliding glass doors that lead out to your private balcony. The outdoor space adds another 110 square feet, enough to sit outside comfortably and enjoy the breeze. The bedroom features an inviting queen bed that can be converted into two twins if desired, while the bathroom includes a luxurious walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets.
This 288-square-foot suite welcomes you with spectacular views, courtesy of the sliding glass doors that lead out to your private balcony. The outdoor space adds another 110 square feet, enough to sit outside comfortably and enjoy the breeze. The bedroom features an inviting queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired) and its own sliding glass door with balcony access, while the bathroom includes a luxurious walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets.
Located on deck 7, this 268-square-foot suite welcomes you with stylish comfort and stunning ocean views. Relax on your queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired) or lounge in the nearby living area. The outdoor space adds another 55 square feet, enough to sit outside comfortably and enjoy the breeze. In the bathroom, you’ll find a luxurious walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets.
Located on deck 6, this 246-square-foot suite welcomes you with stylish comfort and stunning ocean views. Featuring an inviting queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired) and a pull-out sofa in the living area, the suite allows for triple occupancy. The outdoor space adds another 55 square feet, enough to sit outside comfortably and enjoy the breeze. In the bathroom, you’ll find a luxurious walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets.
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you to this 225-square-foot suite. Relax on your queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired) or lounge in the nearby living area. The outdoor space adds another 55 square feet, enough to sit outside comfortably and enjoy the breeze. In the bathroom, you’ll find a luxurious walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets.
Located at the middle of the ship, these 225-square-foot suites welcome you with stylish comfort and beautiful ocean views. Relax on your queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired) or lounge in the nearby living area. The outdoor space adds another 55 square feet, enough to sit outside comfortably and enjoy the breeze. In the bathroom, you’ll find a luxurious walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets.
This roomy 301-square-foot suite features a wide floor-to-ceiling infinity window in the bedroom, allowing for stunning ocean views. You can even open the top half to enjoy the cool ocean breeze. This suite also features an inviting queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired) and a pull-out sofa in the separate living area, allowing for triple occupancy. In the bathroom, you’ll find a luxurious walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets.
Located on deck 7, this 280-square-foot suite features a wide floor-to-ceiling infinity window that allows for stunning ocean views. You can even open the top half to enjoy the cool ocean breeze. Your suite features an inviting queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired), a walk-in mosaic glass shower and a comfortable living area where you can lounge and enjoy the view.
This 280-square-foot suite features a wide floor-to-ceiling infinity window that allows for stunning ocean views. You can even open the top half to enjoy the cool ocean breeze. Your suite features an inviting queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired), a walk-in mosaic glass shower and a comfortable living area where you can lounge and enjoy the view.
Experience the perfect blend of style and functionality in this thoughtfully designed 203-square-foot suite. The well-planned layout creates an ideal retreat with plenty of natural light, a view of the sea, a walk-in mosaic glass shower and an inviting queen bed (convertible into two twins if desired), perfect for unwinding after a day of fun and exploration.
Step into a stylish and bright open living area with a spacious adjacent bedroom. This 380-square-foot suite welcomes you with spectacular views, courtesy of the sliding glass doors that lead out to your private balcony. The outdoor space adds another 110 square feet, enough to sit outside comfortably and enjoy the breeze. The bedroom features an inviting queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired) and its own sliding glass door with balcony access, while the bathroom includes a bathtub and walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets.
Amphora presents a contemporary, international menu and fresh local dishes.
You’ll find all your traditional grilled and barbecued favorites (and discover new dishes from around the world) in our casual outdoor restaurant.
A pleasant lounge and all-day coffee bar, which is the perfect place to relax with new friends and enjoy the 270 degree views from atop the ship.
24-hour room service menu for in-room dining features coursed menu from the main Amphora dining room during dining hours.
Swim directly from the yacht’s platform and enjoy complimentary snorkeling gear, paddleboards, kayaks and floatable watermats.
Guests can talk with the Captain and officers on watch, view the navigational charts with the crew and enjoy one of the best views on the ship.
Full-service salon and spa from around the world. Offerings include massages, body treatments, facials, manicures, andpedicures.
Windstar does not discriminate against persons on the basis of disability. We seek, to the extent feasible, to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities. There are no elevators on Wind Star and Wind Spirit nor were the ships originally constructed to be wheelchair accessible. As a result, these ships may be unsuitable for people relying solely on wheelchairs. The other yachts are equipped with elevators, but staterooms on Wind Surf are not wheelchair accessible. Also note, there is no elevator access to board the ship. Star Pride, Star Breeze, and Star Legend have modified wheelchair accessible suites available.
Certain ports require the ship to anchor; in this case guests must be ferried into port. Service Dogs are permitted onboard ships if prior arrangements have been made at time of booking. In limited situations where an individual with a disability would be unable to satisfy certain specified safety and other criteria, even when provided with appropriate auxiliary aids and services, we may find it necessary to ask the individual to make alternative travel arrangements. It is essential that Windstar is notified of any special medical, physical or other requirements you may have at the time of booking.
Windstar Cruises is unable to accommodate children under eight (8) years of age. All Guests under 21 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone who is at least 21 years old. Parents, guardians, and chaperones are responsible for overseeing the onboard conduct of minors. Alcoholic beverages will not be served to guests under age 21.
For family groups booking multiple staterooms, the minimum age for at least one person in each stateroom is 18 years of age, provided they are traveling with a parent, guardian or chaperone.
The less you bring the better. We suggest clothes that are light, cool, and made of natural fabrics like cotton and silk. You may wish to bring warmer clothing (layers are best), if you are traveling on an Ocean Crossing or an autumn Mediterranean cruise.
The Dress Code – from 7 am – 6 pm guests are welcome to dress as they please with the exception of no swimwear in all public lounges and restaurants and no clothing with offensive language or graphics that distract from the comfort and well-being of others. The general shipboard style is elegant, but relaxed including jeans and Bermuda/ walking shorts.
In the evening – after 6 pm when dining in Amphora, Stella Bistro or Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, the dress code is country club-type clothing. For men – nice slacks, polo shirts, button down shirts, shoes other than athletic shoes. Designer denim jeans without rips or holes or are multi-coloured are also acceptable. Sport coats are optional. Ties are not needed. For women – nice pants, skirts, tops, casual dresses, sundresses, nice sandals or casual shoes and designer denim dress jeans not ripped or multi-coloured or having holes. Blazers are optional.
No assigned seating in Amphora or Veranda restaurants. And what can be more casual than merely signing for onboard purchases? You will feel like this is your ship, your personal yacht. The environment inspires the attitude. Reservations are required for Candles and can be made on board.
For those guests traveling to Alaska, it’s important to wear the right gear. We have partnered with the leading expedition outfitter to offer an online Alaska clothing and accessories service that ships directly to your ship. You’ll find all the right gear for Alaska, packing lists, clothing tips and our limited-edition Alaska inaugural season jacket here..
Smoking or vaping is not permitted in any of the staterooms, suites, or public spaces, including all restaurants and corridors. Smoking and vaping is permitted on the outside decks in designated smoking areas only. Smoking cigars is permitted in a specific designated area on each yacht, however, only sold on board the Cigar Room of Wind Surf.
Windstar Cruises offers full internet capabilities, depending on course and position of the ship, as well as wireless internet service on all ships. Wi-Fi access is possible in most public areas, staterooms, and suites.
The Email Plan $60
This plan gives you 200 MB of data to use during your cruise. This plan is recommended for people who will be checking email and doing very limited browsing. The estimated minutes range from 15 to 60.
The Surfing Plan $120
This plan gives you 500 MB of data to use for additional browsing and small file transfers (such as posting pictures to a social media site). The estimated minutes range from 90 to 360 (approximately 5 hours).
The Ultimate Plan –
Unlimited Internet Package
-7 Day Cost $245
-8 Day Cost $280
-9 Day Cost $315
-10 Day Cost $350
-11 Day Cost $385
-14 Day Cost $490
-15 Day Cost $525
This plan gives you unlimited internet access. You have no worries about how much time you spend on the internet.
How can I get internet access on board?
Guests can purchase Internet Usage Plans prior to their cruise through a Vacation Planner or on board at Reception. These plans can be used on personal laptops or smart devises that are Wi-Fi enabled.
* Please Note: All packages only allow for one device at a time to be connected to the internet.
Laundry service is provided on board at a nominal charge. Dry cleaning is not available. Laundry Service Packages must be added by the first day of the cruise and will be priced by the total number of cruise days. Pricing is inclusive of applicable taxes.
Animals or pets are not allowed with the exception of qualified Service Dogs for guests with disabilities. Please notify your travel professional at time of booking if you intend to board with a Service Dog.
What is a Service Dog?
At Windstar Cruises a Service Dog is defined as a dog that is personally trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a guest with a disability. There are many different acceptable conditions for using a service dog such as guiding a blind person, pulling a wheelchair, or alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, and other special tasks as defined in Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A Service Dog is not a pet.
Are pets, Service Dogs in Training or Emotional Support Dogs considered Service Dogs?
No. Service Dogs do not include pets or Service Dogs in Training. Nor are Emotional Support Dogs considered Service Dogs based on a decision by the U.S. Department of Justice. None of these animals will be able to sail with Windstar Cruises.
What do guests need to do to meet the requirements to bring a Service Dog on board a Windstar yacht?
What additional information do guests need to know?
What happens on board?
The less you bring the better. We suggest clothes that are light, cool, and made of natural fabrics like cotton and silk. You may wish to bring warmer clothing (layers are best), if you are traveling on an Ocean Crossing or an autumn Mediterranean cruise.
The Dress Code – from 7 am – 6 pm guests are welcome to dress as they please with the exception of no swimwear in all public lounges and restaurants and no clothing with offensive language or graphics that distract from the comfort and well-being of others. The general shipboard style is elegant, but relaxed including jeans and Bermuda/ walking shorts.
In the evening – after 6 pm when dining in Amphora, Stella Bistro or Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, the dress code is country club-type clothing. For men – nice slacks, polo shirts, button down shirts, shoes other than athletic shoes. Designer denim jeans without rips or holes or are multi-colored are also acceptable. Sport coats are optional. Ties are not needed. For women – nice pants, skirts, tops, casual dresses, sundresses, nice sandals or casual shoes and designer denim dress jeans not ripped or multi-colored or having holes. Blazers are optional.
No assigned seating in Amphora or Veranda restaurants. And what can be more casual than merely signing for onboard purchases? You will feel like this is your ship, your personal yacht. The environment inspires the attitude. Reservations are required for Candles and can be made on board.
A doctor and limited medical facilities are available on board. However, if you take special medications, please bring an adequate supply with you together with a copy of the prescription from your doctor; it may not be available on board. Medical services and all medicines (except acetaminophen, aspirin, and seasickness pills) dispensed by the ship’s doctor will be charged to your onboard account. If you become ill during the voyage and the physician is unable to care for your needs on board, you will be transferred to medical facilities on shore. Shoreside medical care and/or evacuation are not charged to your onboard account. You will be responsible for paying all of these charges.
If you will require a special medical apparatus or assistance on board or have any special medical, physical or other requirements, please contact our Vacation Planners Department at 1-888-260-6159. Due to limited medical facilities, we will not accept reservations for children under 8 years of age or women who are 24 or more weeks pregnant at the time their travel with Windstar concludes.
Here at Windstar we are committed to offering our guests healthy food selections. We offer vegetarian selections and lighter fare options, seeking to provide the freshest, top quality foods handled with the utmost care. If you have food allergies or special dietary needs, there are several ways to notify us prior to boarding the ship.
It’s important to let us know about your special request when you book your cruise to help us plan and prepare for your meals. Your travel professional will enter this information in Special Requests. It is then noted on your booking and your ship will be notified, although it will not appear on your invoice or in My Windstar.
Special Request Dietary Needs include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate Kosher or Halal meals. If you have specific dietary needs– such as – lactose intolerant requiring almond milk – please complete a Special Requirements Information Form. Return this information via:
When you embark the ship please feel free to ask to speak with the Executive Chef about your specific request.
BREAKFAST
It is 7:30 in the morning and you awake to hear the gentle trade winds, and smell the freshly brewed Colombian coffee and buttery croissants that lure you topside to Veranda. It’s breakfast alfresco, full service or buffet-style, anytime till 9:30 a.m. No need to hurry. Or if you prefer, linger over a continental breakfast served in the privacy of your stateroom or suite. Whichever is fine with us. After all, this is what the good life is all about: doing what you please, when you please.
LUNCH
Again, the choices are many in Veranda. Choose the sumptuous, seemingly endless buffet. Or, order from the lunch menu. Please refer to your onboard Daily Program for specific times.
DINNER
In the evening, we turn the spotlight to our elegant Amphora restaurant. Here, the dining room manager seats you, but where is your decision. There are no pre-assigned tables or first or second seatings. Or try the romantic candelight atmosphere of Candles. When you dine and with whom are entirely up to you. Reservations are required for Candles and can be made on board. Dinner time will be printed in the ship’s daily program.
If you’re dining in Amphora, Stella Bistro, or Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso in the evening, slacks or non-distressed jeans are appropriate, paired with collared, button-down or polo shirts, or fashion tops or blouses. Skirts with nice tops, casual dresses and sundresses are also good choices. Dress shoes, nice sandals or stylish athletic casual shoes round out your evening wardrobe. Depending on your destination you may wish to pack shorts, hats, flip flops and t-shirts, but please reserve them for your daytime activities.
The cuisine is exquisite … a unique creation of light and savory entrees using fresh native foods and tropical accents. What will it be? Pear and goat cheese salad with prosciutto? Roasted eggplant and garlic soup? Grilled ahi tuna with Asian vegetables and a ginger pink peppercorn sauce? Or perhaps a mocha and chocolate terrine with almond sauce? To all this, we add a fine selection of vintage wines.
IN-ROOM DINING
If you decide you’d like to dine in your stateroom or suite menus are available 24 hours a day. Breakfast menu from 6 – 11 a.m., lunch from noon – 10 p.m., dinner menu from Amphora served during their open hours and an overnight menu available 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The Dress Code – from 7 am – 6 pm guests are welcome to dress as they please with the exception of no swimwear in all public lounges and restaurants and no clothing with offensive language or graphics that distract from the comfort and well-being of others. The general shipboard style is elegant, but relaxed including jeans and Bermuda/ walking shorts.
In the evening – after 6 pm when dining in Amphora, Stella Bistro or Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, the dress code is country club-type clothing. For men – nice slacks, polo shirts, button down shirts, shoes other than athletic shoes. Designer denim jeans without rips or holes or are multi-colors are also acceptable. Sport coats are optional. Ties are not needed. For women – nice pants, skirts, tops, casual dresses, sundresses, nice sandals or casual shoes and designer denim dress jeans not ripped or multi-colored or having holes. Blazers are optional.
No assigned seating in Amphora or Veranda restaurants. And what can be more casual than merely signing for onboard purchases? You will feel like this is your ship, your personal yacht. The environment inspires the attitude. Reservations are required for Candles and can be made on board.