From Philipsburg to Lisbon · Mediterranean · 15 nights
Windstar’s flagship sailing yacht is a stunning sail assisted cruise ship, which combines the refinement of a modern vessel with the romance of a tall ship.
Gracious staterooms provide a compact yet comfortable retreat.
Facilities include several dining options and a variety of bars and
lounges, a small swimming pool with two whirlpools and even a
watersports platform. The décor is fresh and modern and the ship
emerged from the first phase of a multi-year refresh in 2024,
boasting upgrades to several public areas including Amphora and the
pool deck. The second phase of the refresh which includes stateroom
redesigns will occur in 2026.
Philipsburg is the gateway to an intriguing little Caribbean island with a dual personality: the Dutch side, St. Maarten, is the livelier of the two, with shopping malls, casinos and more of a nightlife scene, while French-speaking St. Martin is a more refined (and more expensive) affair, with a laid-back, continental air and a host of exclusive resorts and restaurants. Travelling between the two halves of the island is hassle-free, and both sides boast beautiful beaches, friendly locals and pleasant little towns and villages.
Funchal, Madeira’s bustling capital, tumbles down a dramatic hillside towards a beautiful sweeping bay. Highlights include colourful markets, wine lodges and the spectacular cable car ride up to the village of Monte, home of the famous toboggan run.
Many people don’t realise that Madeira is part of an archipelago, but Porto Santo is Madeira’s little sister, known as the ‘Golden Island’ on account of its magnificent sandy beaches. Christopher Columbus lived on the island for a time with his Portuguese wife, and their house in Vila Baleira is now a museum.
Spread across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tejo, Lisbon’s colourful cityscape includes Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums. But for many the best times will be had wandering the narrow lanes of Lisbon’s lovely backstreets, with their great local food, wine and music.
