Trip Reports
A departure from London's Tower Bridge has an odd feel. There's no huge cruise terminal. One second you're milling around with the tourists, sightseers and office workers; the next you're crossing the Thames to join your ship, and immediately there is a feeling of separation, a calmer pace than the bustle around you.
At least, so it was for me when I joined Windstar Star Pride for a short four-night sailing in May, part of Windstar Cruises' UK season sailing direct from the capital. Boarding at 5pm on Friday evening, I headed straight to my Balcony Suite, with enough time for my customary walk around the ship to get my bearings and then freshen up before dinner.
Getting my bearings on board Star Pride
It took no more than a few minutes to get the lay of the land on the 312-guest Star Pride. Just six decks to wander, with dining in the main restaurant, Amphora, complemented by two alternative evening venues, plus the Star Grill on deck, a bar, a café and library and a small show lounge.
It usually takes me a couple of days to find my flow on board, but on a ship this size I settled in almost immediately. Joining my travelling companions at Compass Rose for drinks before dinner at Amphora, I felt a celebratory air to the sailing. The expectation that Tower Bridge would lift for our departure was one reason. The rest became apparent as I heard reserved choruses of "happy birthday" twice on the first evening, then repeated throughout my time on board.
Why a short sailing makes a superb birthday cruise
Short sailings on small luxury ships are a superb way to mark a celebration, and Star Pride is just the ship to do it on. Small enough to feel at home on quickly, but with all the facilities you could want for a few days away. I was very impressed by the fitness and spa area, completely new since the ship was stretched and refitted in 2021.
Dinner in Amphora was excellent, and the accompanying wines in the optional all-inclusive package were very good, although an eyebrow or two was raised when we realised the white came from Sarah Jessica Parker's vineyard. Curiosity got the better of me, and I shouldn't have judged; it was actually quite good. After dinner, guests drifted to the show lounge or headed straight to Compass Rose, where a relaxed, sociable atmosphere grew as groups gathered and conversation flowed.
Sea days, St Malo and Mont Saint-Michel
Over the next few days I relaxed further into this wonderful little ship. My itinerary gave me two days at sea and a day in St Malo, from which we took a guided tour to Mont Saint-Michel, including the abbey at the peak of the island, which rises from the water and dominates the coastline. It was the ideal mix, offering rest and relaxation alongside interest and insight.
The sea days had their own rhythm: a busy spa and a constant stream of speciality coffees from the Yacht Club bar, enjoyed with views over the English and French coastlines. When the sun did pop out, the Star Grill by the pool deck was my choice for an easy al fresco lunch.
Dining on board Star Pride
The choice of dining struck the ideal level of variety. My evening at Candles (Veranda during the day) brought good food and an exceptional dessert; in better weather, the outdoor seating would help the venue come into its own. Any initial trepidation over Basil + Bamboo, the Asian-and-Mediterranean venue, disappeared as I sat down in its stylish surroundings, with the open kitchen in view, torn between the miso black cod and the grilled Spanish octopus.
How to celebrate a birthday on a cruise
If the happy birthday choruses on Star Pride are anything to go by, plenty of people have already worked this out. A few things make this work. It is kept short and convenient. The no-fly cruise means nobody spends half the celebration in an airport. Choosing a ship small enough for your group to settle in quickly and find each other without trying. Book the speciality restaurants for the night itself. And tell us it's a special occasion when you book; we'll make sure the ship knows, and small ship crews are brilliant at marking the moment.
The verdict
Most Windstar reviews focus on the Mediterranean, the Caribbean or Tahiti, but a short UK round trip shows what these ships do best: ease. Our return to London came early, as we passed back through Tower Bridge at 5am. Stepping ashore, I was struck by how easy the past few days had been. No hosting worries, no cooking dramas and no tidying up afterwards, just the joy of spending time with friends for a few days, on a break that even a non-cruiser would happily commit to.
Thinking about a birthday cruise of your own? Speak to us, and we'll match the ship, the sailing and the occasion.
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