Cruise
Travels With My Father: Sailing The Mediterranean Aboard Windstar’s Star Pride
by Olivia Liveng
I took my father to Greece half a decade ago. Maybe it was because it was his first time out of the country. Perhaps it was because every corner he turned unveiled some new and unique secret about humanity. Heck, maybe it was the surplus of one euro gyros–oozing with juicy meats and that secret tzatziki sauce that only authentic Greek eateries can perfect.
Whatever the case, when I had the opportunity to bring my father along on a Windstar Cruise expedition again this spring, spanning the idyllic Mediterranean coasts of Greece, Italy, and Spain, I knew the only answer was yes (followed, of course, by–opa!) He eagerly researched the itinerary in anticipation of the voyage, fittingly titled “A Piece of Greece, A Slice of Sicily,”–noting that most of our stops were not extraordinarily typical. Instead of Mylos, Mykonos, and Santorini, our yacht (yes, yacht!) would navigate to smaller islands, those that the larger cruise boats typically cannot travel to.
And though I am an avid cruiser, this would be the first time embarking on a genuinely luxury yacht for a more extended expedition. We would be cruising through these historically quite-touristed towns right before the high season, leaving us the splendors of the past to truly relish in.
All Aboard
Embarking on Star Pride, one of Windstar’s newly renovated yachts, set the stage for our voyage. My dad had previously been on two cruises–both upwards of 5,000 passengers. While an experience in its own right, these “moving cities” legitimately necessitated a map to find one’s way from the casino to their room.
Star Pride? She was different. With just 312 passenger capacity (and ours not even reaching this), one immediately felt the personalization of the ship–the size was one of its many benefits. The recently renovated ship, which completed renovation as part of the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative, is especially unique in that it comprises all suites. That means that every traveler indulges in total luxury: queen-sized beds with luxurious linens, L’Occitane bath amenities, a mirrored closet with ample drawer space, and even a waffle weave robe and slippers. My father and I felt like royalty even while lounging in the room, snacking on the complimentary fruits, clinking champagne glasses, and watching the Mediterranean float by.
Star Pride’s renovation additional includes two new dining venues, a new spa, an infinity pool, and a fitness area. The delightful breeze of the Med routinely served as my office space, while the bespoke fitness lounge kept me in line after indulging in the plethora of culinary options onboard (all included, of course.)
Greece
For a traveler, the highlight of any holiday should be the destination, that unrivaled ability to arrive in a foreign land, where thoughts are outnumbered by the musts of new scents, where languages of a different tongue provide a melodic and buzzing background. That’s what Greece has always been for me: it may physically be accessible from North America and Europe, but everywhere you turn, you’re immersed in 3,000 years of history. Our cruise began in Greece’s thriving capital, Athens. My father and I explored the Acropolis (gyros in hand, of course), early in the day, before boarding our Windstar yacht and embarking on the adventure.
Our second day marked the true “undiscovered” bit of the trip. For the next seven days, each crevice we would explore wasn’t something on the typical tourist itinerary. We arrived in the unspoiled Gythion, a traditional southern Greek town that hasn’t been burdened by overtourism. From here, I explored what may be the most important natural site in Greece: the Dyros Caves. It was like being in a living museum: I witnessed formations that looked like and were even named after great sites such as the Metropolitan Throne, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Chinese Palace.
Star Pride sailed to Corfu the next day, known more for its tourism pull than the other destinations. However, my father and I still wanted to immerse ourselves in that “off-grid” experience. We decided to embark on a Windstar excursion to experience Paleokastritsa, the area of unique natural beauty on the northwestern shores of Corfu. Known as the “Capri of Greece” for its rocky promontories cloaked in pine and cypress trees extending out into the sea, my father and I wore our explorer hats, navigating small sandy bays and coves with crystal clear turquoise waters.
Our last stop in Greece, the town of Argostoli, epitomized untouched Greece for me. My father and I especially enjoyed strolling down the long promenade and witnessing unique nature: the turtles feeding at the nearby lagoon.
Italy
I’ll admit that while I’ve explored Italy, my venturing has generally been limited to the larger, more touristed cities—Rome, Florence, Venice. The Italy portion of our itinerary was also a highlight for me. Cusping the shoreline of southern Sicily, Star Pride enjoyed a full day in Messina. My dad had been itching to explore Italy for as long as I can remember, and our welcome to Sicily did not disappoint. Instead of tours, we spent the day as I imagine many Europeans would: strolling the enchanting cobblestone streets with a mini gelato in hand. We stopped to soak in the Italian vibes at the second-largest Greek Theatre in Sicily, watching the moody Mount Etna in the distance.
In Trapani, Sicily, my father and I went on a Windstar excursion that highlighted the city’s historic center, especially its bountiful churches and palazzos, with their ornate façades and elaborate interior. Our final stop in Italy surely did not disappoint–Cagliari is a medieval walled city perched over the sparkling azure waters of the Mediterranean.
Spain
Full in more ways than one, our Winstar trip culminated in Barcelona, sailing into the lively coastal metropolis early in the morning on day eight. After being surrounded by the quaint charm of coastal villages for most of the journey, Barcelona felt especially buzzing (even for this girl from New York City!)
We sadly had to depart our makeshift home and new cruise family, but we couldn’t resist one last Windstar-worthy excursion: a multi-hour bus tour showcasing city highlights. I had spent time in Barcelona on previous occasions, but the tour was comprehensive and an optimal choice for a traveler like my father. (He had previously only heard of Gaudi in school-age art classes, after all!) Our air-conditioned bus whisked us through the city, and though we were feeling the effects of such a full itinerary, the adrenaline from the past eight days (and some potent café, of course) kept us engaged.
I will always treasure moments like these with my father. Seeing Europe for me, a seasoned traveler is one thing. But to experience it again through the eyes of someone who relishes every detail is what means the world to me.
