My recent voyage aboard Windstar Cruises’ Wind Star was nothing short of a dream. Exploring the Greek Islands by small ship allowed me to experience a more authentic and intimate side of this stunning region. After sailing on Wind Surf last summer, I had high expectations and Wind Star exceeded them in the best possible ways. From magical sunsets to picture-perfect ports, here’s everything you need to know about this unforgettable itinerary.
Life On Board: The Staterooms
Wind Star has a warm and refined yacht-style atmosphere that makes you feel comfortable from the very beginning. My stateroom was spacious, elegant and cozy.
The queen-size bed was incredibly plush and comfortable, and the amount of storage space was more than enough, even for an overpacker like me.
What made the experience truly special were the thoughtful details: fresh flowers, a basket of fruit, soft robes and slippers and a well-stocked minibar. The L’Occitane bath products added an extra touch of luxury to the bathroom.
Service was amazing, with the room cleaned twice a day and every request handled with care. Wind Star feels exclusive and intimate without being formal, creating the perfect setting for a relaxed luxury sailing experience. . It truly felt like having a private retreat at sea.
The Treasures of the Greek Isles Itinerary
This 7-day itinerary is ideal if you want a mix of iconic destinations and hidden gems. Here’s how our week looked:
- Athens: our starting point, full of ancient charm. Boarding in Piraeus was smooth and well-organized.
- Mykonos: a classic favorite. We enjoyed an early-morning photo session at Mykonos’s most iconic locations before the crowds.
- Kusadasi (Turkey): a highlight of the trip. We enjoyed Windstar’s discovery event at an exclusive private dinner at the ancient city of Ephesus.
- Patmos: a hidden gem in the Aegean Sea, serene and spiritual. The views from the Monastery of Saint John were absolutely breathtaking.
- Santorini: an absolute bucket list destination! Besides the destination itself, we enjoyed the signature onboard barbecue surrounded by Santorini’s caldera.
- Monemvasia: A medieval town secluded in a rock, with a peaceful vibe. Ideal for quiet walks and great photography.
- Nafplio: charming and colorful, full of bougainvilleas and seafront cafes. So pretty!
Each port felt like a curated experience. Windstar made it easy to explore at your own pace or join their curated shore excursions.
Dining and Bars: World-Class Experiences
Dining onboard Wind Star was one of the highlights of the trip. From al fresco breakfasts to elegant dinners, the food consistently impressed me.
- Amphora: the main dining room, offering gourmet dinners with changing daily menus. Every meal felt like a fine-dining experience.
- Candles: a romantic dinner under the stars.
- Veranda: casual breakfasts and lunches with stunning views.
- Pool Bar & Lounge: great for cocktails and sunset views.
- Yacht club: a cute spot for breakfasts and casual snacks.
Entertainment and Relaxation
Wind Star is more about quiet luxury than high-energy entertainment. There’s no casino or Broadway-style show, but I love that.
Evenings were filled with live music and cocktails on the open deck. The staff hosted a crew talent show and local musicians came onboard in some ports, adding a cultural touch.
During the day, you could relax by the pool, book a massage at the spa, or read a book on deck. There was also a watersports platform that opened up when anchored at some of the ports. So perfect for paddleboarding or jumping straight into the Aegean Sea.
They also made it possible to take photos at the bow while sailing and we even had dinner with the captain one of the nights.
One detail I loved? The open bridge policy. You could visit the captain and crew at almost any time — a small but meaningful touch.
Things I loved the most
- The yacht atmosphere: with less than 150 passengers, it felt personal and friendly. I met people from all over the world and never felt crowded.
- Service: impeccable from start to finish. The crew remembered names, preferences, and always greeted us with a smile. Forever grateful!
- Itinerary access: docking in smaller ports and tendering close to hidden gems made every day feel exclusive.
- Photo opportunities: as a content creator, the itinerary was a dream to capture.
Final Thoughts
Windstar’s Treasures of the Greek Isles cruise on Wind Star is a unique and intimate way to explore one of the most beautiful regions in the world. Whether it’s your first time in Greece or your tenth like me, seeing it from a small sailing yacht offers a whole new perspective.
The uniqueness of Windstar is the sense of connection: with other passengers, the destinations and the crew. Because the ship is small, you’re able to visit ports that big cruiselines can’t, giving you a more authentic, less crowded experience. From docking right in the heart of charming coastal towns to stepping off the yacht and being instantly immersed in local culture, everything feels more personal and immersive. It’s a completely different way to travel: slower, more intentional, and absolutely memorable.
If you’re looking for a luxury experience that’s low-key, authentic, and beautifully curated: this is the perfect choice.