The Family Traveler’s Mindy and her husband Rich recently sailed on the Windstar’s tall sailing and 342-passenger Windsurf from Venice to Athens in late August.  The 8-night itinerary was also a themed culinary cruise through Windstar’s partnership with the James Beard Foundation. 

Their trip started in Venice a day before the cruise sailed with a stay at La Commedia, one of The Family Traveler’s favorite 4-star hotels.  It also gave them a chance to buy a few essential items since their luggage had not yet arrived! Thankfully, their travel insurance came through to help cover the cost of some needed replacements.  Venice, with its canals and historic charm, was a beautiful start to their journey. It was fun to wander around and soak in the city’s atmosphere before heading to the ship.

One of the standout features of their cruise was the exceptional customer service, particularly from the guest relations team. It took four days for their luggage to catch up with them, but the staff went above and beyond to assist. They dutifully tracked down the bags, gave them a gift shop credit to buy some essential items, and offered free same-day laundry service while they waited for their luggage to be delivered.

The food on board was another highlight thanks in part to being a specialty sailing. Dining options included a traditional restaurant and two specialty restaurants, one of which was an outdoor venue with stunning sunset views—perfect for a relaxed evening meal. The culinary themed cruise featured a Michelin-star chef onboard and included food demonstrations, wine pairings, and even a chance to shop at local markets with the chef to pick out fresh products that would later appear on the menu. Every night, the restaurants showcased menus created by different Michelin-star chefs, offering a true culinary adventure.

While the service and food were fantastic, they found the evening entertainment a bit lackluster and the cabins in need of a refresh.  A renovation just began this month with common areas and suites with other cabins to be renovated down the road.  They did enjoy the staff talent show on the final night, which was a surprise.

Excursion highlights included a private tour of Olympia while in Katakolon, Greece. This was a truly special experience, exploring the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games. The guide they hired at the entry was knowledgeable, and the site itself was awe-inspiring. While in Corfu, Greece they enjoyed a food tour and honey farm visit sampling local delicacies and learning about traditional Greek food. They explored Monemvasia, Greece on their own and found this tiny, picturesque village built into a cliff a hidden gem. The views were breathtaking, and the experience of exploring the narrow, winding streets felt like stepping back in time.  Montenegro was their favorite stop. They loved the mix of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Other ports included Zadar, Hvar and Dubrovnik in Croatia.

After the cruise, they spent a night in Athens and visited the iconic Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum—without a doubt, one of the best museums in the world. The history and artifacts were fascinating, and the views of Athens from the top of the Acropolis were stunning.

The final leg of the trip took them to Dublin for four nights, where they stayed with their son who had just moved there. Dublin was recently named the friendliest city in the world, and they could see why. The locals were warm and welcoming, and the city itself is filled with history and charm. They visited iconic sights like the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College and Dublin Castle and also enjoyed exploring the city’s pubs and sampling some fantastic food in the smaller, ethnic restaurants that abound.

A day trip outside the city to explore Powerscourt Gardens and Wicklow Mountains National Park was a trip highlight. Powerscourt, with its stunning gardens and views, is a must-see. They also took in the wild beauty of the Wicklow Mountains, which feature dramatic landscapes and the tranquil Glendalough, a monastic settlement surrounded by lakes and ancient ruins.

Overall the trip was relaxing, tasty and full of new places to explore. No trip would be complete without a bit of adventure—whether it’s lost luggage or navigating the streets of a new city. Travel isn’t just about the destination, but also the unexpected moments that make the journey memorable.