Star Legend Review

4.5 / 5.0
124 reviews
See all photos
Editor Rating
4.5
Very Good
Overall
Andrea M. Rotondo
Contributor

Editor's note: In September 2021, Star Legend became the second formerly-Seabourn ship to be cut in half and lengthened by 84 feet, as part of Windstar Cruises' new $250-million Star Plus Initiative. It also receives two brand-new dining venues; 50 new Star category suites; 156 new bathrooms in existing staterooms and suites; a brand-new World Spa by Windstar; a new elevated pool that is five times the size of the vessel's previous one; a new tender embarkation area; and refitted public rooms and staterooms throughout.

For years, Windstar Cruises had been a fleet of three majestic motor-sail yachts: Wind Surf, Wind Star and Wind Spirit. But in 2014–2015, the line doubled in size when it purchased a trio of 212-passenger luxury yachts from Seabourn. Star Legend is one of those yachts, and Windstar applied $8.5 million in upgrades to the ship before it joined the fleet. Cabins, restaurants and all public spaces benefited from the refresh.

Windstar's vibe of laid-back luxury carries over from the sailing ships to the yachts. The intimacy of the ship means that the crew -- especially the stewards, wait staff and bartenders -- get to know you and anticipate your requests. The staff is friendly and will ask how you'd prefer to be addressed -- not defaulting to "Mr. or Mrs. So-and-So," as is often the case on the luxury lines. The ship's ambiance is relaxed but classy, with casual attire recommended during the day and resort casual in the evenings. The freedom of no formal night means travelers don't have to pack too much.

Star Legend offers an "almost luxury" experience, just like its fleetmates. Your cruise fare isn't all-inclusive like it is aboard the ships of SeaDream, Regent Seven Seas or Silversea. Nonalcoholic beverages (soda, water, specialty teas and coffee drinks) are included, but you'll need to buy a beverage package or pay a la carte for any alcoholic beverages that you order. You'll likewise pay for all shore excursions. All dining options, including the intimate Candles, are surcharge-free.

Experienced Windstar cruisers will note some significant differences between the motor-sail-yachts and Star Legend. For starters, this is more of a traditional cruise ship and that means the cabins are larger than those on the sailing ships. In comparison, they feel downright spacious with walk-in closets, a marble bathroom and a shower/tub combo (aside from a few shower-only cabins), and either large picture windows or a French balcony. There are also elevators (not found on Wind Star and Wind Spirit), which makes this ship more appropriate for those with compromised mobility (however, be aware that there is no way to initially board the ship other than a gangway.)

Windstar's port-intensive itineraries are a major selling point to many passengers who select their voyage based on the destinations Windstar visits. Star Legend isn't the type of ship where travelers stay aboard all day when the ship is in port. They get out there and explore -- either as part of a ship-sponsored shore excursion or on their own.

As with Windstar's sailing ships, the line's tradition of playing Vangelis' heroic "1492" theme song (from the film of the same name) extends to Star Legend -- although the crew hoists flags on Legend instead of those big beautiful sails found on Wind Surf, Wind Star and Wind Spirit.

Pros

Upscale, destination-driven yacht that visits off-the-beaten-path ports of call

Cons

Without sails, it lacks some of the panache of Windstar's original iconic ships

Bottom Line

Ideal for active couples seeking a romantic, small ship atmosphere

About

Passengers: 312
Crew: 190
Passenger to Crew: 1.64:1
Launched: 2015
Shore Excursions: 677

Fellow Passengers

Star Legend attracts well-to-do professional couples in their 40s and 50s, as well as active retirees in their 60s and 70s who enjoy meeting fellow passengers and partaking in pastimes such as water sports from the ship's aft marina. It also appeals to older and less mobile folks who need to make use of the elevator (not found on Wind Spirit or Wind Star). The majority of passengers are American or Canadian, though you might find contingents from places like Australia and Mexico.

Windstar Star Legend Dress Code

One of Windstar's hallmarks is its ability to offer luxury in a laid-back atmosphere. There is no daytime dress code: Shorts, jeans, T-shirts and capris are all fair game and underscore the overall casual vibe of the ship.

In the evening, bank on "elegantly casual" attire such as sundresses, blouses and slacks for ladies, and slacks and collared shirts for men. Jeans, T-shirts, shorts and sneakers are prohibited in the restaurants at dinner. There are no formal nights on Windstar, though they do throw deck barbecues that allow shorts and more casual attire.

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More about Windstar Star Legend

Where does Windstar Star Legend sail from?

Windstar Star Legend departs from Piraeus, Piraeus, Laviron, Haifa, Edinburgh, Dublin, Bordeaux, Barcelona, Lisbon, Dubai, Muscat, Copenhagen, Dover, Dover, Amsterdam, Istanbul, Rome, and Civitavecchia

How much does it cost to go on Windstar Star Legend?

Cruises on Windstar Star Legend start from $1,899 per person.

Is Windstar Star Legend a good ship to cruise on?

Windstar Star Legend won 13 awards over the years.
Windstar Star Legend Cruiser Reviews

Sub par

Both ships on our cruises were Star Class ships meaning all of the rooms were suites and everything is in a larger scale than their sailing ships. This second time around we were less than impressed.Read More
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kn36

few6-10 Cruises

Age 30s

Satisfactory skim of coastal Iceland

(They had to hold BBQ lunch for us because one person slipped and fell on the strenuous ship-excursion hike.This is part of the reason I rented a car from Avis, because their Downtown office was exactly one mile from the ship’s Embarcation.Read More
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CruiseOrLand

few6-10 Cruises

Age 70s

Incredible trip with fantastic crew

We have just returned from a wonderful 10 days sailing on Star Legend. The ship is in great shape and incredibly comfortable after an upgrade and refit.Read More
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Fsurrey

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 60s

First Windstar Cruise, A T-Atl

The Star Legend was heading into dry-dock for its stretching so this was its last sailing with passengers in this configuration. There were ~107 of us, so the ship was half empty.Read More
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CanadianKate

many10+ Cruises

Age 60s

Windstar Cruises Fleet
Wind Spirit

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