Star Breeze Review
Average food, great crew, decent service but nothing outstanding
Rating by category
Additional details
Our first Windstar experience, and while it wasn't bad, in certain areas it was disappointing. I realize that all cruise lines are struggling to get back to anything near "normal", so some our our experiences were somewhat to be expected. Highlights were the itinerary, spaciousness and layout of our Classic Suite cabin, friendliness of the staff, and their handling of any Covid-related issues.
Neither of the Jacuzzi's on board ever got above 80 degrees, and many people brought this to the crew's attention. No explanation as to what the issues were.
We paid significantly more for our Classic Suite (#500), on the port side, forward. Our friends did the same on their own Ocean Vista Cabin on the starboard side. If you're thinking of booking either, be aware of a couple of things: The "private veranda" is extremely small and barely can handle two small chairs and a 24-inch table. Plus, due to the physical structure of the ship, there's a wide metal band that spans the balcony front to back that makes one feel very confined. Unfortunate that this ship doesn't have real sit out verandas. But the layout of 500 and 501 is great, with plenty of room, but would definitely NOT pay the premium for either of these suites.
Cabin Review
Classic Suite
We paid significantly more for our Classic Suite), on the port side, forward. Our friends did the same on their own Ocean Vista Cabin on the starboard side. If you're thinking of booking either, be aware of a couple of things: The "private veranda" is extremely small and barely can handle two small chairs and a 24-inch table. Plus, due to the physical structure of the ship, there's a wide metal band that spans the balcony front to back that makes one feel very confined. Unfortunate that this ship doesn't have real sit out verandas. But the layout of 500 and 501 is great, with plenty of room, but would definitely NOT pay the premium for either of these suites.
But the real issue with either of these pricey suites is that they are subject to extreme noise anytime there's any activity by the crew down in the anchor/chain area directly below and in front of the cabin. Even at anchor, as the ship sways on the anchor, the sound of the anchor chain grinding on the ships opening for the anchor is really annoying and should be corrected in some fashion. I had politely complained about this issue three times (at the reception desk), and each time the person there said that someone would get back to us to discuss. No one ever did. Upon disembarkation, I politely asked that a Windstar representative contact me, and no one has.
I'm not interested in getting any discount or money back or anything, and I made that clear on each occasion, but merely wanted to let them know that something should be done relative to either the way the crew deploys and secures the anchor, or figuring a way to muffle that sound. It really was a very loud "clang" every 20 seconds or so, anytime we were anchored.
So, I believe the followup was poor, and I feel that I presented our concern appropriately. No need to be a jerk when trying to resolve an issue.