Lynne Coates enjoys Windstar Cruises ‘Windward Ways & Tobago Cays’ cruise onboard Star Pride, visiting some of the lesser-known Caribbean islands.
Greeted in Aruba’s cruise terminal by Star Pride’s colourful entertainment manager, Tim, we quickly embark Star Pride, one of Windstar’s five-star yachts. Our suite is generous, with a good-sized bathroom and walk-in wardrobe (always a bonus).
I especially love the floor- to- ceiling window with infinite ocean views but resist the urge to linger as I’m eager to explore the rest of this elegant 312 guest yacht. We head up Star Pride’s signature winding staircase with its gold and glass balustrade, to the open-top deck, where sunbeds, neatly stacked with rolls of navy and white towels, are temptingly arranged.
Some guests are already enjoying the glass-walled infinity pool and jacuzzi, while corks are popping for those gathered around the Star Bar. Small ship cruises tend to be very sociable and we easily fall into conversations with fellow passengers. With three restaurants to choose from, we decide to dine in Amphora, the main dining room, and enjoy a delicious three course meal.
The choice is varied with plenty of options for pescatarians like us. I discover a sweet potato fries side dish, and abandon all hope of a calorie conscious cruise! The ship sets sail, and we look forward to a good night’s sleep in the sumptuously comfortable bed.
Bonaire
We dock in Kralendijk, on the island of Bonaire, one of the “ABC” islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao). Snorkel equipment is available to enjoy the island’s crystal-clear turquoise sea. A highlights tour reveals what more this beautiful island has to offer. As we drive through the small town of Rincon our guide, Laura, explains that this was the first settlement in the Dutch Caribbean, where the indigenous Caquetio Arawak people lived before Spain claimed the island in 1499.
We drive past the marine park with its protected coves, where two tier dive reefs, known as nest dives, produce the most biodiverse coral reefs in the region. Heading inland through the rugged, desert-like landscape, we reach Washington Slagbaai National Park, a protected area where many endangered species, including flamingos and sea turtles, thrive on the lake.
I hope for a close-up photo of the beautiful flamingos, but they are tantalisingly distant and it is not permitted to walk on the shore. We stop by the tiny Terramar Museum, to visit a reconstruction of a house once occupied by indigenous people. With fascinating exhibits from Caribbean history, it proves to be quite emotive.
Finally, we see the famous salt pans, a vast landscape of glittering pink and white crystals, with giant pyramids of harvested salt. Nearby, small white slave huts remain as testament to those poor souls who were forced to work there. Salt remains the island’s main source of revenue. We bid Laura, ‘Ayo’, (goodbye in Papiamento, the island language). Back on board we head to the Veranda where the daily themed buffet lunch is being served.
A relaxing sea day follows, with a chance to enjoy the ship’s facilities. The World Spa offers a full range of treatments with daily promotions, and there are plenty of on-deck activities. The destination manager gives port talks in the lounge, and passengers are welcome to visit the bridge, an interesting experience.
We enjoy chatting with the second officer who explains some of the technical demands of the job. The crew on Star Pride are exceptionally friendly. We quickly get to know them, and they us, even remembering our names. The Yacht Club, on the top deck, with its panoramic views, library, and all-day cafe, becomes my favourite spot after I discover the freshly-baked scones, with cream and jam.
Kingstown, St Vincent
Kingstown is the capital and largest city of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. A tour takes us past the open-air market where locals sell fresh produce, seafood and handmade crafts, and we catch a glimpse of local life and culture. We are heading to the Botanic Gardens, one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere.
Our guide, Chebong from Cameroon, walks us around the gardens explaining the huge variety of tropical trees and shrubs and gives us leaves and berries to smell, testing our knowledge of the species.
I successfully identify cinnamon but fail on others. Back on board we are excited to be cruising past The Pitons, two huge, dormant volcanic plugs, on the southwestern coast of St Lucia, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Protruding dramatically out of the sea like giant pyramids, they are a truly breathtaking sight.
Bequia
Bequia, (pronounced beck-way) is considered to be the most perfect island in the Grenadines. We meet our lovely guide, Venetia, for a drive in an open-sided jeep around the island. Clearly proud of her heritage and culture, Venetia tells us about the wonderful food on the island, and its self-sufficiency.
We stop for a visit to Firefly Estate, where Ezra, a great character, shows us around. We watch as he extracts juice from sugar cane, and splits coconuts for us to taste. This is a beautiful island, from the vibrant shacks along the golden, pristine shoreline, to the lush green inland foliage. Its motto is ‘there’s no place like Bequia’ and I can see why.
That night we enjoy Star Pride’s on-deck barbeque, a gastronomic extravaganza where the chefs excel with a mouth-watering buffet. Alfresco dining, under a vast, star-spangled sky, while sailing on an inky black ocean, is magical. Afterwards, I resist the opportunity to join the crew in line dancing, but enjoy a quick boogie to YMCA.
The next day, the vibe continues when we visit the island of Mayreau, the smallest inhabited island of the Grenadines, and an idyllic spot for the signature beach barbeque. We enjoy a wonderfully relaxing day, swimming in crystal clear waters, with kayaks and paddle boards provided. The crew, working incredibly hard, set up a delicious lunch for us all. With a rum punch in hand, we lie back and enjoy this paradise island – a Windstar winner.
Scarborough, Tobago
Scarborough, on the island of Tobago, is our final destination, before our cruise ends in Barbados. We choose to visit a cocoa plantation, which is a drive inland. Our guide is Johnny, clearly one of the island’s old characters, with a wealth of knowledge.
En route he regales us with stories about life on the island. We also learn a few local expressions such as ‘liming’ (hanging out with friends, eating and drinking), ‘horning’ (cheating on your partner), and ‘tabanka’ (the heartbreak that follows horning! usually involving rum or whisky). The cocoa plantation is interesting, but Johnny’s storytelling is memorable.
Star Pride delivered on every level, from the fabulous crew to the immersive itinerary. We couldn’t agree more with Windstar’s motto – our cruise was indeed ‘180 Degrees From Ordinary’.
Tell me more about Windstar cruises
Windstar Cruises’ eight-night Windward Ways & Tobago Cays cruise between Bridgetown and Oranjestad on Star Legend costs from £2,548 per person based on the 4th December 2026 sailing. Book before 30th June 2026 to receive a complimentary all-in package which includes all alcoholic beverages, WiFi and gratuities.
Call Windstar Cruises on 0800 008 6682 or visit Windstar Cruises
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