Still trying to figure out a plan for a trip to the Greek Islands with my preference being Santorini. Also, would like to go to Positano on the same trip which appears to be a logistical nightmare. I won't go via ferry!! I really want to try and do the Slow Travel thing for a change.

I would like to hear from anyone who has taken a Windstar Cruise of the Greek Islands. I think Windstar would be better than a larger ship because they can get closer to shore although I'm not sure about the sea sick factor. I noticed that you either have to start in Athens and end up in Istanbul or the opposite. I really have no desire to spend any time in Istanbul and I'm not sure how we would get there using our AA miles.

Anyway, back to my original question regarding opinions on what to expect on a Windstar cruise. I was under the impression you could just get off the ship when it was in port, or wherever, and snorkel or swin right from the boat. Their website mentions lots of shore excursions that didn't appeal to me especially ones on a bus. I want the beach and water experience. Also, what is the water temperature on the Greek Island in mid-June?

Carole

Carole, I have been on two Windstar cruises and I LOVED THEM! I didn't think I was a cruise sort of person (too many people on my first one, too much glitz, not into casinos and shows), but I would take another Windstar cruise in a heartbeat. Our first was from Istanbul to Athens on the smaller ship with 150 passengers. It was so much fun. We were with a group of friends - my trip report below will tell you about it - but the ship is so small you do get to know other passengers easily.

We spent one day and night in Istanbul before our cruise began and enjoyed seeing everything, though I don't remember much as we were so tired. We had some choppy water one night and I did take a little dramamine. And I always have candied ginger on hand for queasiness.

We took some of the side trips in the ports. Yes, they were on buses, but that's how you had to go. I especially loved seeing Ephasus (sp?). I believe you can swim off the back swimming deck of the boat if the water is calm enough in certain ports - no predicting that. Our cruise was in October, so I don't know about the June water temp.

Food: Fabulous. Staff: The best! Cabins: Great! Not luxurious, but it's not that kind of ship. You don't have to dress for dinner and you can sit anywhere you want, and go at any time. It's a very casual atmosphere. The ship has a motor, of course, but we had great winds and used the sails most of the time.

We left the cruise a day early in Mykonos and spent three nights there before flying to Athens for our last night.

In 2005 we began our two week cruise on the larger ship, 350 passengers, in Marseille, France. John likes the larger ship, but I still like the smaller one best. We sailed for two weeks down the coast of Spain (Majorca, Granada, Gibraltar, etc), on to Africa (Casablanca, with an overnight sidetrip to Marrakech), then to Lisbon, Portugal, where we disembarked. It was a fabulous trip.

I can't say enough good things about this cruise line, and I can't wait to travel with them again!

Gail

Hi Gail, I remember speaking to someone at Palma's GTG that recommended a Windstar cruise and could not remember who it was well now I know.

Thanks for all the info. I have a lot of mixed feelings about taking a cruise especially, like you mentioned, big ships, big crowds, too much glitz, etc. and I've always said, "maybe when I'm older". Who am I trying to kid -- I am older and certainly not getting any younger!!! I think the best way to visit the Greek Islands would be on Windstar Cruise and it is appealing because of the laid back style.

I've always said I would not want to go on a cruise and felt it just wasn't for me. At one point my husband wanted to go on one and I said I didn't so that was the end of that. Well, now he says he doesn't want to take one because all he's heard me say for years is how a cruise is just not for me. Now we'll just have to see where the chips fall. Also, a lot will depend on where I'm able to get tickets using miles, if any at all, otherwise we won't be going to Europe. I also would love to go to Positano because we missed that part of our trip when I got sick in Florence. BTW, I'm finishing up my second round of meds and will be tested again in another week or so. I'm feeling much better but still not back to where I should be. It's been a long, slow recovery. I'll be visiting my son in Zurich in September so I still have two months to get back up to speed. I'm not planning on cancelling that trip.

I will be starting to call AA this week for next June's trip and it will be no easy task getting those tickets. If that fails we might go to Hawaii for our anniversary in April which means I won't be able to make Savannah.

Looking forward to seeing you at the Palma's Desert GTG.

Carole

For anyone considering a cruise for the first time, I think Windstar is a great place to start. That is, unless you LIKE the bigger ships and all the glitz, and a lot of people do. I especially like the idea of unpacking one time and you're done. Slow Travel .

I know it's their job, but by the second day, most of the employees knew our names - they study your pictures - and I was so impressed by the helpfulness and kindness of everyone on board. It's a happy, positive atmosphere and I don't see how anyone could not have a great time!

I'm in the midst of planning a two week trip to Croatia for THIS September. Yesterday I received Windstar's brochure with a wonderful itinerary down the coast with their ports matching all the little villages I'm trying to find hotels.....if only the dates were the ones we want ....I'd be sitting on that deck with the sails flapping in the breeze....someone bringing me my favorite glass of wine without me even asking....offering an ice-cold towel if I looked too hot in the sun....perhaps a little mini-serving of just-made sorbet

Sail away.

Gail

Wow, Gail, you sure would make a good sales person for Windstar! The cruises sound like they would be right up my alley. I'm going to send for a brochure. I hope your plans for Croatia fall into place.

Carole

Carole, maybe you already know this, but cruisecritic.com has forums for just about every cruise line, including Windstar. I'm sure you could get some good input there. It's definitely true that not all cruises are created equal, so it's good to hear from people who've actually sailed with a specifric line.

And Gail, Croatia is gorgeous. I spent three weeks there last month and it was great. If you haven't already found this out, in the smaller places you're more likely to find private accomodation (rooms and apartments) than hotels--that's pretty much routine there, except for the big concrete resorts.

Thanks, KT. I've been checking the agencies for apartments - emailed about 25 properties this morning - and I'm beginning to hear back. I'm sure we'll find something. I'm going to post my itinerary soon to see what the Croatian experts can suggest!

I can't wait for this trip. I know it's going to be so beautiful.

Thanks, Carole.....tell Windstar!!!!

Gail

KT - I checked out cruisecritic.com and found it to be very informative although somewhat confusing with all the varying opinions.

I called AA in an attempt to use our miles for Business Class for next May/June and, amazingly, on my first try I was able to book an outbound flight for May 31 (they were booking through June 2). I was able to reserve a direct flight from LAX to Heathrow/Heathrow to Milan. Now the challenge will be getting the return flights. We want to stay at least two weeks so I'll have to wait until they open booking for the middle of June. We would like to return out of Rome but getting those tickets is always a major challenge. It seems everyone wants to either arrive or depart from Rome.

Carole