THE PRIDE OF THE FLEET

A boutique cruise along the east coast of North America is filled with raw beauty, history and elements of surprise, discovers Jocelyn Pride.

- ocelyn Pride

“Welcome onboard the Star Pride, Ms Pride. With a name like yours, how could we resist upgrading you to an owner's suite?” Chuffed beyond belief, my husband and I follow the concierge to the pointy end of the ship and step inside our apartment-sized accommodations.

Bathed in autumnal sunshine, we explore the space that will serve as our home for 11 nights like excited puppies. From the wall of picture windows in the lounge and dining room framing the step-out wraparound verandah, to the stylish bedroom with a 'fit for a princess' dressing table nook, walk-in robe and oversized bathroom, the vibe is pure relaxed elegance.

With six vessels in the fleet ranging from 148 to 342 passengers and two new all-suite 224 passenger beauties launching in December 2025 and 2026, Windstar Cruises is widely renowned for innovation. A few years ago, using a nifty shipbuilding technique, the 312 guest Star Pride was one of the three 'Star'-class Windstar vessels to be stretched like a gigantic seafaring limousine - sliced in half and a new section of 50 suites and two new restaurants seamlessly added like the last piece of a jigsaw puzzle.