The hardest part is usually agreeing on where to go. What if one friend wants beaches, another wants a city, and a third wants culture and cuisine? A cruise solves that problem before it starts. With multiple destinations built into a single itinerary, everyone in the group gets their version of the perfect trip, without the group chat debate over which single place makes the cut.

“At the end of the day you’re traveling to experience a new culture, a new country, and getting out of your comfort zone,” says Zulay Labra, who’s currently planning a Tahitian cruise on Star Breeze with friends she met on another Windstar voyage. “With friends, though, you’re traveling in a comfortable way. And taking a cruise comes without the anxiety of planning everything independently.”

We’ve picked a selection of cruise regions that really do offer something for everyone to enjoy, whether it’s culinary, active exploration, big city museums or local culture. Or all of them! And at the end of the day, remember this: It’s perfectly okay to go in different directions during the day, and then reconnect for cocktails and dinner to share experiences. 

Alaska and British Columbia

Alaska is an unforgettable destination for your friends with diverse . The state contains a wide range of natural landmarks, from glaciers and shorelines to breathtaking mountains and crowded cities. Alaska is famous for its natural beauty and wildlife, making it an excellent option for friends who love the outdoors. Possibilities include bear trekking, kayaking, hiking, and flightseeing. This region is also well known for its fantastic microbrews; in Ketchikan, in particular, both Baleen Brewing Co. and Bawden Street are worth visiting. 

Tokyo on a mostly around-Japan voyage

Another example of the best places to go on a trip with friends is Tokyo, Japan. Asia can be a multi-faceted trip for adventurers and it’s nice to have pals along to share discoveries. Tokyo is a fast-paced and beautiful city, known for its technology, historical sites and delicious food. It has a unique blend of modernity and tradition, with new skyscrapers resting next to ancient temples.

The busy streets of Tokyo have much to offer for travelers. From endless shopping opportunities to interactive museums, you and your friends can find activities that match your interests. You could visit the Sensoji Temple, the oldest religious site in Tokyo, or explore the Tokyo Skytree. Or, you could explore Akihabara, a neighborhood dedicated to manga and electronics. No matter how you spend your time, be sure to taste Tokyo’s extraordinary food, from sushi to tempura.

Because of Japanese cabotage restrictions that require around-Japan itineraries to call in at least one foreign port, most Windstar cruises visit the fantastic “Los Angeles of Korea” city of Busan. 

Circumnavigating Iceland

Iceland is a one-of-a-kind travel experience in which craggy natural scenery and cosmopolitan towns and cities. The country’s dramatic landscape features volcanoes, mountains, glaciers, hot springs and more. Its capital city, Reykjavik offers art and cultural experiences like the National Museum of Iceland and the National Gallery of Iceland. Akureyri, its second largest city, is home to the North Iceland Symphony Orchestra.

And yet, what both also offer to diverse groups of travelers is plenty of expedition-type exploring. 

What may surprise you about Iceland is how delightful are the ports that you may never have heard of. In Grundarfjordur  Snæfellsjokull National Park is magically full of regal glaciers, lava fields, waterfalls, caves, calderas, and basalt cliffs. In Seydisfjordur, spend a few hours chasing waterfalls and then attend Windstar’s exclusive Destination Discovery Event, Sagas & Songs at the Blue Church. Nested between mountains that are snowcapped even in summer and the sea, Isafjordur is a charming small town, perfect for just strolling and it’s also home to Dokkan brugghús, one of Iceland’s best breweries. 

St. Maarten/St. Martin and the Eastern Caribbean

Hankering for the Caribbean? St. Maarten, a departure port for many Windstar cruises, is part of a two-nation island. The Dutch St. Maarten is the spot for nightlife, casinos and an awesome zipline experience. The French St. Martin is better known for its culinary fusion that blends Creole and French techniques, its duty free shopping, and the lively bustle of Marigot, a market town. Both have plenty of beaches, all with different personalities and in both cases water-based sports, from kayaking to parasailing, are plentiful. And you can easily travel between the two as there’s no border control. 

Choose an itinerary that spends time in the British Virgin Islands and St. Barts for the perfect balance of sophisticated shopping and dining and just-chillin’-out. 

Costa Rica and the Panama Canal

Another tropical destination for your group of friends is Costa Rica. This gorgeous location has a diverse range of nature, from rainforests to volcanoes. If you have any animal lovers in your group, Costa Rica is full of exotic wildlife you can view up close. Watch a rare bird soar through the sky or spot a shark in the blue water.

You can rest on the beautiful beaches or sample the tasty local food offerings. Costa Rica also offers various wellness activities, like immersive body wraps or hydrotherapy. It’s an ideal place for refreshing and relaxing from work or other life stressors. And once you learn new relaxation techniques, you can integrate them into your lifestyle at home. 

Athens and the Greek Isles

Athens is a popular home port for around Greece voyages. Itineraries typically depart from Athens, so plan a pre- or post-cruise stay there before heading out to remote islands, picturesque villages and fabulous beaches. In Athens, you can immerse yourself in Greek culture and the elegant landscapes. Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities, displaying centuries of history and culture. Greece is an unforgettable vacation spot, with breathtaking landscapes and historical monuments. You and your companions can visit everything from historical temples to theatres, either on foot or on a bike. Athens has endless opportunities for dining, exploration and leisure, allowing your travel group to create an itinerary that matches your needs.

Italy’s Venice and the Adriatic Sea — in winter!

There’s a lot to love about an off-season (winter) Mediterranean voyage that travels between Venice and Rome by way of the Adriatic Sea. An Adriatic cruise that departs from (or arrives at) Venice is a classic destination for world travelers.  Plan to arrange for a few days in La Serenissima before heading out to Croatia, Kotor, and Italy’s Sicily and Sorrento. Advantages to an off-season voyage? Attractions and museums are open — and uncrowded. Dining reservations are easier to secure. And discounts abound from pre- or post-cruise hotels to the voyages themselves.

In Europe, visit London, Amsterdam and Bruges on Quick Getaways 

New for Windstar is a series of short European sailings that are a perfect way for busy pals to commit to a trip together. Quick Getaways: Sweet Blessings, is a four night sailing that sails down London’s Thames and visits the Belgium cities of Bruges and Antwerp before returning to London.

Other options include the four night London-based St. Malo getaway to visit Mont St. Michel, truly a bucket list destination, and Seaside Charms and Dutch Waterways, a three night trip from London to Amsterdam by way of Bruges and Harlingen. Want an onboard overnight on the Thames? The five night Timeless Maritime Powerhouses sails from Amsterdam via Antwerp and Normandy’s Honfleur, before docking in central London. 

French Polynesia’s Tahiti, Bora Bora and Huahine

Tahiti is another one of the best places for travel, characterized by clear waters, thick forests, luxurious resorts and French cuisine. This remarkable island provides the ultimate relaxation experience, surrounded by warm sunshine and fresh fruit. It’s one of the best beach vacations for large groups.

One of the top ways to experience Tahiti is by cruise. You and your friends can ride through crystal-clear water to reach this paradise-like island. Once you’re there, explore the nearby waterfalls and gardens. Or, spend all day on the beach, with its pure white sands and clear blue waters.

The post Friends Who Travel Together, Stay Together: Where to Go Next appeared first on Windstar Cruises Travel Blog.

Windstar isn’t one size — it’s several small ones. Depending on which ship you choose, you’ll sail with anywhere from 148 to 346 fellow guests. And you’ll never be lost in the crowd. In fact, one of the line’s biggest strengths, whichever size ship you choose, is how personal and intimate the experience will be. 

Windstar offers two classes of ships. Its Wind Class vessels, such as Wind Surf, Wind Spirit and Wind Star, can operate under sails. Its Star Class ships, with a yacht-style emphasis on the cruise experience, feature Star Breeze, Star Pride, Star Legend, Star Seeker and, in December 2026, Star Explorer. 

Curious which ship is the right fit for your vacation? Here’s what to expect. 

The Wind Class

Wind Surf

 The ship is currently undergoing a $7.5 million “Setting Sails” refurbishment in two phases. The first took place in November 2024. Redecorating in the first phase included transforming the ship’s top three suites, in the Broadmoor and Sea Island design that’s onboard the Star-class ships, plus one that was redone in a yacht-like style. Other projects included refurbishments of Amphora, Compass Rose, the pool deck and bar. As well, the lobby, Yacht Club coffee bar, and the boutique were refreshed. 

Phase two of “Setting Sails” for Wind Surf will be complete in December 2026. During phase two of Wind Surf’s refurbishment, all remaining accommodations will be remodeled with new furniture, bedding, carpets, interactive televisions and art and décor.

With this ship’s six decks and capacity to accommodate 342 guests, you can stretch out comfortably or find a quiet nook whenever you need some solitude. Wind Surf features:

• 150 staterooms with ocean views and 188 square feet
• 18 spacious suites with ocean views and 376 square feet with French verandahs. 
• Two expansive suites, one inspired by Colorado’s legendary Broadmoor Hotel, the other by Georgia’s tropical Sea Island Resort with ocean views and 495 square feet; these have wrap-around balconies. 
• One nautically influenced officer’s suite located in the officers’ quarters with ocean views and 242 square feet

While aboard, you can order room service whenever you feel like staying in, or, if you want to stretch your legs and explore, there are plenty of spaces to enjoy. You might savor an after-dinner cocktail in the Lounge, for example, or indulge in a decadent dessert in Stella Bistro Restaurant. Feel free to unwind in one of two whirlpools, or let your tension melt away in the World Spa by Windstar. No matter how you choose to spend your time on Wind Surf, you’ll have plenty of room to relish every moment.

Wind Star and Wind Spirit

Carrying 148 guests, Wind Star and Wind Spirit, are the smallest sailing ships in the fleet. They’re very similar if not identical, featuring: 

• 73 staterooms with ocean views and cozy queen-sized beds
• One owner’s suite with ocean views and 220 square feet, including a dining space and sitting area
• Multiple restaurants, including the Veranda for breakfast and lunch which transforms into the alfresco Candles for dinner, and Amphora, an elegant evening venue. 
• Fitness center, spa and pool deck.
• Water sports marina with water toys and lounging areas
• In its part of a major reburbishment, Wind Star has completed its part in the cruise line’s $7.5 million “Setting Sails” refurbishment. Enhancements include expanded seating and retail space in the ship’s reception area and a lounge that was spruced up with new furniture and lighting. The World Spa by Windstar and its gym were revitalized with new fitness equipment . The pool deck, one of Wind Star’s most social places, has a new pool and Jacuzzi, an extended pool bar, and fresh pops of color via new outdoor seating and lounging. The Owner’s Suite was completely redesigned.
• Wind Star’s technology has also gotten a major upgrade, with new, larger flatscreen televisions in all staterooms and suites and upgraded technology (Starlink connectivity and new TVs with on-demand content).
• On Wind Star, all guest staterooms have been remodeled. upholstered headboards, integrated lighting and convenient bedside charging.
• Amphora, its primary restaurant, and Veranda, it’s ship-top café for lunch and breakfast, have also been completely redecorated.

Wind Spirit has all the features of Wind Star and has received the first phase of two in its . It will complete the full refresh in March 2027 (when all accommodations, and restaurants Amphora and Veranda, will be refreshed). Among the transformations it’s already received? 

Phase one focused on refurbishments of its reception area, retail space, and the lounge that’s adjacent to the Yacht Club Café. The World Spa by Windstar and the gym received fresh overhauls and new equipment. On the outside decks, there’s a new pool and whirlpool; the pool bar was enhanced. And the ship’s Owner’s Suite was completely revamped.

Onboard technology has also been upgraded, with new, larger flatscreen televisions in all staterooms and suites and Starlink Wi-Fi. 

Windstar’s Star Class 

Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride

• Special themed suites such as the Broadmoor and Sea Island, plus owners’ suites; all have private verandahs.
• The new MediterrAsian fusion-themed Basil + Bamboo, plus other dining venues like Amphora, The Grill, Candles and The Yacht Club. 
• A fully equipped fitness center, a spa with complimentary sauna, two full-service bars, on-deck hot tubs, and a water-access marina

Star Seeker and Star Explorer

Capturing the same ambience of Windstar’s other Star Class ships, the 224-guest Star Seeker, and, soon to debut Star Explorer, offer many similar hallmarks of Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride, such as a watersports marina, outdoor pool, two whirlpools (including one on the bow) and a range of accommodations. There’s Amphora for three meals-a-day dining, Basil + Bamboo, and The Grill for alfresco dining. Both ships also have a dedicated spa and fitness facility, roomy outdoor deck space for strolling and relaxing, and the top-of-the-ship Yacht Club. There are some differences, too: 

Numerous staterooms feature private verandas. 

New cabin categories include a new-to-Windstar Vista Infinity Suite. Instead of a balcony, these staterooms feature a massive infinity window that lowers at the touch of a button, merging the outdoors with the indoors — and creating more internal space. 

As on other ships, the Yacht Club is an all-day dining observation lounge. What’s new is that on these vessels, the Yacht Club is open from 6 p.m. as a dancing and cocktail lounge. 

The 548 square ft. Horizons Suite is the largest onboard, and each of a pair feature wrap around balconies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Small Ship Cruising

Will a Windstar cruise feel crowded?
No. With a passenger capacity between 148 travelers (and never more than 346), Windstar never feels crowded.

How does that compare to a typical cruise ship?
The average cruise ship carries around 3,000 passengers, and some carry more than 6,000.

What’s the crew-to-guest ratio like?
Small ships mean more attention per guest. On Windstar, staff learn your name, your drink order, and your preferences early in the cruise.

Can small ships visit places big ships can’t?
Yes. Windstar’s size allows it to dock in harbors and reach ports too small or shallow for larger vessels.

Is small ship cruising more expensive?
Generally, yes, per-day rates run higher than mass-market lines. In exchange, you get more space per guest, more personalized service, and fewer up-sells and add-on fees nickel-and-diming the experience.

Is Windstar a good fit for families, or is it more geared toward couples?
While Windstar tends to skew toward couples and experienced travelers looking for a quieter, more immersive trip rather than kids’ clubs and water slides, kids over the age of seven are welcome. Especially during school vacation seasons, like summer and the winter holidays, multigenerational trips are particularly popular on Windstar.

The post FAQ: Why Fewer Passengers and Yacht-Style Cruising Means a Better Experience appeared first on Windstar Cruises Travel Blog.

The Caribbean is a sensory feast: impossibly blue water, vibrant reefs teeming with life, landscapes that shift from lush rainforest to sun-bleached desert within a single island chain. But the real magic happens at the harbors themselves — the intimate coves and storied ports where the islands reveal their character up close.

This is where Windstar’s small ships have the advantage. Rather than crowding into the same mega-ports as the big cruise lines, our yachts slip into harbors too small, too shallow, or simply too special for larger vessels.

Before diving into these picturesque harbors, it’s worth noting that the Caribbean can be tricky to parse, since it’s made up of three main archipelagos (sometimes called the West Indies collectively):

• The Greater Antilles — the big islands: Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola (Haiti/Dominican Republic), and Puerto Rico. These aren’t referred to as Leeward or Windward at all. Aside from Puerto Rico, where San Juan is a hub for some Leeward Islands itineraries, Windstar doesn’t currently visit this group.
• The Lesser Antilles — the best-known group, running from the Virgin Islands to Grenada, split into two sub-groups. The Leewards arc down from the north: the Virgin Islands through Anguilla, St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Barts, St. Kitts, Nevis, Antigua, and Guadeloupe. The Windwards lie further south: Dominica down through Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada.
• The Leeward Antilles — a separate, often-confused third group: islands off Venezuela’s coast like Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire, plus Venezuela’s own island territories.

Windstar itineraries may focus on just one region or mix and match across overlapping areas. And it’s important to note that most of Windstar’s best off-the-path yacht harbor ports are located in either the Greater Antilles or Lesser Antilles. These are places that transport travelers’ experiences beyond the usual big ship ports in the region.

Here’s a look at some of the most scenic harbors along Windstar’s Caribbean routes.

The Leeward Islands

Anguilla:

Known for its pristine, sugar-white beaches and laid-back glamour, Anguilla offers the ultimate Caribbean retreat. It’s a destination reserved largely for small ship cruise lines, which anchor in the intimate Road Bay, its low-key harbor lined with beach shacks and cafés. Snorkeling at Little Bay offers calm, clear waters, and the beaches throughout the island are soft and pristine.

Here’s a tip: it’s no longer a secret that Anguilla is one of the Caribbean’s culinary magnets. This tiny island has roughly 100 restaurants, including acclaimed spots like Blanchards — now celebrating more than 30 years on the island and widely credited with kickstarting its culinary reputation — the newer L’Étoile at Manoah Boutique Hotel, and Celeste by Kerth Gumbs at the Malliouhana Resort. Just as central to Anguilla’s food-lover reputation are its casual beach shack eateries (Blanchard’s, in fact, operates a fine-dining restaurant and a casual spot side by side).

Planning tip: Anguilla is included on Windstar itineraries such as:

• Beach, Fun and Sun
• San Juan and the Virgin Islands

Antigua:

Antigua is a little more than 100 square miles — about the size of Shreveport, Louisiana — yet it boasts 365 beaches. Its coastline is exquisite, thanks to an abundance of coral that keeps the water clear.

St. John’s, Antigua’s capital, is the usual port for big-ship visitors, but Windstar anchors in Falmouth Harbour, a world away, alongside other yachts and sailing vessels. The tender dock is within walking distance of Nelson’s Dockyard, a charming Georgian-era village also known as Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites.

Another option on this more pastoral side of the island: Antigua’s Rainforest Canopy Zipline, with 13 ziplines and two suspension bridges. For a gourmet afternoon on the beach, take a short taxi ride to Catherine’s Café on Pigeon Point Beach. And because Windstar’s yachts anchor in the harbor itself, its marinas are often open for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Planning tip: Antigua is a highlight of several Caribbean itineraries, including:

• Beach, Fun and Sun
• Masterpieces at Sea: Gems of the Leeward Islands
• Star Collector: Caribbean Explorations

British Virgin Islands:

The British Virgin Islands of Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, and Virgin Gorda are a mainstay of Windstar’s intimate Caribbean voyages and are among the most laid-back places any small cruise ship visits.

Soper’s Hole, Tortola

Tortola is one of the only British Virgin Islands to accept larger cruise ships (at Road Town, its main city), but, as with Anguilla, Windstar docks instead at Soper’s Hole, a tiny harbor with a restaurant, a bar, and colorful West Indian buildings. This stop is a low-key jumping-off point for beach adventures at spots like Long Bay Beach or Smuggler’s Cove.

Prickly Pear Cay, Virgin Gorda

In Virgin Gorda’s North Sound, Prickly Pear Cay is an uninhabited national park island — and, on Windstar’s itineraries, typically the site of its famous beach barbecues. Travelers usually spend the morning exploring Virgin Gorda by shore excursion (unless spending the whole day at the beach, since there’s no independent transportation on the cay). The must-see experience is a trip to Virgin Gorda’s The Baths: massive granite boulders spread across Devil’s Bay on the island’s north shore, threaded by a series of steps and ropes that guide adventurers through grottos from beach to bay. It’s also an excellent spot for snorkeling.

As BVI Insider explains, these boulders — found along the shoreline from Devil’s Bay to Spring Bay — were formed by volcanic uplift. Roughly 45 million years ago, an intrusion of hot liquid magma (a batholith) pushed ancient seafloor sediments above sea level.

Jost Van Dyke

At just three-square miles, Jost Van Dyke is the smallest of the BVI’s main islands. For visitors, there are two main destinations. Great Harbour holds Jost’s small town — government offices, a church, and the famous Foxy’s Tamarind Bar. Foxy’s is far more than a beach bar; it’s set right on the sand, with a barbecue, hammocks, and live music.

On the other side of the hill is White Bay, entirely pleasure-oriented, lined with beach bars and cafés such as the Soggy Dollar Bar, birthplace of the beloved Painkiller cocktail.

Framing both waterfronts is a mountain ridge that tops out around 1,000 feet.

Because ships anchor in Great Harbour alongside sailboats and yachts, its marinas are often open to guests.

Planning tips: Numerous ports here find their way into Windstar’s itineraries. They include:

• Beach Fun and Sun (Jost van Dyke, Soper’s Hole and Virgin Gorda/Prickly Pear Cay)
• San Juan and the Virgin Islands (Jost van Dyke and Virgin Gorda/Prickly Pear Cay)
• Star Collector: Caribbean Explorations (Jost van Dyke, Soper’s Hole, Virgin Gorda/Prickly Pear Cay)
• Star Collector: Caribbean Collection: ABC, BVI & the Windwards (Jost van Dyke, Virgin Gorda)
• Star Collector: Atlantic Crossing to the British Virgin Islands (Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda)
• Star Collector: Windward Islands, ABC Islands, and the Virgin Islands (Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda)

United States Virgin Islands: St. John

St. John, a far more intimate island than the USVI’s St. Thomas, offers smaller cruise ships an anchorage that’s more working harbor than postcard bay. Even so, views of the surrounding mountainous islands, an abundance of gorgeous beaches and bays, and a vibrant downtown known for distinctive eateries and boutiques make it a lovely — and rare — port of call for small ships.

Planning tip: Cruz Bay is a port of call on a handful of Windstar’s itineraries, such as:

• San Juan and the Virgin Islands
• Windstar’s Star Collector: Atlantic Crossing to the Virgin Islands

St. Barts: Gustavia

Like every island in the Lesser Antilles, St. Barts (full name Saint-Barthélémy) has plenty of gorgeous bays and beaches, and it’s a great destination for snorkeling and diving. But that’s the least of this swanky, French-flavored isle’s appeal — it’s known just as much as the preeminent Caribbean playground for the rich and famous. Cruise travelers arrive by tender (only small ships are welcome, and all must anchor out in Gustavia Bay), and the main town of Gustavia is packed with pricey boutiques from Louis Vuitton, Prada, Cartier, and Hermès. Its restaurants — aside from the rather touristy Le Select — are equally elegant.

Gustavia is a destination in itself, but you’ll miss much of St. Bart’s charm if you don’t explore further. St. Jean Beach, near Eden Rock, is another wonderful spot for a day out, with tranquil seas alongside numerous boutiques and restaurants. For something more rustic, head to Saline Beach, home to a handful of salt ponds once used to harvest the mineral.

Planning tips: St. Bart’s appears on the following Caribbean itineraries:

• Classic Caribbean
• Star Collector: Caribbean Explorations
• Masterpieces at Sea: Gems of the Leeward Islands
• Star Collector: Atlantic Crossing to the Virgin Islands
• Star Collector: Windward Islands, ABC Islands, and the Virgin Islands

St. Martin: Marigot

Of course you’ve heard of the Dutch St. Maarten, a major cruise and tourism destination, and one of Windstar’s own ports for embarking and debarking some voyages. What’s not as well known is that it shares an island with the French St. Martin (it’s been this way since the Treaty of Concordia in 1648). Travelers can bounce between the two quite easily (there’s no border control).

Only small ships can anchor, though, at St. Martin’s main city of Marigot and it, and the towns around it, offer a distinctly different experience than you’d get from St. Maarten’s bustling tourist attractions. First, St. Martin’s got a special culinary tradition, a blend of Creole and French, and dining here, from “lolos” (open-air BBQ shacks to award-winning seafront restaurants, is delightful.

Other highlights of a St. Martin experience include a trek up Fort Louis, an 18^th century fortress, a day in Orient Bay, its best beach, and shopping for both duty-free and market finds in Marigot.

Planning tips: If the adjacent island of St. Maarten is the more common port for this two-nation island — particularly as an embarkation/debarkation stop — Marigot itself appears on a few itineraries, including:

• Windward Island Surf and Sunsets
• Star Collector: Windward Islands, ABC Islands, and the Virgin Islands

Guadeloupe’s Les Saintes

Small ships skip Guadeloupe’s bustling capital of Pointe-à-Pitre. Instead, they anchor at Les Saintes, an archipelago serving Terre-de-Haut. Its picturesque bay is framed by red-roofed houses, volcanic mountains, and an old fort.

There’s otherwise little to see in this fishing village unless you head out on the water — kayaking, snorkeling, and sailing are the main draws, and Windstar’s marinas are often open here. One sightseeing exception: the Habitation Bellevue Distillery, which has made rum since 1821, offers self-guided tours and tastings; visit between February and April to watch its workers in action.

Planning tip: Guadeloupe appears on the following Windstar itineraries:

• Masterpieces at Sea: Gems of the Leeward Islands
• Classic Caribbean
• Beach, Fun and Sun

The Windward Islands

Bequia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Port Elizabeth

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is an island nation, of which Bequia is one of the larger islands. The official language is English, and the main industry is agriculture, including the harvest of arrowroot — used as a gluten-free thickener.

Bequia — meaning “island of the cloud,” pronounced “beck-way” — is a seven-square-mile speck. Ships can only anchor in Admiralty Bay, since Bequia has no cruise ship pier and only smaller vessels can access the island. From there, you’ll tender into Port Elizabeth, the island’s walkable, low-key capital, full of local color and free of Caribbean crowds.

The star attractions are Bequia’s beaches, including Hope Beach on the island’s windward side — your reward for a lengthy taxi ride from Port Elizabeth and a mile-long hike down to the shore is a real sense of seclusion. Another option is Friendship Bay, a quiet spot on the opposite side of the island from Port Elizabeth; again, plan to bring your own refreshments. As with any unfamiliar beach, ask locals what swimming conditions and skill level are appropriate before taking the plunge.

Another option is Bar One, a floating watering hole in Admiralty Bay. After tendering to the jetty at Port Elizabeth, call ahead to request water taxi pickup (about 5–10 EC dollars). Phone: 1-784-530-8123.

Planning tip: Bequia is a stop on the following Windstar itineraries:

• Windward Ways and Tobago Cays
• Windward Islands Surf and Sunsets

Care to share your own favorite yacht harbor in the Caribbean? Tell us all about it in our comments section.

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