Some of its officers played significant roles in introducing Star Seeker and others will bring their experiences with yachts such as Star Breeze, Wind Spirit and Wind Surf. Assigned are two officers in four categories, such as captain, staff captain, hotel general manager and chief engineer. They’ll have rotating schedules, just as with Star Seeker.

Captains

Captain Matthew Holloway

His story: Captain Holloway was born into a family of seafarers on the island of Cyprus, and although British, he grew up abroad by the coast, with the ocean as a constant presence shaping both his personal and professional life.

Windstar history: He’s spent the past ten years with Windstar Cruises, gaining experience across the whole fleet. Prior to joining Windstar, he worked on a variety of vessels, including oil tankers, ferries, and cruise ships.

Cocktail party conversation: His passion for the sea extends well beyond his professional role, as he continues to sail in his personal time and remain passionate to all aspects of life on the water.

What does being part of the Star Explorer leadership team mean to you? “My initial introduction to Windstar came well before the decade I’ve spent here. I first experienced the cruise line during a cadet training voyage aboard the Wind Surf—an experience that confirmed my passion for sailing and set the course for my future with the company. Over the years, I have developed a deep appreciation for the unique experience offered by smaller cruise ships and I’m thrilled to be part of the team that is bringing out Star Explorer.”

Captain Mark Symonds

His story: Captain Symonds is a U.K. native.

Windstar history: During his time at Windstar he has specialized in the fleet’s “stretched” ships, such as Star Legend, Star Breeze and Star Pride. Most recently, he has been captain of Star Legend.

Cocktail party conversation: A seasoned walker, ask him anything about England’s Peak District, where he spends most of his vacation time with wife Kerry and daughter Grace.

What does being part of the Star Explorer leadership team mean to you? “It’s always a privilege to be asked to be part of a team setting up a ship for the first time. Having completed many new builds with previous companies, there’s a sense of achievement when the itinerary is completed and guests leave with smiles on their faces saying, ‘we will be back.’ Just like our cars at home, driving a classic is just fine, but  when you are handed the keys to something new, it is hard to contain your excitement.”

Hotel General Managers

Nicolas Botha-Simpson

His story: Originally from Pretoria, South Africa — known as the iconic Jacaranda City — Nic began his global hospitality journey in London before expanding his experience across Australia and the Cayman Islands. In 2009, he transitioned into the cruise industry, where he discovered his passion for the small, luxury-ship environment. Over the years, Nic has built extensive experience across multiple areas of shipboard operations, including food and beverage, guest services, and human resources, ultimately achieving his goal of becoming a hotel general manager.

Windstar history: Nic joined the Windstar family in April 2025, beginning with the first Mystery Cruise aboard Star Legend. He immediately recognized the concept as both innovative and exciting, noting that he had never encountered anything similar in the industry. The experience reinforced his appreciation for Windstar’s unique approach to creating memorable guest experiences.

Cocktail party conversation: Now living near South Africa’s Kruger National Park, one of his favorite places in the world, Nic enjoys being close to nature, where he can relax and unwind. A true outdoor enthusiast, he values the balance that environment offers. He is also an avid Formula 1 fan, following the sport with great enthusiasm.

What does being part of the Star Explorer leadership team mean to you? “Being part of a ship start-up team is always an honor. The bonds formed among the crew during this time create a unique and lasting sense of achievement. While the work can be more challenging, especially once guests are on board, that first sail-away brings an incredible sense of pride. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the crew makes it all truly worthwhile. It’s a remarkable feeling.”

Richard Maier

His story: He’s from Austria but now lives with his wife and dog in Lisbon, Portugal.

Windstar History: First ship: Star Legend and then Star Breeze in French Polynesia. His last deployment? He was part of the team that brought out Star Seeker, which was an excellent opportunity to shape the next chapter for Windstar Cruises.

Cocktail party conversation: There is nothing that Richard does not know about wine, especially Portuguese wines, since Portugal is where he spends most of his time.

What does being part of the Star Seeker leadership team mean to you?  “Of course, being part of the start-up team is highly rewarding and it comes with opportunities as well. When you start a new ship everything is a learning curve. Most important is the guest flow which is decisive for schedules and timings. We now know exactly where we have to establish set ups and what we need to be able to provide the experience our guests expect, from embarking until the time of debarking.”

Staff Captains

Matthew Mullins

Matthew Mullins

His story: Matthew Mullins was born and raised in Donegal, Ireland, and began his maritime career at the age of 16 working on cargo ships. Inspired by his parents, who met while serving aboard the MV Doulos, he completed his cadetship with Maersk and studied marine operations in the U.K., qualifying as a deck officer in 2020. After several years in the cruise industry and obtaining his Master Mariner license, he joined Windstar Cruises in 2025.

Windstar history: Mullins joined Windstar Cruises in 2025 as a second officer aboard Wind Surf and was later promoted to first officer. He subsequently became part of Star Seeker’s launch team, helping bring the ship into service. In 2026, he was promoted to staff captain and is excited to help introduce Star Explorer as a member of her senior leadership team.

Cocktail party conversation: Raised in Donegal by a Dutch mother and an Irish father, Mullins grew up in a multicultural household and is fluent in Dutch, English, and Irish Gaelic. In his time off, he volunteers with maritime charities including Mercy Ships and Logos Hope, where he provides maritime training and serves as a relief deck officer. Like any true Irishman, he enjoys sharing stories and is always happy to swap tales of life at sea with guests and crew alike.

What does being part of the Star Explorer leadership team mean to you? “Being part of the Star Explorer leadership team is both an honor and a privilege. Having experienced the excitement of bringing Star Seeker to life, I know how special it is to build a team and culture from the very beginning. New ships create unique opportunities for officers and crew to grow, work with state-of-the-art equipment, and deliver the exceptional experiences that make Windstar so special. I’m excited to help shape Star Explorer and to welcome guests aboard for the start of another incredible chapter in Windstar’s story.”

Luca Puzzola

His story: Luca was born in Udine and grew up in Trieste, leading an adventurous life shaped by his seafaring family and a passion for exploration. After studying at the nautical school in Trieste, he spent a decade at sea on container ships, eventually becoming Chief Officer. Inspired to seek new horizons, Luca discovered his true calling in small ship cruising at Windstar Cruises, following a brief shoreside stint in 2018. His time on Wind Spirit in French Polynesia stands out—where he not only advanced professionally but also met his future wife, Slađana.

Windstar history: Over the past eight years, Luca has served on several Windstar vessels, including Wind Spirit, Wind Star, Star Legend, and Star Pride. Most recently, he played a pivotal role in launching Star Seeker’s Alaska expedition operations, which has been a a career highlight.

Cocktail party conversation: At home, Luca enjoys hiking, relaxing on the beach, and indulging in shopping trips with his wife. He’s also the proud father of a two-year-old boy and is expecting another baby boy in September.

What does being part of the Star Explorer leadership team mean to you? “Star Explorer represents an exciting new chapter for me and I’m proud to be part of a crew that’s setting new standards and creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.”

Chief Engineers

Gianmaria Azzarelli

His story: Gianmaria comes from the island of Sicily, where he lives with his wife and son. Family means everything to him. When he is not at sea, he enjoys spending time with his loved ones, working with engines and machinery, and riding his motorcycle — a passion he has had since childhood.

Windstar history: Gianmaria began his seagoing career at the age of 19 as a cadet on oil tankers. At 24, he transitioned to the passenger ship industry, where he has accumulated more than 30 years of experience. He joined Windstar Cruises in 2022 aboard Wind Star and has spent the last four years leading the technical department on Wind Spirit. Passionate about engineering, he is always looking for ways to improve the engine room and the overall condition of the vessel.

Cocktail party conversation: If you want to talk about engines, food, or Sicily, be prepared — you may find yourself in a much longer conversation than expected. When he is not overseeing the ship’s engineering operations, he is usually refining a project, tackling a technical challenge, or planning his next motorcycle adventure.

What does being part of the Star Explorer leadership team mean to you? “After more than three decades at sea, I still enjoy every challenge that comes with this profession. Joining Windstar has been a rewarding experience, and leading the engineering team on Wind Spirit is something I am very proud of. I believe that maintaining high standards and continuously improving the ship are essential to providing our guests and crew with the best possible experience. Even under pressure, teamwork, practical solutions, and a positive attitude always make the difference.”

Rick Hopwood

His story: Rick lives on the Wirral Peninsula in the northwest of England with his wife, Lucy, their grown children, and a house full of animals.

Windstar history:  Hopwood joined Wind Star as fourth engineer in 1995 in Barbados. Most recently he was part of the leadership team on Star Seeker. Before that,  Star Legend, which — apart from two trips to Tahiti on the Spirit and the Breeze — was his Windstar home for almost 10 years.

Cocktail party conversation: If you have plans to tour England and want to know the best places to go for fish and chips, just ask Rick.

What does being part of the Star Explorer leadership team mean to you? “Having been involved in some way in all the new Windstar vessels since I joined the company, it makes me very proud, both professionally and personally, to be part of Star Explorer’s launch.”

The post Meet the Team That Will Lead Windstar’s Star Explorer When It Sets Sail This December appeared first on Windstar Cruises Travel Blog.

“There’s a reason they call these islands Europe’s Hawaii,” Prelog tells me. “From black-sand beaches to cities with Spanish and Portuguese influences, it always felt to me like it was everything you could want in a vacation destination.”

Particularly if you make island-hopping easy.

The archipelago consists of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, its capital, and Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Gomera and Ferro. Ironically, the islands are actually closer to the west coast of Africa than to Spain; Fuerteventura is just under 70 miles from Morocco’s Cape Juby.

Each one is distinctively different. Tenerife is lush with rainforests while parts of Lanzarote, with its dune fields and black sand beaches, feel like you’ve landed on the moon. La Gomera has a rugged mountain landscape. Santa Cruz de la Palma has a lively and colorful Caribbean vibe along with mountainous volcanoes and, like Lanzarote, thriving vineyards. Madeira, though not technically part of the Canary Islands, is often visited on itineraries in the region.

And here’s a fun fact: the Canary Islands are home to seven UNESCO Biosphere Reserve sites, so chosen for the purpose of conservation, research, education, and development of cultural and biodiversity in environmentally unique locations.

How to island-hop in the Canaries

The hot ticket right now is the 10-night Canary Island Idyll in autumn 2025/winter 2026 onboard Wind Star, the company’s 148-passenger sailing ship. The choice of Wind Star for this route was no accident, Prelog says. “Prevailing winds in the Canaries make a voyage onboard a sailing  yacht an extraordinary experience.”

Based from Tenerife, Wind Star calls at islands such as La Palma (Santa Cruz), Las Palmas (Grand Canary Island), La Gomera (San Sebastian) and Lanzarote, along with Madeira (Funchal), which belongs to Portugal. 

Getting to (and from) the homeport of Tenerife is easier than anticipated

The Canary Island Idyll itinerary home ports in Tenerife. I discovered the easiest flights from North America are on United Airlines, which now offers nonstop flights in both directions on select days between Newark (EWR) and Tenerife (TFS). If the nonstop schedule doesn’t work for you, there are daily one-stop flights from most major North American airports on American, Lufthansa, Swiss, and British Airways. There’s even an option to fly Icelandair with a Reykjavik stopover before ending in Tenerife. 

Check out our tips on what to do and see in the Canary Islands.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Tenerife is the largest, most populous and best-known of the Canary Islands, famous for its beaches, nightlife and the highest peak in Spain, Mount Tiede. Santa Cruz (meaning holy cross in Spanish) serves as the capital of the island and co-capital of the Canary Island archipelago. With a population of over 200,000, it is a bustling city, with an old town area that features colonial Spanish architecture, shops and eateries.

Best-known sights:

Whale and dolphin watching are popular shore excursions in Santa Cruz, but scenic drives rank highest for land-based exploration. Mount Teide dominates the skyline from almost anywhere on the island, and a visit to the Teide National Park gets you even closer to the volcano’s summit and its massive lava fields. There’s a cable car in the park to get an even better view.

For those who love markets, Our Lady of Africa Market, known as La Recova, features three multistory courtyards overflowing with food, wine, flowers and local goods.

Wonderful surprises:

Prelog admits that Tenerife was his second-favorite island in the Canaries (read on for his absolute fave), primarily because of the mountain scenery and hiking. While many of the 67 trails found in the Teide National Park are listed as difficult, one of the most scenic is Roques de Garcia. It’s about a 90-minute circuit trail, listed on most maps as easy to moderate, that lets you stretch your legs and feel like you’ve truly explored a bit of the island.

Bottom line:

Because Tenerife is often where you say hola or adios to the Canary Islands, spare time in port may be limited. It’s easy, though, to plan a pre- or post-cruise stay here. Windstar’s package incorporates a stay at the Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey Hotel.

More info:

The Canary Islands Tourism website has a large section dedicated to all things Tenerife. Details about the Mount Teide cable car are at Volcano Teide.

Lanzarote

Lying just 78 miles from the coast of the African continent, Lanzarote is the third-most populous island and the fourth-largest of the Canaries. Its immense red and black volcanic landscapes give it an other-worldly feel. The capital city of Arrecife is home to only 64,000 residents.

Lanzarote is Prelog’s favorite island in the Canaries. When I asked him why, he was uncharacteristically at a loss for words. “It has a desert flair,” he finally said. “With the white buildings and the dunes, it’s very different. Variety is what makes the Canary Islands a perfect vacation, and with this itinerary, we can take you around to sample all the differences.”

Lanzarote is the first destination in the world to receive a Biosphere Responsible Tourism Certificate. That means it is not only good at protecting its uniqueness, it’s also developed a plan for sharing it responsibly.

Best-known sights:

You won’t find the lush green mountains and banana groves you will experience on Tenerife and Madeira. Lanzarote is stark. The landscape is what brings people here, mouths gaping as if they just landed on Mars. You can still enjoy beaches here, they come in both black and gold. Ride a camel in the dunes if you choose or simply take in the harsh beauty of it all.

Wonderful surprises:

As impossible as it seems, there are vineyards. Grape cultivars unique to the island are grown on the rocky lava fields close to the ground, much the same as you’ll find on Santorini. In fact, the visual similarities between Lanzarote and Santorini really suprised me (though the two islands really do feel quite distinct from one another).

And Lanzarote is not a huge cruise port. On some of Wind Star’s port days in Arrecife, it is the only cruise ship in port. On others, only one other ship is also docked.

Bottom line:

Lanzarote has a memorable desert beauty you won’t find on the other Canary Islands. Plus, there are things you can see and do here you won’t find elsewhere on cruises to many other regions in the world. Whether you aim to ride a camel, go four-wheel adventuring, or sit and sip volcanic wine, this is not a port of call you want to miss.

More info:

Look for details about Lanzarote on the Hello Canary Islands website.

San Sebastian de La Gomera

The island of La Gomera is the second-smallest, and one of the least-visited, of the Canary Islands. Its 142 square miles feature soaring volcanic mountains that provide the island with black sand beaches. The upper altitudes of the central island are dominated by the misty Garonjay National Park. The ship ports in the capital city of San Sebastion de la Gomera, with a population of just under 10,000. The city’s history is interwoven with the expeditions of Christopher Columbus.

Best-known sights:

Striking volcanic basalt formations, hiking and waterfall spotting in the national park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the black sand beaches are the primary things to experience on La Gomera. San Sebastian Beach is the most popular near the port, with restaurants nearby. Most tours planned through the ship are of the sightseeing variety, a few with short walks in the national park. Choosing a short sightseeing tour leaves you free to explore a bit of the island on your own or venture to the beach for the rest of the day.

Wonderful surprises:

If you are looking for the perfect souvenir from La Gomera, shop for palm honey or guarapo. Another possibility is wine produced from the Forastera Gomera grape. History lovers can explore the Columbus House Museum, where Columbus stayed before setting out across the Atlantic, and the Torre del Conde and Church of Asuncion, both from the 15th century.

Bottom line:

San Sebastian appeals to nature lovers and those who enjoy dramatic scenery. It’s a highly walkable island, with more than 370 miles of trails and paths.

More info:

The La Gomera Canary Islands Tourist Information site has a wealth of information, including walking tours created specifically for cruise ship passengers.

Santa Cruz de La Palma

Santa Cruz serves as the capital and primary port city of the island of La Palma. It’s a relatively small city rich with Spanish history (we love the Plaza de Espana, anchored by the Iglesia Matriz de El Salvador). The Naval Museum (Museo Naval) has a replica of Columbus’ Santa Maria, and the cobblestone streets of the city’s historic center (walkable from the cruise port) are lined with examples of colonial Spanish architecture.

Best-known sights:

Can you ever tire of the black sand beaches? During winter, you can enjoy the warmth of the sand even when air temperatures are moderate. Water temperatures average in the low 70s, making it comfortable for a quick dip. The nearest beach to the cruise port is Bajamar. Also, La Palma is well known for its volcanic vineyards.

As with other islands, viewpoints or roadside lookouts are the best way to take in the island’s spectacular scenery, any driving tour should include several of the more prominent viewpoints. The island also has a wine-producing region near the caldera.

Wonderful surprises:

Tranquility is a word not often applied to tourist areas, but it sure does apply to La Palma and its multisensory experiences. One of the best places to find such tranquility is to venture north from Santa Cruz to Charco Azul, or Blue Pool. It is one of many pools in the Canaries that combine nature’s shoreline with a bit of human ingenuity to create a space where swimming in the sea is both safe and tranquil. It’s about a 40-minute taxi ride from the cruise terminal. The facility has changing rooms, showers and even a solarium.

Bottom line:

La Palma is an island with a slower pace, the kind of destination where you can wander a bit, maybe sip some local wine, and simply take in the beauty of the place. There are also plenty of tours for those who want to see the interior of the island and learn about the culture and history.

More info:

The Visit La Palma page on the Turismo de Islas Canarias website is filled with information about activities, trails, viewpoints for taking in scenery, and places of historical significance. The official tourism site of Spain also has an inspiring page on Santa Cruz.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Las Palmas is the provincial capital, and the co-capital of the Canary Islands along with Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Population of the city is near 400,000 — almost half of the island’s population of over 800,000. The island is called the “little great continent” for the diversity of its landscapes, from beaches to pine forests.

Best-known sights:

Gran Canaria is known for its beaches and golf courses. The best beaches are in the touristy southern part of the island and are accessible via taxi. Las Canteras, however, is an urban beach not far from the cruise port in Las Palmas. Tours to the caldera and to one of several botanical gardens are also popular. Museum buffs have a handful to choose from, right in Las Palmas. El Museo Canaria provides a historical look at the island and its settlers.

Wonderful surprises:

The stunning Plaza Mayor de Santa Ana, dominated by the Cathedral of Las Palmas, is worth the cost of a hop-on, hop-off bus ticket. There are cathedrals in other cities in the Canaries, but this was the first church built in the islands after the Spanish invasion. Its architecture is a blend of Gothic, Neoclassical and Canarian — including pillars that mimic palm trees. The sand dunes on the island’s southern coast are a delightful surprise.

Bottom line:

Las Palmas is a large, busy city, with all the flair of any Spanish port. In addition to scenic landscapes, this populous island is known for archeological and historical treasures.

More info:

The Gran Canaria Tourism website and the Gran Canaria page on the Canary Island Tourism website both offer detailed information for visitors.

Madeira’s Funchal

Situated roughly 250 miles north of Spain’s Canary Islands, Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal, comprised of four islands. The capital of Madeira is Funchal (on the island of Madeira). This energetic city hugs the coast and mountainside of Madeira’s highest peaks (Pico Ruivo reaches 6,106 feet above sea level).

Best-known sights:

One of the most unusual activities here is a toboggan ride. Picture sitting in a basket on wooden skids while two carreiros push and steer the wicker sled down a steep winding road between the villages of Monte and Livramento. The 10-minute speed ride is not for the faint of heart, but definitely fun to watch. There’s a cable car to Monte with a stunning view of the city and coastline a short walk from the port.

The cable car is also an option for visiting the Monte Palace Madeira Tropical Garden, a botanical garden located in Funchal, Madeira, but because the garden meanders down a very long slope, a better option is a taxi that drops you at the entrance then picks you up at the bottom exit two hours later. Don’t miss its oriental gardens, the Monte Museum for contemporary art, and the wildlife, such as flamingoes, that wanders throughout the property.

Wonderful surprises:

For a break from the city crowds, consider a visit to the charming fishing village of Camara de Lobos. The colorful village has small markets for shopping and charming cafes for a sip of Madeiran wine or a Portuguese beer. For a market closer to the port, the Mercado dos Lavradores is walking distance, and it is everything you’d expect to find in a European market — food, souvenirs, spices and local wine. The mercado is conveniently located next to the shopping area of Funchal’s old town, where you can also shop for shoes or sample some delicious gelato.

Bottom line:

Madeira is fast-paced and loaded with things to see and do. It has something for almost everyone who visits, and Prelog says that even a week in Madeira might not be enough to see it all. The best advice here is perhaps to squeeze in as much as you can, then be prepared to enjoy the beauty of the island from the deck during sailaway.

More info:

The Visit Madeira website has an incredible amount of information, including festival schedules and folklore as well as lists of monuments, churches and wineries.

If you Go: The Canary Islands

• Our Passport Guide is a great resource for facts and tips about a Canary Islands cruise. And if you want to travel it experientially, we love this wonderful trip chronicle. It really shows you what it’s like to be on this voyage.
• Canary Islands voyages, which have been hosted aboard Wind Star and will soon take place on Wind Spirit, her identical 148-passenger sister ship, are a perfect antidote to winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Itineraries run from mid-autumn to late winter.
• The 10-day Hidden Gems of the Canary Islands and Madeira is a great option for your first visit. And if you want a longer getaway, Windstar offers 18 and 20 day trips via Spain’s southern coast and Morocco.

The post Windstar’s Passport to the Canary Islands: Our Guide appeared first on Windstar Cruises Travel Blog.

Last year, we tried something different: we gave each other one holiday gift, a Caribbean cruise over Christmas, and convinced a few like-minded friends to join us. I worried the holiday spirit I love most would take a back seat onboard. It didn’t. Between the food and drink, the festive ports of call, and a few blissful sea days (including Christmas Day itself, when most ports are closed anyway), it was a real celebration — and the crew handled all the cooking, cleaning, and entertaining.

We enjoyed it enough to do it again the following year, this time sailing Spain’s Mediterranean coast.

If you’re considering your first Christmas cruise, here are seven things we learned along the way — and if you’re a holiday cruising veteran yourself, share your own tips in the comments below.

What is considered the holiday season onboard or in port?

Onboard and onshore, décor, ambience and activities start to ramp up the first or second week of December and last through New Year’s Day. In many regions, from the Panama Canal to the Caribbean, they go on even longer, until the Festival of Three Kings holiday on Jan. 6. And in the Mediterranean, its famous Christmas markets can start as early as America’s Thanksgiving and run into Twelfth Night (usually celebrated the evening of January 5).

Where can you go?

We chose the Eastern Caribbean (we opted for a St. Maarten round trip because destinations such as the British Virgin Islands and St. Bart’s are big favorites ), because we knew it would be festive onshore. Other regions that operate at this time of year include the Southern Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Central America (Costa Rica and Nicaragua), a round trip out of Tahiti for French Polynesia, and the Mediterranean, with itineraries focusing on Spain, France and Italy. 

More specifically, here are some options for the festive season.

• Star Collector: Reefs & Rainforests: The Caribbean, Colombia, Panama & Costa Rica via the Panama Canal. Departing on November 24 (2026) n Wind Star, this 18-night voyage travels from Barbados to Costa Rica’s San Jose via a melange of Caribbean and Central American ports. 
• On Star Explorer’s maiden voyage, this Barcelona-based cruise hugs the coast of Spain. This nine-night post-Christmas voyage (markets are still in full swing) departs on December 28 (2026) and visits Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Cartagena and Gibraltar, among other ports. 
• Spend the holidays in the tropics on Star Pride. Based in San Juan, Windward Islands: Surf & Sunsets is a seven-night Caribbean cruise that departs December 20 (2026) and visits Guadeloupe, Bequia, Mayreau and Grenada. 

Embrace the season’s traditions at the places you visit

Depending on your itinerary, you may luck out by finding special holiday events taking place in ports of call. In the Mediterranean, its famed holiday markets are open day and night (late afternoons and early evenings are magical, with throngs coming for post-work happy hours, live bands and tons of twinkling lights contributing to the already buoyant atmosphere). In Costa Rica, one of the most popular holiday celebrations is “el carnaval,” held between Christmas and New Year’s, where locals don masks and clown costumes.  In the Caribbean, one way of celebrating is through local food traditions, like pineapple upside down cake and coconut tarts in St. Maarten. In Puerto Rico, try escabeche (chicken gizzards and boiled banana) and coquito, Puerto Rico’s version of eggnog (rum, coconut milk and cinnamon).

Anticipate celebrations onboard, too

Onboard, Christmas decorations include Santa, gingerbread villages, garlands and illuminated trees. Entertainment ranges from Windstar’s usual favorites to holiday-themed fare, with movies on the in-suite televisions to music played in lounges. Christmas cocktails are served from the second week of December on, special menus are served on the holidays (such as a Christmas Day lunch menu featuring honey glazed ham and, later, high tea with Christmas cake and stollen).

Celebrating with crew and staff

On every Windstar cruise I’ve ever taken, bonding with crew and staff has enriched the experience. Emotions are always stronger during the holidays. For us and the crew with whom we interacted, the season made our connections stronger. We also loved learning about how the crew celebrates: Crew areas are decorated, gifts are given, and every staffer has time off for a Christmas meal celebration (either a lavish lunch or dinner). My favorite discovery is their popular create-a-hat competition, where crew members can use any found item to make a unique cap (see below for one of last year’s winners, whose hat was crafted from bread).

One other tip: Tuck a few small gifts into your suitcase for crew members you meet onboard (or pick up small trinkets in ports of call).

If you go

• The most festive region for a holiday cruise is Europe’s Mediterranean, now a year-round cruise destination; itineraries primarily focus on France, Italy and Spain. For beach fun and sun, consider the Caribbean, Tahiti and the Panama Canal. In Asia, itineraries over the festive season feature Cambodia and Vietnam. 
• Tip: Pack a few small gifts for the crew members you get to know onboard, or pick up trinkets in port to hand out along the way.
• On our voyages, we noticed that some travelers wanted to continue their own traditions, and brought wreaths and other decor to spice up their cabins and we loved being greeted upon arrival by holiday treats, like peppermint candy canes, foil-wrapped chocolate Santa’s, and freshly baked cookies from the galley; selection varies by ship.
• In many cases, plan for Christmas and New Year’s to be sea days in regions where tourist businesses shut down for the holidays. And yet, on our Southern Spain coastal cruise last year on Star Seeker, we overnighted in Palma de Mallorca, spending Christmas Eve and Day there, where you could take in a mass at the Basílica de Santa María. Museums were largely closed on Christmas Day but a ship-provided shuttle dropped us in town and restaurants and outdoor cafes (the weather was gorgeous) were open and bustling with celebrations. 
• While ships are indeed festive during this time, it’s not over the top and those who don’t celebrate these particular holidays will feel just as welcome. 
• And of course, beyond your ship, embrace the style of celebrations of locals in the ports you visit. 
• And while for us the trip was our holiday gift to each other, a spa gift certificate or special shore excursion gave us something to open — and another memory to take home with us.

The post Sail Into the Season: 5 Reasons to Celebrate a Christmas & New Year’s Cruise at Sea appeared first on Windstar Cruises Travel Blog.