Windstar Cruises
STAR COLLECTOR: BEACHES & BASTIONS OF THE BVI AND SPANISH CARIBBEAN
This is the kind of voyage where each day is postcard-perfect and no two are exactly alike. Get a champagne facial at BVI’s Jost Van Dyke’s Bubbly Pool with its effervescent fizz powered by the ocean, and trek through huge round granite boulders on Virgin Gorda, BVI to find The Baths, its eerie grottoes dancing with light from the turquoise water. Kayak through a bioluminescent bay near San Juan, your paddle drawing glowing patterns in the dark waters. Find a bevy of other beautiful beaches with their own quirks and qualities, from St. Barts’ Maho Beach, where you’ll feel like ducking as planes land and depart overhead, to the black sand beaches of Montserrat. There are days of flamboyance here too, as you snorkel the underwater trail on St. John surrounded by schools of blue tangs and jewel-colored damsel fish, shop for neon-colored molas in the San Blas Islands and wander the rainbow-colored streets of Old Cartagena. Add in a handful of imposing colonial forts, delicious cuisines from French to Puerto Rican, and duty-free shopping, and you have the makings for an unforgettable holiday.
| Day 1 |
From spectacular beaches, to impressive monuments, to electrifying nightlife, San Juan, Puerto Rico is bursting with historical and cultural attractions that are sure to inspire and exhilarate. A former Spanish colony established by explorer Ponce de León, San Juan is replete with monuments dating back to the sixteenth century. Originally built to fortify the Spanish military against attacks from native Taíno peoples and rival European colonial powers, both the Castillo San Cristóbal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro fortresses are popular sites for educational tours detailing the island’s extensive colonial history. These expansive bastions sit on San Juan’s rocky seaside cliffs and offer spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. San Juan’s many beaches beckon you! Relax with warm sands, snorkel in glittering turquoise waters, and marvel at vast lines of palm trees on Condado Beach, Ocean Park Beach, Carolina Beach, and a host of other coastal havens. Better yet, go for a nighttime boat ride in one of Puerto Rico’s three bio-luminescent bays, Laguna Grande, where dinoflagellates illuminate the water in hues of neon aqua. The city’s nearby natural parks and ecological wonders are equally worth a visit, including the limestone caves of Cueva Ventana and the lush tropical ecosystem of El Yunque National Rainforest. Your stay in San Juan won’t be complete without experiencing the city’s thrilling nightlife scene. San Juan boasts a number of bars, breweries, and dance clubs with delicious cocktails and mouthwatering (and authentically Puerto Rican!) culinary creations. Sip on the sweet coconut flavor of a classic piña colada, a Puerto Rico original, or sample some mofongo, a staple dish made of chicharrón and fried plantain. Unwind in this vibrant Caribbean capital and let San Juan regale you with its many charms! |
| Day 2 |
Arrive Time: 8:00 AM – Depart Time: 6:00 PM
|
| Day 3 |
The capital of picturesque St. Barthélemy, Gustavia is a veritable island paradise in the Caribbean. A former French colony, this small city on St. Barths’s west coast offers a variety of fine dining, designer shopping, and spectacular beachside activities to ensure a relaxing tropical getaway. Be sure to visit the historic site of Fort Karl for a panoramic view of Gustavia’s glittering harbor, then walk to Shell Beach to take a dip in warm, turquoise waters. Arrive Time: 8:00 AM – Depart Time: 10:00 PM
|
| Day 4 |
Nestled under the imposing view of volcanic Mount Liamuiga, charming Basseterre is the best place to begin your next Caribbean adventure to St. Kitts. From the island’s untouched natural beauty, best seen by boarding the famous St. Kitts Scenic Railway, to the glittering beaches of Frigate Bay, perfect for snorkeling and jet skiing, there are plenty of excursions guaranteed to thrill you in Basseterre. Be sure to stop by the city center to visit Independence Square or venture thirty minutes outside of Basseterre to scenic Brimstone Hill Fortress; both sites will give you a glimpse into the area’s French colonial past. Set sail for this Caribbean capital and soak up the tropical sun! Arrive Time: 8:00 AM – Depart Time: 5:00 PM
|
| Day 5 |
The capital of Saint Maarten, the Dutch side of this two nation island, Philipsburg is located on the isthmus between Groot Baai (Great Bay) and the Salt Pond. Founded in 1733 as a free port, the city is now the home to outstanding shopping, casinos, and a variety of hotels and resorts, including nearby Mullet Bay Resort and Golf Club. Arrive Time: 8:00 AM – Depart Time: 10:00 PM
|
| Day 6 |
One of the four islands that make up the British Virgin Islands, Jost van Dyke is a Caribbean paradise known for its white sand beaches, turquoise sea pools, and marinas filled with yachts. Arrive Time: 9:00 AM – Depart Time: 10:00 PM
|
| Day 7 |
Part of the British Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda is an island in the Caribbean famous for The Baths National Park, whose natural geologic granite formations dot the island's beaches and create stunning tidal pools and grottoes. Arrive Time: 8:00 AM – Depart Time: 5:00 PM
|
| Day 8 |
From spectacular beaches, to impressive monuments, to electrifying nightlife, San Juan, Puerto Rico is bursting with historical and cultural attractions that are sure to inspire and exhilarate. A former Spanish colony established by explorer Ponce de León, San Juan is replete with monuments dating back to the sixteenth century. Originally built to fortify the Spanish military against attacks from native Taíno peoples and rival European colonial powers, both the Castillo San Cristóbal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro fortresses are popular sites for educational tours detailing the island’s extensive colonial history. These expansive bastions sit on San Juan’s rocky seaside cliffs and offer spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. San Juan’s many beaches beckon you! Relax with warm sands, snorkel in glittering turquoise waters, and marvel at vast lines of palm trees on Condado Beach, Ocean Park Beach, Carolina Beach, and a host of other coastal havens. Better yet, go for a nighttime boat ride in one of Puerto Rico’s three bio-luminescent bays, Laguna Grande, where dinoflagellates illuminate the water in hues of neon aqua. The city’s nearby natural parks and ecological wonders are equally worth a visit, including the limestone caves of Cueva Ventana and the lush tropical ecosystem of El Yunque National Rainforest. Your stay in San Juan won’t be complete without experiencing the city’s thrilling nightlife scene. San Juan boasts a number of bars, breweries, and dance clubs with delicious cocktails and mouthwatering (and authentically Puerto Rican!) culinary creations. Sip on the sweet coconut flavor of a classic piña colada, a Puerto Rico original, or sample some mofongo, a staple dish made of chicharrón and fried plantain. Unwind in this vibrant Caribbean capital and let San Juan regale you with its many charms! Arrive Time: 7:00 AM – Depart Time: 5:00 PM
|
| Day 9 |
The capital city of the Dominican Republic is rich in history and beauty, boasting 16th-century Spanish architecture and the oldest cathedral in the Americas. The narrow streets of the old colonial city are a testament to the complex mixture of forces that contributed to the construction of the first European city in the Western Hemisphere. The capital of the Dominican Republic is home to some outstanding examples of colonial architecture, including the Catedral Santa Maria la Menor and the viceregal residence, El Alcazar. In the early days of the empire, Spain administered many of its possessions
from Santo Domingo, but as Spanish power waned, other nations took control. In the early part of the 20th century, the United States played an important role in the history of the city, which was occupied by U.S. Marines from 1916 to 1924. Despite the long list of occupying nations, the Spanish influence has remained strong and Spanish is the official language. The pre-Hispanic native people, the Tainos, have also had a strong influence on the culture, and many words from their language have passed into common use. |
| Day 10 |
Enjoy this day at sea as you travel to your next port of call. This is an opportunity to swim, catch some sun on deck or take advantage of the many activities that are onboard your ship. Eat heartily, take a nap and get ready for the next port of call ! This is what makes cruising so great. |
| Day 11 |
A true gem on the Caribbean coast, the port city of Cartagena (Cartagena de Indias) welcomes visitors with its charming old town, colonial buildings, and exceptional beaches. A popular cruise ship stop, many seafarers find themselves honorary Cartagenans, as they stroll shady, cobblestone lanes and gaze upon impressive churches. Must-see attractions here include the dramatic fortress Castillo de San Felipe Barajas, Las Bóvedas Market (once a dungeon, now hosting souvenir stores), and the striking, 19th century Clock Tower Monument. |
| Day 12 |
A true gem on the Caribbean coast, the port city of Cartagena (Cartagena de Indias) welcomes visitors with its charming old town, colonial buildings, and exceptional beaches. A popular cruise ship stop, many seafarers find themselves honorary Cartagenans, as they stroll shady, cobblestone lanes and gaze upon impressive churches. Must-see attractions here include the dramatic fortress Castillo de San Felipe Barajas, Las Bóvedas Market (once a dungeon, now hosting souvenir stores), and the striking, 19th century Clock Tower Monument. |
| Day 13 |
San Blas, Panama, known locally as Guna Yala, is a paradise of untouched beauty and indigenous culture, nestled along Panama's Caribbean coast. Comprising an archipelago of over 365 islands, San Blas offers a new adventure for every day of the year. Crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches, and coral reefs teeming with marine life make it a haven for snorkeling, diving, and sailing enthusiasts. The natural beauty of the region is perfectly complemented by the rich culture of the Guna people, who manage the territory and preserve their way of life. Visitors are often enchanted by the vibrant, handcrafted molas—intricate textiles made by Guna women, which are sold as colorful souvenirs that embody the spirit of San Blas. The allure of San Blas lies not only in its idyllic scenery but also in its commitment to sustainable tourism. The Guna Yala territory is one of the few places in the world where indigenous people govern their own land. This autonomy allows the Guna to protect their cultural heritage and the natural environment from overdevelopment, ensuring that travelers experience the islands in their purest form. A visit to a traditional Guna village offers a glimpse into their unique customs, such as communal living, traditional dances, and storytelling. Local guides often share insights about the Guna's deep connection with nature, adding depth to the visitor experience. The islands are mostly undeveloped, with accommodations ranging from rustic beach huts to eco-friendly lodges that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. For those seeking a digital detox, this is the ideal destination. Days in San Blas are spent hopping from one serene island to another, kayaking through mangroves, and dining on freshly caught seafood prepared by local chefs. Evenings bring the chance to stargaze under some of the clearest skies in the region, free from the glare of city lights. Fun fact: The Guna people have one of the highest rates of albinism in the world, which has led to albinos being revered as "Children of the Moon." During full moons, they often participate in special ceremonies, celebrating their unique place in Guna society. Arrive Time: 8:00 AM – Depart Time: 5:00 PM
|
| Day 14 |
Northwest of Panama City lies the capital city of Colón, a gateway to the Panama Canal. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
11/30/25 - 12/13/25 |
Starting At $3,999 |
Get A Quote |
