From the bloggers who brought you Silver Muse Live in March, stand by for another ‘virtual cruise’ adventure on the high seas, highlighting all that is be enjoyed aboard the flagship of the Windstar Cruise fleet…
Yes, that’s right, having provided a nine-day ‘virtual’ voyage of the wonderful Silver Muse in the Caribbean, we are now en route for the Mediterranean and a cruise experience of a completely different kind, sailing aboard the unique Wind Surf from Civitavecchia in Italy to Nice on the French Riviera.
And we are taking YOU along for the trip, providing another genuine first-hand view of cruising, direct from the vessel pretty much as it happens (okay, we have to allow for time to write it up, get connected to the interweb, upload the day’s events, and wait for our editors to put it online).
But, as we like to say, this is the closest you can get to a cruise without actually being here!
Just to start with, there will be a day-by day journal of exactly how the week-long sailing unfolds, from embarkation day to the final port of call. We will provide a real insider’s viewpoint of the style and atmosphere, along with plenty of photos to illustrate the experience.
And, at the end of each report, there will be a video wrap-up to add that true sense of ‘being there’, an exclusive window onto the Windstar world in glorious iPhone technicolour (internet permitting).
Wind Surf is truly an original vessel, the largest of a trio of sail-cruise ships that can travel either by wind power or more conventional means, as the circumstances allow, providing a distinctive way to travel around some of the most glamorous and outstanding parts of the globe.
And the coming week’s voyage will include some of THE most glam and desirable ports of call on the Western Med radar. It starts with a visit to the stylish island of Elba and the harbour of Portoferraio, where Napoleon was once sent into exile and which has offered an idiosyncratic take on Italian culture ever since.
From there we sail to Portovenere and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cinque Terre, with its impossibly rugged coastline and picture-postcard views. Then it is on to another highlight of the Italian Riviera, the chic destination of Portofino, where the iconic Hotel Splendido keeps watch over the prettiest harbourfront in the western hemisphere.
Leaving Italy behind, we then chart a course for France’s most coveted ports, taking in Monte Carlo, St Tropez and Le Lavandou, where the rich and famous have come to see and be seen for more than a century – and where high style is a way of life, synonymous with the great fashion houses, film stars and other exemplars of living life to the full.
As an itinerary on its own it is a mouthwatering collection of charm and fascination, all gift-wrapped for a week’s worth of effortless cruising in the best possible style. And, with the small ship expertise of Windstar, the whole portfolio of perfect journeying will be on tap 24-7, ready to unveil a daily catalogue of coastal excellence.
Once we add in the onboard style for which Wind Surf has been well-known for almost 30 years, we should have a concoction of pure cruise satisfaction, a true Mediterranean delight.
One other thing we’ll be keeping an eye out for – something which we have reported on in previous blogs – is Windstar’s reputation as “the world’s most romantic cruise line.” To put it to the proper test, we have made this our anniversary treat this year, a week’s worth of relaxation and romance for the two of us. Yes, we will bring you a full report of the voyage, but it might not be the WHOLE story!
So, buckle up mateys, and get ready for another ‘live’ cruise experience from the comfort of your front room, safe in the knowledge we are once again putting ourselves ‘out there’ for your greater erudition and delectation. Just remember, we are professionals – don’t try this at home!
By Simon & Susan Veness
Wind Surf Live! begins on Thursday (June 14), so be sure to bookmark our blog page and come back for the full adventure every day.
