This cruise is for the food enthusiast, the history buff, the connosieur of fine spirits and wines and those who want to enjoy life to its fullest! Come join us on this intriguing adventure in 2025.
Discover the delectable cuisines and spirits of Spain and France at their authentic best. Treat your palate to Europe’s best seafood in Spain’s Galicia region, to sweet port in Porto, cognac in La Rochelle, and world-famous wines in Bordeaux. Spend time absorbing the culture, history, and landscapes that have gone into the creation of each delicious mouthful. Follow the pilgrams to Santiago de Compostela and share conxuro da quiemada with them in a social ritual passed down through the generations. Toast a region so bursting with flavour you wished you never had to leave.
By clicking the button below and filling out the info required, this is not confirmation of a booking, but a form of intention that you are interested in the cruise/require more information. Once the form is completed Rafa or Scott from Gravitate Travel will be reaching out to you individually based on first come first serve basis to collect your information. Cabins are only secured and confirmed once a non-refundable deposit of 15% of total fare per person is paid.
Explore everything that Portugal, Spain and France has to offer
Friday May 23, 2025
Saturday May 24, 2025
Sunday May 25, 2025
Monday May 26, 2025
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Thursday May 29, 2025
Friday May 30, 2025
Saturday May 31, 2025
Sunday June 1, 2025
Monday June 2, 2025
Friday May 23, 2025
Day 1: Lisbon – 5:00 pm departure
The rhythm of Lisbon invites you to join its captivating dance, along the banks of the Rio Teja with its unparalleled blend of architectural styles, elegant outdoor cafes and cobbled sidewalks. Board the ship to start your journey.
Saturday May 24, 2025
Day 2: Porto – 10:00 am arrival/4:00 pm departure
Built into the granite cliffs at the mouth of the Rio Douro, the hilly city of Porto presents a heady juxtaposition of eras and styles. The highlight of this city, a taste of port wine at its best – a happy accident from the 17th century when brandy was discovered to preserve wine for transit. After a choice of palate-pleasing shore excursions, return for an onboard fado folk music performance.
Sunday May 25, 2025
Day 3: El Ferrol – 10:00 am arrival/6:00 pm departure
Spend a pleasant day rumbling around the old Magdalena neighbourhood, or make your own pilgrimage to the nearby UNESCO site of Santiago de Compostela or head to Lugo to see the Roman Walls – another UNESCO site.
Monday May 26, 2025
Day 4: At Sea
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Day 5: Bordeaux** – 6:45 am arrival
Bordeaux has long been known as La Belle au Bois Dormant, Sleeping Beauty. And while the beauty part is undeniable, the sleeping part could be argued. The capital of Aquitaine is home to a vibrant culture and, as oenophiles well know, it is the gateway to some of France’s most famous vineyards. In this UNESCO World Heritage city, 13th century cathedrals and 18th century palaces are commonplace.
**Bordeaux is a 2-day visit so this will allow passengers to enjoy dinner in the city and the nightlife
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Day 6: Bordeaux – 3:45 pm departure
Continue exploring this region by venturing beyond the city’s borders to the chateaux of the Médoc region or to Saint-Émilion, a breathtaking medieval village set among the vineyards that is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Thursday May 29, 2025
Day 7: La Rochelle – 8:00 am arrival/6:00 pm departure
Two 14th century stone towers guard the gateway to the medieval core of the city, the Vieux Port. And this is a city focused on ships. You’ll find yachts floating in the Port des Minimes, ships in the stained glass of church windows, maybe event decorating the arcaded walkways that line the streets. Learn the art of brandy making with a visit to the Cognac region and the Hennessy maisson, dating back to 1765.
Friday May 30, 2025
Day 8: At Sea
Saturday May 31, 2025
Day 9: St-Malo – 6:00 am arrival/9:00 pm departure
Once notorious as the home of pirates, St.-Malo today is best known for the UNESCO monastery and town of Mont St. Michel and the famous oysters of nearby Cancale. Walk the city’s ramparts, or pass the time at a seaside boulangerie sampling a fresh and buttery croissant.
Sunday June 1, 2025
Day 10: At Sea
Monday June 2, 2025
Day 11: Port of Dun Laoghaire (35-40 mins south of Dublin) – 7:00 am arrival
Dublin is a city of delights and surprises. Stroll across the Ha’Penny Bridge to Trinity College for a glimpse of the Book of Kells. Step inside the 11th century Dublin Castle. Stop by the Guinness Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery for a taste of Irish history.
*Please note that port arrival and departure times are subject to change and will be finalized prior to departure
**Bordeaux is a 2-day visit so this will allow passengers to enjoy dinner in the city and the nightlife
SHIP AND DECK Plan - DETAILS
Discover Star Legend
Get to know the Star Legend
Carrying only 312 guests, Star Legend is able to tuck into small ports along the journey.
This all-suite yacht completed renovation as part of the $250 Million Star Plus Inititative to provide more of what guests love.
New public areas include two new dining venues, a new spa, elevated pool, and fitness area.
The yacht also boasts all new bathrooms in every suite and a new category of Star suites, featuring a new layout.
Coolest trip ever planned: Cruising from Brazil to Chile and seeing the beauty of Antarctica along the way
Travel philosophy: Travel as a student, return as a teacher
Travel advisor history: Independent travel consultant specializing in various areas of luxury travel including custom itineraries and experiences throughout various parts of the world including Europe, North America and Africa, ocean cruises, river cruises, rail tours and luxury all-inclusive vacations.
Ask her about: Road trip to Northern Canada beyond the Arctic Circle
Favourite trip booked for a client: Safari to South Africa, desert safari and touring the UAE and beach vacation in the Maldives
Next bucket-list trip: Morocco
Scott Waldron
Gravitate Travel (member of The Travel Agent Next Door)
Host
Scott Waldron
Total countries travelled: 36+ Years in the travel business: 25 Favourite destination(s): Austria & India Coolest trip ever planned: For 2021, Canadian Arctic in July and Antarctica in December Travel philosophy: Go with the flow Travel advisor history: Senior Personal Experience Advisor for global firms to boutique travel planners offering arctic expeditions. Created custom tours and vacations in Europe, South America, Scandinavia, North America and beyond. Ask him about: Working as a Cultural Ambassador at Walt Disney World at the start of his career Favourite trip booked for a client: National Geographic & G Adventures Family Trip to Vietnam & Cambodia Next bucket-list trip: Japan
Your Cabins and Pricing
Explore Your Different Cabin Choices
All prices are based on either single or double occupancy
Star Porthole Suite (SP)
277 square feet (26 square meters)
Cabin Features:
Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
Interactive TV
Safe
L’Occitane Bath Amenities
Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
Fully Stocked Mini Bar/Refrigerator
Direct Dial Phone
Fresh Fruit
Wi-Fi Internet Access(various plans available for purchase)
Granite vanity with magnifying mirror and chair
Double Occupancy taxes included, per person
Single Occupancy taxes included
SP
$4,134 USD
$6,999 USD
Ocean View Suite (S/S1/S2/S3)
277 square feet (26 square meters)
Cabin Features:
Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
Interactive TV
Safe
L’Occitane Bath Amenities
Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
Fully Stocked Mini Bar/Refrigerator
Direct Dial Phone
Fresh Fruit
Wi-Fi Internet Access(various plans available for purchase)
Granite vanity with magnifying mirror and chair
Double Occupancy taxes included, per person
Single Occupancy taxes included
S
$4,404 USD
$7,471 USD
S1
$4,476 USD
$7,597 USD
SS1
$4,512 USD
$7,660 USD
S2
$4,539 USD
$7,707 USD
S3
$4,584 USD
$7,786 USD
Balcony Suite (BS/BS1)
277 square feet (26 square meters)
Cabin Features:
Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
Interactive TV
Safe
L’Occitane Bath Amenities
Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
Fully Stocked Mini Bar/Refrigerator
Direct Dial Phone
Fresh Fruit
Wi-Fi Internet Access(various plans available for purchase)
Granite vanity with magnifying mirror and chair
Double Occupancy taxes included, per person
Single Occupancy taxes included
BS
$5,304 USD
$9,046 USD
BS1
$5,664 USD
$9,676 USD
Star Balcony Suite (SBS/SBS1)
277 square feet (26 square meters)
Cabin Features:
Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
Interactive TV
Safe
L’Occitane Bath Amenities
Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
Fully Stocked Mini Bar/Refrigerator
Direct Dial Phone
Fresh Fruit
Wi-Fi Internet Access(various plans available for purchase)
Granite vanity with magnifying mirror and chair
Double Occupancy taxes included, per person
Single Occupancy taxes included
SBS
$5,484 USD
$9,361 USD
SBS1
$5,844 USD
$9,991 USD
Enjoy The Moments
TRIP INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
CRUISE PACKAGE INCLUSIONS
Open dining with no reservation fees required (specialty restaurants require a reservation)
Non-alcoholic beverages, including cofffee, tea and soda
Beautifully appointed ocean-view staterooms and suites
Plush bathrobes and slippers
Fresh flowers and fruit in your stateroom or suite
Flat-screen TV
Signature onboard deck barbecue*
Onboard entertainment, including local performances in most regions
24-hour Room service
Fully equipped Watersports Platform and use of all water sports equipment*
Access to the Open Bridge
Champagne welcome reception
Signature Sail Away event from every port*
Access to WorldSpa by Windstar sauna/steam room facilities, yoga and Pilates
*These amenities are not guaranteed to be available on each voyage and port
CRUISE PACKAGE EXCLUSIONS
Transfers from the Lisbon Airport to the Port (arrangements for transport can be made for an additional fee)
Spa and Salon services
Any purchases made in the gift shop onboard
Shore excursions
Internet Access
Medical Services
Laundry Services
Ship to Shore Telephone calls
Gratuities
Alcoholic Beverages (ask your Gravitate Travel professional about available all-inclusive beverage packages)
WINDSTAR’S ALL-IN PACKAGE (optional add on)
Make It All-Inclusive
Wi-Fi
Beverage and hotel gratuities
Unlimited beer, wine, &cocktails by the glass
$89 USD per guest per day
*Purchase up to 7 days prior to your cruise, purchase on board for $99 USD per guest per day.
By clicking the button below and filling out the info required, this is not confirmation of a booking, but a form of intention that you are interested in the cruise/require more information. Once the form is completed Rafa or Scott from Gravitate Travel will be reaching out to you individually based on first come first serve basis to collect your information. Cabins are only secured and confirmed once a non-refundable deposit of 15% of total fare per person is paid.
Before you book with us or depart on your Windstar Cruise, you may have some questions about what to expect. Below are questions and answers relating to the most important topics to our guests to give you peace of mind and assurance before you set sail on your cruise.
Can you help me to secure a hotel room in Lisbon prior to the sailing and/or after the cruise ends in Dublin?
Yes, Gravitate Travel would be happy to help you with this
Are there direct non-stop flights from major Canadian cities to Lisbon and from Dublin?
Yes, we can help look at non-stop flight schedules from most Canadian cities.
Can I make multiple payments on my trip leading up to the journey?
Yes, we can help make arrangements for this at the time of booking
Does Windstar have an App for my phone for me to keep track of my sailing/reservation details?
No, but they do have a guest portal to book shore excursions and review reservations
Are there any mobility concerns with this cruise?
Yes, this is a cruise for active people with no mobility issues. Walking and tenders are used for this cruise. Must be able to access stairs.
What information is required to secure a cabin?
15% deposit, copy of your passport, credit card, booking form with all information we require (billing address, dietary restrictions etc.)
What time is supper/dinner each night?
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm is their normal time and it is open seating
Do we need to make reservations for lunch/dinner on the ship?
Only for specialty dining
Does this ship offer room service?
Yes, 24-hours
What forms of payment do you accept?
Visa, MasterCard, and American Express
Can Gravitate Travel quote me on travel insurance to protect my cruise?
Yes, we certainly can. We work with Manulife Travel Insurance and can only quote travel insurance for those that reside in Ontario. Others Canadian residents outside of Ontario we can have one of our team across Canada quote you based on your province of residence as we are only licensed to sell travel insurance in Ontario.
What is the payment plan for this trip?
15% deposit with balance due 90 days prior to sailing (ask your Gravitate Travel professional about installment plans)
Are Gratuities, Excursions, Alcoholic Beverage packages, Specialty Restaurants and Spa Services included?
Gratuities, Excursions, Alcoholic Beverages, Spa services are additional costs. Specialty restaurants are included but require reservations. (Refer to our All-Inclusive Packages in our inclusion/exclusion section for more information)
What is the standard rate for Gratuity?
$16 USD per day/per person onboard (ask your Gravitate Travel professional about our all-inclusive option or review it above under our inclusion/exclusion section)
Will the ship accommodate any special dietary/allergy concerns?
Yes, but they do not have the ability to accommodate Kosher meal requests
What happens if I have to cancel my trip?
Please see our cancellation terms: Bookings cancelled at 121 days or greater from travel will be subject to a $50 per person cancellation fee. A full refund, excluding the cancellation fee, will be made for cancellations received by Windstar Cruises at 121 days or greater from travel by any mode of transportation booked through Windstar Cruises (sea or land, air travel is non-refundable once purchased). Guests who cancel after that date for any reason, including medical or family reasons, are subject to Windstar Cruises cancellation schedule. The cancellation fees are calculated off the Gross Fare, the gross fare is composed of the following Windstar items:
Cruise Fare
NDAs
Hotels/Overland Packages
Transfers
Air Fare (100% non-refundable after purchase)
Cancellation Schedule:
120-90 days before commencing travel
15% of gross fare (deposit)
89-60 days before commencing travel
35% of gross fare
59-30 days before commencing travel
50% of gross fare
29-0 days before commencing travel
100% of gross fare
Supply List: Fabric
1½ yards (1.4 m) orange ombre fabric for sky
1½ yards (1.4 m) blue or aqua ombre fabric for water (or four ½ yards (.5 m) of four blues and/or aquas)
1 FQ for the sailboat
⅓ yard for binding
1½ yard for backing
Notions and tools
1 Clover – Black Quick Bias Tape roll – ¼” x 11 yds (6mm 10m)
1 SCHMETZ twin Needle 80/12 – 4.0mm (provided for you)
1½ yards (1.4 m) Heat n’ Bond Woven Fusible Interfacing - Soft White
Pins
6½” x 24” ruler (or similar)
Rotary cutter
Scissors
Seam ripper (in case)
Small cutting mat
Pencil or pen and paper for note taking.
And any other supplies that one likes to use while at the workshop.
Fabric (a fabric kit will be available for purchase)
Print 1 - Fat 1/6 of Cadet
Print 2 - Fat 1/6 of Maya Blue
Print 3 - Fat 1/4 of Waterfall
Print 4 - Fat 1/4 of Indian Ocean
Print 5 - Fat 1/8 of Teal
Print 6 - Fat 1/6 of Peacock
Print 7 - Fat 1/4 of Dusk
Print 8 - Fat 1/4 of Spruce
Print 9 - Fat 1/8 of Moss
Print 10 - Fat 1/8 of Honeycomb
Print 11 - 3/8 yard of Olive
Print 12 - Fat 1/8 of Root
Print 13 - Fat 1/4 of Shortbread
Print 14 - Fat 1/8 of Rust
Print 15 - Fat 1/8 of Persimmon
Print 16 - Fat 1/8 of Scarlet
Print 17 - Fat 1/8 of Red Rose
Print 18 - Fat 1/8 of Tiger
Print 19 - Fat 1/4 of Shortcake
Print 20 - Fat 1/8 of Dusted Pink
Print 21 - Fat 1/6 of Primrose
Print 22 - 1-1/4 yards of Sandcastle
Print 23 - 1-1/2 yards of Bisque
Border: 1-1/8 yards of Bisque
Binding: 2/3 yard of Waterfall
Backing: 4¼ yards of light fabric
Notions and tools
Creative Grids Alaska ruler (available at Watergirl Quilt Co.)
6½” x 24” ruler (or similar)
Rotary cutter
Scissors
Seam ripper (in case)
Small cutting mat
Pencil or pen and paper for note taking.
And any other supplies that one likes to use while at the workshop.
Fabrics: This technique works best with a darker background. Due to the construction technique used, if your background is significantly lighter than your Fabrics A, B and C, you will get some shadowing.
Fabric A (Diamond 1,2) ¼ meter
Fabric B (Diamond 3,6 Placemat) ¼ meter
Fabric C (Diamond 4,5, Placemat) ¼ meter
Fabric D (Background) 1 meter
Binding ½ meter
Backing 1 meter
Notions and tools
Pointed Comments Pattern by Tamarinis (available at Watergirl Quilt Co.)
Pins
Seam ripper (in case)
Scissors (small)
Large ruler (6½” X 24” or similar)
Medium Ruler (6” x 12” or similar)
Rotary cutter.
Small cutting mat
Chalk marker, pencil or other fabric marking tool
And any other supplies that one likes to use while at the workshop.
Fabrics:
The fabrics requirement list will be added later.
Notions and tools
A spool of neutral coloured thread
Pins
Seam ripper (in case)
Scissors (small)
Add a quarter ¼ ruler
Cutting mat 18” x 24" will work best but bring what you have.
And any other supplies that one likes to use while at the workshop.
Supply List (to make Medium size bag):
Purchase a kit from us or assemble your own supplies as follows:
Clam Up Bag pattern from ByAnnie
Main/Outside Fabric: 1 piece of cork fabric measuring at least 10” x 14”
One 18” or longer, double-slide handbag zipper (if you plan to make all 5 bags, we recommend you purchase a package of ByAnnie’s Zippers by the Yard)
Sheet of template plastic or freezer paper: 10” x 14”
ByAnnie's Double Sided Basting Tape 1/8in wide
ByAnnie's Stiletto & Pressing Tool or similar tool
12 Wonder Clips
Purchase the complete supply kit including fabrics by Tula Pink (as pictured in the photo) or assemble your own supplies as follows:
Mini Butterfly Effect Pattern (included with supply kit)
Mini Butterfly Effect Paper Piece Complete Pack
Mini Butterfly Effect Templates With 3/8in Seams 19pc
Bohin Glue Pen and 3-5 refill glues
One or two Sew Tite magnets
Sew Fine Thread Gloss
#10 milliners needles
Thimble (optional)
50wt, 60wt or 80wt thread to match fabrics or use a neutral such as pale grey
22 fat eighths of a variety of fabrics for the butterflies
Half yard of a pale grey or cream fabric for the large diamonds
3/ 4 yard of low volume background fabric that contrasts a bit to your half yard of pale fabric.
Marking pen or chalk pencil
Tiny cutting mat approximately 6” x 8”
Sharp scissors such as Karen Kay Buckley Perfect Scissors
Purchase a kit from us or assemble your own supplies as follows:
Backing fabric 20” x 20”
100% cotton batting piece 19” x 19”
42 - 5” squares of a variety of colours/prints of fabrics
Applique pins (approximately 50)
Seam Roller
Sharp scissors such as Karen Kay Buckley Perfect Scissors
Sashiko needle , long size
12 wt thread in a contrasting colour to your fabrics. We recommend a variegated thread or go with plain white
Velvet fabric 4 - 3.5” squares
You will need the book Creative Stitching by Sue Spargo. We will have copies available to purchase before the cruise.
Purchase a kit from us or assemble your own supplies as follows:
10 different colours of wool fabric each sized 2” x 2”
Background wool fabric in spring leaf green sized 6” x 6”
Backing wool fabric of pin cushion 6” x 6”
3 different colours of velvet fabric each sized 2” x 2”
One small button for embellishing
Cotton fabric lining 2 pieces each sized 5-½” x 4-½” (not needed on the cruise)
Crushed walnut shells (not needed on the cruise)
#24 chenille needle
#11 straw needle
#3 milliners needle
Drizzle stitch wool pad
5 different colours of size 8 perle cotton thread to coordinate with your wool fabrics
12wt Ellana wool applique thread in 7 colours to coordinate with your wool fabrics
60wt neutral applique thread in cotton
Bohin glue pen
Supply List:
scissors (any size)
reading glasses if you use them
Sashiko thread (any colour but navy) and sashiko needle (available from Watergirl Quilt Co.)
Supply List:
rotary cutter, ruler and cutting mat
basic sewing supplies, including pins, seam ripper, tape measure and wooden presser/point turner or Hera marker
kit pre-purchased from Watergirl Quilts (contains all pieces pre cut and ready to sew) or you will be able to pre-cut your own fabrics. Cutting list will be provided after workshop selection has taken place.
Supply List:
rotary cutter, ruler and small cutting mat
basic sewing supplies, including pins, seam ripper, tape measure and wooden presser/point turner or a Hera marker (Clover brand or a custom wood one from Watergirl Quilt Co.)
There will be a required kit for this class. Kits will be available to order once class selection has taken place. The kit fee will be approximately $30. Quilting cotton thread will be supplied. Please do not bring your own threads.
Please bring the following to class with you:
Quilter’s gloves such as Grippy Gloves, Acugrip Quitler’s glove (Machinger’s not recommended)
basic sewing supplies – scissors, pins, curved safety pins, etc.
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