From the moment our seven day journey aboard Windstar Spirit began, it was clear this would be something different. Sailing through the southern Caribbean was never about rushing from port to port or filling every hour with activity. Instead, the experience was defined by slowing down, gaining access to places few travelers ever reach, and embracing the quiet luxury of traveling with intention, all made possible by the intimate scale and thoughtful pace of Windstar Spirit.

Sailing with Windstar Cruises reshapes the entire idea of cruising. The experience is intimate, thoughtful, and deeply connected to place. From Panama to the San Blas Islands, through Cartagena, and onward to Aruba, the journey moved with intention, offering a slower, more immersive way to experience each destination.

Arriving in Panama City, Panama

We began by flying into Panama City, a destination that immediately immerses you in contrast and culture. Sleek modern towers line the coastline, while historic Casco Viejo tells a quieter story through cobblestone streets and colorful facades. The city feels vibrant without being overwhelming, layered with history yet very much alive in the present.

We chose to spend a few days here before the cruise, giving ourselves time to experience Panama beyond the itinerary at sea.

One of the highlights was a journey through the Panama Canal, traveling alongside dense stretches of rainforest where wildlife appeared often and unexpectedly. Sloths rested quietly in the trees, while monkeys proved curious and surprisingly interactive, climbing into the boat and carefully taking limes from our hands.

Our guides explained that the limes were not a snack, but part of the monkeys’ bathing ritual. They use the citrus to rub their fur, helping cleanse their coats and repel insects, a natural practice passed through generations. Watching them methodically bathe themselves with the limes was fascinating and intimate, a small but unforgettable glimpse into daily life in the rainforest. It was an extraordinary way to begin the journey, grounding us in Panama’s wild beauty and rich biodiversity before ever stepping aboard the ship.

Back in the city, exploring the old town of Panama City, known as Casco Viejo, offered a deeper look into its character. Cobblestone streets wound past pastel colored buildings, weathered churches, and quiet plazas where daily life unfolded at an easy pace. Wrought iron balconies overflowed with flowers, cafes spilled onto sidewalks, and music drifted through open doorways. The mix of colonial architecture and restored facades told stories of centuries past, making Casco Viejo a place to wander slowly and absorb the layers that define Panama City beyond its modern skyline.

Embarkation in Colón, Panama

From Panama City, we traveled to Colón to embark. The process was refreshingly calm and efficient. There were no massive terminals or long lines. Instead, boarding felt personal and relaxed, setting the tone for the days ahead.

Almost immediately, the difference in Windstar’s approach became apparent. The crew welcomed us warmly, and it never felt scripted. On a small ship, there is room for genuine connection. Faces quickly became familiar, preferences were remembered, and the atmosphere felt welcoming rather than transactional.

The Sail Away from Colón unfolded as a true onboard event, with music filling the deck as the ship slowly eased away from the port. The Caribbean stretched out in front of us, the horizon growing wider as the city disappeared behind.

The pace naturally slowed, inviting everyone to pause, watch, and settle into the rhythm of the journey. This Sail Away marked a clear transition from land to sea and set the tone for what felt like an intentional and meaningful voyage ahead.

Life Onboard with Windstar

Life onboard Windstar is defined by ease and quiet sophistication. There is no pressure to constantly be doing something, and no sense that stillness is time wasted. Days unfold naturally, guided by light, conversation, and curiosity.

Mornings often begin with coffee and ocean views, the kind that invite you to linger longer than planned.

Afternoons drift by on open decks, where conversation comes easily, new friendships form, and the sea sets a gentle rhythm. Everything is available, but nothing is mandatory.

Relaxed Dining, Elevated Flavors

Dining aboard Wind Spirit offers several distinct options, each with its own atmosphere while maintaining Windstar’s relaxed, high quality approach inspired by its partnership with the James Beard Foundation. Amphora Restaurant is the main dining room, serving dinner with menus that change daily and highlight fresh ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and regionally inspired dishes that reflect a chef driven philosophy rather than mass dining.

The Veranda provides a more casual setting for breakfast and lunch, with open air seating and expansive ocean views, while evenings bring Candles Grill, an intimate outdoor experience centered around grilled specialties and a laid back, al fresco feel.

Yacht Club provides a casual dining option with continental breakfast offerings in the morning and freshly prepared sandwiches and wraps at lunchtime.

For moments when staying in feels just right, 24 hour room service is always available, making it easy to enjoy anything from a quiet breakfast to a late night snack in the comfort of your suite. Together, these dining options offer flexibility, variety, and a consistently thoughtful experience that fits seamlessly into life onboard.

Entertainment, the Windstar Way

Entertainment onboard Windstar Cruises felt personal, lighthearted, and genuinely fun.

Evenings featured live music that set a relaxed tone, while onboard games brought guests together in an easy, social way that sparked plenty of laughter and conversation.

One of the most memorable moments was the crew talent show, where the people who make the journey so special stepped into the spotlight, sharing hidden talents and a great sense of humor. It was a reminder that Windstar’s atmosphere is built on connection, not spectacle, creating entertainment that feels warm, authentic, and effortlessly engaging.

The Open Bridge Experience

Windstar’s open bridge policy offered guests a rare opportunity to step onto the bridge, observe navigation, and speak with the officers guiding the journey. It added a deeper sense of connection to the voyage, turning the movement from port to port into part of the experience itself.

A Moment to Truly Unwind

The spa aboard Wind Spirit offered a welcome space to slow down even further and fully settle into the rhythm of the journey. Tucked away from the busier areas of the ship, it was a quiet retreat designed for relaxation rather than indulgence for indulgence’s sake. Treatments focused on restoring balance, whether through a massage after a day ashore or a peaceful moment carved out between ports. The experience felt intimate and calming, much like the rest of life onboard, offering a chance to pause, reset, and let the journey unfold at an even gentler pace.

Staying Active at Sea

The fitness center aboard Wind Spirit made it easy to maintain a sense of routine while still embracing the relaxed pace of the voyage. Equipped with essential cardio and strength training equipment, the gym offered a simple, well designed space to move, stretch, and reset while surrounded by ocean views. Whether starting the day with a workout or easing in with light movement between ports, it felt less about strict fitness goals and more about balance, supporting both energy and well being throughout the journey.

Comfort at Sea

The accommodations aboard Wind Spirit were designed to feel calm, comfortable, and thoughtfully laid out.

Cabins offered a welcoming retreat at the end of each day, with soft lighting, well planned storage, and details that made the space feel more like a private room than a standard cruise cabin. Beds were inviting, bathrooms efficient and well appointed, and the overall design emphasized ease rather than excess. Whether starting the morning slowly or winding down after an evening on deck, the rooms provided a quiet, restful place to recharge, perfectly in tune with Windstar’s unhurried style of travel.

What makes the onboard experience truly special is the balance. The ship is elegant but never formal. Luxurious without excess. It creates an environment where you can fully relax and be present, something that is increasingly rare in modern travel.

The San Blas Islands

Arriving in the San Blas Islands felt like stepping into a different world.

This remote archipelago, part of the Guna Yala region, is made up of hundreds of small islands scattered across luminous turquoise water. Many remain uninhabited, while others are home to the Guna people, who have preserved their traditions and way of life with remarkable care. Tourism here is limited, and that restraint is exactly what makes the experience so powerful.

Windstar’s small ship access is everything in a place like this. Larger ships simply cannot reach these islands. Instead, Windstar anchors just offshore, and guests tender in quietly, arriving without disruption. From the very beginning, the experience feels respectful and unhurried.

The day unfolded at a gentle pace. A relaxed barbecue was set up on the island, offering simple, freshly prepared food enjoyed with sand beneath our feet and clear Caribbean water just steps away. There was no rush and no rigid schedule. It was an invitation to slow down and simply be present.

Local artisans shared handcrafted items made using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Each piece reflected the culture and heritage of the Guna people. Browsing these crafts felt personal and meaningful, offering insight into a way of life deeply connected to the land and sea.

Windstar’s signature watersports platform added another layer to the San Blas experience.  There were a variety of ways to enjoy the water, including swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling, all available at your own pace. There was no schedule or pressure to participate, just the freedom to choose how you wanted to spend the time, whether active or relaxed, in the calm, clear waters of the San Blas Islands.

The island itself was breathtaking in its simplicity. Powder-soft sand, shallow crystal-clear water, and palm trees swaying in the breeze created a setting that felt untouched by modern tourism. Nothing felt staged or overdeveloped. It was quiet, authentic, and profoundly beautiful.

This is where Windstar truly stands apart. The ability to reach destinations like the San Blas Islands, to experience them respectfully, and to create moments that feel genuine rather than manufactured is what elevates the entire journey.

Arriving in Cartagena

Porting in Cartagena felt vibrant and alive from the moment the city came into view. The skyline rose along the water, a striking mix of modern towers and centuries old architecture, with the historic walled city nearby offering a glimpse into Cartagena’s rich past. From the port, you could feel the rhythm of the city, shaped by music, color, and the deep cultural layers that make Cartagena one of the most captivating destinations in the Caribbean.

Cartagena’s character becomes clearer the more closely you look. The thick stone walls of the old city still stand as they have for centuries, once built to protect one of Spain’s most important Caribbean ports. Inside those walls, narrow streets wind past colonial churches, shaded plazas, and brightly painted buildings topped with wooden balconies overflowing with flowers.

Vendors sell fresh fruit and local snacks from carts, music drifts through open doorways, and the rhythm of daily life feels both lively and deeply rooted in tradition. Just beyond the historic center, the modern skyline rises along the coast, a reminder that Cartagena is both historic and evolving. This contrast between old and new gives the city its energy, a place where history is not preserved behind glass but lived, celebrated, and woven into everyday life.

Here we chose a coffee tour to get a deeper look into one of Colombia’s most treasured traditions. We learned how climate, elevation, and timing shape the flavor, and how each step, from drying to roasting, is carefully controlled to preserve quality. The tour ended, as it should, with a tasting, rich, aromatic, and full of nuance, offering a new appreciation for Colombian coffee and the craftsmanship behind it. It was a grounding experience that connected culture, land, and daily life, adding yet another layer to our time in Cartagena.

As evening approached, the city transformed. Lights flickered on across the skyline, casting a warm glow over the water, while the old city’s silhouette stood quietly in contrast to the modern buildings beyond. Cartagena has a way of feeling both energetic and romantic at the same time, a place where history and present day life blend seamlessly. Even from the deck, the sense of place was unmistakable, the city’s presence felt in every direction.

Later that evening, a deck barbecue onboard the ship brought the experience together in an unforgettable way.

With the lights of Cartagena shining in the distance, the atmosphere was relaxed and social, filled with easy conversation and laughter. Freshly grilled dishes were enjoyed under the open sky as the city sparkled beyond the railings. It was a moment where being in port became part of the evening itself, offering a memorable connection to Cartagena without ever leaving the ship.

Aruba: A Bright Farewell

Exploring Aruba offered a clear sense of the island’s personality beyond its beaches. Along the western coast, calm turquoise water framed long stretches of white sand, while inland the landscape shifted to a rugged, desert-like terrain dotted with towering cacti and wind-shaped divi divi trees. This contrast between soft shoreline and untamed interior gives Aruba a distinct character that feels both serene and resilient, inviting exploration at an easy, unhurried pace.

Windstar’s shore options in Aruba made it easy to experience the island from the water in memorable ways. Guests could choose a catamaran sail along the coast, offering open-air views, gentle breezes, and time to enjoy the clear Caribbean sea. For a completely different perspective, Windstar also offered a submarine experience, descending below the surface to reveal coral formations and marine life without ever entering the water. Together, these excursions highlighted Aruba’s natural beauty from both above and below the sea, adding a thoughtful layer of exploration to the journey.

Disembarking here felt natural and unrushed. We carried with us the calm of the sea and the memories of places few travelers ever experience, stepping into a destination that invites you to linger and savor the moment just a little longer.

The Staff: The Heart of the Windstar Experience

What truly sets a sailing with Windstar Cruises apart is the people onboard. From the very first day, the staff create an atmosphere that feels warm, personal, and genuinely welcoming. On a small ship like Wind Spirit, interactions are never rushed or transactional. Instead, they feel natural, familiar, and thoughtful, the kind of service that makes you feel seen rather than managed.

Crew members quickly learn names, preferences, and routines, often anticipating needs before you even realize them yourself. Whether it is remembering how you take your coffee, greeting you with a smile as you walk into a dining venue, or checking in simply to see how your day went, these small gestures add up to something meaningful. The service feels intuitive rather than scripted, rooted in pride for what they do and care for the guests they serve.

What makes the experience even more special is the approachability of the staff. Conversations happen easily, stories are shared, and there is a genuine sense of connection that develops over the course of the journey. This comes through not only in daily interactions but also in moments like the crew talent show, where personalities shine and laughter fills the room. It is a reminder that behind the exceptional service are people who love what they do and take joy in creating memorable experiences.

By the end of the voyage, the crew no longer feels like staff, but like part of the journey itself. Their attention, warmth, and authenticity are woven into every aspect of the experience, leaving a lasting impression that stays with you long after you disembark. It is this human connection, just as much as the destinations, that makes sailing with Windstar feel so personal and unforgettable.

Why Windstar Is Different

This journey reinforced what makes Windstar truly special. It is not about volume or spectacle. It is about access, connection, and intention.

Small ships mean the ability to reach places larger vessels cannot. That access creates opportunities for authentic experiences rather than curated performances. Service feels personal because it is. Every detail, from embarkation to dining to shore experiences, feels considered and thoughtfully executed.

Windstar attracts travelers who value depth over distraction, who appreciate elegance without formality, and who seek experiences that feel meaningful rather than overwhelming.

If you want waterslides, endless buffets, and constant entertainment, there are plenty of options. But if you want quiet beaches, cultural connection, thoughtful pacing, and the feeling that you are truly experiencing the world rather than observing it, Windstar delivers in a way few others can.

Planning Your Own Windstar Experience

We do not just sail with Windstar. We plan Windstar. We understand the ships, the itineraries, and the details that transform a great cruise into an unforgettable experience. From choosing the right sailing to planning pre or post cruise stays, every piece is handled with care and intention.

If this journey from Panama to the San Blas Islands and on to Aruba sparked something in you, we would love to help you plan your own Windstar experience.

Because if you want to cruise, then cruise.

If you want an experience, choose Windstar.

Send us a message and let us take care of the rest.