On a cold spring night in May, traffic stopped as Tower Bridge opened for Windstar's Star Pride cruise ship, marking the first time the boutique cruise line has sailed from London. The 312-passenger ship navigated under the 132-year-old blue bascules with around 21 metres of clearance on each side, heading towards the Thames Barrier for northern Europe.
Boarding at Tower Pier, an unusual embarkation point for cruise ships, offered a unique experience. The ship's shining white exterior contrasted with the greys of the Shard and HMS Belfast. Passengers were checked in via an Uber boat across the river, and I was in my balcony cabin sipping champagne within 10 minutes.
Star Pride had recently completed a dry dock, adding fresh carpets and soft furnishings. My cabin featured blonde wood, cream walls, and blue and white curtains, with a queen-sized bed, spacious lounge area, Juliette balcony, walk-in wardrobe, and his-and-her sinks. The 277-square-foot stateroom was comparable to larger ships, with free room service.
The onboard spa, included in the price, offered heated beds, steam room, and sauna. The Yacht Club coffee lounge, with floor-to-ceiling windows, became a favourite spot for flat whites and board games. Daytime excursions included a canal tour of Ghent and a food tasting tour of Antwerp, where I learned the difference between crunchy Brussels and soft Liege waffles.
Evenings featured pre-dinner drinks at the Compass Rose bar with a saxophonist, and dining at Candles restaurant, which transforms from the Veranda at dinner, serving steak and fish at sunset. The cruise was part of Windstar's Quick Getaways collection of three and four-night packages.
