Marc Shoffman, cruise editor for British Brief, was among the first guests to experience Windstar's new London departures. The sail-away party took on a special significance as traffic halted and Tower Bridge opened to allow the luxury cruise ship Star Pride to pass through.
A Night to Remember Under Tower Bridge
At 11pm on a cold spring night in May, the lights along the embankment twinkled as Star Pride slowly navigated under the historic bridge. Even London drivers seemed uncharacteristically happy to stop and take photographs. The 132-year-old blue bascules provided a unique view as the ship squeezed through with about 21 metres of clearance on each side, heading towards the Thames Barrier for northern Europe.
Windstar's First London Departure
This cruise marked a significant milestone for Windstar, as it was the first time the boutique line sailed from the capital as part of its Quick Getaways collection, offering three- and four-night packages. Boarding at Tower Pier, far from typical cruise ports, felt special. The ship's shining white exterior contrasted sharply with the greys of The Shard and HMS Belfast.
Passengers from London and the home counties appreciated the easy access via London Bridge station. The embarkation process was remarkably smooth: checked in via an Uber boat across the river, Marc was on his balcony cabin sipping champagne within 10 minutes.
Onboard Comfort and Luxury
Star Pride had recently completed a dry dock refurbishment, adding fresh carpets and soft furnishings. Marc's cabin, at 277 square feet, featured blonde wood, cream walls, and blue and white curtains. The queen-sized bed was separated from a spacious lounge area with a Juliette balcony. A walk-in wardrobe and his-and-her sinks added to the home-from-home feel, complemented by free room service.
The onboard spa, included in the fare, offered heated beds, a steam room, and sauna. Unfortunately, the weather was too wet and windy for the pool or hot tubs. Unlike larger cruise ships, there were no queues for waterslides or shows; the only concern was securing a seat at the Yacht Club coffee lounge, a favourite spot for morning flat whites and board games.
Exploring Belgium
Daytime excursions included a stop in Zeebrugge, offering a walking tour of Bruges or a canal tour of Ghent. Marc chose the canals, describing Ghent as a quieter version of Amsterdam. Another day featured a food tasting tour in Antwerp, where he learned the difference between crunchy Brussels and soft Liege waffles.
Evenings were spent at the Compass Rose bar, with plush sofas and a saxophonist. Marc recommends the Old Fashioned whisky cocktail.
Dining Delights
Comfort and culinary options were priorities. Breakfast was served in the Veranda, which transformed into Candles restaurant at dinner. Guests dined on succulent steak and fish, finishing with salted caramel popcorn cheesecake. Unlike mainstream cruise ships, this steakhouse experience was included in the fare. Blankets were provided for terrace seating, ideal for British weather.
The main dining room, Amphora, offered flexible dining between 7 and 9pm. Marc's favourite was Basil and Bamboo, a new pan-Asian and Mediterranean venue added during the refurbishment. Olive-green armchairs and mirrored spotlights created a trendy ambiance. Reservations were required, but there were no extra charges. He particularly recommends the tuna tartare and black cod.
Evening Entertainment and Finale
Evening entertainment included a tribute to British bands and an ABBA night. The highlight was the crew talent show on the final night, where staff performed sketches, played guitar, and danced.
The journey back into London offered unique views of the O2, Canary Wharf, and Greenwich Park as the ship passed through the Thames Barrier and navigated the river's twists. The captain sounded the horn as they passed Tower Bridge again, met with beeps from motorists, a musical duel signalling the return to bustling London.
How to Book
The three-night "Belgium: A Sweet Getaway" cruise aboard Star Pride starts from £1,198 per person, departing on 7 and 19 May 2027.
