CruiseInd is heading back to sea—and this time, we’re trading in megaships for masted sails. Next week, we will be boarding a Windstar Cruises voyage through the heart of the Mediterranean, tracing a classic route along the storied Riviera aboard one of Windstar’s elegant small ships, the s/v Wind Surf.
From ancient Roman ports to sun-soaked harbors tucked into rocky coastlines, this itinerary promises the perfect blend of iconic destinations and off-the-beaten-path charm. Windstar’s intimate, yacht-style approach means we’ll be anchoring in harbors the big ships simply can’t reach—allowing us to explore each port in greater depth and without the crowds.
What To Expect: Ports and Highlights
In addition to our full ship tours, expect plenty of food and cocktail photos and reviews. This itinerary is a bit different for us as it’s considered a rather ‘port intensive’ one. That means every day of the 7 day trip, we will be in a different port. I am curious to see whether I like this type of cruise or prefer one with just a few port days and mostly sea days.
Port highlights include:
- Civitavecchia (Rome): Our journey begins just outside the Eternal City, with a quick afternoon sail-away.
- Portoferraio: The gateway to Elba, famous for its crystal-clear waters and Napoleonic history.
- Portofino: We plan to anchor in this iconic harbor with a full day to wander the streets with their iconic pastel architecture.
- Monte Carlo: We then arrive at the heart of old-world glamour and we stay until midnight—plenty of time to explore and check out the Formula 1 track.
- Cannes: We will step ashore, ready to embrace French Riviera chic and hidden beaches.
- Sanary-sur-Mer: A less-crowded Provençal town, perfect for authentic food and strolls along the harbor.
- Palamós: Now heading into Spain, and more specifically Costa Brava. With it’s historic charm and local seafood I am eager to check this town out as admittedly, I had never heard of it before.
- Barcelona: Arrive in the Catalan capital for a quick farewell breakfast before we disembark.
Follow Along the Journey
We’ll be covering the entire cruise live across our social media channels, offering ship impressions, port highlights, dining snapshots, and candid looks at the Windstar experience.
Instagram: @CruiseIndOfficial
X/Twitter: @CruiseInd
Facebook: CruiseInd
If you’ve ever been curious about small-ship sailing, Riviera cruising, or Windstar itself, this is the one to watch. Follow along as we explore the Med—one sail, one anchorage, and one espresso at a time.