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Windstar Cruise Review – Wind Surf Barcelona to Lisbon

Chris Calderon

Windstar Wind Surf Report from the Med: October, 2009

Barcelona to Lisbon

windsurf-2006-088-21
Wind Surf

Our first time aboard Wind Surf. We had been told that people either prefer the smaller ships, Wind Spirit or Wind Star (148 guests) or the larger Surf (309) – but we confess to being equally pleased by both. We sailed from Barcelona on a balmy Mediterranean evening and before dinner had met several couples who became our sea buddies for the rest of the trip. That seems to happen aboard the intimate Windstar with its casual atmosphere. The next day found us in Ibiza – a quaint, walled Mediterranean city by day and a fairy tale setting at night with outside dining, romantic lights and candles, street performers and a laid back party atmosphere. Palma de Mallorca was next – more elegant – equally enticing.

barcelona-waterfront
Barcelona waterfront

We enjoyed a day at sea then it was onto Malaga. Malaga is a jumping off point for shore excursions to Granada and the Alhambra, but if you have been to the Alhambra before and opt to stay in Malaga you won’t be disappointed. The main pedestrian walkway was so attractive – I half-way expected to see Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire appear out of nowhere and dance the length of the street. An ancient fortress guards the city – nice if you like walled terraces, fountains, stone pathways and those wonderful arched doorways that always seem to frame a view of the sea.

Wind Surf continued on to Tangiers. We opted for a shore excursion having heard conflicting accounts about the ease or difficulty of wandering around on our own. We wound our way through beautiful neighborhoods, home to numerous palaces and royal compounds until we arrived at the point where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. We visited the cave of Hercules where it is said that Hercules stood with one foot in Morocco and the other in Spain and “pushed” to separate the continents. At the end of the tour several of us (yes, mostly women) stayed with our guide to do some serious shopping. Bargaining is the name of the game and don’t believe the common advice to start your bid at half of the asking amount. Decide what you are willing to pay – I began at about 25% – and negotiated from there. Bargaining is an opportunity to interact with local merchants and in the end we were all happy.
Architecture of Gaudi
Gaudi architecture in Barcelona

Another day at sea – this one a bit brisk as we were in the Atlantic. A day for reading, a spa treatment, a visit to the gym or time to check out a DVD and watch a movie.

We disembarked in Lisbon and were grateful to have allowed two days before returning home. What a picturesque city – cobblestone streets, red tile roofs, ancient cable cars, good restaurants and friendly locals. The best view in town? The Ritz Hotel now under Four Seasons management. Take in the view of both old and new Lisbon from the rooftop or if you are fortunate enough to stay, enjoy the suites and the award-winning spa. Following our Rick Steves’ Guide To Portugal, we used local transportation to explore Sintra, a resort town just outside of Lisbon. Crowning the hill, the Pena Palace, built by a cousin of the mad King Ludwig – it must run in the family… You have to see it to believe it and it’s worth the steep climb.

We loved this itinerary and would do it again, but probably won’t, as Windstar has an itinerary that covers the enticing Dalmatian coast or there’s that other option that goes to Valletta….

More from my site

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  • Windstar Mediterranean Cruise ReviewWindstar Mediterranean Cruise Review
  • Cruising Germany’s Scenic Main RiverCruising Germany’s Scenic Main River
  • Windstar in the Mediterranean Cruise ReviewWindstar in the Mediterranean Cruise Review

Europe Cruise Reviews, Windstar Cruise Reviews

Comments

  1. Rickie Genas says

    January 25, 2012 at 5:08 pm

    Nice story. What do you guys think of Benidorm as a holiday location? Has anyone ever been?

  2. Alysia Murillo says

    January 30, 2012 at 5:32 pm

    Rickie –

    To my knowledge no one from our office has been to Benidorm. However, it is rather close to Valencia so it is possible. I will double check with our staff and let you know.

    Alysia

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Maggie Blehert

Her ideal travel day: venturing to a new place, learning something interesting and sharing a smile.
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Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts reporting on their round the world journeys.
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