8 Night Cruise sailing from Barcelona to Lisbon aboard Wind Surf.
The largest sailing ship in the world, the Wind Surf is a sleek, five-masted sailing yacht accommodating 312 guests. With six decks and a gross tonnage of 14,745, the Wind Surf is the largest yacht in the Windstar fleet.
All staterooms have ocean views, queen beds, flat-screen TV with DVD player and Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods. Wind Surf suites include an extra bath and TV along with sitting area and his-and-her bathrooms. The new spa suites include lush spa robes, tea service and credits for certified organic spa services and fitness classes in WindSpa. Wind Surf bridge suites give guests the additional luxury of a spacious private living room and relaxing whirlpool spa.
Wind Surf has several dining spots. Degrees, is by reservation only and features an alternative menu reflecting the fresh and seasonal preparations of Mediterranean cooking. The Restaurant offers gourmet, course-by-course cuisine in the evenings and the Veranda restaurant offers casual dining for breakfast and lunch. For dining under the stars, two alfresco top deck eateries include Candles for steaks and skewers, and Le Marche, for seafood.
Wind Surf has the most elaborate fitness and spa facilities in the Windstar fleet, outclassing most facilities on other similar-size ships. Additional amenities include casino and lounge, salon, water-sports platform, two pools and two hot tubs. The Yacht Club is the ship's "living room" and library decorated with intimate groupings of comfy couches and chairs, perfect for reading, catching up on news, browsing the internet, or enjoying good conversation with friends.
Highlights of this itinerary:
Barcelona
Capital of proud Catalonia, Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city like no other. Old and new combine in Barcelona; narrow Gothic Quarter alleyways contrast with grand boulevards. Everywhere, the city celebrates the work of Gaudi, its surreal modernist hometown architect. The city also boasts an incredible collection of Picasso's work. Stroll down Las Ramblas, Barcelona's wide tree-lined boulevard and enjoy the street carnival. Enjoy delectable tapas in the many restaurants and bars. See what the Olympic fervor was all about.
Cartagena
Cartagena is a seaport in southeast Spain on the Mediterranean Sea, in the autonomous community of Murcia. It is a walled town and has a fine harbor defended by forts. In the time of Philip II of Spain, it was a major naval seaport of Spain. It is still an important naval seaport and a large naval shipyard is still in existence. There are plenty of parks and squares to rest in, surrounded by good restaurants and bars and you will almost certainly find life here very slow and easy going. The seashore offers a wide range of activities from sailing to windsurfing and good diving. The local countryside is perfect for hiking, horseriding and cycling. From Cartagena you can easily explore the ancient city of Murcia, the coastal resorts of Mazarron, Cala Cortina and Cabo de Palos or a little further north, the world famous resort of Mar Menor.
Cadiz
Cadiz is the most southern province of the Iberian Peninsula. It is extremely rich in natural beauty and some of the most important Natural Parks of Spain and Europe are found here: Sierra de Grazalema and los Alcoronocales. Both are rich in flora and fauna, including species under threat of exinction. Many birds find here their resting and feeding place just after or before making the jump from or to Africa.
Lisbon
One of Europe's smallest capital cities, Lisbon is for many, one of it most beguiling - an easily accessible mix of new and old worlds. Elegant outdoor cafes line Lisbon's mosaic cobblestone sidewalks along grand 18th-century boulevards. Turn-of-the-century funiculars dot its steep hills. Two-thirds of the city was leveled in a 1755 earthquake, but in its churches, peeling buildings, tiny alleyways and hidden squares, you can still feel the glorious past.
