My hubby and I are thinking about a cruise to the Greek Isles. We have never sailed on SeaDream or Windstar. Can anyone give me some info about these? (Is SeaDream that much more "luxurious" than Windstar?) We definitely want a small ship experience for this trip....any info would be most appreciated.
Thanks!

For Windstar, you have the choice of sailing on the Wind Star or Wind Spirit. They are basically identical ships and carry 148 passengers each. (SeaDream I and II carry about 112 passengers each.)

We really like Windstar because of the super laid-back atmosphere and active crowd. But SeaDream would definitely be more upscale.

Windstar is having some business challenges right now (so is SeaDream) and that has lead to some really good pricing. Throughout the summer there are Greek Isle itineraries on Windstar for $1299 and $1499pp for a 7-night cruise.

For example, the June 20th Wind Spirit sailing calls on Istanbul and Kusadasi, Turkey; Rhodes, Greece; Bodrum, Turkey; Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens, Greece. The cruise fare is $1,399. (Search VacationstoGo.com for a list of prices for each summer itinerary.)

SeaDream's comparable itineraries are significantly higher in price...about $4,300pp. (Remember that wine, spirits, and gratuities are included in SeaDream's cruise fares.) Even still, the Windstar pricing is very enticing.

But, I would definitely purchase travel insurance if going with Windstar. See this blog post about Windstar's parent company: http://luxurycruisebible.blogspot.com/2009/04/how-much-trouble-are-luxury-cruise.html

Happy cruising!

Andrea

Cruise Muse..if u have not seen this May 2009, Conde Naste article on a Sea Dream med cruise, it is exceptionally well written:'

http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/500611

Recently I toured SeaDream I while in San Juan. I was very impressed with the dining options, the ship layout, the amenities, and the overall experience. The balinese beds that they will make up with linens and duvets so you can sleep under the stars or just relax for an hour or so are incredible. They have Bulgari products in the bathrooms, 8 Thai women offering spa treatments, all casual. SeaDream has some wonderful specials for this summer that you might want to consider.