Prevue November-December 2017 - 61

Left: The Star Legend; Right (top to bottom): Shore excursion
lunch at Chateau Cordeillan-Bages; Culinary demonstration with
chef Hugh Acheson; Chateau at vineyard in Medoc region (photo
credits: Laurel Herman)

"Windstar will immerse your group
in the local culture by offering
unique experiences through our
custom-designed shore excursions."
cruising experience with Windstar was nothing less than wonderful-
Executive Chef Klaus Kraberger made sure of that. Whether breakfast,
lunch or dinner, the choices were many and the ingredients fresh,
reflecting seasonal produce from the ports we visited, and the food
presentations were fantastic. In fact, Kris Moon, VP of the James
Beard Foundation, says the philosophy of the foundation (to provide
fresh locally sourced foods) gels well with Windstar as this is also
a pillar of the cruise line. Each day we had a choice of fresh foods
sourced from the ports we visited: St. Malo oysters, La Rochelle
mussels, and in Bordeaux, fresh cod. Moon says that Windstar chefs
are also coming out of the kitchen to foster positive social change
in communities by improving food and pushing for the freshest
ingredients. The partnership with Windstar is also, in part, due to their
shared appreciation for culture and local experiences, and the small
ports where food is authentic and aspiring toward local fresh food.
"We see this association with Windstar being a great
partnership and continuing into 2018 and beyond."

CUSTOMIZING THE CRUISING EXPERIENCE
Six James Beard Foundation cruises are available in 2018 and
you can book up to half of the ship for your group. You can also
charter a ship in advance for five to seven days, and Windstar can
help customize a James Beard culinary cruise and other types
of custom experiences in 2019 or 2020. We experienced the
"Destination Discovery Event," which included a visit to a private
chateau in Bordeaux with live music, local food, and of course,
wines. This was a chateau in another region of Bordeaux from the
Markham program, so we really got to enjoy some of the many
regions of Bordeaux. Regardless of which destination you choose,
John Delaney, president of Windstar, says they will "immerse your
group in the local culture by offering unique experiences through
our custom-designed shore excursions."
Another plus for groups are the different dining venues
available on the yacht-like ship; there is even al fresco dining
(weather permitting). In addition to the Star Legend, sister ships
Star Breeze and Pride offer the same type of dining venues and
worldwide itineraries to choose from. Incentive groups will find
the tropical destinations Windstar visits particularly attractive
in the winter and spring. And for many groups, Windstar ports
in Europe, Alaska, Canada, New England and Asia are popular
options.
windstarcruises.com

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue November-December 2017
