Luxury Alternative At Half The Price: 11 Days On Star Pride RT San Juan

Two days ago we highlighted the inherent value of sailing on the luxury all-inclusive 296 passenger Silversea Silver Wind round-trip from San Juan Feb. 25 at a relatively low price. That $4,200 per person includes alcoholic beverages and gratuities.

Silversea Silver Wind

Today compare this cruise at half that price, about $2,100 per person aboard a similar ship, the Windstar Star Pride departing March 6 with a similar itinerary. The Windstar price does not include alcoholic beverages and gratuities. If you do not drink, this is a bargain. If you do drink, the $2,000 savings should cover a few drinks over 11 days. Gratuities add about $150.

Similar luxury?

Windstar Star Pride

The Star Pride was launched in 1988 as the Seabourn Pride, one of the original  three "Yachts of Seabourn" that established that cruise line's luxury brand at sea for just 212 passengers. Seabourn regulars still lament the sale of the Pride to Windstar in 2014 and some have moved their business to Windstar, where the tag lines now include "understated luxury" and "180 degrees from ordinary." Windstar refurbished the Pride in 2016.

There is also a Feb. 24 sailing with slightly higher pricing but limited availability.

You can make your own comparison at the companies' websites and by studying online cruise reviews.

The Windstar price is based on a "one-week" sale 

If you are considering the cruise, have your cruise agent or the cruise line hold the price for a day or two while you make a final decision.

Two sea days plus these ports of call:

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS
GUSTAVIA, ST. BARTHÉLEMY
FALMOUTH HARBOUR, ANTIGUA
LES SAINTES, GUADELOUPE
PIGEON ISLAND, ST. LUCIA
ST. GEORGE'S, GRENADA
BEQUIA, ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES
ANSE MITAN, MARTINIQUE