{"id":997,"date":"2026-01-15T14:10:23","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T14:10:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/review-windstars-star-legend-cruises-southern-spain-days-1-to-4\/"},"modified":"2026-01-15T14:10:23","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T14:10:23","slug":"review-windstars-star-legend-cruises-southern-spain-days-1-to-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/review-windstars-star-legend-cruises-southern-spain-days-1-to-4\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Windstar\u2019s Star Legend cruises Southern Spain &#8211; Days 1 to 4"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div xmlns:default=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<p>As a small ship, with a maximum of 312 guests, the all-suite Windstar\u2018s Star Legend, has slipped right into the heart of Malaga. We are in pole position for exploring the sun-blessed city.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"767\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209268 perfmatters-lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Star-Legend-modified-920x767.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Star-Legend-modified-920x767.jpg 920w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Star-Legend-modified-460x383.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Star-Legend-modified-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Star-Legend-modified.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"767\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Star-Legend-modified-920x767.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209268\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Star-Legend-modified-920x767.jpg 920w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Star-Legend-modified-460x383.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Star-Legend-modified-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Star-Legend-modified.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Windstar offers luxurious small-ship cruises, taking us into harbours beyond the mega-cruisers on our seven day exploration of Southern Spain.. Sometimes we will be the only cruise ship in the port,\u00a0giving opportunities for cultural immersion, that are, as the Windstar credo, reminds us\u00a0180\u00b0 From Ordinary.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Though many Windstar regulars will stay on board for the next two cruises! With Rome among the Italian highlights, before docking in Venice. That is 22 days of intimate excursions, a plethora of wellness options, and superb cuisine.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"767\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209264 perfmatters-lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-pool-deck-1-modified-920x767.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-pool-deck-1-modified-920x767.jpg 920w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-pool-deck-1-modified-460x383.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-pool-deck-1-modified-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-pool-deck-1-modified.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"767\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-pool-deck-1-modified-920x767.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209264\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-pool-deck-1-modified-920x767.jpg 920w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-pool-deck-1-modified-460x383.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-pool-deck-1-modified-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-pool-deck-1-modified.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>For Star Legend and her crew, after 12 days in a Cadiz dry dock, it is back to work. Looking more than ship-shape, the Star Legend has new carpets of maritime blues in many of the public areas, plenty of fresh paintwork and restaurant Basil and Bamboo ready to open.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-day-1-malaga\">Day 1: Malaga<\/h2>\n<p>With check in from 1 pm, guests are soon through the formalities and heading for lunch. Led by the James Beard Foundation, the Veranda restaurant, with both a la carte and buffet announces that this will be a dream gastronomic cruise for foodies.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"767\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209269 perfmatters-lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-suite-modified-920x767.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-suite-modified-920x767.jpg 920w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-suite-modified-460x383.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-suite-modified-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-suite-modified.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"767\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-suite-modified-920x767.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209269\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-suite-modified-920x767.jpg 920w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-suite-modified-460x383.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-suite-modified-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-suite-modified.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Guests in the know quickly book tables for the inaugural evening of Basil and Bamboo, an Asian \/ Mediterranean fusion experience. Following up with a booking later in the cruise for Candles, steaks and much more.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"767\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209253 perfmatters-lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-bathroom-modified-920x767.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-bathroom-modified-920x767.jpg 920w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-bathroom-modified-460x383.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-bathroom-modified-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-bathroom-modified.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"767\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-bathroom-modified-920x767.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209253\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-bathroom-modified-920x767.jpg 920w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-bathroom-modified-460x383.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-bathroom-modified-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-bathroom-modified.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Basil and Bamboo, with open kitchen, where east meets west, welcomes us with a lychee cocktail. Choosing between a sushi sampler and Mediterranean Raw isn\u2019t easy; so we order both to share. Blackened miso cod is a perfect oriental take on the original blackened Cajun fish out of New Orleans. And is there any dessert, at sea or on land, more spectacular than the restaurant\u2019s panna cotta?\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"767\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209262 perfmatters-lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-music-modified-920x767.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-music-modified-920x767.jpg 920w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-music-modified-460x383.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-music-modified-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-music-modified.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"767\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-music-modified-920x767.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209262\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-music-modified-920x767.jpg 920w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-music-modified-460x383.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-music-modified-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-music-modified.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Heading to the lounge, Tanya, Director of Entertainment, introduces us to what lies ahead before Groove Factor\u2019s live music takes over.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-day-2-malaga\">Day 2: Malaga<\/h2>\n<p>As with every morning there is an opportunity for early morning yoga, to improve balance and posture, with guest wellness consultant Debbie Dixon, before taking breakfast in Veranda or the Yacht Club.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"767\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209270 perfmatters-lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Yacht-Club-modified-920x767.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Yacht-Club-modified-920x767.jpg 920w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Yacht-Club-modified-460x383.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Yacht-Club-modified-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Yacht-Club-modified.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"767\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Yacht-Club-modified-920x767.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209270\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Yacht-Club-modified-920x767.jpg 920w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Yacht-Club-modified-460x383.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Yacht-Club-modified-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Yacht-Club-modified.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Bianca\u2019s presentation on Malaga had told us that Picasso\u2019s first word was \u201cPencil\u201d. Surprisingly, the Museo Picasso Malaga, tells more than the story of the precociously talented young boy who became one of the world\u2019s great artists. The basement houses remains of both Phoenician and Roman homes. A reminder of Malaga\u2019s long history.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"767\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209276 perfmatters-lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-picasso-modified-1-920x767.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-picasso-modified-1-920x767.jpg 920w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-picasso-modified-1-460x383.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-picasso-modified-1-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-picasso-modified-1.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"767\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-picasso-modified-1-920x767.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209276\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-picasso-modified-1-920x767.jpg 920w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-picasso-modified-1-460x383.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-picasso-modified-1-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-picasso-modified-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>High above Malaga, the Alcazaba Fortress looks down on the city from Mount Gibralfaro. Built by the Moors, early in the 11th century, it eventually fell in 1487 as part of the Spanish monarchy\u2019s centuries long reconquesta campaign. Significantly, it was the first battle in which both sides used gunpowder.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A visit to the \u201cOne Armed Lady\u201d, Malaga\u2019s cathedral is another must. Even though construction lasted from 1528 into the 18th century, taking in Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque styles, the second tower was never completed.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Mid-afternoon, Vishen Lakhiani, founder and CEO of Mindvalley, author and motivational speaker gave the first of two presentations. Enlightening his audience on how self-awareness, emotional mastery and aligning your inner world with your ambitions bring success.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-day-3-gibraltar\">Day 3: Gibraltar<\/h2>\n<p>Long ago, the rock of Gibraltar, with the two pillars of Hercules, signified the edge of the known world. Now, Gibraltar marks the end of the Mediterranean and the beginning of the Atlantic\u2019s churn.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"767\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209260 perfmatters-lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Gibraltar-modified-920x767.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Gibraltar-modified-920x767.jpg 920w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Gibraltar-modified-460x383.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Gibraltar-modified-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Gibraltar-modified.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"767\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Gibraltar-modified-920x767.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209260\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Gibraltar-modified-920x767.jpg 920w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Gibraltar-modified-460x383.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Gibraltar-modified-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Gibraltar-modified.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Our small group tour briefly leaves Spain to explore the 2.6 square miles of British Overseas Territory. A tiny chuck of Britain with red pillar boxes, a Morrison\u2019s supermarket and where fish and chips plus steak and kidney pie frequently feature on menus; washed down with a pint of Barbery beer.<\/p>\n<p>Our guide, the oracle on Gibraltar, gives us the insider track on Gibraltarian life. Sick British citizens are flown to the UK for treatment in a NHS hospital. Space is at a premium. A road, controlled by traffic lights, runs across Gibraltar airport\u2019s runway.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>He also reiterates warnings about the aggressive Barbary Apes, sometimes weighing in at up to 60 lbs and always scavenging for food. Believing the superstition that if the apes ever left Gibraltar it would fall, Winston Churchill imported apes to boost their population. Today there is a colony of around 300.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"767\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209250 perfmatters-lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Gibraltar-3-modified-920x767.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Gibraltar-3-modified-920x767.jpg 920w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Gibraltar-3-modified-460x383.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Gibraltar-3-modified-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Gibraltar-3-modified.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"767\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Gibraltar-3-modified-920x767.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Gibraltar-3-modified-920x767.jpg 920w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Gibraltar-3-modified-460x383.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Gibraltar-3-modified-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Gibraltar-3-modified.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Back on board, a local flamenco trope comes on board to give a foot-stomping, dress-swirling, head-turning, finger-clicking performance of raw intensity.\u00a0\u00a0Their singing, dancing and guitar strumming show that flamenco covers the entire gamut of human emotion: lament, love, loss, joy and suffering.<\/p>\n<div class=\"aluxu-in-content\" style=\"margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; \" id=\"aluxu-1282754959\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column200850_2575e4-46\">\n<div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col perfmatters-lazy-css-bg\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-everything-you-need-to-plan-your-trip-in-2025\">Everything you need to plan your trip in 2025<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-day-4-cartagena\">Day 4: Cartagena<\/h2>\n<p>A late morning arrival at Cartagena gives opportunities for a visit to the World Spa. The vast array of treatments \u2013 acupuncture, age-defying facials, classic massage private yoga, private Pilates \u2013 give guests the opportunity to disembark from the cruise in fare better condition than they boarded.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"767\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209248 perfmatters-lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Cartagena-modified-920x767.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Cartagena-modified-920x767.jpg 920w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Cartagena-modified-460x383.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Cartagena-modified-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Cartagena-modified.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"767\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Cartagena-modified-920x767.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209248\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Cartagena-modified-920x767.jpg 920w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Cartagena-modified-460x383.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Cartagena-modified-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Cartagena-modified.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Cartagena grew rich on metals mined from the mountains and from ships calling into a key strategic port: restaurants line the harbour side and marble walkways pass between the shops but we are focused on a tapas trail.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Although the details are lost in the mists of time, legend has it that Spanish royalty approved of a drink covered with a small piece of bread, topped with a snack, to keep out dust and flies. As tapir is the Spanish verb to cover, it is a credible tale that explains the evolution of tapas.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"767\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209258 perfmatters-lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Cartagena-4-modified-920x767.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Cartagena-4-modified-920x767.jpg 920w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Cartagena-4-modified-460x383.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Cartagena-4-modified-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Cartagena-4-modified.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"767\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Cartagena-4-modified-920x767.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209258\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Cartagena-4-modified-920x767.jpg 920w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Cartagena-4-modified-460x383.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Cartagena-4-modified-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Cartagena-4-modified.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>For Spaniards, tapas have become a social ritual, moving from bar to bar, to socialise as they drink and nibble. Wine, tapas and exploring Cartagena by foot is the ultimate form of slow travel. As we walk between bars, socialising and chatting, Jose introduces us to Cartagena\u2019s history. Remarkably the Roman theatre was not discovered until 1988. Successive generations had built on top of the ruins.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A cave at the top of the theatre tells of the Spanish Civil War. Locals had taken shelter when General Franco\u2019s forces, supported by the German Luftwaffe, had bombed the port and key industrial installations.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>We are back in time for pre-dinner cocktails in the Compass Rose lounge, accompanied by music from the Harmony Duo.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-cost\">The cost<\/h2>\n<p>Windstar Cruises operates year-round in the Mediterranean. 2026 prices for Star Legend\u2019s off-season Mediterranean cruises start from \u00a32,900 per person for an eight-night Winter Italy and the Adriatic sailing departing 31st\u00a0March.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"767\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209255 perfmatters-lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Candles-modified-920x767.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Candles-modified-920x767.jpg 920w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Candles-modified-460x383.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Candles-modified-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Candles-modified.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"767\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Candles-modified-920x767.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-209255\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Candles-modified-920x767.jpg 920w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Candles-modified-460x383.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Candles-modified-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Candles-modified.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>In 2027, Windstar Cruises\u2019 newest ship, Star Explorer will be christened at London\u2019s Tower Bridge and will be based year-round in the Mediterranean with prices starting from \u00a35257 per person for a seven-night Europe\u2019s Winter Riviera sailing departing 15th\u00a0January 2027.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mid-voyage-verdict\">Mid-voyage verdict<\/h2>\n<p>Four days into Windstar\u2019s Star Legend sailing and this Southern Spain itinerary is proving a masterclass in small-ship cruising.\u00a0On board, the post-refit ship feels fresh and elegant, with suites that prioritise space and comfort and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Star Legend is delivering exactly what Windstar promises: unhurried exploration, cultural depth and a quietly luxurious rhythm that makes every port feel personal.<\/p>\n<p><em>Disclosure: Our cruise was sponsored by Windstar Cruises.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!-- [element-193316] --><\/p>\n<div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id193316_b432e7-a3 alignnone has-theme-palette8-background-color kt-row-has-bg author-block-lt wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\">\n<div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column193316_c6286c-35\">\n<div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col perfmatters-lazy-css-bg\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image193316_acb723-29\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-  perfmatters-lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/michael-edwards_avatar-150x150.jpeg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/michael-edwards_avatar-150x150.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image- \"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column193316_797cdd-a3\">\n<div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col perfmatters-lazy-css-bg\">\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading193316_c0dc96-75 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading193316_c0dc96-75\">Michael Edwards<\/h3>\n<p>Michael Edwards is a travel writer from Oxfordshire, UK. Although Michael had his first travel pieces published nearly four decades ago, he is still finding new luxury destinations to visit and write on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- [\/element-193316] --><!-- [element-193656] --><\/p>\n<div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id193656_0f9728-ea alignnone kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\">\n<div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column193656_c6d578-96 inner-column-1\">\n<div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col perfmatters-lazy-css-bg\">\n<div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id193656_10939d-49 alignnone kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\">\n<div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column193656_ce670a-6f inner-column-1\">\n<div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col perfmatters-lazy-css-bg\">\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading193656_e5d158-25 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading has-theme-palette-3-color has-text-color\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading193656_e5d158-25\">Did you enjoy this article?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading193656_722575-1b wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading193656_722575-1b\">Receive similar content direct to your inbox.<\/p>\n<p><noscript><\/p>\n<p>Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form<\/p>\n<p><\/noscript><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- [\/element-193656] --><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As a small ship, with a maximum of 312 guests, the all-suite Windstar\u2018s Star Legend, has slipped right into the heart of Malaga. We are in pole position for exploring the sun-blessed city.\u00a0 Windstar offers luxurious small-ship cruises, taking us into harbours beyond the mega-cruisers on our seven day exploration of Southern Spain.. Sometimes we [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":998,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_daextam_enable_autolinks":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-997","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-food"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Windstar-Candles-modified.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/997","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=997"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/997\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/998"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=997"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=997"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=997"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}