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Which are your “incomplete” cruise stops? Where do you yearn for more time, even while thinking about exploring new locations? It’s common to feel drawn to revisit at least one place we’ve journeyed to (illustrated, Finland’s Helsinki above). Often, it’s not about what we missed seeing, but the experiences we encountered in that locale.
The more a place captivates my senses, the stronger the desire to go back. I find fascination in the narrow cobblestone alleyways of ancient cities with their unique doors and hardware. I meander through markets, examining the array of fruits and spices—inevitably sniffing and tasting them. I appreciate seeing the sea and the ship from land, gaining a sense of the vastness of it all.
As a travel scribe, I have a built-in reason to peruse cruise information almost daily. However, the truth is I spend as much time online envisioning my potential next voyage as I do actually working. Unexplored destinations frequently compete in my daydreams with those I have not fully experienced. Conversing with real individuals about their travel encounters is often the best way to uncover what intrigues others about a place. Facebook simplifies this process. One group I find engaging—Windstar Cruises Passengers-Yacht Club—is filled with seasoned and novice Windstar travelers exchanging insights and queries.
Recently, I decided to ask the group about their unfinished cruise business. Here are the top destinations the members yearn to revisit. Join in the discussion by sharing your own responses on the Facebook thread or by disclosing your unfinished journeys in the comments below.
The most unexpected gem for first-timers? Bequia
Valerie Aaron shared her thoughts on the petite Southern Caribbean Island in the Grenadines: Bequia – can’t get enough visits or stay long enough!
I wholeheartedly agree. Bequia epitomizes a quintessential island destination that manages to preserve its untouched charm. It offers an ideal setting for snorkeling, scuba diving, and unwinding on the beach. One of my fondest Bequia memories involves a fellow traveler approaching her 90th birthday, cruising on Wind Star with her two sons. Supported by her sons and using two walking poles, she made her way from the ship to the shore. They found a serene spot on the sand where the gentle waves caressed their feet, creating a heartwarming scene.
No surprises—Alaska
Peggy Sweeny Potochar expressed her sentiments: Alaska! Hoping Windstar returns. We embarked on a 10-day land cruise starting in Fairbanks, and it was awe-inspiring!
Peggy, Windstar echoes your sentiments. The new Star Seeker will bring Windstar guests back to Alaska in the summer of 2026. To ensure you don’t miss out when these voyages open for reservations, make sure to subscribe to Windstar’s mailing list.
And then there’s Tahiti
Although Tahiti beckons me every time I peruse Windstar cruises, I have yet to explore Tahiti. Facebook group members articulated compelling reasons to squeeze it into my travel plans. Jan Womack Hughes expressed, at 61, “I said I’d probably not revisit places, but I’m definitely returning to Tahiti. I left a piece of my heart there! It’s breathtaking!”
Debbra Dunning Brouilette added, “French Polynesia… Bora Bora! …it was fantastic diving and even snorkeling in the lagoon! I haven’t been able to dive in so long, and I miss it terribly!”
Diving and snorkeling? Count me in, Debbra.
Another cherished location: The Baltic Sea in Europe
This just in (I adoreA discussion topic that continues to attract comments: The countries in Northern Europe, such as Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, hold a special allure. Carolyn Spencer Brown mentions, “Another place I recommend from my travels with Windstar is Northern Europe/Baltic! Helsinki has now become one of my preferred ports in the area, and I always look forward to returning whenever possible. Besides the main destinations like Stockholm and Copenhagen, there are delightful surprises to be found (Tallinn in Estonia is another personal favorite).”
Enthusiasts of the Mediterranean share their thoughts
A destination that keeps calling me back is Sicily. It evokes a profound sense of curiosity beyond just my love for Italy as a whole.
Chris Olthoff initiated an engaging thread with the following remark: Excited to explore this. We sailed with Windstar once before and are eyeing “Sicilian Splendors” as a potential addition to our list, yet we ponder if spending 10 days in Italy/Sicily might be too much of the same. We welcome feedback from those who have embarked on this voyage. It piques our interest.
The general agreement was that one can never have enough of “Italy.” Elliana Vera responded to Chris in this manner: While I have spent considerable time in Italy due to having family there and have traversed the country extensively, there is an abundance of places to explore, activities to partake in, and most importantly… dishes to savor!!! The Amalfi coast offers a distinct experience from regions like Rome or Sicily, for instance. I’ve taken multiple WS cruises covering varied parts of Italy and cherished each one. Definitely worth it!!
Several individuals on Facebook also expressed their desire to revisit Croatia. Croatia wasn’t on my radar until I sat on the marble stairs above Zadar’s enchanting Sea Organ. The crystal-clear waters and the harmonious tunes emanating from the wave-driven pipes beneath the steps beckoned me to linger all day. The “Adriatic Archipelagos and Greek Goddesses” cruise by Windstar includes stops at four Croatian ports, including Zadar if you wish to experience it firsthand.
Elliana Vera was torn between Japan and Greece, stating: I would have to mention Greece and certainly Japan. I’ve traveled to both countries multiple times with WS and on other occasions, yet the allure of these places keeps drawing me back for more, as we feel there is still so much more to explore. I recently embarked on a WS Greek island cruise in April and am already planning my next visit. So many diverse islands to discover!
So, where do you still have unfinished business with cruise travels?
