Star Collector: Grand Caribbean & Americas Explorer

The imposing façade of El Morro fortress is just one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in San Juan. Admire the colorful colonial buildings from your casually elegant ship, docked right in the heart of Old San Juan.

Cruz Bay is a vibrant waterfront town located on St. John, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere, it's a popular destination for tourists seeking relaxation, hiking, and water sports. As the island's main port and hub, Cruz Bay offers a charming blend of local shops, restaurants, and historical sites.

St. John’s is a city of Old World charm and elegance which lingers in the varied architecture of Georgian, Victorian, Vernacular, Romantic and International flavors.  The picturesque seafront where tiny, colorful boats are moored, the cheerful wooden buildings carefully refurbished to retain their original features, the vibrant Market Street offering vegetables, fruit and fish and the duty-free Heritage Quay shopping area provide a delightful atmosphere to captivate you.  Sites to see include St. John’s Cathedral with its white Baroque towers, the Botanical Garden, St. John’s Antigua Lighthouse, and Fort James.

This is the Caribbean as you’ve always imagined it, with yacht-filled harbors set against volcanic mountains and endless stretches of palm-fringed beach. The underwater world here attracted the likes of Jacques Cousteau, but even novice snorkelers will enjoy exploring these impossibly blue waters.

The UNESCO site Pitons’ with their two majestic volcanic peaks and 24 miles of vibrant coral reef welcome you to St. Lucia. Nearby Pigeon Island National Park features impressive ruins of English forts, archaeological relics of Arawak Indians, and splendid beaches.

Inhale the intoxicating aroma of the “Isle of Spice” as your eyes feast on what is widely claimed to be the most beautiful city in the Caribbean. Spend the day on 2-mile-long Grand Anse beach, and before you go, a taste of nutmeg ice cream is a must.

Affectionately known as St. Barts, the Caribbean’s most chic island adds a French flair to Riviera-like beaches and duty-free boutiques. Walk past gingerbread cottages in search of celebrities, shop for designer fashions, or sip the island’s signature ti punch as kite surfers fly by.

For an island comprised of a mere eight square miles, it’s amazing how much there is to do on Jost Van Dyke. Visit the national park on nearby Diamond Cay, snorkel among swaying sponges and angelfish at Sandy Spit, or pilot your own boat around Sir Francis  Drake Waterway. After all that, you’ll be ready for an evening drink on the beach — where you can admire your Windstar ship aglow in the harbor.

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<li><strong>The beautiful Bank Barrier coral reef wavers just beneath you as your ship makes the break to the bird sanctuary of Prickly Pear Island, so named because it is dotted with prickly pear cacti. Although uninhabited, it does have a beach bar and water sports facilities. Not far away lies the curious assembly of house-sized boulders called &ldquo;The Baths,&rdquo; which form huge underground pools and caverns.</strong></li>
</ul>
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<strong>Please note: only guests with shore excursions booked through Windstar can be tendered to Gun Creek.</strong>

The imposing façade of El Morro fortress is just one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in San Juan. Admire the colorful colonial buildings from your casually elegant ship, docked right in the heart of Old San Juan.

Small Isla Catalina boasts gleaming white-sand beaches ringed by coral reefs beckoning snorkelers. The island is a protected Natural Park where one beach is completely protected from the wind and the sea is delightfully calm. While beaches occupy more than 2/3 of the coastline, Isla Catalina also has unique rocky coasts and cliffs. One of the best diving sites of the Dominican Republic, Muro, can be found here. It boasts an impressive underwater wall over 328 feet deep. Isla Catalina is also the only place in the D.R. where raccoons and wild hares can be found.

La Capital, as Santo Domingo is affectionately known, is a UNESCO site and one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean, with Zona Colonial buildings dating back to the 1500s. Santo Domingo is also considered the most modern metropolis in the Caribbean doing a great job of converging old and new.&nbsp; At the heart of the Zona Colonial, a pedestrian-friendly maze of cobblestones and interesting architecture is the first cathedral built in the New World. Find time to sample the aromatic coffee and cacao.

Welcome to the sparkling city of Cartagena, where the gold and jewels of the Spanish Main awaited shipment across the Atlantic. No pirate could resist, nor will you be able to when you visit this historic city. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by 400-year-old walls and contains a plethora of churches, fortresses, and restored colonial mansions. Outside the walls are more treasures: Climb the massive Castillo de San Felipe to investigate its maze of hidden tunnels, or shop for the perfect emerald.

Welcome to the sparkling city of Cartagena, where the gold and jewels of the Spanish Main awaited shipment across the Atlantic. No pirate could resist, nor will you be able to when you visit this historic city. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by 400-year-old walls and contains a plethora of churches, fortresses, and restored colonial mansions. Outside the walls are more treasures: Climb the massive Castillo de San Felipe to investigate its maze of hidden tunnels, or shop for the perfect emerald.

The San Blas Islands of Panama is an archipelago comprising approximately 378 islands and cays, of which 49 are inhabited, some by the Kuna people. &nbsp;Scattered over an area of about 100 square miles, the islands are the number 1 vacation destination in Panama although the Kuna work hard to protect their land against overwhelming tourism and keep the islands healthy and lovely, unique and untouched by culture. These white-sand and palm tree lined islands are encompassed by a coral reef and warm, crystal-clear water that is perfect for snorkeling and is home to a variety of marine life including dolphins, sharks and giant manta rays.

Explore the inner workings of the Panama Canal, head into the jungle to meet with Embera Indians, or take an aerial tram ride through the rainforest canopy.

At nearly 48 miles long, on your transit through the Panama Canal you will enter three sets of locks that raise and lower the vessel 85 feet between the calm Pacific Ocean and the shimmering waters of the Atlantic. Your voyage features a daylight hours transit with numerous observation vantage points for outside viewing and comfortable indoor air-conditioned lounges. Expert onboard commentary enhances your journey as you watch the day to day workings of this bucket list experience.

One of the entrances to the Panama Canal on the Pacific side, Balboa/Fuerte Amador was founded in 1519 and is a short distance from Panama City. &nbsp;In 2012 Balboa was ranked #1 in Latin America in the category of world&#39;s busiest container ports. Sightseeing highlights include the colonial homes, the Administration Building, the Goethals Memorial, the Prado, and the local handicraft markets of traditional Panamanian crafts.

Located within a Nature Preserve of 50 islands, and part of Chiriqui Marine National Park lovely Isla Parida boasts magnificent beaches, one of which is over 1,300 feet long.&nbsp; The crystal clear waters stay at 82 degrees year round and are filled with marine life. There are numerous hardwood trees like teak, mahogany, and eucalyptus, and fruit trees like mango, banana and coconut trees. Here you will be treated to Windstar&#39;s Signature Beach Party on a secluded beach that faces the Pacific Ocean.

Picture Jurassic foliage growing down steep hillsides all the way to the waterline, the hoots &nbsp;of monkeys echoing through trees choked by orchids. Golfo Dulce is one of Costa Rica&rsquo;s most biodiverse areas, where both the jungle and the sea brim with life. Explore the canals by kayak in search of javelinas, butterflies, and more bird species than in all of North America.&nbsp;<em>This port is accessed with a wet landing.</em>

The former banana-exporting town of Quepos is your basecamp for a day of rainforest adventure. Take a walk along trails that weave up to waterfalls, or ride horseback to a beautiful jungle pool. A float trip through a mangrove swamp populated by monkeys, crocodiles, egrets, and herons is also available. Or you may choose a nature walk through Manuel Antonio National Park, with its lovely beaches, easy trails, and abundant animal life.&nbsp;

Located on the Gulf of Nicoya, the small town of Puerto Caldera is one of Costa Rica&rsquo;s top attractions, perfect for travelers who like more off the beaten path destinations where the native Tico lifestyle can be experienced. It is the gateway to San Jose, Jaco and the big city of Puntarenas, plus Los Suenos and Tortuga Island. Carara National Park is nearby, the rainforest home to crocodiles, over 400 species of birds and is considered the most likely place to see scarlet macaws.

<span><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">Located along Costa Rica&#39;s Pacific coast, the Curu Wildlife Reserve is an impressive nature reserve spanning 12 square kilometers. This biodiverse paradise is a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike looking for a responsible way to experience Costa Rica&rsquo;s forest and pristine beaches. Wander through dense tropical dry forests teeming with howler monkeys, capuchins, and a plethora of exotic birds or relax and bask in the sun on the beach.</span></span>

Playas del Coco, with its unspoiled cocoa-colored beaches, is a jumping off point for rainforest canopy tours, nature walks, and other inspiring eco-adventures. It&nbsp;is one of the more popular beach towns in the country for both locals and tourists and is well-known for being a family friendly town. <em>This port is accessed with a wet landing.</em>

Puerto Chiapas is an important commercial port for agricultural produce and the gateway to Tapachula and the Izapa Mayan ruins. The Izapa played a major role in the creation of the Mayan calendar and the settlement here is 3,500 years old. The ruins include the Mayan Tree of Life carving, several plazas, pyramids and ball courts. The fertile fields produce high-quality cocoa beans and bananas. In Tapachula visit the planetarium for information on Mayan astronomy and cosmology. See the architecture and town square with its diverse influences from German, Chinese, Japanese and French cultures over the years and shop for handcrafted goods like leathers and ceramics.

Santa Maria Huatulco is one of the few places on earth to earn the pure air EarthCheck Gold Certification.&nbsp; It is known for the nearby pre-Hispanic ruins found at Parque Eco-Arqueologico Copalita, including a large stone temple. Huatulco is home to nine bays together called Bays National Park, a protected reserve. The coral reefs provide excellent diving opportunities and kayaking the rapids and sport fishing are also popular activities here. A visit to the Museum of Oaxacan Art will provide an chance to purchase traditional clay creations known as &ldquo;Barro Negro,&rdquo; and date back several centuries. Each piece is unique and hand sculpted.

Recognized as Mexico&rsquo;s busiest seaport, Manzanillo was also the location for the filming of Bo Derek&rsquo;s slow-motion jog down the beach in the movie &ldquo;10.&rdquo;&nbsp; The large blue sculpture at the waterside plaza is a tribute to Manzanillo&rsquo;s self-proclaimed status as &ldquo;Sailfish Capital of the World.&rdquo; The waters off Manzanillo offer a high concentration of marlin and other deep-sea fish and excellent dive sites with numerous coral reefs, shipwrecks. With 350 days of sunshine a year any day can be a beach day and Miramar Beach will attract with its waterfront promenade, golden sand and spectacular view of the twin bays here.

A popular resort town, visitors come here to relax and rest on the lovely sandy beaches or take up activities like strolling the picturesque boardwalk, horseback riding, snorkeling and boat trips.&nbsp; The quaint cobblestone center of Puerto Vallarta is home to boutiques, restaurants, bars and the ornate Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe church.<br />
Puerto Vallarta&rsquo;s biodiversity is home to hundreds of species including orchids, birds, ocelots, jaguars and iguanas. The sea is full of wildlife as well including dolphins and humpbacks.

As the 4^th busiest port in the United States, evergreen Seattle is surrounded by mountains, forests and water. Home to Microsoft, Starbuck&rsquo;s and Amazon, Seattle&rsquo;s most recognizable icon is the Space Needle. &nbsp;Northwest &nbsp;cuisine with Asian infusion includes apples, salmon, Dungeness crab, razor clams paired with fresh microbrews and Washington wines. Among the sights to see are Pike Place Market, Chihuly Gardens, Boeing Museum of Flight, Pioneer Square, and the Ballard Locks.

Vancouver&rsquo;s location at the mouth of the Fraser River and on the waterways of the Strait of Georgia, Howe Sound, Burrard Inlet and all their tributaries makes this busy seaport an easy place for meeting. It is one of Canada&rsquo;s most populated, most ethnically diverse cities that is a popular filming location. Visit the interesting neighborhoods of Gastown, Granville Island and Chinatown. Walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge and stroll through Stanley Park. See the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Museum of Anthropology. There is an amazing variety of things to see and do here.

TRANSIT SEYMOUR NARROW

Dubbed the Salmon Capital of the World, Ketchikan is the southeastern-most town in Alaska and is home to the world&rsquo;s largest collection of standing totem poles that are found throughout the city and at four major locations: Saxman Totem Park, Totem Bight State Park, Potlatch Park, and the Totem Heritage Center. Other attractions of Ketchikan are Creek Street, a boardwalk road built on pilings over Ketchikan Creek and the Waterfront Promenade that skirts the bustling shoreline with inviting whale-tail benches to take in the view.

Cruising Misty Fjords/Rudyerd Bay in Alaska offers an awe-inspiring adventure through one of nature&rsquo;s most pristine landscapes. Towering granite cliffs rise dramatically from mirror-like waters. The mist-shrouded environment evokes a sense of ancient mystery and tranquility, while diverse wildlife, including seals and eagles, adds to the experience. Navigating these majestic fjords provides an unforgettable glimpse into Alaska&rsquo;s raw, untouched beauty, where every turn reveals a new, breathtaking vista

One of the oldest towns in Alaska, Wrangell is located near the mouth of the Stikine River. Much of its history can be seen in the impressive collection of totems scattered throughout the town. Highlights here are the amazing Petroglyph Beach State Historic Park where you can find primitive rock carvings and just 30 miles away is the Anan Wildlife Observatory with the largest pink salmon runs in the Inside Passage, and a platform from which you can look for eagles, harbor seals and black bears.<br />

Sitka is one of the oldest and most culturally significant communities in Alaska, filled with rich Tlingit, Russian, and early American settler history. Sitka is famous for its spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, the copper-domed St. Michael&rsquo;s Cathedral, the Pioneer Home and the Russian Bishop&rsquo;s House. It contains 22 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is where the contract of sale was signed transferring Alaska from Russia to the United States.

Depending on the day&rsquo;s conditions, you will cruise Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm. Both glacial fjords feature icebergs drifting serenely by and towering granite cliffs, carved by millennia of glacial activity. Here, you can witness impressive calving events as icebergs thunder into the water. The surrounding wilderness, with its rugged terrain, offers a pristine backdrop for spotting wildlife like seals and mountain goats.

Haines is one of the most popular Alaska cruise ports and one of the best places for hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing, especially bald eagles.&nbsp; Within the Haines city limits Fort William H. Seward is a nationally recognized historic landmark, with some of its structures open to the public. Other cultural offerings in Haines include the Alaska Indian Arts Center where traditional craftsmen offer demonstrations of their work, the Sheldon Museum &amp; Cultural Center where local Tlingit people are featured, the Hammer Museum, dedicated to the history of the hammer and the Tsirku Canning Company Museum with memories of Haines&rsquo; salmon canneries.

Located on the Gastineau Channel in the Alaskan panhandle, Juneau sits at sea level below steep mountains between 3,500-4,000 feet high. Atop these mountains is the Juneau Icefield, a large ice mass from which about 30 glaciers flow, and two of them &ndash; Mendenhall Glacier and Lemon Creek Glacier are visible from the local road. A unique feature of Juneau is that it is the only U.S. capital that has no roads connecting it to the rest of the state.