By Suzy Davis

As Chief Dream Officer of Adventures for Solo Travelers, one of the greatest privileges of my job is experiencing the journeys that may eventually become part of our travel portfolio.

Not because I need to decide whether I like Windstar - I already know I do.

I’ve sailed with Windstar many times over the years, and each voyage reminds me why their style of travel aligns so well with what we value at Adventures for Solo Travelers: immersive destinations, authentic experiences, and opportunities to discover places that larger ships simply can’t reach.

My most recent voyage aboard Star Pride was another perfect example.

Arriving in London the Windstar Way

Our journey began in London with a truly memorable embarkation experience.

After a scenic walk past the iconic Tower of London, we completed our boarding formalities and then crossed the Thames on a local ferry that delivered us directly to Star Pride. My room was fabulous, complete with a spacious walk-in bathroom and a walk-in closet. Once we settled in and Star Pride set sail, we cruised under London Bridge while taking in incredible views of London’s famous skyline.

It was a reminder that with Windstar, the adventure often begins long before you arrive at your first destination.

While docked in London, Star Pride floated alongside HMS Belfast, the historic Royal Navy vessel preserved by the Imperial War Museum. The contrast between the elegant yacht-style ship and one of Britain’s most storied warships created a uniquely British welcome to our voyage.

The Magic of Mont Saint-Michel

One of the highlights of the sailing was visiting the legendary Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, France.

Rising dramatically from a tidal island, Mont Saint-Michel feels almost like something from a storybook. Crowned by its magnificent Benedictine abbey, the medieval village appears to float between sea and sky depending on the tides.

What makes the site so extraordinary is the constantly changing landscape around it.

At high tide, water surrounds the island, creating the illusion that it is suspended in the middle of the sea. At low tide, vast stretches of sand emerge, transforming the scenery entirely.

Walking its narrow cobblestone streets, exploring centuries-old stone buildings, and gazing up at the abbey perched high above the village, it was easy to understand why Mont Saint-Michel is considered one of France’s most iconic landmarks.

These are exactly the kinds of experiences I look for when considering destinations for our travelers - places that leave you saying, “I can’t believe I finally saw that with my own eyes.”

The Question That Guides Every Adventure

Whenever I evaluate a destination, hotel, cruise, or itinerary, I ask myself one simple question:

“Would I enthusiastically recommend this experience to my closest friends?”

That question guides every decision I make as Chief Dream Officer.

The answer isn’t based on luxury alone. It’s based on whether an experience creates meaningful memories, sparks curiosity, and leaves travelers with stories they’ll tell for years.

When I find those experiences, I know they’re worth sharing with our Adventures for Solo Travelers community.

A Little 2027 Trip Tease

Speaking of experiences worth sharing, I couldn’t leave this voyage without thinking ahead to what’s coming next.

I’m especially excited about two Windstar adventures we’re planning for 2027.

June 2027: Greece, Turkey & the Corinth Canal

We’ll be sailing aboard the beautiful new Star Seeker on an unforgettable voyage from Turkey to Greece, including Bodrum, Santorini, Mykonos, Delphi, and Athens.

The highlight?

Transiting the legendary Corinth Canal.

I’ve sailed through it before, and it remains one of the most breathtaking moments I’ve experienced at sea. As the ship slowly passes between towering walls of rock, everyone onboard seems to fall silent. It’s an engineering marvel, a history lesson, and an unforgettable photo opportunity all at once.

November 2027: The Canary Islands Aboard Wind Surf

Then comes a voyage I’ve been waiting years to offer.

We’ll sail aboard my favorite Windstar ship, the magnificent Wind Surf, exploring the Canary Islands and Madeira over twelve spectacular days.

From Tenerife and Lanzarote to La Palma, La Gomera, and the stunning Portuguese island of Madeira, this itinerary showcases destinations many travelers overlook but never forget.

The Canary Islands have long been one of my favorite regions, and I can’t wait to introduce them to our Adventures for Solo Travelers family.

Looking Ahead

Every trip teaches me something new about the world - and about the experiences that resonate most deeply with our travelers.

This latest Windstar voyage reinforced something I’ve known for years: the best journeys aren’t measured by how many destinations you visit.

They’re measured by the moments that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

And those are exactly the kinds of adventures I look forward to sharing with you.

Until next time! 

XX00 Suzy