windstar cruise norway

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Each of Windstar Cruises yachts accommodates between 148 to 342 guests. This intimacy provides you with the luxuries of time, space, and freedom to immerse yourself in both the journey and the destination - in ways you may never have imagined possible.

Norway Cruise

July 12–23, 2024.

Join the Purdue President’s Council on an 11-night cruise visiting Norway’s most incredible fjords, dramatic waterfalls, and charming villages. Travel from  Edinburgh to Copenhagen  as you discover natural wonders and Viking history aboard the 312-guest yacht Windstar Star Legend.

Your participation supports the President’s Council Enrichment Fund Your travel-package registration fee includes support for ongoing adventures, events, and lifelong educational opportunities with the President’s Council family. As a part of your overall price, a $500-per-person, tax-deductible donation to the President’s Council Enrichment Fund helps underwrite the involvement of Purdue educators and administrators to enhance your personal travel experiences—a benefit exclusive to Purdue President’s Council members.

Itinerary Highlights:

• Visit Lerwick , the main town of the beautiful Shetland Islands
• Walk through  Bergen’s Bryggen District , a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Cruise the scenic Geirangerfjord  for spectacular views of towering peaks and impressive waterfalls
• Olden  is your gateway to the  largest glacier  in Europe
• From  Stavanger , climb the soaring heights of  Pulpit Rock  for one of the best views in the country
• Stroll through the  Old Town of Kristiansand  with its quaint wooden buildings
• Stop in  Aalborg, Denmark  and learn of its rich  Viking history

President’s Council Package Includes:

• 11 nights cruising Norway’s coast and fjords aboard the  all-suite, 312-guest yacht, Windstar  Star Legend
• President’s Council  Welcome & Farewell Receptions
• Open-seating dining featuring local ingredients, specialty dining under the stars , and 24-hour room service , plus two new dining venues
• All beverages including wine, beer, cocktails, soft drinks, specialty coffee, bottled water, and mini-bar items
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and prepaid gratuities for housekeeping, bar, and dining staff
• Newly redesigned leisure areas , full-service spa, fitness center, library, outside Star Bar, hot tub, and infinity pool, plus onboard entertainment
• Exclusive President’s Council shore excursion aboard the Flam Railway past gushing rivers, waterfalls, and majestic mountains, one of the world’s most breathtaking railroad journeys
• $500-per-person, tax-deductible donation to the President’s Council Enrichment Fund
• Purdue President’s Council and Global Tracks staff
• $100 shipboard credit per person

Optional Scotland Pre-Cruise Package:

July 7-12 // 2024.

Join the Purdue President’s Council for a  five-night pre-cruise package in Scotland .  Explore the land of castles and cashmere, breathtaking natural beauty, fascinating history, and finely aged whiskies. Commence on the cobbled streets of  Edinburgh , the capital city, followed by two nights at the  world-renowned   Gleneagles  with free time for optional activities, before traveling to the  university town of St. Andrews .

Cruise Itinerary:

Friday, july 12, 2024 | edinburgh, scotland.

From the  Edinburgh Airport (EDI) , transfer to the port and  embark the Windstar  Star Legend . From the Firth of Forth, a UNESCO site, to the Royal Mile, Edinburgh is  steeped in history —Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the  UNESCO site of Old Town  to name a few. The wonders of Edinburgh are never ending. From  one of Europe’s   best-preserved castles  to the world’s longest herbaceous border, a riot of color and culture pervades. In this  city as old as Scotland  itself, you’ll find the perfect blend of  historic tradition and natural beauty .

Saturday, July 13, 2024 | At Sea

During our leisurely day at sea, enjoy the amenities of the Windstar Star Legend .

Sunday, July 14, 2024 | Lerwick, Shetland Islands

The Shetland Islands may only have one town, and it’s small, but as you already know, good things come in small packages. There are seabird colonies and sea mammals galore , along with a windswept beauty that’s refreshing in its simplicity. History buffs can investigate 400-year-old castles or Iron Age ruins . Or meet the tiny ponies that share the islands’ name.

Monday, July 15–Tuesday, July 16, 2024 | Bergen, Norway

Beautiful Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city , is one of the most popular ports of call on a cruise up the fjords. Step off the ship into the medieval Bryggen wharf area , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where small boats line the harbor and wooden gabled buildings stand proud along the waterfront. Bergen’s rich maritime tradition goes back nearly 1,000 years. The city is one of Europe’s oldest settlements , and its cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways lead to emerald-green parks, medieval cathedrals and stone fortresses that kept enemies at bay centuries ago. It’s also eminently walkable, with historic buildings and excellent markets selling everything from fish and produce to trinkets and souvenirs.

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 | Geiranger, Norway & Geirangerfjord Scenic Cruising

Visit the small village of Geiranger that sits at the head of the majestic Geirangerfjord, surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. Visit tiny villages to sample homemade goat cheese, set out on a RIB boat to cruise the fjord, or enjoy a mango ice cream while taking in the view.

This afternoon, cruise up 9-mile-long Geirangerfjord , one of the most famous fjords of Norway. This UNESCO site has several impressive waterfalls , and your ship will cruise by the most famous waterfall of the fjord, the characteristic Seven Sisters Waterfall. The area’s unique natural surroundings were created over a succession of ice ages when glaciers carved out deep fjords and shaped the high mountains. With its natural beauty, it’s no surprise that Geirangerfjord often appears on lists of the most spectacular places in the world .

Thursday, July 18, 2024 | Olden, Norway

The pleasant small village of Olden is located at the inner end of the 66-mile long Nordfjord , the sixth longest fjord in Norway, and idyllically situated between steep mountains, blue glaciers, and foaming waterfalls. Long known for tourism and industry, it is now also famous for contemporary design . With fewer than 500 inhabitants, Olden is an ideal destination for people who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors and is the gateway to Jostedal, the largest glacier on the European mainland . If you can, find a bottle of Olden Mineral Water, as close as you will get to a glacier on tap.

Friday, July 19, 2024 | Flam, Norway // Exclusive President’s Council Flam Railway Shore Excursion

Flam is a tiny town of only 500 residents, yet people have been traveling here from all over for its  remarkable beauty  since the end of the 19th century. The charming village is located at the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord, in the  heart of the fjord region . This is the perfect starting point for exploring some of the most spectacular natural attractions in Norway, with a wide variety of activities.

Join an exclusive President’s Council shore excursion on one of the  world’s most breathtaking railroad journeys  aboard the  Flam Railway  as it winds through the mountains and past waterfalls high above  Aurlandsfjord . (Included in cruise package).

Saturday, July 20, 2024 | Stavanger, Norway

Your ship will dock in the city center . A short stroll will take you to the cobblestoned pedestrian streets of Old Town , a well-preserved core of white wooden cottages. Archaeological museums and reconstructed settlements pay due reverence to the city’s Viking past .  Nearby is Stavanger Cathedral , the best-preserved medieval cathedral in Norway. Natural beauty abounds, too—just an hour’s boat trip away is the 2,000-foot-high Pulpit Rock with its magnificent views of the lovely Lysefjord.

Sunday, July 21, 2024 | Kristiansand, Norway

Until recently, this beautiful hamlet was Norway’s secret, keeping its picturesque, white-painted houses and sheltered coves tucked away and quietly hidden. It is best discovered by a small ship like the Star Legend , giving you access to the town with its lush green forests and majestic inlets . The fifth largest city in Norway, Kristiansand serves as a gateway to the villages of Norway’s southern coast and the inland region of Setesdalen .

Monday, July 22, 2024 | Aalborg, Denmark

Aalborg is found in the Jutland region of Denmark on the shores of Limfjord . This university city is full of Viking history , 21 st -century architecture, and a quaint medieval center . This is a small port that only allows one cruise ship at a time . Visit Skanse Park with its stunning view of the city and the fjord, or grab a drink at Jomfru Ane Gade , a charming street packed with locals frequenting the bars and restaurants there.

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 | Copenhagen, Denmark

Disembark the Windstar Star Legend in Copenhagen and transfer to the Copenhagen Airport (CPH) for your flight home.

Air & Transfer Guidelines:

Scotland Pre-Tour

• July 7, 2024 // Arrive Edinburgh Airport (EDI)

The program begins with an overnight at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel and the airport transfer is included. It is approximately a 30-minute drive depending on traffic. Please note check-in time is 3:00 pm and the President’s Council Welcome Reception is from 5:30-6:30 pm.

Cruise Embarkation

• July 12, 2024 // Port of Embarkation: Leith Cruise Terminal

Ship embarkation begins at 1:00 pm and all aboard is 5:00 pm.  Flights should arrive Edinburgh Airport (EDI) prior to 2:00 pm. It is approximately a 40-minute drive depending on traffic.  Arrival airport transfers can be purchased at an additional cost (flight details required).

Cruise Disembarkation

• July 23, 2024 // Port of Disembarkation: Copenhagen Norde Toldbod Terminal – Langelinie Berth

Disembarkation begins at 8:00 am and flights should depart Copenhagen (CPH) after 11:00 am. It is approximately a 40-minute drive depending on traffic. Departure airport transfers can be purchased at an additional cost (flight details required).

President’s Council Rates:

The opportunity to travel with President’s Council is an exclusive benefit of membership. Read how to become a President’s Council member or contact us to learn more.

Rates do not include port taxes of $249 per person.

Double  pricing is based on double occupancy or two people per suite. Single  pricing is based on one person per suite and is capacity-controlled by Windstar and subject to change.

Required Deposit: $1,500 per person for double occupancy and $1,750 for single occupancy and a non-refundable Global Tracks administration fee of $100 per person

Final Payment:  March 12, 2024

Save $250 per person for all Windstar Yacht Club Members (if you have previously cruised with Windstar)

Cancellation Schedule:  Cancellation penalties apply once deposit is paid, so please review policy below.

COVID-19 Update: Beginning June 1, 2023, Windstar will no longer require guests be vaccinated for COVID-19. Crew will continue to be vaccinated.

Airfare   is not included:  Global Tracks will book your air arrangements for a $100 per person ticketing fee, or you may choose to handle your own reservation.

Airport Transfers to and from the Windstar Star Legend are not included and can be purchased from Windstar Cruises. The cost of the transfers are to be determined.

Transfer Guidelines:  The cruise begins in Leith, Scotland and ends in Copenhagen, Denmark. Scotland Pre-Tour // July 7, 2024 – Flights can arrive anytime Cruise Embarkation // July 12, 2024 – Flights should arrive Edinburgh Airport (EDI) prior to 2:00 pm. Cruise Disembarkation // July 23, 2024 – Disembarkation begins at 8:00 am and flights should depart Copenhagen (CPH) after 11:00 am.

Passports: Passports are required for all guests and must be valid for six months after the end of the cruise, or January 23, 2025.

Global Tracks offers optional travel insurance.  Travel insurance is strongly suggested and will give you the opportunity to recover monies lost through cancellations. We offer Allianz Travel Insurance as an option. Premiums vary depending on your age and the cost of your trip. Purchase within 15 days of deposit for additional benefits.

Onboard Laundry Service: Windstar offers an unlimited laundry service package for $19 per day for two people based on double occupancy ($209 total) or $9.50 per day for single occupancy ($104.50 total).  The package can be pre-booked or added on the first day of your cruise.

You can also pay for laundry service as needed with individual articles of clothing ranging from $3 to $7 per item.  Windstar does not have self-service laundry facilities on board.

Booking Terms and Conditions:

Cancellation Penalties: All cancellations must be made in writing to Global Tracks. Travel insurance and airfare are non-refundable once purchased. Any payment to Global Tracks constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set herein, including but not limited to the cancellation terms.  All cancellations are subject to the Global Tracks administration fee of $100 per person paid at deposit in addition to the below schedule:

For more information or to book your suite, please contact Mandy! Direct: 303-729-0609 or Toll-Free 800-989-1204 [email protected] or [email protected]

More From Forbes

How to see the best of iceland on a cruise.

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The port of Isafjordur in the westfjords region of Iceland has attracted record numbers of cruise ... [+] ships in recent years.

Unlike more traditional cruise destinations, Iceland presents a rugged, untamed beauty. Known for its raw and varied landscapes, Iceland offers a seemingly endless list of natural wonders, from the steaming geothermal vents and spouting geysers to the dramatic glaciers and thunderous waterfalls.

The island's rich Viking heritage and folklore add layers of intrigue to its already captivating landscapes.

This unique terrain, coupled with the opportunity—depending on the season—to enjoy the midnight sun or mystical northern lights, makes Iceland a prime destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those fascinated by the interplay of culture and the natural world.

Cruising around Iceland not only allows travelers to experience the volcanic landscapes from a unique vantage point but also offers convenient transport between the main ports and highlights of Iceland , all from the comfort of a modern cruise ship.

The cruise industry has recognized Iceland's appeal, offering an increasing variety of itineraries that cater to different interests and time frames, including extensive circumnavigations of the island.

According to Cruise Iceland , cruise ships registered almost one million passenger visits in 2023, marking an 80% increase from 2019.

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Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, what to expect on iceland cruises.

The accessibility of remote fjords, wildlife encounters including puffins and whales, and the chance to experience the midnight sun in summer or witness the mystical northern lights in winter, are among the highlights of these voyages.

Something to bear in mind is the additional cost required for excursions, whether you book through the cruise line or choose independent options.

Unlike a Norwegian fjords cruise , which you can enjoy without leaving the ship, Iceland cruises require additional transport to reach the most iconic sites. They are also a wise idea if you want to make the most of wildlife-watching opportunities.

Whale watching is a major tourist attraction in Northern Iceland.

The most popular Icelandic cruise port is Reykjavik, followed by Akureyri in the north of the country, Isafjordur in the westfjords region, and Seydisfjordur on the east coast.

An itinerary that includes all four of these ports—Reykjavik, Akureyri, Isafjordur, and Seydisfjordur—offers guests a comprehensive appreciation of Iceland’s varied landscapes.

Fly-Cruise From Reykjavik

If you don’t mind flying, Reykjavik is the starting point for many of the more in-depth circumnavigations of Iceland.

Such cruises contain fewer sea days and may call at smaller ports, offering a more intimate experience of Iceland, while also allowing guests to spend a few days exploring the Icelandic capital before or after the cruise.

This 7-day Iceland Intensive itinerary from Celebrity Cruises begins and ends in Reykjavik and includes port calls in Reykjavik, Seydisfjordur, Djúpivogur, and Akureyri.

Iceland Cruises From The U.K.

The U.K. is a popular departure point for Iceland cruises, some of which may also include ports of call in Scotland and Norway. The Port of Southampton is the most common departure port, used by lines including Celebrity, Cunard, Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, and Princess.

This 14-day cruise on Norwegian Prima starts and ends in Southampton and includes three Icelandic ports, including an overnight stay in Reykjavik, along with three ports of call in Norway.

Some small ship lines such as Ambassador, Fred Olsen, and Saga Cruises, offer departures from regional ports such as Dover, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Rosyth.

The gateway to the westfjords region, Isafjordur is increasingly found on Iceland cruise ... [+] itineraries.

Other popular departure points across Europe include the Netherlands (Celebrity, Holland America) and Germany (AIDA). Although the latter does welcome English speakers, some knowledge of German is advised to get the most from the experience.

Northern Transatlantic Route

Another option to consider is a one-way cruise between North America and Europe that calls in to at least one port in Iceland. Such repositioning cruises that take a northern route often include additional ports of call in Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Norway, and the United Kingdom.

Luxury Cruises To Iceland

In addition to the mainstream cruise lines, Iceland is a popular destination for luxury and ultra-luxury lines such as Seabourn, Silversea, and Windstar.

Iceland is also a popular destination for expedition cruise lines such as Aurora Expeditions, Hurtigruten Expeditions, and Lindblad. This option is worth considering for travelers interested in learning more about the science behind Iceland’s geology or the wildlife that calls its chilly waters home.

Packing For An Iceland Cruise

When packing for an Iceland cruise, remember that the weather can be as varied as the landscape itself. It's essential to be prepared for all conditions, regardless of the season.

The cornerstone of any travel wardrobe for Iceland is layering. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep you dry, add an insulating layer for warmth, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer. This approach allows you to adjust your clothing to match the weather, which can change several times in a day.

A waterproof jacket and pants are crucial, as rain is possible any time of the year. Waterproof hiking shoes or boots are also essential if you plan to explore Iceland's rugged terrain during port stops.

Don't forget warm accessories such as hats, gloves, and scarves, but also sun protection including sunglasses and sunscreen. For wildlife enthusiasts, a good pair of binoculars is invaluable. To keep all these accessories safe and at hand, a sturdy daypack is useful for shore excursions.

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