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Windstar in Costa Rica & Panama with Guest Keryn Means

Sometimes Sailing
Sometimes Sailing
🥈Expert
👁️ 88 views📅 3 months ago⏱️ 36:06
What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsFull Ship Review🥈Expert Creator
👦 Best for Family (Teens)Other · WinterFrom Puerto CalderaVeteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

We were on the WinStar Star Pride, which held about I know there were less than 300 people on the cruise because it was over Christmas and I brought my whole family.

I was actually really surprised how much I loved Winstar's excursions and the options that they had.

The food was so much better than any corporate event I've ever been to.

I would do it again and my kids are even asking when we're going to do it again.

Creator's Tips & Advice

Book non-stop flights from LA to San Jose, Costa Rica for convenience.
Use the exterior door between cabins to connect family suites for flexibility.
Claim shade spots early on deck during sea days.
Try the cucumber martini with Hendricks gin if mint mojitos aren't available.

🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Traveling with teenagers on a cruiseIt's relaxing because teens can have downtime and parents can have dates; the ship is safe and flexible.

Questions This Creator Answers

QWhat is it like to cruise on Windstar's Star Pride in Costa Rica and Panama with a family?
QHow do excursions work for teens on a small ship without a kids club?
QWhat are the dining and entertainment options on board?
QIs traveling over Christmas on a cruise a positive experience?

Topics Covered

Excursions4 Happy BaconService Crew4½ Happy BaconKids Family3½ Happy BaconItinerary Route4 Happy BaconValue Pricing3 Happy BaconCabin Suite4½ Happy BaconDining Bars Drinks3½ Happy BaconPool Deck3 Happy Bacon

Port Highlights

Isla Parita, Panama4½ Happy Bacon
Balboa Fuerte Amador, Panama3½ Happy Bacon
Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica3½ Happy Bacon
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
Happy Bacon — creators loved this aspect
Sad Bacon — creators took issue with this
Meh — no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology
YouTube Video Description

Join us with travel creator Keryn Means of Twist Travel Mag and Twist Cocktail Recipes as we talk about cruising on Windstar’s yacht, Star Pride, in Costa Rica and Panama over Christmas, with her husband and two teenage boys along for the adventure. We dig into the Costa Rica and Panama itinerary, including a full Panama Canal transit, plus what it’s really like to travel on a small ship as a family without a kids club. Keryn shares which Windstar excursions worked especially well for teens, what tendering and Zodiac landings were like, and why the beach BBQ was a standout day. We also talk about onboard life on Star Pride, from suite-style cabins and room service to spa time, Wi-Fi strength, and holiday touches like Christmas dinner and Hanukkah celebrations. If you’re curious whether a holiday cruise with Windstar can be relaxing, flexible, and genuinely fun with teenagers, this episode will give you a clear picture of what to expect. Follow Keryn’s adventures in travel and cocktails: • https://twisttravelmag.com - @twisttravelmag • https://twistcocktailrecipes.com - @twistcocktailrecipes CHAPTERS 00:35 Windstar in Costa Rica & Panama with Guest Keryn Means 02:40 Family Yacht Cruising in Central America (& the Itinerary) 06:47 Surprising Teenagers with a Family Cruise 08:33 Excursion Highlights: Horseback Riding & Waterfalls 12:51: Floating Yacht Marina Fun 13:55 Tendering into Ports 16:38 Exclusive Beach BBQ in Costa Rica 18:56 Onboard Cabins, Suites & Room Service on Star Pride 21:01 Rejuvenating in the Spa, Pools & Hot Tubs 23:20 Onboard Entertainment, & Christmas & Hanukkah Holiday Celebrations 26:16 Stressless Relaxing December Travel with Kids 30:20 Dining & Special Holiday Meals & Drinks 31:36 How Hanukkah is Celebrated on Windstar 32:30 Final Reflections & Where to Find Keryn