I am cosidering a Windstar Cruise. I would love to go to Greece, but the only time of year they sail, that coincides with my vacation time, is August. Will I be miserable in Greece during the month of August due to the weather? I know that Greece is very hot at that time of year.<BR><BR>If Greece in August is not a good idea, what is your opinion of sailing Costa Rica or the Virgin Islands in December? Or Belze and the Mayan Riviera in February?<BR><BR>I have cruised 6 times and am looking for a very different experience. Windstar seems to fit the bill. Please share your opinions of the Windstar Cruise experience.<BR><BR>Thanks very much. Your help is very appreciated!

Hi Lisa,<BR><BR>Windstar is elegant without the formal dress. Great food, great service. If you have the opportunity, go. If you go to Athens in August it will be as hot as Florida. If you go to any of the Greek islands you will get the sea breezes.<BR><BR>Paul

Hi Lisa,<BR>We have sailed Winstar 3 times and enjoy it very much. The cabins are all the same and efficient, the food excellent, variety of ages aboard, good service and small ports. With only 75 cabins (except the Wind Surf which is larger) it is cozy and classy.<BR><BR>Can't tell you about Greece since the only time I was there was June. Am sure it will be hot and busy, but I would take the chance if the area interests you. Enjoy, be daring.

Just be careful when feeling amorous. The sounds of lovemaking can be heard throughout the small ship.

Paul and Cash, thank you for sharing your opinions. You sound very positive about visiting Greece in August, despite the few negatives such as the weather. The ports I will be visiting are Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Bodrum, Rhodes, Kusadasi, and Istanbul. It's good to know that the weather is cooler on the islands, which is usually the case.<BR><BR>Cash -Did you visit Greece in early or late June? I have the opportunity to go the last week in June, but that's all I have, just one week. If I cruise in August, I will have the time to add pre and post hotel stays in Athens and Istanbul. What do you think?<BR><BR>I'll be looking forward to your response. Thank you again!

<BR>Hi Lisa,<BR><BR>If you are planning to go anytime in June or August you will experience oven-like temperatures in Ephesus.<BR><BR>If you are planning this as your trip of a lifetime you really should take the extra days in Athens and Istanbul. There is so much to see and do.<BR><BR>If the heat bothers you the Sharper Image sells a "Cool Collar" that is wonderful (if you do not mind the stares of the other passengers).<BR><BR>Feel free to e-mail me with any other particulars.<BR><BR>Paul<BR><BR><BR><BR>

Lisa, we cruised on the Windsong from Istanbul to Athens last year (late September), had a wonderful trip. Even then, it was pretty warm in some places like Ephesus -- we swam in the sea at most ports, did a gulet trip out of Bodrum and swam off the boat. I agree with Paul that Ephesus would probably be very warm then. The Greek Islands might be a bit cooler, but probably not a lot -- and there will be many tourists there in August, prime European vacation month.<BR><BR>We loved our time in Istanbul, stayed at the Hilton which was fabulous (see Raves on this board). Also enjoyed a couple of nights in Athens, with time to explore. It would be a shame to do that trip in a very limited time frame that prevents you from exploring -- it's a long plane trip, and who knows how soon one can get back to these beautiful places?<BR><BR>We loved Windsong, and would cruise any of the Windstar cruises any time! Maybe save Greece and Turkey for when you have enough time and flexibility to cruise and visit them the way you really want to...