BY VIVIAN HOLLEY

It’s a Hollywood-worthy scenario, to be sure. And it’s a chance for cruisers not only to check out celebrity haunts by land, but to be pampered like superstars at sea...

Come May, you could be setting out from Nice on Windstar’s sleek, 308-passenger Wind Surf, returning to Nice eight days later after a voyage along the sun-blessed Cote d’Azur. Along the way, you’ll drop anchor at Cannes, spending nights and full days to allow for ample immersion in the 58th annual Cannes Film Festival and its prestigious congregation of cinematic talent. You’ll then move on to Monaco, again lingering long enough to soak up the nonstop excitement of the Monaco Grand Prix.

Think people-watching raised to new levels.

In Cannes the tender beats a steady path between ship and city, where passengers step off the boat and smack into the glittering extravaganza of colorful banners billowing from the facades of chic hotels along the celebrated Croisette. Not to mention star sightings along the beachwalk and showtime parades across the red carpet, impromptu concerts by uncommon street musicians and free-for-all movies on the beach.

In Monaco, host to one of the oldest races on the Formula One circuit, cruisers can strike out on their own, or sign up for an all-day adventure that includes a French-flavored buffet lunch and free-flowing wines, plus a terrace overlooking the demanding course that traces historic streets and the yacht-packed harbor. As in Cannes, the stars come out. Spotted at last year’s pulse-pounding event: Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Matt Damon.

Back aboard, passengers take in the Grand Prix fireworks show from the ship’s glowing teak decks, saluting race winners with champagne toasts, and diving into a worth-every-calorie chocolate buffet.

“The first time for this itinerary, and also for an eight-day Windstar cruise in this area, was 2003,” says Francois Birardo, the Wind Surf’s hotel manager, “and the new itinerary has been a clear winner on several counts. During these huge events it’s very hard to find a hotel room or a taxi, or to get inside a good restaurant. And everything is extremely expensive.”

In between the star-studded stops, passengers catch their collective breath at such peaceful respites as St. Florent, Corsica, and postcard-pretty Portofino, Italy.

Meanwhile, they live like luminaries themselves aboard ship, thanks to the line’s casually elegant ambience, attentive service, complimentary water sports, and distinctive dining and wining with open restaurant-style seating. In the flagship’s recently updated WindSpa, they can count on – what else? – star treatment. On the menu are the likes of reflexology and aromastone therapy, and fitness options from yoga to cardio kick-boxing.

The Wind Surf, in fact, is itself a star – the biggest beauty in the fleet’s stunning trio of luxury yachts boasting snowy sails that unfurl with all the drama of a Cannes film contender. “When we open the sails,” Birardo says, “people follow us in boats to take photos.

“We’re a sailing ship – not a floating building,” he notes, “and while we have music aboard and a small casino, we’re not big on entertainment. Our style is laid-back, and we’re popular with hard-working people who want to relax. With Windstar, they’re not obliged to do certain things at certain times, and they’re not required to dress up.” 

Information: (800) 258-7245 or www.windstarcruises.com.