Windstar Cruises
Introduction Windstar Cruises
For travelers feeling overwhelmed by the sheer size and constant activity of modern mega-ships, Windstar Cruises offers a compelling alternative. It’s a return to a more intimate, destination-focused style of travel, where the journey itself feels just as important as the places you visit. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this unique cruise line, from its romantic sailing ships to its all-suite motor yachts, to help you decide if it’s your perfect match.
What Exactly is Windstar Cruises? The “Yacht” vs. The “Mega-Ship”
Windstar Cruises operates a fleet of six small ships, each carrying between 148 and 342 guests. To put that in perspective, some of the world’s largest cruise ships carry over 6,000 passengers. This fundamental difference in scale shapes every aspect of the Windstar experience. It’s not just a smaller ship; it’s a completely different philosophy of cruising.
This philosophy is often described as “180 Degrees from Ordinary.” Instead of building entertainment on the ship, Windstar focuses on using the ship to connect you with the destination. Their small size allows them to slip into tiny, picturesque harbors and off-the-beaten-path coves that are completely inaccessible to larger vessels . You might wake up in a secluded bay in the Greek Isles or dock right in the heart of a historic Mediterranean village, steps away from a sidewalk café rather than a sprawling industrial port.
This approach has not gone unnoticed by experts. In a recent survey of more than 18,000 cruisers, Consumer Reports gave Windstar Cruises its highest marks, highlighting its “relaxed, private-yacht atmosphere” and high crew-to-guest ratio . It’s consistently recognized not as a cruise line, but as a fleet of private yachts that just happen to take guests along for the ride .
The Fleet: Choosing Between Sailing Ships and All-Suite Yachts
One of the most common points of confusion for newcomers is that Windstar actually has two distinct types of ships. Choosing between them is the first and most important decision you’ll make, as it shapes the entire vibe of your vacation .
The Wind Class (Wind Star, Wind Spirit, Wind Surf): The Romance of Sail
If you’ve ever dreamed of a classic sailing adventure, this is it. The Wind Class ships are the heart and soul of the line. The 148-passenger Wind Star and Wind Spirit, and the slightly larger 342-passenger Wind Surf, are authentic sailing vessels.
The defining moment on these ships happens every time you leave port. As the engines cut and the powerful sails are hoisted, the soundtrack from “1492: Conquest of Paradise” plays, and guests gather on deck to witness the transformation. It’s a goosebump-inducing ceremony that one travel writer described as a proper “Pirates of the Caribbean” moment . It’s pure, unadulterated romance.
Life aboard is intimate and cozy. Cabins are snugger than on the motor yachts, featuring portholes or French balconies . The experience is less about the ship’s amenities and more about the wind in your hair and the sensation of gliding silently through the water. You’ll find these ships in warmer, wind-savvy climates like the Greek Isles, the Caribbean, and Tahiti .
The Star Class (Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride): All-Suite Comfort
The Star Class ships—Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride—are all-suite motor yachts carrying 312 guests. They offer the same intimate, service-oriented philosophy but with more interior space and a wider range of amenities.
These ships are ideal for travelers who want the small-ship experience but with a bit more room to roam. Suites are significantly larger, starting at 277 square feet with distinct living and sleeping areas, walk-in closets, and many with balconies . The public spaces are more abundant, including the top-deck Yacht Club lounge, a perfect spot for reading or enjoying panoramic views.
With their greater speed and stability, Star Class ships can tackle a wider variety of itineraries, including cooler-weather destinations like Iceland and Northern Europe, and longer voyages that require covering more distance, such as transatlantic crossings or exploring the remote Marquesas Islands from Tahiti .
A Glimpse at the Future: The New Star Seeker and Star Explorer
The Windstar fleet is about to get even more exciting with the debut of two new Star Class ships, Star Seeker (late 2025) and Star Explorer (late 2026) . Carrying 224 guests each, these ships represent the next generation of small-ship cruising. They’ll feature the most modern amenities in the fleet, an expansive spa, and—a first for Windstar—most staterooms will have full balconies . These new vessels will open up even more itineraries, including Southeast Asia and Japan.
The Onboard Experience: Life on a Small Ship
So, what is it actually like to spend a week on a Windstar ship? In a word: refreshing.
- Dining: A Collaboration with the James Beard Foundation: Food is a central part of the experience. Windstar has a unique partnership with the James Beard Foundation, bringing recipes and culinary inspiration from renowned chefs to the ships’ menus . You won’t find a 24/7 buffet. Instead, you’ll enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals. The main restaurant, Amphora, offers elegant, open-seating dining. By night, the Veranda buffet transforms into Candles, an intimate steak and seafood restaurant under the stars. On Star Class ships, you’ll find additional venues like the Spanish-inspired Cuadro 44 (being replaced by the Mediterranean-Asian fusion Basil + Bamboo on some ships), offering a diverse culinary journey .
- Service: The “High Crew-to-Guest Ratio” Difference: With a crew that seems to anticipate your every need, service is warm, personal, and genuine . Because there are no massive crowds, the staff gets to know you by name, your favorite drink, and your dining preferences. It’s not uncommon for the captain or senior officers to dine with guests or host a bridge tour.
- Atmosphere: Casual Elegance and “No Formal Nights”: One of Windstar’s most beloved policies is its casual dress code. There are no formal nights . You’ll never have to pack a tuxedo or gown. The vibe is upscale but relaxed—yacht casual. Evenings are for good conversation, listening to live music in the lounge, or stargazing on deck, not rushing to a Broadway-style show.
- The Watersports Platform: Your Private Playground at Sea: When the ship is at anchor, it deploys a retractable marina platform at the stern . This becomes your personal water sports center, stocked with kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and pedal boats—all complimentary. In many destinations, you can simply walk off the platform and into the crystal-clear water for a swim.
Destinations: Where Does Windstar Go?
Windstar’s small size allows it to offer a diverse range of itineraries, from classic cruising grounds to far-flung adventures .
- The Classics: You’ll find Windstar ships sailing the sun-drenched waters of the Caribbean, the culturally rich coasts of the Mediterranean, and the iconic islands of the Greek Isles . These itineraries are perfect for romance, relaxation, and soaking up local culture.
- Exotic Locales: For a true adventure, consider a cruise in Tahiti, where the lush, volcanic islands are best explored by small ship. Or, sail through Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, where Zodiacs take you close to wildlife in pristine national parks—a true ecotourist’s dream .
- Adventure Bound: Windstar is also a fantastic choice for Alaska . Instead of joining the crowds on a mega-ship, you’ll navigate narrow fjords and visit smaller, more authentic ports like Sitka and Wrangell, with excursions ranging from helicopter dog-sledding to whale-watching.
The Windstar Traveler: Is This Cruise Line Right for You?
Windstar is a fantastic choice for many, but it has a distinct personality. Here’s who will love it and who might want to look elsewhere.
The Perfect Fit: Who Will Love Windstar
- Romantic Couples: This is perhaps the ultimate cruise line for romance, from the sail-away ceremony to intimate dining and the peaceful, quiet ambiance .
- Seasoned Cruisers: Travelers tired of the “cattle call” feeling of large ships will find Windstar a rejuvenating return to the golden age of travel.
- Destination-Focused Travelers: If you care more about where you’re going than what’s happening on the ship, Windstar’s port-intensive itineraries are ideal.
- Multigenerational Families: The casual atmosphere and water sports platform make it easy for families to relax and have fun together without being overwhelmed by thousands of other passengers.
Consider This: Who Might Prefer a Different Line
- Families with Young Kids Needing Constant Entertainment: If your kids need waterslides, laser tag, and kids’ clubs to stay happy, a larger, more activity-focused ship is a better bet.
- Travelers on a Tight Budget: While not always astronomically expensive, Windstar is a premium product. The base fare is higher than mainstream lines, and because many things aren’t included, the total cost can add up .
- Those Who Want “All-Inclusive” Simplicity: Windstar’s fares include meals, soft drinks, and bottled water, but alcohol, gratuities, and shore excursions are extra . This “a la carte” model isn’t for everyone.
- People Who Love Big Production Shows: If your ideal evening involves a cast of 40 singers and dancers in a 1,500-seat theater, you’ll be disappointed. Evening entertainment is low-key—think a pianist, a guitarist, or a trivia night .
Practical Considerations Before You Book
- What’s Included (and What’s Not): Your fare includes your suite or stateroom, all meals in all venues, non-alcoholic beverages (including specialty coffees), and complimentary use of the watersports platform. Not included are alcoholic drinks, gratuities, shore excursions, Wi-Fi (though packages are available), and spa services .
- Booking Tips: If you’re set on a specific ship type (Wind Class vs. Star Class), pay close attention to the vessel name when booking. Also, because the ships are small, popular itineraries and suite categories sell out far in advance. Booking early is highly recommended, especially for peak season in the Mediterranean or Alaska.
Conclusion: Is Windstar Cruises Worth It?
For the right traveler, Windstar Cruises isn’t just worth it; it’s transformational. It’s a chance to disconnect from the chaos of everyday life and reconnect with the simple pleasures of the sea and the richness of the world’s most beautiful places. It’s an invitation to travel not as a tourist, but as an explorer on your own private yacht. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, it might be time to answer the call of the wind.
FAQs:
What is the main difference between the Wind Class and Star Class ships on Windstar?
Wind Class ships are the line’s iconic sailing vessels (like Wind Spirit and Wind Surf), offering a romantic, intimate experience with the thrill of unfurling massive sails. Star Class ships are all-suite motor yachts (like Star Breeze and Star Legend) that are slightly larger, with more dining venues, bigger suites, and the ability to sail a wider range of global itineraries .
Are Windstar Cruises all-inclusive?
Do I need to dress up for formal nights on a Windstar cruise?
No formal wear required. Windstar is famously casual and elegant, with a “no formal nights” policy. The atmosphere is upscale but relaxed, meaning you can leave the tuxedo and gown at home.
Is a Windstar cruise good for families with children?
It depends on the family. Windstar is excellent for multi-generational families looking to spend quality time together in a relaxed setting, enjoying water sports and exploring ports. However, if your children thrive on constant, high-energy activities like waterslides, rock walls, and kids’ clubs, a larger mainstream ship would be a better fit.
Where does Windstar Cruises travel?
Windstar sails to a diverse range of destinations worldwide. Their most popular regions include the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Greek Isles. They also offer incredible experiences in French Polynesia (Tahiti), Alaska, Costa Rica & the Panama Canal, and Northern Europe
About the Author
