Windstar Cruises

The Vibe: Casual Elegance, Yacht Style

Windstar Cruises is known for its "casually elegant" vibe. Instead of the bustling atmosphere of a mega-ship, you'll find a relaxed, yacht-like experience. The dress code is "resort casual," meaning no formal wear is required. The open decks and friendly atmosphere encourage guests to socialize and enjoy the beautiful scenery. It's a cruise line for those who appreciate a more intimate and personalized style of travel, where the focus is on the destination and the journey, not on a packed schedule of organized activities.

Destinations and Ports

Windstar's small ships can sail to a vast array of destinations, providing access to more intimate and less-crowded ports. They sail to a wide range of regions, including:

Europe: Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and Iceland.
Caribbean & Central America: Caribbean and the Panama Canal.
South Pacific: French Polynesia (Tahiti).
Alaska & U.S. Coastal Cruises

Due to their diverse itineraries, Windstar has a large number of departure ports. Some of the major ones include:

Papeete, Tahiti
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
Barcelona, Spain
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Miami, Florida
Juneau, Alaska

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Ships & Fleet Size

Windstar operates a fleet of small, luxurious yachts. They have a total of six ships, which fall into two classes:

Wind Class (Sailing Yachts): These three ships, including the flagship Wind Surf, are known for their iconic, computer-operated sails. While they are powered by engines, the sails add a touch of classic maritime elegance. These ships carry between 148 and 312 guests.
Star Class (All-Suite Motor Yachts): These three ships were formerly with Seabourn Cruise Line and were acquired and renovated by Windstar. They are all-suite yachts with a capacity for 312 guests.

The small size of the fleet is a key feature, allowing the ships to access smaller ports and hidden harbors that are off-limits to larger vessels.

Cabins

Windstar's accommodations are designed for comfort and luxury. On the sailing ships, the standard staterooms are ocean-view, featuring porthole windows. On the Star Class ships, all accommodations are suites, with many offering French balconies or private verandas. Regardless of the category, all cabins and suites include:

Luxurious Egyptian cotton linens
Plush bathrobes and slippers
L'Occitane bath amenities
A flat-screen TV with a DVD player
Fresh fruit and a stocked mini-bar

While the cabins on the sailing yachts are on the smaller side, they are well-designed with ample storage. The all-suite Star Class ships provide significantly more space.

What Is Included

Windstar is considered a luxury cruise line, and its prices reflect that. The cost per night can vary widely depending on the itinerary, cabin type, and time of year, but you can expect to pay a premium for the intimate, upscale experience.

Windstar offers two fare options:

Cruise Fare Only: This includes your accommodations, all meals and entertainment on board, and non-alcoholic beverages (coffee, tea, soda, bottled water).
All-Inclusive Fare: This package bundles in Wi-Fi (for one device), unlimited alcoholic beverages, and gratuities for a daily per-person fee.

What Is NOT Included

Shore excursions
Spa treatments
Wi-Fi
Any personal purchases made in port (e.g., souvenirs)

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Onboard Activities & Entertainment

Life on a Windstar cruise is all about relaxation and enrichment, not non-stop entertainment. You won't find casinos or large-scale Broadway-style shows. Instead, the focus is on a more refined experience. Activities include:

The Watersports Platform: A unique feature of Windstar's ships is the retractable marina at the stern. When the ship is anchored, guests can enjoy complimentary water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming.
Open Bridge Policy: Guests are often invited to visit the ship's bridge and chat with the captain and officers, offering a rare look into the operations of the vessel.
Enrichment & Culture: The cruise line offers cooking demonstrations, market tours with the chef, and onboard lecturers who provide insights into the history and culture of the destinations.
Evening Entertainment: This is typically a more low-key affair, with live music from a duo or band in the lounge. The "Crew Talent Show" is a popular and fun event.
Signature Events: A special "Sail Away" event with music and a signature deck barbecue are highlights of the cruise.

Pros

Intimate & Personalized Service: The small guest-to-crew ratio means staff can get to know you by name and cater to your preferences.
Access to Small Ports: Windstar's ships can visit ports that are inaccessible to larger cruise liners, allowing for more authentic and less-crowded experiences.
Unique Itineraries: The ability to access smaller ports and the focus on immersive travel means Windstar offers a wide variety of unique and captivating itineraries.
Relaxed Atmosphere: The casually elegant vibe and lack of a rigid dress code make for a stress-free and comfortable vacation.
Complimentary Water Activities: The on-deck watersports marina is a huge draw for those who love to be in the water.

Cons

Higher Price Point: Windstar is a luxury line, so it comes with a higher cost compared to mainstream cruise lines.
Limited Entertainment: Those who enjoy a wide variety of shows, a casino, or a party atmosphere might find the onboard entertainment lacking.
No Balcony Cabins on Sailing Yachts: The Wind Class ships primarily have ocean-view staterooms with portholes, which may be a deal-breaker for some travelers.
Older Ships: While well-maintained and refurbished, the ships themselves are older, which can be a factor for guests who prefer modern, brand-new vessels.