Windstar Cruises
Overview
Windstar Cruises occupies a unique position in luxury cruising - operating both iconic motor-sail yachts and Star-class small ships that deliver intimate yacht-style experiences to ports larger ships cannot reach. With just 148-342 guests per vessel, Windstar creates the atmosphere of traveling aboard a private yacht.
The motor-sail yachts (Wind Surf, Wind Star, Wind Spirit) feature four to five towering masts and computer-controlled sails that unfurl dramatically each voyage. These elegant vessels evoke the romance of sailing while providing stability and modern amenities. The Sail Away ceremony - when the sails unfurl as the ship departs port - remains one of cruising's most magical moments.
Star-class ships (Star Pride, Star Legend, Star Breeze) underwent complete transformation in 2020-2021, emerging as virtually new vessels with redesigned accommodations, restaurants, and public spaces. These all-suite ships offer Power Yacht experiences with spacious staterooms and sophisticated contemporary design.
Windstar's yacht-style atmosphere means no formal nights, open seating dining, water sports from the ship's marina, and ports of call inaccessible to larger vessels. The company specializes in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, and Tahiti, with itineraries designed to reveal each destination's authentic character.
The 180 degrees from ordinary philosophy guides every aspect of Windstar operations - from locally-sourced cuisine to enrichment programs featuring destination experts. Windstar appeals to independent, curious travelers who prefer sophistication without pretension.
Fleet Information
Windstar Cruises Fleet:
MOTOR-SAIL YACHTS:
Wind Surf (Flagship Sailing Yacht)
- Tonnage: 14,745 gross tons
- Guests: 342
- Masts: 5 masts, computer-controlled sails
- Features: World's largest sailing cruise ship, 2 restaurants, spa
- Regions: Mediterranean, Caribbean
- Starting at $2,499 per person (7 nights)
Wind Star & Wind Spirit (Intimate Sailing Yachts)
- Tonnage: 5,350 gross tons
- Guests: 148 each
- Masts: 4 masts with sails
- Features: Most intimate Windstar experience, watersports platform
- Regions: Tahiti, Caribbean, Mediterranean
- Starting at $2,999 per person
STAR-CLASS SHIPS (Transformed 2020-2021):
Star Pride, Star Legend, Star Breeze
- Tonnage: 9,975 gross tons each
- Guests: 312 each
- Features: All-suite, completely redesigned interiors
- Suites: All 156 suites with ocean views (most with balconies)
- Restaurants: 3 dining venues each
- Regions: Mediterranean, Alaska, Caribbean, Northern Europe
- Starting at $2,299 per person
Fleet Highlights:
- Watersports marina on all ships
- Open Bridge policy
- No formal dress code
- Open seating dining
- Intimate port access
Onboard Experience
The Windstar Experience:
Accommodations:
Sailing Yachts:
- Oceanview Staterooms: 188 sq ft, from $2,499/person
- Oceanview Suites: 376 sq ft on Wind Surf
- Owner's Suite: 500 sq ft, finest aboard
Star-Class Ships:
- Star Oceanview Suite: 277 sq ft, from $2,299/person
- Star Balcony Suite: 277 sq ft + balcony, from $2,799/person
- Star Owner's Suite: 575 sq ft, from $5,499/person
- Grand Owner's Suite: 1,374 sq ft, ultimate luxury
Suite Amenities:
- Ocean views or balconies
- Luxury Sealy mattresses
- L'Occitane bath products
- Flat-screen TV
- Mini-refrigerator stocked to preference
- 24-hour room service
Watersports Marina:
When anchored (included):
- Kayaks (single and double)
- Stand-up paddleboards
- Snorkel equipment
- Water skiing
- Windsurfing
- Swimming from platform
Wellness:
- WindSpa by Elemis
- Fitness center
- Yoga and Pilates classes
- Jogging/walking track
Dining & Entertainment
Windstar Culinary Excellence:
Amphora Restaurant (Main Dining)
- Open seating throughout
- Nightly changing menus
- Regional cuisine focus
- Complimentary wines at dinner
Candles (Specialty - Star Class)
- Outdoor steakhouse
- Premium cuts under the stars
- Additional reservation required
Stella Bistro (Star Class)
- French bistro cuisine
- Intimate atmosphere
- Reservations recommended
Veranda/The Star Grill
- Casual breakfast and lunch
- Grill specialties
- Al fresco dining
Cuadro 44 (Star Class)
- Spanish tapas and cuisine
- Anthony Sasso collaboration
- Mediterranean flavors
James Beard Foundation Partnership:
- Destination-inspired menus
- Local ingredient sourcing
- Culinary shore excursions
Included Beverages:
- Wine with dinner (house selections)
- Coffee, tea, soft drinks
Entertainment:
- Sail Away ceremony (sailing yachts)
- Live music nightly
- Local cultural performances
- Deck parties
- Stargazing
- Destination lectures
Pricing Guide
Windstar Cruises Pricing Guide:
Caribbean 7-Night:
- Oceanview Stateroom/Suite: $2,299-$3,499 per person
- Star Balcony Suite: $2,799-$4,299 per person
- Owner's Suite: $5,499-$8,499 per person
Mediterranean 7-10 Night:
- Oceanview Stateroom/Suite: $2,999-$4,999 per person
- Star Balcony Suite: $3,499-$5,999 per person
- Owner's Suite: $6,499-$10,999 per person
Tahiti 7-Night (Sailing Yachts):
- Oceanview Stateroom: $4,499-$6,999 per person
- Oceanview Suite: $6,999-$9,999 per person
Alaska 7-Night:
- Star Oceanview Suite: $3,499-$5,499 per person
- Star Balcony Suite: $4,299-$6,799 per person
Northern Europe 10-14 Night:
- Star Oceanview Suite: $4,999-$7,999 per person
- Owner's Suite: $9,999-$15,999 per person
Included Value:
- All meals and room service
- House wines at dinner
- Watersports from marina
- Enrichment programming
- Port taxes on select voyages
Cruise Now Pay Later:
Flexible payment makes Windstar yacht cruising accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
On Windstar's sailing yachts, the computer-controlled sails unfurl majestically as the ship departs port. Music plays, champagne flows, and guests gather on deck for one of cruising's most romantic rituals.
Sailing yachts sail when wind conditions permit, typically a few hours per voyage. The ships can cruise on engine power independently. The sailing experience is supplementary to, not instead of, reliable cruising.
Partially inclusive. All meals, house wines at dinner, watersports, and enrichment are included. Premium beverages, shore excursions, spa treatments, and specialty dining are additional.
In 2020-2021, Star Pride, Star Legend, and Star Breeze were completely rebuilt with new restaurants, redesigned suites (all with balconies), and contemporary public spaces - emerging as virtually new ships.
Yacht casual throughout - no formal nights ever. Resort casual by day, country club casual by evening. Windstar celebrates comfortable elegance over stuffy formality.
Tahiti (sailing yachts offer intimate island access), Mediterranean (small ports), Caribbean (hidden coves), and Alaska (Star-class expedition-style cruising). Windstar excels where large ships cannot venture.
Guest Reviews
Wind Spirit in Tahiti was perfection. Snorkeling off the marina, the Sail Away ceremony each evening, and Bora Bora from our small ship - exactly the intimate experience we wanted.
Ship: Wind Spirit | Destination: Tahiti | October 2024After the transformation, Star Breeze rivals ships costing twice as much. The new suites, excellent dining, and small-ship intimacy created a perfect Mediterranean voyage.
Ship: Star Breeze | Destination: Greek Islands | July 2024Traveling solo, I found Wind Surf's atmosphere welcoming and intimate. The open seating meant new friends at every meal, and the sailing yacht ambiance was pure romance.
Ship: Wind Surf | Destination: Caribbean | January 2026Star Pride's intimate size meant wildlife encounters larger ships couldn't offer. The watersports marina in warmer ports was a wonderful bonus. Alaska was spectacular.
Ship: Star Pride | Destination: Alaska | June 2024