Windstar Cruises

Intimate sailing yachts and all-suite motor vessels carrying just 148 to 342 guests. Windstar takes you to secluded coves, hidden harbors, and charming villages that larger ships simply cannot reach. With iconic sails, a James Beard Foundation culinary partnership, and a yacht casual atmosphere, this is cruising at its most personal.

Windstar Cruises logo

Yacht-Style Cruising to Hidden Harbors

Windstar Cruises operates six intimate ships – three iconic sailing yachts with majestic masts and sails, and three all-suite Star Plus Class motor yachts. Carrying between 148 and 342 guests, these are among the smallest luxury cruise ships at sea. The result is something genuinely different: you dock in the heart of charming villages, explore secluded coves, and experience destinations the way they were meant to be seen.

Their personalized approach, James Beard Foundation culinary partnership, and yacht casual atmosphere (no formal nights, ever) appeal to travelers who prefer boutique hotels over mega-resorts. From the Caribbean and Mediterranean to Alaska and Tahiti, Windstar sails to regions ideally suited for small ship exploration.

At a Glance

Cruise Line: Windstar Cruises – Small Ship, Yacht-Style Cruising

Fleet: 6 intimate ships – 3 iconic sailing yachts and 3 all-suite Star Plus Class motor yachts

Capacity: 148-342 guests per ship

Destinations: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Greek Islands, Northern Europe, Alaska, Tahiti, Central America, and more

Atmosphere: Yacht casual – no formal nights, sophisticated yet refreshingly relaxed

Signature Feature: Retractable Watersports Platform, iconic Sail Away ceremony, and James Beard Foundation culinary partnership

  • Ship accommodations with ocean views
  • A variety of gourmet dining options across multiple venues
  • Unlimited beverages – wine, beer, spirits, and specialty coffees
  • Gratuities included
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Onboard entertainment and enrichment programs
  • Use of all onboard facilities including the Watersports Platform
  • Complimentary kayaking, paddleboarding, water skiing, and windsurfing

Shore excursions are available as an add-on or through excursion packages.

  • Intimate ships access small ports and hidden harbors larger ships simply cannot reach
  • Iconic sailing yachts with majestic sails – a truly unique cruising experience
  • James Beard Foundation culinary partnership for exceptional onboard dining
  • Complimentary Watersports Platform with kayaks, paddleboards, and more
  • Yacht casual atmosphere – no formal nights, no pretension
  • Guest lecturers sharing local knowledge to deepen your cultural immersion

AmphorA: Elegant main dining with open seating and destination-inspired menus

Candles: Intimate steakhouse and grill (Star Plus Class)

Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso: Celebrated Spanish cuisine on Star Plus Class ships

Star Grill: Casual poolside dining and deck barbecues

Stella Bistro: Casual cafe serving light bites and craft beverages

All dining is open seating – dine when and with whom you choose. Menus feature fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from each port along the way, showcasing the distinctive flavors of local cuisine.

Sailing Yachts:

  • Wind Surf: 342 guests – the world’s largest sailing cruise ship
  • Wind Star: 148 guests – classic four-masted sailing yacht
  • Wind Spirit: 148 guests – classic four-masted sailing yacht

Star Plus Class Motor Yachts:

  • Star Pride: 312 guests – all-suite luxury
  • Star Legend: 312 guests – all-suite luxury
  • Star Breeze: 312 guests – all-suite luxury

Both ship types offer intimate yacht-style experiences with the Watersports Platform, open-seating dining, and personalized service.

All-Inclusive Yacht Experience

Small Ship Luxury

6 Intimate Ships

148-342 guests per voyage

  • Unlimited beverages included
  • Gratuities included
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • James Beard Foundation dining
  • Watersports Platform access
  • Open-seating gourmet dining
  • No formal nights – yacht casual

Shore excursions available as add-on

Six Intimate Yachts, Countless Hidden Harbors

Windstar sailing yacht with white sails fully extended cruising on bright blue waters

The Signature Sail Away Ceremony

Windstar’s sailing yachts feature a magical Signature Sail Away ceremony as the ship departs select ports. The sails unfurl to the stirring sounds of Vangelis’s “1492: Conquest of Paradise,” creating an unforgettable moment that captures the pure romance of sailing.

Watching those massive sails deploy while enjoying cocktails on deck is a quintessential Windstar experience – one that truly sets this cruise line apart from anything else at sea. It’s the kind of moment our advisors love hearing guests describe after they return home.

Destination-Inspired Cuisine at Every Table

Windstar has raised the bar for onboard dining through their partnership with the James Beard Foundation. Every night’s menu is designed to showcase the distinctive flavors of local cuisine, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from each port along the way.

On the Star Plus Class ships, Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso brings celebrated Spanish cuisine to sea, while Candles offers an intimate steakhouse experience. Back on the sailing yachts, deck barbecues under the stars and open-seating dining create the feeling of a private dinner party on the water.

You’ll find yourself lingering over every course, soaking in the view between bites.

Windstar Star Plus Class cruise ship sailing through turquoise waters with dramatic rocky mountains
Windstar sailing yacht anchored in tranquil turquoise waters with mountainous coastline

The Retractable Watersports Platform

When conditions permit, Windstar’s ships deploy a retractable Watersports Platform from the stern, inviting guests to enjoy complimentary kayaking, paddleboarding, water skiing, windsurfing, and swimming directly from the ship. This unique amenity allows active water experiences in calm harbors and secluded bays – something you won’t find on larger ships.

Picture yourself diving into crystal-clear waters right from the back of a sailing yacht anchored in a hidden cove. That’s the kind of adventure that makes Windstar truly special, and it’s one of the reasons our advisors love recommending this cruise line.

Experience

What Sets Windstar Apart

Intimate Small Ships

With just 148 to 342 guests, Windstar’s yachts access small ports and hidden harbors that larger ships cannot visit. Dock in the heart of charming villages, explore secluded coves, and experience destinations the way they were meant to be seen.

True Sailing Romance

Windstar’s iconic sailing yachts are among the last true sailing cruise ships in the world. Feel the romance of wind-powered travel, experience the legendary Sail Away ceremony, and enjoy a connection to the sea that no motor ship can replicate.

Immersive Destinations

From the Greek Islands and the Caribbean to Alaska and Tahiti, Windstar sails to destinations ideally suited for small ship cruising. Guest lecturers share local knowledge before you ever step foot in port, deepening your appreciation of each culture.

Windstar sailing vessel navigating through scenic waterway with lush green mountains

Beyond the Ship – Windstar Cruise Tours

Windstar Cruise Tours fuse the finest of land and sea to help you cross experiences off your bucket list. To complement your ports of call, venture inland to discover more of the local culture and natural beauty.

Windstar handles all ground arrangements including hotel accommodations and attraction tickets, giving you a seamless pre- or post-cruise extension that takes your voyage even further. From exploring ancient ruins to tasting wines in the countryside, these tours transform your cruise into a complete journey. Our advisors can help you choose the perfect Cruise Tour to extend your Windstar voyage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Windstar operates small ships – both iconic sailing yachts and all-suite Star Plus Class vessels – carrying just 148 to 342 guests. Their intimate size allows access to small ports and hidden harbors that larger ships cannot visit. The experience combines yacht-style cruising with personal service, gourmet dining, and a casual elegance that appeals to experienced travelers seeking authentic destinations. If you enjoy boutique hotels over large resorts and appreciate fine dining, Windstar delivers an experience unlike any other at sea.

Windstar’s All-Inclusive package includes all onboard meals, unlimited beverages (wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffees), gratuities, Wi-Fi, and use of the Watersports Platform. Shore excursions are additional unless you’ve purchased a package. The All-Inclusive approach means you won’t need to sign for drinks or worry about added costs throughout your voyage. When you book through Harr Travel, you also benefit from our exclusive group rates, weekly price monitoring, and no booking fees – ever.

Windstar operates two distinct ship types. The sailing yachts (Wind Surf, Wind Star, and Wind Spirit) feature majestic sails and carry 148-342 guests. The Star Plus Class vessels (Star Pride, Star Legend, and Star Breeze) are all-suite motor yachts carrying 312 guests with every stateroom featuring ocean views. Both offer intimate yacht-style experiences with exceptional service, the Watersports Platform, and open-seating gourmet dining.

When conditions permit, Windstar’s ships deploy a retractable Watersports Platform from the stern. Guests enjoy complimentary kayaking, paddleboarding, water skiing, windsurfing, and swimming directly from the ship. This unique amenity allows active water experiences in calm harbors and secluded bays – the kind of thing that’s only possible on a small ship. It’s one of the features our advisors hear guests rave about most.

Windstar’s culinary program, developed in partnership with the James Beard Foundation, stands out even among luxury cruise lines. Star Plus Class ships offer four distinct dining venues, including Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso for Spanish cuisine and the intimate Candles steakhouse. Open seating across the fleet means you choose when and with whom you dine. Look for deck barbecues under the stars and menus that change with each port of call.

Windstar sails worldwide to destinations ideally suited for small ship cruising. Regions include the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Greek Islands, Northern Europe, Alaska, Tahiti and the South Pacific, Central America, and more. Itineraries emphasize small ports, overnight stays, and destinations where their intimate ships can dock in town centers that larger vessels cannot access.

On select departures, Windstar’s sailing yachts host their Signature Sail Away – a ceremony where the sails unfurl to the stirring sounds of Vangelis’s “1492: Conquest of Paradise.” It’s become one of the most talked-about moments in cruising, and past guests often say it’s the memory that stays with them longest.

Windstar maintains a relaxed “yacht casual” atmosphere throughout the voyage. During the day, resort casual attire including shorts and polo shirts is appropriate. Evenings are elegant casual – nice jeans, slacks, sundresses, or dress pants. There are no formal nights, and ties and jackets are never required. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet refreshingly unpretentious.

Windstar’s intimate ships carry between 148 and 342 guests – a fraction of typical cruise ship capacity. Wind Star and Wind Spirit accommodate 148 guests, Wind Surf carries 342, and the Star Plus Class vessels host 312 guests each. This small capacity ensures personalized service, uncrowded spaces, and authentic connection with destinations and fellow travelers.

Absolutely. Windstar is excellent for first-time cruisers who are hesitant about large ship experiences. The intimate atmosphere, small ports of call, and yacht-style service appeal to travelers who prefer authentic exploration over mega-ship entertainment. If you enjoy boutique hotels over large resorts, appreciate fine dining, and want to visit places larger ships cannot go, Windstar is an ideal introduction to cruising. Our advisors can help you choose the perfect ship and itinerary for your first voyage.

When you book Windstar through Harr Travel, you get a team of experienced advisors who genuinely know these ships and itineraries. We provide personalized cabin selection advice, itinerary planning, and destination guidance based on firsthand experience. We perform weekly price monitoring on every booking and automatically adjust your rate if the price drops. Plus, we never charge booking, consultation, or change fees. With our exclusive group rates offering savings of 20-40% below published fares, and support from your first inquiry right through to your return home, your Windstar voyage is in expert hands.

Your Yacht-Style Adventure Starts Here

Windstar Cruises offers something you won’t find on a larger ship – the feeling of sailing on your own private yacht to places most travelers never see. When you’re ready to explore the world from a truly intimate perspective, our advisors at Harr Travel are here to match you with the right ship, itinerary, and stateroom. With exclusive group rates, weekly price monitoring, and no booking or consultation fees, your next voyage starts with a conversation. Call us at 1-888-871-4233 or reach out online.