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THE BEST CRUISE SHIP COMPANY

THE BEST CRUISE SHIP COMPANY, it is actually a big private yacht. The people are treated well, the food is absolutly extraordinary good. The people who work on the ship are truly AMAZING and if a 10 PLUS was POSSIBLE TO PUT HERE instead of 5 stars Windstarcruises absolutly should get it. Thank you very much for the amazing trip in the carabian.

Date of experience : January 04, 2024

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• Cooking Demonstrations
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• The Veranda - Casual
• AmphorA - International
• Candles Grill - Intimate
• Pool Bar - Pool Bar *

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Windstar Cruises Wind Surf Review

The romance and allure of the seven seas are alive and well aboard this five-masted sailing yacht..

Updated February 20, 2016

On any horizon, Wind Surf cuts a fetching profile. With bright white sheets enveloping more than a half-acre of surface across five masts, a trim hull that slices gamely through the sea, and a bow that looks sharp enough to parry with an iceberg, this elegant motor-sail yacht slinks into the smaller ports of the Caribbean and Europe that bigger cruise ships can only dream about. It’s not a cruise for everyone, and our journey wasn’t perfect, but—spoiler alert—we fell in love with Wind Surf.

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About Our Cruise

Down below deck, our cabin: oceanview, cabin amenities, other cabins, amphora restaurant, the veranda, stella bistro, candles grill, barbecue dinner, in-room dining, compass rose, terrace bar, wind spa & fitness center, other recreation, shows & entertainment, other venues, kids programs, ship communications, internet facilities, dress codes, laundry facilities, general health & safety, accessibility, smoking policy, tipping and service charges, alcohol policies, loyalty program.

Originally launched in 1984, Windstar Cruises has been owned by various entities, including at one time Holland America Line/Carnival Corp. In 2011, Windstar’s three-ship fleet was acquired by Xanterra Parks and Resorts, a company that manages several storied National Park Service properties. Privately held by Denver-based billionaire Philip Anschutz, Xanterra may have been an ideal match for Windstar. The company set about refurbishing the fleet—$18 million for the three vessels—and in 2013 Xanterra announced it was expanding Windstar by acquiring the three 208-passenger luxury power yachts of Seabourn Cruises, to be phased into the fleet in 2014-15. Suddenly, Windstar Cruises has become a major player in the boutique ship category.

Built in 1990, Wind Surf is the largest and youngest member of the Windstar fleet of tall ships, offering a unique cruising experience for just 312 passengers. In fact, with its twin, Club Med 2 (owned by the Club Méditerranée all-inclusive resort chain), Wind Surf is the largest sailing cruiser at sea. The ship offers Caribbean voyages out of St. Maarten in the winter and spends the balance of the year in the Mediterranean and northern Europe.

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Obviously, a cruise aboard Wind Surf is not exactly comparable to one on today’s modern cruise ships that carry 10 times as many guests. There are a number of things you won’t find: no showroom productions, no Bingo sessions, no children’s facilities, and onboard activities are limited. Though there are elevators, the ship is not very wheelchair-accessible. There’s not even a cruise director—how would we manage?

But there were more similarities than we initially expected. There’s a pool, a gym, a spa and a casino. We had multiple dining options, a DVD library, and bikes were available for rent—perfect for exploring smaller ports. Uniquely, there’s even a marina that unfolds from the stern with kayaks, a Zodiac and windsurf equipment. (On our cruise the marina emerged at one tender port but not at two others, perhaps restricted by local regulations.)

None of Wind Surf’s cabins have balconies, though all have an ocean view. Our quarters were comfortable, with a fresh and contemporary veneer following a December 2012 renovation of the ship. Similarly, the restaurants got a facelift and we found dining to be solid, both better and more diversified than we expected. Entertainment, though limited, was fine for the size of the ship—we particularly enjoyed the vocal/guitar duo with a serious affinity for Mark Knopfler that kept us entertained at the convivial Compass Rose bar.

Alas, there were some areas of our cruise that should have been better. Repairs were conducted on one top deck area during lunch, meaning loud sawing sounds and dust were inescapable for anyone dining at the Veranda (the only restaurant available for lunch). We were disappointed that non-smoking areas were not always enforced. The port side of the pool deck was a designated smoking area, but when several smokers congregated the starboard side was also usually flooded with cigarette smells.

Although service overall was very good, and we appreciate a staff that can recall names and preferences, sometimes it was a bit too informal. This would be a deal-breaker for anyone expecting white-glove coddling. Inappropriate presumptuousness was particularly a problem for one crewmember.

Now almost a quarter-century old, Wind Surf is getting up in her years. Fortunately, most areas of the ship did not appear in bad shape, though the teak decks up top definitely show their age.

Overall, our cruise aboard Wind Surf was a delight, stirring romantic seafaring notions and delivering us to choice, small ports. True yachties may scoff at Wind Surf’s sea cred—the sails aren’t hoisted by hand, and itineraries are port intensive (sea days are rare, except for trans-Atlantic crossings). But we loved the abundant teak decks, were pleasantly surprised by the dining, and we appreciated the easy-going ambience and attitude of fellow guests. Although it’s not suited for most families with young kids, we’re hard-pressed to think of a better cruise option for a honeymooning couple.

Windstar Cruises is overpromising a bit when they position their line as “the leader in small ship luxury cruising.” Both Seabourn Cruises and Silversea Cruises—for starters—offer a more refined (albeit much more expensive) product. The standard cabins aboard Wind Surf were fine relative to oceanview cabins on mainstream cruise lines, but the accommodations didn’t compare to the entry-level cabins on true luxury ships. It will be interesting to watch how Seabourn’s three smaller ships fare as they are integrated into the Windstar fleet in 2014-15.

But marketing quibbles aside, our Wind Surf journey offered a refreshing change of pace from typical cruises. While some of the service issues we encountered should be addressed, we wouldn’t want stiff, formal ministrations in place of the personalized attention we received from a crew that has been with this line for many years.

We look forward to our next Windstar experience with pleasure, perhaps aboard one of the fleet’s smaller, four-masted ships, Wind Spirit and Wind Star.

Lead photo credit: Danita Delimont/Alamy Of the 158 cabins aboard Wind Surf, 79 percent are Oceanview , which is what we stayed in (described below). All are identical in size and view, the only difference in pricing is based on location (Deck 1 forward and aft being cheapest, Deck 3 being most expensive). There are no Inside or Balcony cabins.

There are 31 Suites located on Deck 3 (except for once unit located on the Bridge Deck). All of the suites were created by combining two standard cabins, and each has two bathrooms. There are also two Bridge Suites located on the Bridge Deck. None of these units have balconies; the units on the Bridge Deck are fronted by public walkways.

Bright white and gleaming like Wind Surf’s sails, we were fairly happy with our cabin, which benefited through the the ship’s December 2012 renovation. We had a pair of porthole-style windows, each 15 inches wide, and fronting the windows was a sheer, which provided adequate privacy when pulled (when we were docked), and there was a curtain that blocked out all light. Our cabin was located on Deck 1, and our cabin floor was even with the outside water level—we felt very close to the sea.

We measured our cabin at about 178 square feet, slightly smaller than the 188 square feet shown on Windstar’s website. With a swank, padded headboard, our bed was a very comfortable mattress, or rather—two mattresses joined together. The seam was concealed by a pillowtop. There were adjustable pillow-level reading lights on either side of the bed—these were like spotlights, perfect for reading when a partner is sleeping. Atop the reading lights were lamps, and additional lighting included fluorescent fixtures above the windows, and recessed ceiling lights—in all, plenty of illumination.

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Next to the bed was a wall cabinet that had a shelf for an alarm clock, and additional empty enclosed shelves for storing small items like books. To the left was another set of shelves that included a phone (out of reach from the bed), a Pioneer DVD player, and a Bose docking station and speaker for an iPod or other compatible accessories (an iPod Nano could be borrowed front the front desk, pre-loaded with a customized playlist). Below was a stocked minibar and fridge; there was an ice bucket, sporadically refilled by our cabin attendant. Left of the cabinet was the closet, which was two compartments, each 22 inches wide. There were 18 wood clothes hangers, two of which had robes for our use; there were also pairs of slippers. While not as large as the closets on most cruise ships, combined with various drawers and shelves it was adequate for two (especially considering the ship’s relaxed dress code). Another pair of cabinets ran along the ceiling facing the bed.

On the opposite wall next to the cabin entry was another built-in feature, a desk with a large mirror above; there were two comfy leather chairs for sitting. There were six drawers, a couple more shelves above, and the TV—a 22-inch Samsung—was mounted here (an array of DVDs was available from the Library to play on the cabin DVD player). There was a single 110-volt (U.S. style) outlet and two 220-volt (European) outlets, all at the desk area (below the TV). On the second day of the cruise we noticed that the U.S. outlet was dead—we reported this to the front desk and it was fixed within a couple hours.

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Though not large, the bathroom had an unusual layout that worked well for us, and had a handsome, polished teak floor. There was a round chamber for the toilet, and facing it was a matching compartment for the shower. Between these chambers was the vanity, a sink set into a granite counter and shelving units on either side of the mirror; there was also an illuminated makeup mirror. An outlet for shavers was above the sink, convertible to 115-volt or 230-volt. The floor of the round shower was 35 inches across, larger than many we’ve encountered on mainstream cruise lines; there was a synthetic fabric curtain fronting the shower and there was a retractable clothesline. There were two Hansgrohe showerheads, one in a fixed position, the other a handheld—both had adjustable sprays.

Our bathroom was stocked with fine L’Occitane amenities—soap bars, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body lotion. A hair dryer was found in one of the desk drawers (where the outlet was located). There were two pair of slippers and a couple bathrobes in the closet. At embarkation, a bowl of fresh fruit was set on the desk—replenished at least once during our cruise—as well as a vase with a tulip. Chocolates were delivered each evening at turn-down.

Our cabin had a Pioneer DVD player and a Bose docking station and speaker for an iPod or similar accessories. The cabin safe was actually two—stacked, old-school Futura units. Both were too small for anything like a laptop or midsized camera (actual dimensions of the opening for each was 4 by 6 inches). The all-beverage minibar was stocked within the mini-fridge, with nip bottles of spirits on a pullout rack. The selection included sodas, beer (alas, no more provocative than Heineken), wine, and a good range of spirits including Beefeater gin, Smirnoff vodka, Jack Daniel’s bourbon, Kahlua, etc.

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We did not stay in these other cabin options, but we have summaries here provided by Windstar Cruises. Note that any photos below have been provided by the cruise line and not our reviewer.

Suites All staterooms have ocean views, queen beds, flat-screen TV with DVD player and Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods. Suites include an extra bath and TV along with sitting area and his-and-her bathrooms. 376 square feet.

Bridge Suites All staterooms have ocean views, queen beds, flat-screen TV with DVD player and Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods. Bridge Suites offer the additional luxury of a spacious private living room and relaxing whirlpool spa. 495 square feet.

Considering the size of Wind Surf, we expected certain limitations with the scope of meal service, and yet this never posed a problem on our seven-night voyage. Wind Surf did an excellent job with the dining—it was as good or better than what we receive on most of the mainstream lines. Even the room service menu was more extensive and varied than what most ships offer.

Breakfast and lunch are limited to room service and The Veranda , which offers both a modest buffet spread and a menu. Alternately, continental breakfast and sandwiches are available in the Yacht Club . For dinner, AmphorA served as the ship’s main dining room, while Stella Bistro offered an alternative, somewhat more intimate environment. Candles Grill was the ship’s steakhouse, located on the pool deck under the stars (weather permitting). For Stella Bistro and—especially—Candles, reservations are strongly advised. On one night of the cruise all of these venues were closed and a deck-top Barbecue Buffet Dinner was organized.

At all of Wind Surf’s restaurants there are plenty of two-seat tables, which meant we were never forced to share with other guests.

Wind Surf’s main dining room is an elegant venue that was completely revamped during the December 2012 renovation. Located on the Main Deck, forward, AmphorA is named for the tall, two-handled ancient Greek/Roman jars (there’s one displayed at the entry). Open only for dinner, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., there are no set seating times. But since AmphorA can seat 216 guests—roughly two-thirds of Wind Surf’s capacity—there is almost never a wait for seating (including the ship’s two other restaurants virtually every guest can be seated at one venue or another at the same time). Further, there are 26 two-top tables, so we never had to share.

Amid sophisticated décor AmphorA has well-spaced tables, beautifully set with handsome gold glass chargers. Alas, the chargers had an uneven surface and they remained on the table for the starter course, which meant our appetizer dishes rocked and rattled as we ate. But the chargers were removed for other courses, so this is a minor quibble.

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The menu changes nightly, offering eight starters and six or seven entrées. Mains that were always available were grilled or broiled sirloin steak, chicken breast, salmon and penne marinara. Appetizers we enjoyed included fried calamari served with a garlic-lemon aioli; an antipasto platter with meats and grilled vegetables; a Portobello mushroom gratin stuffed with crab; the pear and goat cheese salad with a slice of prosciutto; a “tunatini”—raw ahi tuna marinated and served in a martini glass; and a hearty lobster bisque with a good amount of flesh poking through. On the other hand, we found salads to be fairly rudimentary.

For entrées we like the sautéed pork tenderloin and we thought the prime rib was a good, juicy cut. The wild forest mushroom and truffle risotto was excellent, perfectly cooked, while the surf and turf one night included a small, succulent lobster tail and petite filet mignon, also nicely done. The chicken piccata was in an egg batter, heavier than we are accustomed to, but it was satisfying. Among the standout desserts was the After Eight Surprise, a mint mousse atop chocolate sponge cake, and a scrumptious banana cream pie. The chocolate lava cake and a warm pear Tatin were unsurprising but delicious.

Located on the Star Deck with tables both inside and out, this was Wind Surf’s main breakfast and lunch option. There was both a modest buffet selection and a menu available, with much of the food cooked to order at an outdoor grill right at midship. We found most of our meals here to be just fine, and we enjoyed eating here except for the afternoon when construction immediately below carried on until multiple guest complaints brought a senior crewmember to stop it.

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At breakfast, the buffet selection included bagels with smoked salmon and fixings, Greek yogurt and honey, packaged cereals, a nice selection of sliced fruit plus stewed (compote) fruits such as pear and peaches. Hot buffet offerings included scrambled eggs, bacon (soft or crispy), oatmeal and cream of wheat, sausage (chicken or pork), fried potatoes, etc. But we were happier ordering off the menu, which included a variety of eggs Benedict-style preparations (California, Spanish, Messina), plus poached eggs over corned beef hash or salmon hash, a breakfast burrito, or omelets to order with hash browns.

The lunch selection changed daily and would include cold choices from the buffet such as seafood, curried chicken or pasta salad, cold cuts, cheese and fruit, marinated vegetables. There was a hot and cold soup of the day—it might be papaya bisque or gazpacho for cold, Portuguese bean or corn chowder for hot. Among the hot buffet items were pork schnitzel, salmon escalopes, baklava spiced lamb, fish and chips, or chicken satay with spicy peanut sauce. But the menu also offered a half-dozen entrées cooked to order, such as Black Forest sandwich, leg of lamb, fontina and mushroom burger, a pasta of the day such as fettuccini carbonara or bami goring with pork and veggies, and a Caesar salad with a topping of the day like seafood or roasted chorizo.

The main alternative to AmphorA for the evening meal was this equally attractive dining room located on the Star Deck, just forward of the Veranda. Open only for dinner, there was no surcharge for dining here. Whereas AmphorA offered Continental fare, Stella Bistro has a French menu—actually two, which alternated. Although reservations were suggested, with 82 seats for Wind Surf’s 312 passengers, there were ample tables for all guests to dine here at least once. Like AmphorA, the fixed tables were nicely spaced—the smaller room was quite comfortable and well appointed.

Among the starters we tried, the Napoleon of portobello mushroom was a treat, a goat cheese soufflé was satisfying, and escargots bourguignon was done in classic style. The salads here were more to our liking than what we had at AmphorA—a simple arugula salad with marinated boiled potatoes and a wedge of goat cheese, and frisée with shredded duck breast. There were also soups: bouillabaisse, lobster bisque, classic French onion soup.

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For entrées we tried the roasted chicken “grand mère,” a succulent and crisp quarter bird with rosemary, lemon and a red wine sauce—wonderful. The coquille St. Jacque Provençale offered a quartet of scallops on the half shell with a dollop of eggplant mousse; the dish was fine, but somewhat small for a main course. By contrast, the slow braised osso bucco appeared in a bowl like a yin and yang of polenta wrapped around the meat—a decadent and hearty dish.

The dessert menu trotted out predictable but welcome standards such as tarte tatin, crepes Suzette and chocolate fondue. We enjoyed these, but the cheese plate was our favorite, selected from a cheese trolly with accompaniments such as dried apricots, cashews and walnuts.

We so wanted to love Candles Grill, an al fresco steakhouse sitting next to the pool, on the aft deck. We arrived just before sundown and the open-air setting was unique—one can certainly take in the fresh air and sunset colors, with the waves lapping gently at the boat. But there’s no kitchen here, just the grill, and so most of the food (if not everything) that is not grilled is pre-prepared; alas, this constrains the results. That said, if we were lucky to be dining with a friend on their personal yacht and this was the meal they offered, we wouldn’t have any complaints. But compared to what Wind Surf does at its other dining venues, Candles doesn’t seem to aim very high.

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The seafood cocktail, served in a martini glass, was fine, as was the Caprese salad (what could go wrong?). The Caesar salad was garnished with a healthy anchovy specimen. We ordered the lamb chops, which were serviceable, while the New York strip was not the best cut. Other entrée options included filet mignon and marinated sea bass (both of which looked better than what we had). Despite the food being our least interesting meal aboard Wind Surf, the setting was magical—we’d still rate this venue as a don’t-miss, but don’t forget to bring a jacket or wrap.

We were seated at a small table set against one of the Jacuzzi tubs. There are four of these, and we’d recommend requesting a table along the outer railings. But don’t be too choosy: On a seven-day cruise there are barely enough tables (23) available for all guests to dine here once, and not enough if inclement weather shuts the venue down for a night. Reservations are strongly recommended on embarkation day, and for a night early in the cruise (in case of weather). Select the day and time of your seating carefully. It’s nice to be dining at Candles while under sail, but the tables are all exposed to the wind; an evening with a late departure from port might be better.

One night of our cruise was dedicated to the top-deck Barbecue Dinner. A tasty buffet was set out at dusk and Wind Surf nuzzled up to the base of the erupting volcano Stromboli. The skies darkened and we were mesmerized by incandescent lava sparking from the summit like a Roman candle.

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The spread included salads and appetizers such as roasted marinated vegetables, poached shrimp, hearts of palm salad, grilled eggplant and chipotle corn salad, avocado stuffed with seafood, and various breads. Hot dishes included moussaka, spanakopita, pineapple fritters, baked potatoes, paella, and an Asian style suckling pig with applesauce. At the grill we could order jerk chicken drumsticks, wahoo fillet, baby pork ribs, lamb loin chops and lobster tails.

No one went away hungry—in fact, overall the food was better than what we experienced at Candles. The tables were covered and napkins were linen, and there was live music. All other venues were closed on this evening, and in the event of rain, the event is moved indoors.

In addition to serving coffee, the Yacht Club is an alternative buffet option for quick meals, though most of it is served cold. Although only a small percentage of Wind Surf's guests seemed to use this spot, there are only just a handful of tables, and we found them full for periods during breakfast and, especially, lunch. Fortunately, few tend to linger long, so finding an open seat wasn’t too difficult the times we were here.

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At breakfast the selection included individual plates of fruits, cereals including muesli and low-fat granola, yogurt and berries served parfait-style, and a nice selection of rolls, such as organic tomato and basil or organic carrot and sultanas, served with mango-lime or apricot-nectarine jam. At lunch there were nine different sandwiches, along with a soup of the day. We took our sandwich ashore with us one day and made our own island picnic.

We were pleasantly surprised by the breadth of Wind Surf’s 24-hour room service selection. The only drawback is that there was no real table for dining on in our cabin, just the built-in desk, at which only one person could eat at a time.

The breakfast menu, available from 6 a.m. till noon, included hot items such as eggs Benedict, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, French toast, and pancakes, all of which could be ordered with sides of sausage, bacon, ham or hash browns. Cold fare included a fruit plate, various juices, bread, rolls and pastry, and a smoked salmon and bagel feast.

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We called to request breakfast one morning and the order was delivered just 19 minutes later. Food arrived topped with plastic lids or with plastic wrap. Our order included eggs Hollandaise with sides of hash browns, and an omelet that was folded with peppers, onions, tomato, cheese and bacon. Both arrived hot, and the taste was just fine.

There are two menus for the rest of the day—the main one being available from noon to 10 p.m. On it, we found everything from crudités with ranch dressing and vegetable samosas, to burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches and Cobb salad. Entrées included grilled New York strip, sesame-crusted tuna, Thai chicken curry and vegetable lasagna. The short list of desserts featured apple pie, chocolate cake and a cheese plate. The late night menu, available from 10 p.m. till 6 p.m., was streamlined and included a few sandwiches, salads, Bircher muesli and popcorn, along with the same dessert selection. Wind Surf had a full cocktail selection, a decent wine list and five bars spread around the ship. Unlike most of the mainstream lines, bottled water, soft drinks, cappuccino, espresso, coffee, iced tea, juices and milk were all included in the cruise fare. However, unlike most of the luxury cruise lines, alcoholic drinks were additional.

Cocktail prices ranged $7.75 for Cosmopolitans and Margaritas to $10.75 for martinis made with Grey Goose vodka. A beverage package was available, for $108 per cabin, per day, plus 15-percent service charge. The package covered unlimited alcoholic drinks (except top shelf spirits such as Remy Martin and Hennessy x.o. cognac), beer and wine priced under $12 per glass. Guests were asked to sign up for the package by the end of the first day onboard.

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Wines by the glass started at $6.50 for an “early muscat” from an unidentified Oregon winery or merlot from Round Hill vineyard. Other options for a dollar or two more included Rutherford Ranch chardonnay, Firestone sauvignon blanc, Seghesio pinot grigio, La Valentina from Montepulciano d’Abruzo, Barnard Griffin syrah; Veuve Clicquot Champagne was $18. The list had a selection of modestly priced (under $30) wines by the bottle—mostly European wineries we weren’t familiar with—plus such offerings as Frog’s Leap sauvignon blanc ($37), Rodney Strong chardonnay, Chalk Hill ($47), Artesa merlot reserve ($45), King Estate signature pinot noir ($41), and Scott Harvey old vine zinfandel ($49); Champagne started at $70 for Mumm Cordon Rouge brut.

The constrained selection of beers included the usual American name brands for $5.45, or $6.45 for imports—Grolsch was the most exotic label we encountered.

As the ship’s de facto coffee bar, the Yacht Club was open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily serving standard espresso and cappuccino drinks. The bar opened onto the Library, where there was seating, but most days we didn’t see many gathered here.

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This was our favorite watering hole aboard Wind Surf, and it had the longest operating hours of any venue on the ship. Located on the Bridge Deck, overlooking the aft, Compass Rose had a decent amount of tables outside with faux wicker chairs and a few umbrellas (it was one of the few outdoor areas that had much shade, another plus). The bar itself was indoors, and there was a good amount of seating here as well. At night a vocal-guitar duo performed here, and on a couple nights engaged us in a very competitive pop music trivia contest.

The full cocktail menu was available. Each morning, coffee, tea and a light continental breakfast was set out here, along with cookies and tea from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

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Located on the Main Deck, aft, the Pool Bar faced the ship’s small pool, naturally, and it was a good spot for afternoon cocktails, whether we were swimming or not. One caveat: The port side of the seating area was designated for smokers, and when several congregated, the whole area was plagued with cigarette smells. This bar closed each evening at 6 p.m. as the space was converted into Candles Grill.

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This was the ship’s largest bar, open only in the evening. The full cocktail menu was available, and there was seating on chars and couches. Most nights this was also Wind Surf’s primary entertainment venue, with a stage barely raised a couple inches above the floor. A group called Top Society played here, a set the promoted light dancing. The Lounge was also used for check-in during embarkation, various presentations (shore excursions, captain’s cocktail reception), a wine tasting program, etc.

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Located on the Star Deck, this little cubbyhole, with seating for about a half-dozen, was the ship’s one interior space where smoking was allowed. While the door was always open, it was inconsistently staffed—it seemed to open sometimes when a guest requested service from elsewhere on the ship. We were told that the ship’s full bar menu was available here, but we suspect some drinks would be procured from another bar. The Terrace Bar counter extended outside, and at night this area was called “Cigars Under the Stars,” with a few leather chairs, a table and Oriental rug put out for effect. Cigars were available for sale.

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The ship’s spa facilities on Deck 2 aft are operated by Steiner Leisure, the dominant player in spa services for the cruise industry. There were just three treatment rooms (each appeared to be converted from a former cabin), but appointments didn’t seem particularly hard to come by on short notice. Prices were in line with Steiner services on other ships, which are somewhat higher than at most quality resorts. But there were specials each day, announced in the ship’s daily newsletter.

With a somewhat reduced staff the list of services was a bit shorter than we find on most ships, but they included a variety of massages, starting at $79 for the 25-minute deep tissue massage ($129 for a 50-minute treatment). Facials started at $119 for a 50-minute treatment. Also available were acupuncture and salon services for men and women.

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The Fitness Center was beautifully located up on the Star Deck, offering sea views port and starboard. There were 8 cardio machines by Technogym, along with various machines for weightlifting and resistance. The gym was never crowded when we visited, though with just three treadmills and two bikes, it wasn’t hard for the specific equipment we wanted to be in use at peak hours. Complimentary morning stretch, abs training, Pilates and Yoga sessions were available (one in the morning, one in the late afternoon), but the ship’s one trainer was more than 10 minutes late for the stretch session we attended. Personal training was offered at $85 for a one-hour session. The Fitness Center was open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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Located on Deck 2 aft, Wind Surf has just one, square swimming facility, and it's not much more than a plunge pool, but it is appealingly positioned, and adequately sized for a small ship. The pool was flanked by two Jacuzzi tubs. The relatively few loungers surrounding the pool were often at a premium. Swimming hours were 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (Candles Grill opened at 7 p.m. nightly, preventing evening access for bathers).

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Wind Surf offered a few unusual recreational opportunities outside the Fitness Center. Accessed from Deck 2, a small Watersports Marina unfolded from the back of the ship. From the watersports platform, kayaks, small sailboats, windsurfers and snorkel gear were available for guest use, along with an inflatable water trampoline island. The platform is opened when the ship is at anchor (presumably never at docks), but it did not emerge at two of our tender ports (due either to sea conditions or local regulations). The equipment didn’t get much use by guests that we saw (the water wasn’t exactly warm), but by afternoon a few crewmembers were enjoying it.

Jogging was possible on the Star Deck (five-and-half laps equaled a mile), but one did need to content with diners at the Veranda Restaurant as well as sun loungers. Just above the marina was also a collection of bikes that could be rented for exploring ports. The rate was $15 for four hours, $25 for 8 hours.

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One of our favorite things about Wind Surf was all of the teak exterior decks. For a small ship there seemed to be lots to explore. The lowest exterior deck was the Main Deck , or Deck 4. This was where the lifeboats were located (preventing much of a view) and, to the aft, the pool. The forward section of this deck culminated in stairs that lead up to the Bridge.

The Bridge Deck , Deck 5, was more open, a great place for strolling and taking in the nautical experience. The actual bridge was open to visitors, there was various nautical equipment to peruse, and a few loungers were available at midship. Just above, the Star Deck was a wonderful space. This is where the barbecue dinner was conducted, it’s where The Veranda restaurant is located, along with the Fitness Center and a couple dozen loungers with a towel station. A small sign said five-and-a-half laps equaled a mile, but during breakfast and lunch hours this wasn’t necessarily the best place for a jog. One additional level, Deck 7 , is a flying bridge that has its own steering station—it was great for photos.

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Located midship on the Main Deck, The Lounge served as the ship’s primary entertainment venue. The stage—such as it was—was a platform raised a couple inches above the rest of the space. But it was big enough for a quartet, and the group Top Society played here most nights of our cruise. There was also a guest vocalist who performed on a couple evenings. The entertainment was okay, but so was gazing out at the stars. There was also a talented guitar-vocal due that performed in the Compass Rose bar nightly.

The ship’s DVD library was located next on the Main Deck next to the (book) Library. We found about 1300 titles available—a pretty eclectic collection that ranged from “Smokey and the Bandit” to “Dave Chappelle’s Block Party.” Something for everyone, you might say.

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A galley tour was offered on one afternoon, and it was fairly interesting to see how our satisfying meals were prepared under Wind Surf’s constrained conditions (much smaller than what most cruise ships work with). The chef also organized a visit to a local market at one port, where he stocked up on fresh fruit, produce and other goods for the evening meal. There was no charge to join the short tour.

Of course, Wind Surf’s casino was smaller than we usually see on cruise ships, but it was bigger than we expected it to be, with 27 slot machines, 3 card tables and a Roulette table. There were different themes each night—the first night was Straight Night, then Blackjack Attack, etc. While the slots were open soon after leaving each port, the tables opened as late as 8:30 p.m. on a couple nights. Overall, the casino didn’t see a lot of traffic on our cruise.

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The size and layout of Wind Surf created a number of unique spaces. The Reception Desk was found on the Main Deck (aka Deck 4), and was staffed 24 hours a day. Around the corner was the Library , which was shared by the Yacht Club (the ship’s café). Although there were a couple hundred books here—many of them reference-oriented—there were a lot of empty shelves soon after embarkation (we’re not sure they were quite full before casting off). This area had comfy couches and handsome Scandinavian chairs, some mismatched, along with a large TV monitor that was usually tuned to news or sports. We also found Backgammon and Chess sets, and there were two pairs of headphones to listen to music, though our fellow guests weren’t good about hanging them up properly on the charging stations.

Deck 5 was the Bridge Deck and the Bridge was open to visitors pretty much any time, except during sailaway. There were always at least two officers present, happy to answer questions about the ship. One venue on this deck that got little use during our cruise was the Nautilus Room , a conference room with chairs to seat about 50. The facility was perfunctory, but included a rear-projection TV screen for presentations.

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There are no children’s facilities aboard Wind Surf. More specifically, the Windstar website states: “Children, especially infants and toddlers, are not encouraged aboard Windstar cruises. The intimate ship size and unregimented atmosphere are adult in orientation and do not provide for the care, supervision or entertainment of children.”

While we think a sailing-oriented teen might find a Wind Surf cruise pretty cool, pre-teens would largely be left to their own devices and might be miserable for the lack of playmates.

The Signature Shop was Wind Surf’s one and only boutique, but it was packed with merchandize, more eclectic than what we typically see on cruise ships. We found Wallaroo and Tilley hats, Gretchen Scott cover-ups, ladies Gittex swimwear, Patagonia clothing, watches by Fossil, Citizen and Michael Kors, blown glass ornaments, neoprene laptop sleeves, flip-flops, jewelry from Roman Glass and Antica Murrina. Captain’s uniforms for toddlers were charmers.

In addition to Windsurf logo items such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, sunglasses, visors and key chains, there was a small selection of sundries—sun block, pain relievers, batteries, memory cards, etc. CDs of the Wind Surf’s sail-away theme song by Vangelis (aka the “1492: Conquest of Paradise” soundtrack) were also available.

Wind Surf had a photographer with a Photo Gallery . Prints were priced $15 for 6x8 or $20 for 8x10, with discounts for orders or five or more (or all photos on CD for $200). On one afternoon, the Bowsprit—that pointy thing at the front of the ship—was opened for photos, a pretty unique cruise photo op, we’d say.

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Most of the service we received aboard Wind Surf was excellent, friendly. Many of the crewmembers had been with Windstar for a number of years and they were proud of the ship. However, we found one crewmember to be overly familiar and forward—to the point that we deliberately avoided his stations during meals. We also noted, in contrast to most cruise lines, that we almost never saw our cabin steward, who breezed in and out of our quarters quickly each day. While we can’t say there was anything unattended to, we were surprised to not meet him until the third day of our cruise.

Wind Surf’s normal compliment of crew is 191 and the number of guests at full occupancy is 310. This equates to a ratio of 1.6 guests for each crewmember, a relatively high level of staffing for the industry.

The ship’s daily one-page newsletter arrived in our room each evening, revealing the schedule of activities and hours of operation for the following day. Passports were collected from guests during embarkation and returned at the end of our cruise.

Located on the Main Deck next to the Yacht Club, there were just two PCs available for guests to check email or websites. The basic rate for internet access—using the ship’s computers or our own laptop anywhere on the ship—was $50 for 75 megabytes of data, or $100 for 160 megabytes. There was a usage meter (in a second browser) that indicated how many megs had been consumed. The internet station was not staffed.

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The attire on Wind Surf was comfortably relaxed. Windstar recommends that guests dress as they would at an elegant resort, but we’d say the dress was a little less refined than that. On sea days, the ship’s breezy outdoor atmosphere is conducive for light fabrics such as cotton, linen and silk.

The strictest dress was for dinner, when a casual-elegant dress code takes effect; the requirements were no shorts, jeans, T-shirts, hats and tennis shoes. There are no formal nights. The Windstar website also specifically states: “No suits or ties.”

There was no laundry room for guests to do their laundry, but basic laundry and pressing service was available (no dry cleaning). Items received before 9 a.m. were to be returned within 24 hours. Prices ranged from $1.80 for underwear to $3.30 for a blouse or sports shirt, and $3.80 for a sweater or sweatshirt to $6.45 for a suit or dress skirt. Most pressing was priced under $1; a suit or dress was $1.70.

An unlimited laundry package was available for $109 per cabin for the week ($54.50 for single-occupant cabins). Guests were asked to sign up for the package by the afternoon following embarkation.

The mandatory safety drill was conducted prior to embarkation and guests were required to bring life jackets from their room for the demonstration. Hand sanitizers were present in the dining areas, though we observed no special emphasis on using them.

Although the smaller Wind Star and Wind Spirit ships operated by Windstar Cruises do not have elevators, Wind Surf has two—one forward, one aft. However, no cabins or bathrooms are considered wheelchair-accessible, and the ship does not have elevator access for boarding. Guests with limited mobility should be aware that a number of doorways have raised thresholds to step over.

There was an infirmary on Deck 1, staffed by a doctor. The facility was open 8 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. daily. A charge was applied to the cabin account for any services rendered or medications provided. Meclizine tablets for seasickness were available from the infirmary at no charge.

Designated smoking areas were the port side of the Compass Rose and Pool bars, and indoors at the Terrace Bar (the latter was also the location for cigar and pipe smoking). Smoking was otherwise not permitted inside the ship, including cabins and the casino. However, we observed guests smoking in other, non-smoking exterior areas of the ship in front of the crew, including the outdoor dining area of the Veranda restaurant. We were disappointed that the policy was not enforced while we were dining outdoors.

A $12 per day, per guest gratuity was added to our checkout bill, to cover wait staff, our cabin steward as well as behind-the-scenes crewmembers. Additionally, a 15-percent service charge was added to all bar charges and wine purchases.

Guests were allowed to bring aboard wine and Champagne; bottles consumed in the restaurants or bars were subject to a $15 corkage fee. Other spirits were not allowed in cabins; Windstar offered to stow them until the last day of the voyage.

The minimum drinking age was 21.

Windstar Yacht Club is the frequent-cruiser program for guests. Formerly called the Foremast Club, the program was revamped in November 2013 with improved benefits that start following the first sailing.

Among them: A 5-percent discount on standard cruise fares for most voyages; upgrades to the next highest cabin category (or an upgrade from a standard cabin to a premium suite starting at $500 per person based on availability during onboard check-in); private member cocktail party; dining with the Captain or other ship officers; a Welcome Aboard gift; and savings of 10 percent on gift shop purchases. Additionally, a $100 shipboard credit is provided for each confirmed booking members refer to Windstar Cruises.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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Review: Star Pride

Reviewed by Jessica Puckett

What is the line?  Windstar

Name of ship?   Star Pride

Passenger occupancy?  312

Itinerary?  A Piece of Greece and a Slice of Sicily

A Windstar cruise is for travelers who like their vacations to be luxurious, low-key, and exclusive. Their fleet of yachts, many of which have been getting refurbished in recent years, offer the chance to see popular ports and lesser known destinations. They make a cozy home base for an adventurous journey.

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?  Windstar is known for its sailing ships, but it also has a fleet of well-appointed motor ships, too, including  Star Pride . The line sets itself apart by offering small-ship voyages that take cruisers to the more intimate corners of popular destinations that larger ships can’t access. In fact, its ships are small enough to call yachts. Imagine sailing through Greece’s Corinth Canal—usually reserved for those with private yachts—or docking in pocket-size ports like the French seaside village of Sanary-sur-Mer.  

Tell us about the ship in general In 2022,  Star Pride  completed an extensive renovation and extension. The project added two new restaurants, a new spa, a pool, and exercise area. Each stateroom on the all-suite yacht also got refurbished bathrooms. There’s also a new suite category—called Star Suite—with a new design. The renovated yacht has a cozy feel, but is still large enough to give you enough breathing room in public spaces like the pool deck or cocktail lounge without encroaching on other passengers.

Who is onboard?  Mostly retired couples who are active and have an interest in history and culture. There are a few younger couples, too, including some honeymooners. There may be a few well-behaved kids on board as well. Windstar allows children age eight and up, but it’s not a cruise line that’s geared toward children, so there are few little ones on their sailings. 

Describe the cabins Every cabin aboard  Star Pride is a suite, meaning they come with a sizable seating area in addition to the bedroom space. I was in a redesigned Star Suite, which opens into a seating area with the bed toward the back of the room. It also comes with a small French balcony to step out for fresh air and ocean views (it’s large enough for just one person standing at a time). While every room on board is a suite, not all rooms have outdoor space: 10 suites have portholes, 79 have picture windows, 60 have French balconies, and six have private verandas with furniture. The redesigned bathrooms feel fresh and modern, and offer plenty of secured storage space, so your toiletries won’t go flying in choppy seas.Each room also offers creature comforts like a fully stocked minibar, a waffle-weave bathrobe, and L'Occitane bath products. 

Tell us about the crew.  The crew are upbeat and friendly, and know how to deliver five-star service. My suite was always refreshed and turned down with minimal intrusion and servers in the restaurant strike the perfect balance between talkative and helpful without hovering. Truthfully, I would’ve liked more information from the destination team for things to do outside of the cruise line’s excursions, but I found good information on each port on the destinations menu on the TV in my suite.

What food and drink options are available on board?   The standout restaurant is Cuadro, the ship’s new tapas restaurant. The menu offers classic—and delicious!—tapas dishes like charred octopus, patatas bravas, paella croquetas, and grilled chorizo. For a truly authentic tapas experience, there’s even a bar area that looks onto the kitchen, so you can watch the chefs prepare your plates and then pass them directly from the grill to you. I had two meals here on our seven-day voyage—and would’ve eaten more if it weren’t always full. Be sure to make reservations.

Elsewhere on board is the Star Grill, overlooking the pool deck; the Veranda, a breakfast and lunch buffet with some plates prepared a la carte; Amphora, the main restaurant featuring dishes from James Beard Award-winning chefs; and Candles, an outdoor steakhouse on the ship’s aft deck. There’s also coffee and grab-and-go snacks in the Yacht Club, and cocktails in Compass Rose.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?  Yes and yes! The spa also got a refresh and an extension in the renovation, making it well worth a visit. I had a facial, and my esthetician was so knowledgeable that I ended up buying several of the products she used to incorporate into my daily skincare routine. 

Activities and entertainment  As far as onboard entertainment,  Star Pride has a pool deck as well as a hot tub on the bow. In true yacht fashion, there’s also a swim platform that is unfurled at certain offshore dockings, where guests can go for a dip or engage in water sports like paddle boarding. There’s also a lounge with entertainment at night, like music and a crew show. Each voyage also has a few theme nights, like dancing under the stars with cocktails and a live salsa band. 

How was the experience for families?  There are no special services for families or kids. But it would be a good cruise for teenagers, families with adult children, or multi-gen trips.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?  Our voyage departed from Athens and visited Argostoli and Corfu in Greece, then continued on to Sicily with stops in Messina and Trapani, followed Cagliari, Sardinia, and finished in Barcelona. The stand-out excursion was Windstar’s Shop with the Chef experience, in which a small group of travelers is led by the culinary staff to local markets to pick out special provisions for that night’s dinner. Our group went to a Sicilian fish market for fresh-caught dorado, as well as a dry goods store for cheeses and olives. It was a slice of local culture I wouldn’t have otherwise gotten, and it was thrilling to see the fish we picked that day on our plates later the same evening.

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.  If you want the perks of both a private yacht and a meticulously planned cruise, look no further than a voyage on  Star Pride . From the refreshed spaces to the cuisine, crew, and excursions, you’ll be in vacation mode from the minute you step on board until it’s time to leave.

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Windstar Cruises Review: A Small Luxury Cruise Line

• April 6, 2018 |
• Cruises , Destinations , Europe , Luxury , Travel , Travel Tips |

Windstar Cruises maintains that they are  180 Degrees from Ordinary.  After sailing on their luxury cruises numerous times, I completely agree. In fact, they are extraordinary . Recently my husband and I set off on a repositioning cruise from Dublin, bound for Lisbon, on their flagship vessel the  WindSurf .

Sailing with Windstar Cruise line is more akin to a voyage on a large luxury yacht. With room for only 310 passengers, the ship never feels crowded. Throughout your entire trip, you can expect 5-star service with a personal touch from the crew. They are always attentive and friendly and by the second day onboard you can expect they will address you by name.

This detailed Windstar Cruises Review examines why you should book your next small luxury cruise with them.

All 122 staterooms have ocean views, luxury Egyptian cotton linens, and a fully-stocked minibar. At almost 200 square feet, the cabins are spacious and have ample storage for all of your belongings.

Fresh fruit, flowers, and water are replenished daily by your personal steward. You will definitely feel pampered, if not a little spoiled.

The bathroom is stocked with L’Occitanne toiletries that leave the scent of verbena permeating throughout your cabin. In addition to these items, you might pack a few travel-sized toiletries of your own.

Pro Tip: Most of the cabins on Decks 1 & 2 are side by side with doors that open on an angle into the hallway. Although you may only run into your neighbor once or twice during the cruise, you will likely hear them coming and going. There are a handful of cabins like mine (room 226) that have single facing doors to the hallway which a great for a little more privacy.

World Class Dining

Although all Windstar Cruise ships have options for all-day dining, you will not find any large cruise ship style buffets on board. Rather, 24/7 dining comes only in the form of room service. I like to take advantage of this luxury by having fresh coffee and croissants delivered to my room daily. It is the best kind of alarm clock I can think of using while on a cruise.

A full breakfast is served al fresco at The Veranda  which is also a great spot for lunch. In the evenings this space is transformed to become Candles, Windstar’s signature outdoor restaurant. A perfect for dinner on the nights when sail away takes place a little bit later.

If you do find yourself needing a mid-day nibble, the Yacht Club Sandwich & Espresso Bar on the Wind Surf offers baked goods, small sandwiches, pastries, and specialty coffee drinks. The Compass Rose also serves afternoon tea with sandwiches and sweets.

A testament to Windstar’s culinary expertise is their partnership with the James Beard Foundation . Their themed cruises that feature James Beard Foundation chefs are a foodie’s dream. Guests enjoy chef demos, special beverage pairings, and market tours.

Pro Tip: If you want to dine at either of the smaller more intimate restaurants like Candles or The Bistro, you will need to book reservations in advance. They both have limited seating. This is best done during the embarkation process in order to secure prime reservation times.

Public Spaces

The Wind Surf has multiple public spaces for guests to use. Even on days at sea, you will find plenty of room to relax, play a game or find a cozy nook to read your favorite book.

Unlike larger cruise ships, there is no jockeying for the best position or the need to save lounge chairs. There are plenty of them spread out on deck. On sunny days the chairs will be draped with sumptuous beach towels and on chilly days, they are replaced with cozy fleece blankets.

I love a day at the spa and enjoy almost every type of treatment they have to offer. I enjoy anything that makes me feel pampered and causes total relaxation such as facials, massages, or body wraps. You cannot go wrong with any of the Windspa choices, however, if I had to recommend just one treatment I would say book their Bamboo Massage, a Signature Treatment that uses a special roller for a heavenly 75-minute full body treatment.

Pro Tip: Book your spa treatment(s) as soon as you board after you check-in. Most guests will visit the spa during the days at sea and appointment times can be limited. Also if you book during embarkation, you can take advantage of the multiple spa treatments discounted pricing 10/20/30 percent off.

Cruise Ports

One of the greatest luxuries of cruising is that your hotel room moves with you. With our itinerary, we were able to visit five countries in just eight days without ever having to get on a plane or repack our bags. Nor did we have to stand in line for immigration control in each new place.

When I cruise, I select an itinerary based on the ports stops that we will visit. Because of their size Windstar Cruises is able to visit smaller places where most larger ships cannot dock. I view the port choices as an opportunity to get a taste of place that I might return to one day on future travels.

While I have been to Ireland, England, France, and Spain I had never been to Portugal. The cruise I chose took us to Lisbon and  Porto.  After just a few short hours in both of these cities, I knew I would be booking a return trip to explore this beautiful country again.

Pro-tip: Do diligent research about the ports. You should consider where a tender is used to get into the port vs. docking right on the quay. It is also important to consider the distance from the pier into town. Sometimes the city center is not walkable from where the ship docked. Often times Windstar will provide shuttle service into town, however other times you might be on your own.

Windstar Shore Excursions

You can book shore excursions directly through Windstar or on your own. I have done both. In El Ferrol, Spain we booked the full day Santiago de Compostella tour  through Windstar. It eliminated the hassle and complexity of booking our own transportation, tours, lunch, and entry to the famous Cathedral of Santiago.

There are also times when I choose not to book an excursion at all. For example St. Mary’s, on the Isles of Scilly, is small enough to discover on your own. We wandered the town, browsed the shops and had lunch at a lovely little pub. No tour guide needed.

Windstar Cruises Review

Windstar has some of the best small luxury cruise ships in its fleet. The Windstar ships have been awarded numerous accolades including, Worlds Best Small-Ship Cruise Line by Conde Nast Traveler. Their ships may be small in size but they are large in luxury.

Cruising is an excellent choice for all types of travelers. It is a diverse vacation option that checks off many boxes. I also believe it is an optimal choice for multi-generational travel . On this luxury cruise, we witnessed families of all ages traveling and enjoying their time together. With meals, excursions, and activities all taken care of, cruising eliminates the hassle out of planning the details for a large group. While there is plenty of forced togetherness, there is no requirement that you do everything in mass. It is always possible to carve out alone time.

If you are ready for an unexpected experience on a small cruise ship for your next vacation, I’d highly recommend checking  them out. I am dreaming of the Windstar Cruises Tahiti for my next cruise.

Disclosure: A Complimentary voyage was provided by Windstar Cruises. No other compensation was received for this review. This post reflects the honest opinion of my experience without outside influence.

Photo Credit: Spa photo provided by Windstar Cruises, all other photos are mine.

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Commenting area

Super informative – very thorough review of a small cruise ship vacation Looking forward to more of windstar !!!

Thank you for your kind comments. I neglected to mention one of the wonderful things about cruising on Windstar is meeting people like you and Ira. All the best – Dana

Would love to go out on a cruise some time! Looks awesome.

I love small ship sailings. I think it is a great way to dip your toes into cruising if you are unsure.

I have never done a cruise, but this looks so much fun!

Small ships are much different than what you might perceive cruising it like. This method of travel is very different than mega cruise ships that have 5000 people.

I have always thought I would feel like a lion in a cage on a cruise ship, but it actually looks really relaxing. And I really like the fact that you see all these different places, but your room stays the same. No hazzle finding a new room in a new town.

It certainly makes it very to easy to explore multiple places in a short amount of time.

I had no idea cruises went from Dublin to Lisbon. I’m not a huge cruise person, but am intrigued by this route. The accommodation looks amazing! Thanks for sharing 🙂

Yes, check out the northern European voyages to see what they are offering this year.

We were recently on a river cruise in Asia with a very upmarket and flash cruise line. While discussing other cruises with several guests Windstar was mentioned more than once as a great cruise line.

That is great to hear about Windstar. Which river cruise did you do? I haven’t been on one yet but would love to.

I got hooked at 24 hour room service. Buffets are ok, but they can’t beat a meal made just for you. And brought to your room no less! This is the way to cruise.

The first time we cruised on Windstar with our daughter, she would order hot chocolate and popcorn so she could have ‘movie night’ in our cabin!

My wife and I have discussed taking a Windstar Cruise, but have yet to do so. But after reading this, I know we need to make it a priority. We’ve been on several cruises on the big ships. I really like the small touches you mention, such as fresh flowers in the room and blankets on the lounge chairs on those colder days.

If you do decide to go, come back and let me know which voyage you take. I have been on their cruises in the Mediterranean and sailed through the Panama Canal as well. Amazing experience.

Wow! Windstar cruises really do look like they are one of the best! A hot tub for yourself – now that’s the dream! Its great that they can visit smaller places. One of the things that usually bother us about cruises is that they always only target bigger cities. Windstar cruises seems like the perfect balance.

I completely agree. When we sailed through the Panama Canal with Windstar a few years ago, we even had a very small private island as a port stop. One of my other favorite small ports was Le Lavandou when we cruised south of France .

I like the small feel of this type of cruise, it seems like a really nice way to see the various countries. Did you have to pay extra for food and drinks or was a lot of it included? Many people have said that on the bigger cruises you can get all inclusive food and drinks but this cruise seems to be a bit more upscale and usually that means a lot of extra fees so I’m just curious.

All meals in all venues at all times, including room service, are included. All non-alcoholic beverages, including cappuccino, espresso, and other specialty non-alcoholic drinks are also included.

For wine, beer and alcohol you can pay by the drink or purchase one of three drink packages that range from $32-$52 per guest, per day. I would suppose you would need to estimate how much you would drink during the cruise to decide if those are a savings or if it is better to purchase one at a time.

Other things like spa treatments, internet, laundry are also extra charges but that is fairly normal for any cruise. However, there are always special offers and often times they will include a shipboard credit that you can put towards any of these extras.

I never really thought making a cruise, but someday i need to try it. And the windstar seem like a perfect way to start…

My big question is…if you’re keen on spending more time on land, should you still consider a cruise. This is why we haven’t been on one yet. Daytrips seem too short for me to explore places. That apart, Windstar Cruises seems like a great option. Those staterooms are big and comfortable.

I like to think of a cruise as an opportunity to see a lot of places (on land) in a short amount of time. On this trip we were in five countries (Ireland, England, France, Spain, and Portugal) in just eight days. We certainly did not explore everything but we got enough of a taste of each place to know if we want to go back and spend more time there.

If you decide to cruise, check into the details of each port stop. Sometimes you are in port from 8:00 – 4:00pm or there are some stops that are 8:00am – 8:00pm giving you a full day on land and time to eat dinner in town.

I haven’t been on a cruise yet, but if I do, I think Windstar would be the way to go, as the massive cruise ships don’t sound very fun to me. I like that the service is more personalized and that the ship is smaller so it can go into smaller ports of call. Also, the food options sound much better and who doesn’t want some alone time in the hot tub? Thanks for putting this on my radar!

I’ve never been on a cruise before but it’s definitely something I would consider. It’s cool that it sailed out from Dublin 😊

I’ve never been on a proper cruise, but this looks amazing!! I’ll have to check out Windstar Cruises to see about going on one of them myself. Thank you so much for sharing!

After four sailings with them, I feel confident saying I think you would really love it.

We’ve never done a cruise before but this sure looks enticing!

If you are at all hesitant to cruise, a small ship like Windstar is the way to start!

I am a very experienced cruiser, but I have not cruised with Windstar before. Due to motion sickness, I usually can only do extremely large vessels, but there are some definite pros to Windstar. Partnered with James Beard?? Wow! I also really like that you can get into smaller ports that the larger ships can’t get into. Makes for many more options!

Sorry to hear about the motion sickness. I think if you wanted to cruise with Windstar, it would be best to choose an itinerary that doesn’t cross any large seas or channels. One that sticks pretty close to the coastline. Also, I am sure you know that cabins in the middle of the ship tend to be the most stable.

The rooms look like that!!! (thats what captured my eye whilst looking and reading this post). That looks so comfy and would happily pay the extra for comfort. And a massage, yes please. To be honest, I never done a cruise but looking into it.

The accommodation choices on the Windsurf are quite nice! If you have never cruised before, you should start with a small ship like Windstar. I think you would love it.

I’m surprised to hear multi-generational, although I bet it has to do with the route you chose. We met a couple in Dominica who said they were the youngest on the ship by A LOT! The ship looks beautiful though.

I think it has more to do with your family’s mindset. You don’t have to take a cruise that has a waterslide and rock climbing wall just because you have children traveling with you. I started cruising with my grandmother and my kids (her great-grandchildren) on Windstar when they were 8 & 11. We were definitely an anomaly at that time – oldest and youngest passengers on board. Though on other voyages since then I have met families of multiple generations traveling together.

I love reading about cruises! They always make feel like going for one. I especially love the small and intimate ship and the spa! The room looks and sounds great too! I just wish I didnt get seasick 😀

What an elegant looking ship! Definitely a great place for some fun and relaxation!

I have never been on a cruise before but I would love too that is for sure. I would definitely try out Windstar Cruises and stay in one of those amazing state room the only problem is that bed looks and sounds so comfy that I would struggle to leave it. I could easily see myself sitting in either the small pool or two whirlpools in the afternoon after a day of exploring.

The rooms are very nice, but so is the rest of the ship. I am sure you’d want to explore all of it.

I haven’t cruised with Winstar but it looks like a nice line. The rooms are spacious, which is a nice change, and I love that they choose L’Occitane toiletries. I was thrilled to learn that HA now uses my fave, Elemis.

I haven’t been on HA yet. I love luxury toiletries. It is like having a mini spa right in your own room.

Thanks for the detailed review. We are looking at their 10 day Ancient Greece cruise. Do you know anyone who has taken this trip?

I think this Greece cruise looks amazing too. I don’t know anyone personally who has been on that voyage, but you can check Cruise Critic to see if anyone has reviewed it. If you go, please come back and let me know how it was.

Thanks!! Will check out Cruise Critic. Planning Summer 2019; I’ll send a review after the trip!

I stumbled onto your site via a link from CruiseCritic. Congrats on a useful review. We will be spending a week on Wind Surf this December, on the Caribbean. This will be my first cruise, with 5 of us on board (my wife, son, and my parents, age 87-ish). So, we have 3 generations of us. Your review has helped cement my expectations for this trip. I am really looking forward to it, and I REALLY like the “coffee and croissants” suggestion.

Warren- I am so glad to hear that you found this article useful. You will love the Wind Surf! it will be perfect for your multi-gen trip. My first cruise with Windstar was on the Wind Surf in 2010 with my Grandmother (then 92) and my kids (her great-grandchildren). Although I have not been on the Caribbean itinerary, I am happy to answer any questions you might have about sailing with seniors. We sailed with Windstar through the Panama Canal with my Grandma.

We’ve done both big cruise ships and river cruises – this looks like the perfect combination of the two, getting access to wonderful ports with all the big cruise amenities but the more personal attention and comfort of a river cruise.

You are absolutely right in your assessment. It is the perfect blend of cruising. Some of their ships are even as small as 148 passengers.

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Windstar Cruises Review

The following companies are our partners in Cruise Lines: Carnival , Celebrity Cruises , Cunard , Disney , Holland America , Princess , and Royal Caribbean .

We sometimes offer premium or additional placements on our website and in our marketing materials to our advertising partners. Partners may influence their position on our website, including the order in which they appear on a Top 10 list.

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Windstar Cruises operates a fleet of small luxury cruise ships that offers a private yacht experience and on-board entertainment. This includes local performances from different regions of the world. The company travels to 155 ports throughout the South Pacific, Caribbean, Central America, and Europe. It gives vacationers a variety of activities such as kayaking, swimming, and water skiing.

Windstar Experience

Food and Dining

Windstar offers delectable cuisine and inspired wine pairing that let their guests enjoy quality culinary experience while their on vacation. Guests can choose where to dine and when without reservation required or even have their food delivered directly in their room with Windstar’s 24-hour room service. The cruise line provides on-board dining that features a broad range of seasonal and fresh ingredients which are sourced from each port along the voyage. New dishes are served each night that highlights the flavours of the regional cuisine.

Dining Choices:

• Stella Bistro

Staterooms and Suites

Each of Windstar’s yachts offers different staterooms where guests can relax. Windstar’s yachts provide spacious staterooms with luxurious touches for the pleasure of their guests. Below are the available staterooms and its features available in each yacht.

• Wind Spirit
• Star Breeze
• Star Legend

All Accommodations Includes:

• Direct Dial Phone
• Fully-Stoked Mini Bar/Refrigerator
• Fresh fruits and flowers
• Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
• Bathroom with granite countertop and shower

On-Board Activities

Windstar has a variety of activities and entertainment offered on-board for passengers to choose from. Guests are provided with a relaxing massage at the yacht’s WindSpa, lively workout in their fitness center, and splash from Watersports Platform. Other activities that travellers can enjoy on-board are casino and live music in their lounge.

Cruise Ships and Itineraries

Destinations

• Mediterranean
• Northern Europe
• Greek Isles and Turkey
• Costa Rica and Panama Canal

Excursions Offered

The company allows their guests to enhance their cruise vacation through the shore excursions that they offer. They let travellers embrace the culture, history and cuisine of each destination they visit giving options of hotel and land packages for them to experience. Travellers can find a cruise and book their excursion online at Windstar’s website or call their customer service hotline for detailed information about their shore excursions.

Windstar Cruises - Summary

Windstar is highly recommended for vacationers searching for a more intimate vacation. It brings its own brand of fun and recreation with its water sports platforms that includes kayaking, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, diving, and floating. A great getaway for people searching for an alternative to traditional cruise line services.

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Home » Cruise » Windstar Cruises Wind Surf Cruise Review

Windstar Cruises Wind Surf Cruise Review

Explore the Caribbean on the largest sailing cruise ship with our brand new Windstar Cruises' Wind Surf Cruise Review.

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Introduction to wind surf.

The largest in Windstar Cruises’ fleet of six luxury yachts, the Wind Surf is the world’s largest sailing cruise ship. The ship holds slightly over 300 passengers and has 155 staterooms. Cruising on a ship of this size was a great departure for us, as we normally sail on some of the largest ships in the world with thousands of other cruisers. 

Being on a more intimate vessel certainly had some perks. We were both acclimated to the ship within hours of boarding. The public venues, focused on deck 4, are in close proximity to one another, allowing for easy access to the Yacht Club’s espresso cafe, pool bar, pool and loungers, and the main dining room.

With a total of 6 decks, there is plenty of outdoor space that you can enjoy. While a rather simple layout, you can easily find nooks and crannies of the ship to call your own.

There is still a gym, a spa, and the line’s signature Marina. This additional “deck” is off the back of the ship filled with sports equipment allowing you to kayak, swim, snorkel, and even wakeboard!

During our seven-day voyage, we rarely encountered any lines or wait times. No matter the time of day, there seemed to always be enough seating for popular events and meals. Cruising on a vessel of this size is certainly an adjustment for us mega-ship fans, but getting to visit unique islands that the larger ships can’t was worth the trade-off. 

Ports of Call

This seven-night Caribbean Celebrations cruise had no sea days.

Originating from St. Maarten, we were lucky to secure a direct flight from Boston, MA that landed early afternoon. With transfers arranged by the cruise line, we were taxied to the ship which was docked next to other vessels in port for the day, including Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas. 

From St. Maarten, we ventured to other lesser-visited islands including several British Virgin Islands including Tortola, Norman Island, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, as well as Antigua, Barbuda, and St. Barts.

In both Antigua and Tortola, we completed island tours to see some of the destinations’ most significant landmarks. In Antigua, we visited the popular vantage point Shirley Heights and spent an hour exploring Nelson’s Dockyard. In Tortola, our tour included a scenic drive around the island, a quick stop at the Callwood Rum Distillery, and a 45 minute beach break at Cane Garden Bay Beach.

Being the only cruise ship still stopping in Barbuda, we had the island to ourselves. We were able to see the island’s main city, Coddington, while also exploring the frigate bird sanctuary. Even though the natural mangroves were partially destroyed by the hurricanes, it was great to still see thousands of these majestic birds and to learn more about this rare species. We are glad to see that the island is slowly bouncing back from all the devastation in 2017.

The lesser visited islands of Norman Island and Jost Van Dyke were perfect for beach breaks. Cruisers on larger ships can access the White Bay beach in Jost Van Dyke from Tortola. It is home to the famous Soggy Dollar Bar. Legend has it that the popular drink the Painkiller was first crafted at this location. Cruisers can also access Norman Island for some snorkeling via an excursion from Tortola.

We highly suggest you consider taking a trip to Jost Van Dyke if you visit the BVIs. The lower bay beach was one of the best beaches that we have visited in the Caribbean. It does get busy, so make sure you take the earliest possible ferry/tour to be guaranteed a spot on the beach. 

During our stop at Virgin Gorda, the cruise line secured a section of the coastline at Fischer’s Cove for an exclusive beach party and barbecue, which included some great food, water sports, and sun time. This is another signature Windstar event that occurs every cruise and is a nice alternative to stopping at a cruise line’s “private island”. 

Finally, our last stop was St. Barts. We should have booked a daytime excursion, but instead we just walked around the port area for a little while and headed back to the ship. We loved our evening sunset catamaran cruise excursion. The weather was beautiful, and the sunset was gorgeous. The entire experience, complete with snacks and a champagne toast, made the sail even more special. This was perhaps our favorite shore activity among a list of other great experiences. 

The Ship – Windstar Cruises Wind Surf Cruise Review

Outdoor spaces.

The ship has a total of six decks, with decks 4, 5, and 6 offering outdoor areas. Like many cruise ships, there is a small pool and two whirlpools, three outdoor bars, and an outdoor dining area. There is also plenty of rail space with loungers and tables and chairs strategically located on both the port and starboard sides of the ship. Given the small nature of the vessel, the percentage of outdoor space is quite impressive, and there was never an issue finding a place to relax or soak up some sun.

You are able to circle the entire ship on deck 5, walking right past and into the bridge. Yes, Windstar has an open bridge policy, which means you can stop in and say hi to the captain and view the navigational systems while at sea. This is pretty cool for the cruise nerd in all of us. 

On a small luxury line, you would expect exceptional service. Luckily, Wind Surf truly delivered with personal and friendly services. After only a day or two, the staff will know your name, and more importantly, your preferred beverages at the bar! Throughout the ship, the crew always had a smile on their faces and seemed genuinely happy. While you do not have a dedicated dining staff, as Wind Surf has open seating restaurants, the service we received during meals was usually stellar. Our room attendant Ni Luh did a wonderful job taking care of our cabin over the course of the week.

Onboard Activities

Cruising with Windstar Cruises is really about the destinations. With a new port of call each day, sometimes even two ports of call in a day, the voyage is truly about the onshore experiences. With that being said, there were virtually no organized activities during the day. There were none of the typical cruise activities like trivia or bingo. There were only a few scheduled events like fitness classes, galley tours, and wine or rum tastings. So, we suggest taking a book or your Kindle along to keep you occupied while on the ship.

Exclusive to Windstar Cruises is the Marina. Located on deck 2 behind the spa, this water sports platform is open most days pending sea conditions. Here, you can jump off the back of the ship, take out a kayak, snorkel, jump on the water trampoline, or even wakeboard. So, if you are feeling adventurous, we suggest you definitely check out the Marina on Wind Surf.

At night, there are a few entertainment options. Every evening James, the Destination’s Manager, hosts a port talk. It was less of a sales pitch for tours than the typical port talks on other ships. He provided information about the ports of call, as well as the tour options being sold by the cruise line. Many evenings, there were also special sail away events with passed drinks and appetizers.

Food and Dining

Overall, the food on Wind Surf was on par with what we have come to expect from cruise ship dining.

There were small bites available at the Yacht Club for breakfast and lunch which did not change much during the trip. We occasionally grabbed some continental breakfast items or some finger sandwiches for lunch. The coffee here was brewing all day! By the middle of the week, Russ, our “barista”, knew the Princess’ iced, skinny caramel latte order by heart. Now that’s service!

The Veranda on Deck 6 was a hybrid casual restaurant/buffet for breakfast and lunch. We enjoyed our meals here and found the food quality to be better than a typical buffet on other ships. The food selections here were limited, but they did change every day. You could help yourself to hot and cold buffet items and/or order off the menu. Selections off the menu included items like omelets, pancakes, and waffles for breakfast and hamburgers, paninis, and pizza for lunch. There was also a carving station located in the buffet at lunch time.

For dinner, the AmphorA restaurant was the main dining room with a different menu each evening. Open from 7 to 9 pm, the venue had an open seating arrangement with no set table assignments or reservations required. The food here was pretty typical of cruise ships. Likewise, there was also your traditional lobster night one evening of the cruise.

On one evening, Wind Surf offers the line’s signature barbecue deck party. This was some of the best food of the entire trip with a wide selection of premium options like paella, grilled lobster tail, and a roasted pig. It was a great event and certainly a dining experience that sets Windstar Cruises apart from contemporary cruise lines. 

In addition to the MDR, there are two specialty restaurants. Both of these restaurants require reservations. You should make reservations as soon as you board the ship as they do book up quickly. Unlike contemporary cruise lines, these venues are included in the price of your cruise fare with no cover charges.

Stella Bistro is a French-inspired restaurant, while Candles is the outdoor Steakhouse. Located in the same outdoor space occupied by the Veranda restaurant during the day, Candles was our favorite of the two specialty restaurants.

Bars and Lounges

We could have easily completed our typical drink around the ship in a day on Wind Surf. Don’t worry, we didn’t try it. All bars served the same signature menu with a variety of cocktail options. There were also a few themed events like a Whiskey and Martini night.

Located near the pool, the Pool Bar was open from 9:30 am to 6 pm on most days. The Lounge is the hub of entertainment pre-dinner and post-dinner. A live band played here most evenings until about 11:30 pm.

On Deck 5, the Compass Rose was an indoor/outdoor venue which opened in the mornings by 9:30 am and stayed open until about midnight. Offering great views and live music most evenings, this was one of the happening places on the ship.

There was also the Terrace Bar and Cigar Lounge with bar staff routinely around during the evenings to serve drinks. 

We stayed in cabin 252, an AX Deluxe category stateroom. While the room was quite large in comparison to other contemporary cruise lines, it certainly showed signs of wear and tear. The ship is due for a four-week dry dock in a few months. Along with changes to some public venues, we hope the staterooms get some tidying up as well.

The décor in our stateroom was dated and tired with the carpet and fixtures showing their age. For a luxury cruise ship, we would expect more stylish and high-end furnishings. Even the technology was dated, with a small LCD television, a blu-ray player, and a Bose radio. Granted, we did not spend much time in the room but it did not live up to our expectations. During a Q&A session, the president of the cruise line did hint at advancements coming down the line for the brand as a whole.

Of note, there are also no balcony staterooms on Wind Surf. So, if you want that morning breeze or breakfast with a view, you will have to head to the outdoor decks.

Recap of Windstar Cruises Wind Surf Cruise Review

Sailing on a luxury yacht offered us the opportunity to spend several hours exploring ports of call that we usually do not get to visit on larger ships. However, it also meant that we needed to tender at most ports. With rough seas, this could be a challenge to those who are prone to motion sickness. Thankfully, this doesn’t impact us.

With a very visible set of officers and a crew to guest ratio of 1 to 1.5, we certainly felt pampered during the trip. There were also enough familiar cruise elements and venues that we did not feel completely out of our element on this smaller ship.

For those who have never cruised before, this ship will introduce you to the elements of cruising that we love. If you are concerned about sailing on the “monsters” (which Windstar staff affectionately calls the larger ships), these yachts would enable you to get closer to your destinations of interest while still experiencing a cruise vacation.

Wind Surf is entering a dry dock next month to undergo some maintenance, clean-up, and updates. The ship could certainly use some cosmetic work in the public venues and staterooms. She has a familiar layout and dedicated staff, so with some touch-ups and a few more entertainment options, we would consider another sailing. 

The overall experience was engaging, relaxing, and enlightening. Visiting Barbuda and speaking with the locals gave us a new perspective on life in the Caribbean after the devastating hurricanes in 2017. During our trip, Windstar Cruises and Porthole Cruise donated funds to local schools to help during the recovery efforts. 

While on our trip, president John Delaney detailed updates coming to the Star-class yachts. These include lengthening two of the ships and adding dining venues, an improved spa, and a revamped pool deck. We could certainly see ourselves cruising on one of these vessels when they re-enter the fleet.   

Have you sailed on any ships in the Windstar Cruises’ fleet? Do you enjoy the small ship experience? Drop us an anchor below to share your reviews of these boutique vessels. 

Disclaimer : We were guests of Windstar Cruises and Porthole Cruise for the Caribbean Celebrations cruise. All of the opinions and reviews are all our own. 

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You kids are great. We love following your adventures and keep cruising as often as we can. We just disembarked from Celebrity Equinox on Saturday, March 2nd from a Western Caribbean Cruise and we are looking forward to refurbished Celebrity Summit in September, We saw a Windstar (in the distance) years ago while on a “Barefoot Cruise”. I won’t even begin to describe. Keep us up to date, We love to read your posts.

We are about to set sail this Saturday on our 4th Windstar cruise. We are celebrating our daughters 18th birthday….funny…took this same cruise to the Caribbean 18 years and 9 months ago. Bon Voyage!

We have sailed Windstar many times over the years and enjoy the sailing yachts the most. The pricing at Windstar have been climbing in our opinion at a faster rate then the level of satisfaction and Windstar is quickly becoming for us a rare choice given it’s failures to deliver on a Luxury Cruise. We have found that the larger Windstar Ships lacking in many area’s from the condition of the ship to the service. In Windstar defense we did find that some crew and the Ship Captain who sought us out for background on the problems we experienced was refreshing while the Hotel Director and Maintenance Folks we found were simply disinterested. We are scheduled again for a summer Spain trip on the Surf and are hopeful for a pleasant experience although our experience right now isn’t starting out well. We don’t have the inability to even log into MY WINDSTAR to complete registration and review excursions. We did submit an online request for assistance and 3 days later no response.

I sailed in the Surf repeatedly for years. Each & every crew member have always gone above & beyond to make the voyage enjoyable. I look forward to seeing the crew again after her new refurbishment & plan to sail again in 2020.

DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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Windstar Cruises is growing again with 2 new ships

Small-ship specialist Windstar Cruises is finally back in growth mode.

Windstar President Chris Prelog on Wednesday said the brand would add two new vessels by the end of 2026 — a 33% expansion of its fleet that would end a decadelong drought in new ship additions.

"This is going to allow Windstar not only to grow but to go back to favorite destinations where we have been before and explore new destinations," Prelog told cruise writers at a press conference in Miami Beach, Florida.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Prelog called the acquisition of the two vessels from another company "an amazing opportunity" that would allow Windstar to double the number of ships it operates in French Polynesia, one of its core markets.

The press conference took place at Seatrade Cruise Global, the cruise industry's annual meetup at the Miami Beach Convention Center. More than 10,000 executives from cruise lines, shipyards, suppliers and destinations attend the event.

2 new all-suite ships

Windstar is acquiring the two new vessels from Portugal-based Mystic Invest Holdings, the parent company of small-ship operator Atlas Ocean Voyages , Germany-based Nicko Cruises and several other brands.

The first of the vessels, to be called Star Seeker, is a still-under-construction, 224-passenger vessel that Mystic was originally building for its Atlas Ocean Voyages brand to operate under the name World Seeker.

The ship was to be a sister vessel to the three Atlas Ocean Voyages vessels currently in operation: World Navigator , World Traveller and World Voyager .

Mystic was building the ship for Atlas Ocean Voyages at a shipyard in Portugal that it also owns.

The second vessel Windstar is acquiring is a 4-year-old ship in the same series that Mystic has been chartering to expedition cruise specialist Quark Expeditions. Currently operating for Quark as World Explorer, it'll be renamed Star Explorer and also have room for 224 passengers.

Related: The 2 types of Windstar ships, explained

The two vessels will join the Windstar fleet in December 2025 and December 2026, respectively, after the addition of several signature Windstar elements to each of them.

For example, both of the vessels will get water sports platforms, something that isn't currently part of their design. Water sports platforms are a signature feature of Windstar vessels.

Other changes to the current design of each of the vessels will include adding a new pool and a two-story spa. Windstar will also add a whirlpool to the bow of the ships.

A helipad that is currently part of the design of each of the ships will become a large Owner's Suite, with a wraparound balcony.

Like the three ships of similar design currently sailing for Atlas Ocean Voyages, the new Windstar ships will be all-suite ships where most rooms come with either a private balcony or a window wall that slides open to create a balcony-like space.

Windstar said each of the ships would have an Amphora dining room, a Windstar signature, and a more casual Star Grill. Each of the vessels will have a no-extra-charge specialty restaurant and offer 24-hour room service, too.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Windstar ship

As is the case for all of the vessels in the series that have operated for Atlas Ocean Voyages and Quark, the ships will have ice-strengthened hulls that allow them to operate in icy polar destinations such as Antarctica and the Arctic's Svalbard Archipelago. But in response to a question from The Points Guy, Prelog suggested the line didn't have plans to deploy the ships to the most remote parts of the polar regions.

That said, the ice-strengthened capabilities of the ships could be of value when sailing to places such as Greenland and Alaska, Prelog said.

First new Windstar ships since 2015

Windstar last expanded its fleet in 2014 and 2015, when it added three small motor vessels that were formerly operated by Seabourn.

Windstar currently operates six ships — the three former Seabourn vessels, all of which have been significantly renovated and lengthened over the years to have more cabins and venues, as well as three sailing ships.

Related: Don't miss these loyalty perks when booking a Windstar cruise

During Wednesday's announcement, Prelog said the addition of the two Mystic vessels would allow Windstar to send one of its sailing ships, the 148-passenger Wind Star, back to French Polynesia starting in 2027. Wind Star will join the 312-passenger Star Breeze in sailing year-round in French Polynesia, a major expansion for Windstar in the region.

Prelog on Wednesday did not say where the new Star Seeker and Star Explorer would sail. But he said itineraries and pricing for the first of vessels scheduled to debut, Star Seeker, would be announced in June.

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This Small-ship Cruise Line Just Announced 2 New All-suite Vessels Will Join Its Fleet

Windstar Cruises is scheduled to launch Star Seeker in 2025 and Star Explorer in 2026.

Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Boutique small-ship cruise line Windstar Cruises is growing its fleet, adding two 224-passenger vessels — both acquisitions from Mystic Cruises —  in the next two years. Star Seeker is slated to make its debut in December 2025 and Star Explorer is scheduled to follow a year later in December 2026. 

Star Seeker is under construction, while Star Explorer is currently sailing as Quark Expeditions' World Explorer. B oth ships will be reworked to include signature features of Windstar ships, from a watersports platform to Owners Suites with wraparound balconies to a whirlpool on the bow. 

Dining, in particular, will be a main focus on the ships, as Windstar has a partnership with the James Beard Foundation. The ships' dining options spaces will be expanded to include the on-deck Star Grill, the casual Yacht Club café and lounge, and a re-imagined Amphora main dining room, which will now have outdoor seating.

“Our goal was to ensure these ships are unmistakably Windstar, and a significant amount of effort has gone into achieving this,” Christopher Prelog, Windstar Cruises’ president, said in a statement provided to Travel + Leisure . “We are thrilled for this expansion, building on the success of our game-changing Star Class in small-ship cruising with guests and travel partners, while offering new experiences. This growth reflects the dedication of our incredible crew and team, allowing us to broaden our destination portfolio and even bring one of our Wind Class sail ships back to Tahiti.”

Though both ships have ice-strengthened hulls capable of sailing in the polar regions, Windstar doesn't currently operate such itineraries, focusing primarily on the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific Islands. But these new ships may open doors to adventures in the years to come.

“As part of our company’s expanding portfolio, Windstar Cruises is poised for remarkable growth and an exciting future ahead," Andrew N. Todd, president and CEO of parent company Xanterra Travel Collection, said in a statement. "We’re excited about the possibilities of where Windstar will sail and the opportunities it brings our officers, crew and staff, and our guests.”

Itineraries and booking information for Star Seeker will be announced in June 2024. You can sign up for updates at windstarcruises.com/newships .

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Windstar's newest cruise ships - Star Seeker & Star Explorer

Windstar Cruises unveils plans to broaden its fleet with the introduction of two all-suite superyachts - Star Seeker and Star Explorer.

The initial vessel, Star Seeker, currently under construction at WestSEA shipyard (in  Viana do Castelo )  is slated for delivery in December 2025, followed by Star Explorer in December 2026.

Each ship boasts 112 staterooms, all with private step-out balconies and infinity windows. Additionally, two aft-facing Owner’s Suites with wraparound terraces, providing ideal settings for evening gatherings or private dining.

With a max passenger capacity 224 and staff-to-guest ratio of 1:2, the yachts cultivate an intimate ambiance, promising personalized service throughout.

Guests can indulge in several Windstar guest favorites, including the iconic Watersports Platform with new staircase access, the inviting Yacht Club cafe and lounge, a two-story spa and fitness center, a secluded forward whirlpool on the bow, and an expansive open deck perfect for sunbathing and al fresco dining.

As the designated Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation (JBF), Windstar maintains a dedication to exceptional cuisine. The redesigned main dining venue, Amphora, offers a range of upscale and innovative dishes, including rotating selections from James Beard Foundation–affiliated guest chefs. Al fresco dining options are available at both Amphora and the Star Grill, complemented by a specialty restaurant and 24-hour room service.

Star Seeker and Star Explorer feature ice-strengthened hulls, granting access to new destinations. Equipped with cutting-edge safety , propulsion , and navigation technology, including pump jet thrusters and forward-facing Sonar, the ships prioritize safety and efficiency. To minimize environmental impact and uphold sustainability commitments, the vessels are outfitted with tier III Nox-rated Rolls Royce engines and shore power connectivity to reduce port emissions. Advanced wastewater treatment systems meet global standards, demonstrating the company’s dedication to environmental stewardship.

The fleet expansion enables Windstar to reintroduce the beloved Wind Class ship, Wind Star , to Tahiti, where it will join Star Breeze in 2027, meeting the rising demand for French Polynesian voyages. With over 36 years of experience navigating the islands of French Polynesia, Windstar offers travelers a choice between sailing aboard Wind or Star Class ships.

Full itineraries and booking information for Star Seeker will be released in late June 2024.

our fleet is growing!

TWO NEW STARS ON THE HORIZON

Windstar Cruises is excited to announce that we’re expanding our fleet with not one, but TWO new all-suite Star Class ships. Coming Dec. 2025, Star Seeker will be our first-ever Star Class new build, followed by Star Explorer in Dec. 2026. Serving 224 guests, each ship will feature 112 suites with full private verandas and infinity windows. They’ll also come with two new Owner’s suites with wrap-around balconies, perfect for evening cocktails or a private dinner.

Each ship will include a Watersports platform, a cozy Yacht Club café and lounge, and a two-story spa and fitness facility, among other amenities. Plus, both ships will have ice-strengthened hulls, unlocking access to new destinations. Windstar Cruises is poised for remarkable growth and an exciting future ahead. We’re excited about the possibilities this opens up for our officers, crew, staff and especially our guests. Here’s to a future of sailing 180 degrees from ordinary!

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