Windstar Cruises is a luxury cruise line that offers a relaxed, comfortable environment onboard their ships. The cruise line wants to take small ship cruising in a different direction.
They have smaller, more intimate ships (less than 350 passengers) that allow you to go to unique ports that the larger ships can’t. This gives you a completely different cruise vacation.
You can really get immersed in the destination and cultures you visit. The cruise line doesn’t just want you to see the world, they want to get you close enough that you can fully live it.
Their mission is to take you, “180 degrees from ordinary, where all your senses are indulged and your sense of wonder is awakened.”
History & Overview:
Windstar Cruises began in 1986 with three sailing vessels. If you have ever wondered what if felt like for explorers setting off and sailing the wide ocean, now you can find out.
In 2006, the company added three more vessels, which are powered yachts to their fleet of ships.
Destinations & Itineraries:
The cruise fleet pretty much sails everywhere in the world. The ships visit more than 60 countries and stop in over 300 ports of call.
However, they focus on more unique ports of call in each destination they visit. Some of these destinations include Alaska, Arabia, Canada, Asia, the Panama Canal, Tahiti, and more.
If you are looking for a cruise that gives you a balance of the popular cities and unique, off-the-beaten-path, ports of call then you will love Windstar Cruises.
If you are looking for a small ship experience that focuses on the remote areas and ports of call and has a more casual atmosphere, then you should check out Uncruise Adventures.
Cruise Ships in the Fleet:
Windstar Cruises has six ships in the fleet. There are two different types of vessels, three sailing ships (Wind Star, Wind Spirit, and Wind Surf) and three powered yachts (Star Pride, Star Legend, and Star Breeze).
While both types offer you the intimate, small ship experience with incredible food and personalized service. However, the experience will be completely different.
Sailing Ships:
There are three sailing ships in the fleet (Wind Star, Wind Spirit, and Wind Surf). They have smaller staterooms than the powered yachts.
The entry-level, standard rooms are around 188 square feet. They feature ocean view staterooms also. However, they do not have any balcony staterooms.
The sailing ships have smaller bathrooms that are shower only. You will not be able to get a room with a bathtub on these ships.
All three of the sailing ships have at least one suite on them, that are larger and more spacious for you to enjoy.
Powered Yachts:
There are three powered yachts in the fleet (Star Pride, Star Legend, and Star Breeze). These have larger rooms than the sailing ships.
The entry-level, standard rooms are about 277 square feet. The bathrooms feature marbled floors and bathtubs. There are thirty-six staterooms on the ship with French balconies.
These are the balconies where you can open the door to get fresh air and look out, but you don’t step outside. The balcony areas are part of your stateroom.
I like these better because they make your stateroom larger and even if the weather is poor you can still utilize the space. There are also several suites on each of the ships that are larger and feature separate bedrooms.
Pro Tip: If you want to get one of the suites on any of the ships you need to book them early because they sell out really fast.
Dining Options on Windstar Cruises:
Windstar Cruises is the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation. In 2017 the cruise line and the foundation partnered to launch wine & food themed cruises.
All of the meals onboard the ship are made fresh when you order them. The chefs will go out to the local markets in the destinations so you can get a taste of authentic dishes of that region.
You will get high-quality meals made with fresh ingredients. If you have any food allergies or special dietary needs, just let them know and they will work with you on your meals.
Amphora Restaurant (Main Dining Room):
The main dining room works the same as on river cruises where there are no set tables or dining times. They will list what time the dining room is open for each meal and you show up between those times to eat.
For example, if dinner is from 7pm to 9pm, you don’t have to show up right at 7. As long as you show up between the two times you are able to get a seat and eat your meal.
Room Service:
The room service is available 24-hours a day at no additional cost to you. You can order whatever you want off of the room service menu and have it delivered to your room. Perfect for when you want a lazy morning in your room.
Veranda:
The Veranda is a casual dining venue onboard the ship. It’s open for breakfast and lunch where they feature a full buffet and an a la carte menu that you can order from when you want.
This is on the top deck and features floor to ceiling windows so you get an amazing panoramic view of the destination you are visiting.
When the weather is nice, they open up the windows so the venue becomes an open-air veranda for you to enjoy.
Stella Bistro (Wind Surf only):
Stella Bistro is another great dining venue that features French-inspired cuisine. There are wines that you can pair with your meal and the desserts are absolutely delicious.
Candles:
This is an alfresco dining experience. It is a romantic venue with the linen cloth tables that is near the pool. You can enjoy a gorgeous view of the sunset or dine under the stars in the evening.
It’s a great place to celebrate a special occasion or have a date night onboard the ship. There is no additional charge to dine here, but you do need to make reservations for it.
If the weather is poor, this restaurant might not be open.
Pro Tip: If you want to dine here on a specific night, book it before you get on the ship if you can or right when you get on the ship.
Outdoor BBQ:
One night during the cruise they close the main dining room and put on an outdoor barbecue for everyone to enjoy. It’s takes place up by the pool.
They decorate the whole area and they will feature a DJ and a dance space. The food will include chicken, steak, jumbo shrimp, lobster, pates, and various desserts.
This is a really popular, fun event where you get to party and just have fun with your new friends.
What is the atmosphere like onboard the ships?
While this is a luxury cruise line, it features a very low-key and welcoming atmosphere onboard its ships. They are going for a casually, elegant (think country-club casual) environment for you to enjoy.
These ships are small enough that you will easily get to know both the crew and your fellow passengers. You get to speak with and get to know the captain and officers.
They want you to feel like you are on a friend’s private yacht. You will get nice plush robes, fresh fruit, and amazing amenities in your stateroom.
The nice thing about the smaller ship is that the staff will get to know your likes and dislikes. If you have certain seating preferences, they will accommodate you.
If you like a certain type of water or favorite alcoholic beverage, they will remember that. You really get excellent, personalized service on this cruise line.
What is the Windstar Cruises’ dress code?
The dress code onboard their ships are country club casual. They don’t have any formal nights. You can dress up if you want, but it is not required of you.
However, they do expect you to not show up for dinner in a t-shirt and jeans. During the day it is more casual because you will be doing different water activities and visiting the various ports of call.
In the evening, you will want to freshen up and look decent for both dinner and the evening entertainment.
Activities Onboard:
The cruise ships have many different activities that you can choose. We were surprised by the amount of different options that you have, being that these are smaller ships.
There is a fitness center where you can work out. They also have a spa where you can get all of the different treatments. You can relax and read a book in the library or put your luck to the test in the casino.
There is also a small pool that you can use. As well as at least one lounge where you can enjoy some drinks with your friends while listening to music.
The ships will feature different guest lecturers and you can also go see one of the cooking demonstrations they have onboard.
Unique Features of Windstar Cruises:
The ships have an open bridge policy where you can at any time and visit with the captain and officers. You can ask questions and they will show you the equipment and how they use the charts.
It is a really unique experience that the bigger ships don’t have. On the sailing ships they will teach you how they use everything and give you a sailing lesson.
Also, each ship in the fleet has a water deck where you can take out a kayak, paddle board, or borrow some snorkel gear to use. These are available to you at no charge for any sea days that your itinerary has.
The cruise line focuses on not only taking you to the unique ports of call, but also offering really unique and special experiences while in the destination. Some of the itineraries will include a complimentary Destination Discovery Event.
For example, on their Treasures of the Greek Isles itinerary you will get a special private, after-hours tour of the Celsus Library of Ephesus, followed by a 5-course meal in the courtyard under the stars while listening to music by a trio from the Aegean Chamber Orchestra.
What’s included in the price of your cruise?
- Your stateroom accommodations
- All of your meals, including 24-hour room service
- All non-alcoholic beverages, including gourmet coffees and teas
- Each passenger over 21 years of age is allowed to bring on one bottle of wine without charge when you first arrive on the ship
- Also, any wine or beer you purchase while in port you can bring on with you (they will be subject to a corkage fee if you want the staff to open them for you)
- Welcome cocktail reception
- All onboard entertainment and activities
- All water sports equipment available on the ship
What’s not included in your cruise?
- Alcoholic beverages
- Shore excursions
- Gratuities
Should you sail on this ship?
If you like a more casual, comfortable experience where the ship is small and everyone gets to know each other then you will love this cruise line.
It is a lot like the river cruise lines, only on the ocean. The atmosphere is much the same though. If you need a lot of thrilling activities and the big Broadway-style shows, then this is not the cruise line for you.
This cruise line is very port intensive and more about the destinations than the activities onboard the ship. It gives you a good balance of the big, popular cities and the more remote ports of call.
The itineraries are very unique. This cruise line does attract more mature, well-traveled passengers.