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Windstar Cruises: FREE Drinks, Wi-Fi and Tips*

Windstar: Exclusive Private Event and MORE

Windstar Caribbean cruises from $2,050*

7 Ships in the Windstar Cruises fleet

Ship:  .

• Destinations
• Departure Ports
• Photo Gallery

Wind Surf Overview

The Wind Surf is perhaps the most impressive of Windstar’s sailing yachts, and with space for 310 guests, she’s certainly the largest. However, the 191 crew members – and nearly 2:3 crew to guest ratio – guarantee that the Wind Surf’s service remains as astounding as would be found on Windstar’s smaller ships. Onboard, take advantage of the Wind Surf’s stunning public spaces – like the watersports platform, fitness center, WindSpa, pool, Terrace Bar, Compass Rose and more – or retreat to your luxurious suite for some rest and relaxation. Recently refurbished, the beautiful Wind Surf is primed to carry you and yours to unique destinations around the world. Contact one of our cruise experts to learn more about the Wind Surf and to find the perfect itinerary for you and yours.

• Passenger Capacity: 342 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 1990
• Last Refurbished: 2019

Wind Surf Cruise Destinations

Visit unforgettable destinations in 50 different nations with Windstar Cruises. Enjoy memorable and enlightening experiences in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, the South Pacific, the Caribbean and Central America. With Windstar’s smaller ships, you’ll call at ports that larger cruise ships can’t reach – giving you unique access to these regions’ hidden gems. Continue below to learn more about each of Windstar’s destinations or contact one of our expert cruise consultants to start planning your unique small-ship voyage with Windstar.

Sail away to the sun-soaked islands of the Caribbean for a unique tropical retreat with Windstar Cruises.

Discover a world of natural wonders, wildlife and easy living in the lush lands of Costa Rica with Windstar Cruises.

Europe Cruisetours

Mediterranean

Explore lands of Old World charm and never-ending beauty with a Mediterranean cruise aboard Windstar Cruises.

Transatlantic

Sail across the Atlantic Ocean with Windstar Cruises' luxurious yachts or sail ships and enjoy a relaxing voyage like no other.

Wind Surf Departure Ports

Windstar Cruises’ unique small ships sail all over the world from a wide array of departure ports. For instance, you can depart from some of the world’s most distinguished cities like Athens, Dubai, Singapore, London, Stockholm, Hong Kong, Rome and Venice. You’ll also find smaller or more exotic departure ports, such as Papeete, Bridgetown, Philipsburg and Colon. But no matter where your cruise embarks, you’ll always know what you’re sailing towards – an unforgettable and totally unique small-ship experience.

Port Of Oranjestad, Aruba, Caribbean

Enjoy pristine beaches, lots of fun activities and perfect weather year-round in the Dutch island of Aruba.

Bridgetown, Barbados

Barbados, where the weather is impeccable, the beaches are beautiful and the food is fantastically fresh.

Learn about the Greek gods and the early philosophy of Socrates when you visit the incredible ruins left in Athens, Greece. At night, go out and take in the culture with the modern Athenians.

Cozumel, Mexico

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has deep cultural roots that are exposed through ruins and museum artifacts. Cruise to Lisbon and discover the culture and history of Portugal in its capital city.

A cruise to Civitavecchia is a chance for you to hop a quick train to Rome and explore the enormous history through ruins, galleries and The Vatican museums.

Experience the serene, romantic splendor of Venice, but don’t forget to check out its wonderful museums and neighborhoods located off the Grand Canal.

Discover imaginative architecture, impressive Spanish dishes and beautiful excursions into nature when you cruise to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

Colon, Panama

Colon, this historically important city is a gateway to the Panama Canal and full of Latin charm and New World history. 

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Offering both French and Dutch experiences, St. Maarten is a leading destination in the Caribbean. You can always find exciting and interesting activities for everyone on this friendly island.

Cernobbio, Italy

Discover the wonder of Lake Como and the mountains of Italy when your cruise or cruise tour departs from Cernobbio, Italy.

Wind Surf Deck Plans

Bridge deck, wind surf staterooms.

Oceanview (A)

Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 188 square feet of beautifully designed comfort. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) is swathed in luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Before or after you enjoy an invigorating massage shower with soothing L'Occitane bath products, wrap up in your waffle-weave robe, have a snack from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and smell the flowers.

Oceanview (AX)

Oceanview (b), oceanview (bx).

The ultimate in space and style surrounds you in 495 square feet of pure indulgence. Separate bedroom and living room with an in-suite dining area is an invitation to relaxation. And possibly best of all, your expansive bathroom features both a whirlpool spa tub and a massage shower.

With 376 square feet, you'll find the perfect space for time together - and plenty of room for time to yourself. You'll even enjoy two full separate bathrooms. All the amenities of the staterooms await you, plus a beautiful sitting area, and two flat-screen television sets with DVD players.

Photo Gallery for Wind Surf Cruise Ship

Enjoy a preview of the completely unique and utterly luxurious Windstar cruising experience in the following photo gallery. You’ll quickly see that Windstar Cruises’ fleet is like no other, with some ships boasting towering masts with billowing sails. You’ll also catch a glimpse of Windstar’s amazing destinations, many of which can only be experienced by the fleet’s intimate yachts.

Windstar's Wind Surf

Sundeck aboard Wind Surf

Suite aboard Wind Surf

Accommodations aboard Wind Surf

Service aboard Wind Surf

Lounge Stage aboard Wind Surf

Lounge Bar aboard Wind Surf

Compass Rose Lounge aboard Wind Surf

Corridor aboard Wind Surf

Open Bridge aboard Wind Surf

Fine dining aboard Wind Surf

Exterior of Windstar's Wind Surf

Top 10 Wind Surf Cruises

• Wind Surf Wine Cruise: Sicilian Splendors Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (Sep 2024)
• Wind Surf Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (Oct 2024 - Oct 2026)
• Wind Surf Romance on the Rivieras Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (Oct 2024)
• Wind Surf Star Collector: Enchantment of the Western Med Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (Oct 2024 - Oct 2026)
• Wind Surf Yachtsman's Harbors of the Rivieras Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (Oct 2024 - Oct 2026)
• Wind Surf Spanish Symphony Departing From Barcelona, Spain (Nov 2024 - Oct 2026)
• Wind Surf Star Collector: Caribbean Explorations Departing From Philipsburg, St. Maarten (Dec 2024 - Mar 2026)
• Wind Surf Classic Caribbean Departing From Philipsburg, St. Maarten (Dec 2024 - Mar 2026)
• Wind Surf Beach Fun & Sun: A Remote Caribbean Getaway Departing From Philipsburg, St. Maarten (Dec 2024 - Mar 2026)
• Wind Surf Star Collector: Atlantic Interludes & Iberian Indulgences Departing From Philipsburg, St. Maarten (Mar 2025 - Apr 2026)

Learn More About Windstar Cruises

Accessibility

Learn about Windstar Cruises' handicap accessible cruises and accommodations for guests with disabilities or special needs, including mobility issues.

Savor dining aboard Windstar Cruises, including Star Grill , AmphorA , Stella Bistro , Candles Grill and more—all included with your cruise fare.

Entertainment

Enjoy Windstar Cruises' onboard entertainment, including live music at Compass Rose, informative port lectures, destination briefings, dancing and more.

Onboard Activities

Engage in Windstar Cruises' onboard activities, including an onboard Watersports Platform, WindSpa, pool, library, fitness center and duty-free shopping.

Service & Awards

Learn how Windstar Cruises' staff and crew take care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view Windstar Cruises' awards.

Spa & Fitness

Unwind in Windstar Cruises' fitness center and WindSpa, offering massages, facials, herbal wraps and more.

Special Events

Learn about Windstar Cruises' special themed cruises. Themes include wine and food, the Grand Prix and more.

Explore Windstar Cruises' ship staterooms, including suites, deluxe balconies and deluxe oceanviews staterooms, as well as the luxurious Owners Suites.

Youth Programs

Learn about cruising with children aboard Windstar Cruises' intimate ships.

Cruise Type

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The 2 classes of Windstar ships, explained

Windstar Cruises has a surprisingly varied fleet for a cruise line with only six small ships.

The cruise line was known for years for its fleet of three-masted sailing yachts (imagine a hybrid of a small cruise ship and a large four- or five-masted sailing vessel). But in the mid-2010s, in a bid to expand without building new ships, the line acquired three small, aging cruise ships from luxury line Seabourn and completely refurbished them.

Windstar's fleet is now equal parts sailing ships (known as the Wind class) and yachts (the Star Plus class), tied together by a casual-yet-upscale vibe, friendly crews and port-intensive itineraries.

While Windstar loyalists happily cross from masted yacht to regular ship, depending on the itinerary, newcomers will want to understand the differences between the line's two classes of ships because the onboard amenities are different enough to affect your vacation experience.

An introduction to Windstar ships

Windstar Cruises specializes in small ships carrying between 148 and 342 passengers each. Though the line calls them yachts, the ships are structured more like tiny cruise ships with indoor lounges and communal dining rooms.

The Wind-class sailing ships come in two sizes: the 5,307-ton Wind Spirit and Wind Star and the 14,745-ton Wind Surf. The non-sail motor yachts are all identical at 12,995 tons.

Most of Windstar's fleet was not originally built for Windstar. Wind Surf originally sailed as a Club Med cruise ship. The motor yacht trio started their lives as Seabourn vessels.

That does not mean you should expect worn-out ships. Windstar recently spent $250 million to not just update but also lengthen the three motor yachts of its Star Plus class. The ships were cut open and a new midsection was added to create more space for additional cabins (Windstar calls them suites, even if they have only one room), new dining venues and expanded outdoor deck areas.

The ships function more as a comfortable home base than destinations by themselves. Onboard attractions are limited to a few restaurants, a small spa and fitness center, a pool and hot tub, and a tiny boutique. You'll find two or three bars, rather than a large assortment. There's no kids club because children younger than 8 aren't allowed onboard.

Related: 5 cruise lines to try if you just can't stand being around kids on vacation

The biggest difference between the classes, besides the sails, is that cabins on Star Plus-class ships are marketed as suites. While most aren't true, multiroom suites, the cabins are spacious with separate living and sleeping areas, French (step-out) balconies on most rooms and good-size bathrooms. The cabins on Wind-class ships are more compact and nautical in design, with porthole windows and small living spaces tricked out with hidden storage to maximize space.

What all the ships have in common is a water sports platform. On select days when the ship is anchored (not docked at a pier) and the weather and government regulations align, crew members can offer water sports, such as swimming and kayaking, right off the back of the ship.

Ships in class: Wind Surf (1989), Wind Spirit (1988) and Wind Star (1986).

Size: 5,307 tons (Spirit and Star) to 14,745 tons (Surf).

Technically, Windstar's Wind-class ships comprise two different types of ships, but the line categorizes all of its ships with sails together.

The 148-passenger Wind Spirit and Wind Star are the only ships in the current fleet custom-built for Windstar. Each has four decks and as many masts for sails. The ships each feature one 220-square-foot Owner's Suite, and the rest of the cabins are 188-square-feet rooms. Each cabin, including the suite, features a window; you will not find a private balcony on these ships.

Most of the public areas are found on the upper two decks with cabins on the lower two, with the exception of a small gym and the exit to the water sports platform on Deck 2. Deck 3 features the majority of the indoor spaces, including the Amphora main restaurant, boutique, reception desk, library, tiny spa, main lounge and a cafe serving coffee drinks and small snacks.

The topmost deck features the indoor-outdoor buffet restaurant Veranda, which transforms into the waiter-served Candles restaurant in the evening. A pool, hot tub and pool bar round out the alfresco offerings.

The 342-passenger Wind Surf joined the Windstar fleet in 1998 after sailing for Club Med. It follows the same basic idea as its two sailing sisters, but with more space and a few more attractions.

It's got six decks, five masts and four types of cabins (again all with windows only, no balconies). These include 188-square-foot regular cabins and 18 suites measuring 376 square feet, which are essentially double cabins with two bathrooms, two vanities and a sitting area where the second bed should be. These rooms are found throughout decks 1 through 3.

One 242-square-foot Officer's Suite and two 495-square-foot Bridge suites are located on Deck 5 (Bridge Deck).

Like its smaller sisters, Wind Surf contains the Amphora Restaurant and Veranda/Candles, main lounge, Yacht Club Cafe, pool and hot tubs, boutique, spa and fitness center. In addition, the ship adds a third dining venue – Stella Bistro – and the Terrace Bar, both on the ship's top deck.

Windstar deploys its sailing ships to destinations with more concentrated routes, where the romance factor is high (to complement the ships' beautiful sails). These include Tahiti and French Polynesia , Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, and Greece.

Related: 5 things to love about Windstar's stretched and refurbished Star Pride

Star Plus class

Ships in class: Star Legend (1990), Star Breeze (1988) and Star Pride (1988).

Size: 12,995 tons.

The Star Plus-class ships are all pre-owned cruise ships. They debuted in the late '80s and early '90s for luxury cruise line Seabourn and Windstar purchased them and brought them into the fleet 25 years later in 2014 and 2015.

The trio came to Windstar as 312-passenger, 9,975-ton cruise ships. Windstar refurbished the ships to clean them up and add the line's branding before they debuted but quickly realized more was needed to bring the ships in line with modern standards, both under the hood and in passenger-facing venues.

So the line announced a $250 million refurbishment project that included lengthening the ships by adding a new midsection. Extensive below-decks work was done to replace the existing engines with more efficient ones, as well as improve environmental standards. Above decks, each ship received 100 new cabins and suites, additional restaurants and expanded deck space to host a new infinity pool and more space for the line's famous deck barbecues.

Work on the project began in 2019, with the renovated ships debuting in 2021 and 2022.

Similar to Wind Surf, the Star Plus-class ships feature six passenger decks, a water sports platform, Amphora and Veranda/Candles restaurants and a boutique.

Each ship has a lounge that serves as an excursion assembly station and a theater for live entertainment and talks, as well as the large Compass Rose bar and lounge for dancing, drinking and whiling the evening away. Dining venues exclusive to this class include the alfresco Star Grill by Steven Raichlen and the Spanish Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso.

The spa and fitness center is much larger on these ships, featuring a complimentary thermal suite with heated lounges and saunas, as well as a separate workout room and fitness studio for group classes. A tiered infinity pool and hot tub are the focal point of Deck 7, but there's a somewhat-secret hot tub on Deck 5 forward, as well.

The Yacht Club is a gorgeous circular hangout and library space with board games and a little cafe area, and the Star Bar is surrounded by comfortable patio furniture one deck above the pool. There's also a screening room on Deck 5.

Related: Everything you need to know about Windstar Cruises' loyalty program

Cabins come in nine varieties. Five of them are the same size — 277 square feet — with two key differences. The first is whether the room offers a porthole, picture window or French balcony (which is big enough for one person to step out onto, but too small for a seating area); the second is whether the room has the original furnishings and the bed by the bathroom or is a newly built cabin with more modern furnishings and the bed by the window.

You can tell which style of cabin you're getting by the name. Star porthole, ocean-view and balcony suites are the new suites; plain ocean-view and balcony suites are the originals.

All cabins have updated bathrooms, some with tub-shower combos and others with shower only.

True suites range from 400 to 820 square feet, and include the Classic, Deluxe, Owner's Suite Forward and Owner's Suite Midship. The latter can be combined with surrounding standard suites to transform into a three-bedroom, 1,374-square-foot Grand Owner's Suite.

Related: The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship

The Star Plus-class ships are the line's traveling class, taking the longer, more sightseeing-focused routes in places like Alaska , Asia, Australia and northern Europe. With more indoor space, these ships can better handle destinations like Iceland and Alaska where the weather may prevent passengers from spending large amounts of time outdoors when sailing.

Bottom line

Windstar's two classes of ships can be quickly summarized as either sailing ships with smaller cabins and limited public spaces or upscale small ships with spacious cabins and more choices of restaurants and hangouts.

No matter which you choose, you'll get a similar experience. That's because each of the six ships honors the brand's themes of a casual onboard vibe with adult-focused upscale touches, fine dining in partnership with the James Beard Foundation, low-key outdoor fun, destination exploration and a friendly, helpful crew.

Windstar's fleet is so small that many cruisers find that the destination guides their vacation choice more than the ship. As the line carefully matches ship style to the itinerary, you'll likely find yourself content with whichever class of ship you find yourself sailing.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
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• CruiseMapper
• Windstar Cruises

Cruise line Windstar Cruises

• Piraeus-Athens (Greece)
• Puntarenas (Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica)
• Colon (Panama)
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands)
• Civitavecchia-Rome (Italy)

Wind Star current position

Wind Star current location is at Aegean Sea (coordinates 37.50214 N / 24.35593 E) cruising en route to MYKONOS. The AIS position was reported 2 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Wind Star

Wind Star current cruise is 7 days, round-trip Treasures of the Greek Isles . The itinerary starts on 14 Sep, 2024 and ends on 21 Sep, 2024 .

Specifications of Wind Star

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Wind Star Itineraries

Wind Star Review

Review of wind star.

The 1986-built cruise ship Wind Star is the first and oldest of the Windstar's sailing yachts, together with Wind Surf and Wind Spirit (sistership). These four-masted ships are uniquely designed for tall sailing cruises.

The vessel (IMO number 8420878) is currently Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 309163000) and registered in Nassau .

History - construction and ownership

Windstar Cruises is a luxury brand operating a fleet of smaller-sized ships (mega-yachts) with capacity up to 310 passengers. The company call at 150 ports throughout the Caribbean, Central America, South Pacific, Asia, Europe. Currently, Windstar is a subsidiary of Xanterra Parks and Resorts (USA's largest national and state park concession management company).

Windstar's namesake vessel, the 180-passenger ship Wind Star, is a 4-masted, motorized sailing yacht and the first of three in the Windstar's fleet. Yet, continuous maintenance and recent repair have kept it fresh and youthful. In the staterooms, scratchy old bathrooms have been spruced up with granite countertops, high-piled towels and nice shower sprayers; and new combination DVD/CD/iPod Nano players have upped the ante in the department of tech toys. Public places and dining venues have been updated, too.

Decks and Cabins

Wind Star yacht staterooms (74 total, in 5 grades) include 1x Suite and 73 Oceanview cabins. All accommodations are with Queen-size double beds, LCD TV, DVD player, Bose speakers, SoundDock for Apple iPods. The Owner's Suite is sized 220 ft2 / 20 m2 but like the rest of the cabins lacks a step-out balcony.

The boat has 5 decks , of which 2 are with cabins.

Windstar Wind Star ship 2012 renovations included a full update of the public rooms' decor. The staterooms are newly enhanced with leather headboards, linen wall coverings, armchairs, new lighting features, carpeting, window coverings, new artworks, stylish bed cushions and throws. With large windows and skylight, the ship's lounge is full of natural light the whole day.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Wind Star ship has two primary dining venues, both open seating: the AmphorA Restaurant in the evenings which offers course-by-course gourmet cuisine and Veranda restaurant with casual full-service and buffet dining (breakfast and lunch). A reservation is needed for Candles if you choose to dine under the stars. In 2012 The Restaurant was redesigned, renamed Amphora, and a new menu was launched. The Pool Bar also was redesigned to make additional alfresco seating for sunset dining at Candles Grill with a new awning and deck furniture.

Follows the complete list of Wind Star restaurants and food bars.

• AmphorA Restaurant (boat's dining room, open-seating; offers 5-course gourmet dinner menu which is changed daily; along with onboard-made bread, in all ports of call the executive chef goes to the local markets to shop for fresh ingredients)
• Candles Cafe & Veranda (a smaller "dining room" which offers buffet-style breakfast and lunch, as well as a la carte menu through the wait staff; its indoor area is called "Candles Cafe" and features floor-ceiling panoramic windows; the outdoor seating area is called "Veranda" - in the evenings, it transforms into "Candles Grill" (alfresco steakhouse).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

With teak wide-open decks of over 10,000 sq.feet of space, generous for this size ship, and 21,500 ft2 (2,000 m2) new sail overhead, Wind Star guests may find hidden nooks for their private moments with the feeling of their own veranda. Be sure you'll benefit from small Star ship's access to unreachable otherwise ports of call. Onboard amenities are the WindSpa, Casino, Library, Lounge, Pool, Watersports Platform, and Hot Tub. During 2012 renovation The Reception Zone received a make-over, as did The Lounge with new hardwood flooring and a new AV system.

Follows the complete list of Wind Star lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• The Marina (retractable water sports platform for water skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking; the ship provides a banana boat, waterski boat, sea kayaks, Sunfish sailboats, wakeboards, boards for windsurfing, paddleboards, scuba diving and snorkeling equipment, plus four Zodiacs; the steel cage forms a swimming pool in the sea)
• Lounge (boat's theatre/main show lounge for live evening entertainment); Library
• The Signature Shop/Boutique Shop (sells duty-free luxury fashion clothing and accessories)
• The Casino (with blackjack/roulette gambling tables, slot machines)
• WindSpa (operated by Steiner; has a treatment room, Sauna and Beauty Salon. Windstar's "Spa Under the Stars" program offers outdoor spa treatments (on the open deck).
• The Fitness Center (with free weights, exercycles and treadmills; offers complimentary exercise classes)
• Pool Area (with one swimming pool, a waterfall cascading from the whirlpool, sunbathing area served by the Pool Bar)
• The Flying Bridge deck is designed to resemble the traditional navigation point.

Itineraries

Wind Star itinerary program is based on Caribbean cruises from Barbados and Mediterranean Sea voyages with departures from homeports in Turkey and Greece. The ship offers Transatlantic repositioning crossings between Europe and the Caribbean.

In 2021, Tauck Travel (USA-based travel company) chartered Wind Star for a seasonal Eastern Mediterranean program based on the new "Treasures of the Aegean" cruise itinerary.

• The 10-day voyage had scheduled visits to Mykonos Island , Delos Island , Santorini Island , Patmos Island , Monemvasia , Piraeus (with included 2-night Athens City premium hotel stay), Ephesus (from Port Kusadasi, Turkey) .
• Tauck's 2021 schedule included as departure dates June 17 and 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, August 12, 19 and 26, September 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, and October 7.

Following the Coronavirus crisis 2020-21, Windstar restarted operations with Wind Star on June 19, 2021. The 7-night "Greek Islands" itinerary (roundtrip from Piraeus-Athens ) visited Mykonos, Kusadasi-Ephesus (Turkey), Patmos, Syros, Santorini, Monemvasia, Nafplio. The crew was vaccinated and all passengers were required to provide COVID vaccination proof. Also on June 19th restarted operations Star Breeze (7-night Caribbean itinerary roundtrip from Philipsburg, St Maarten ).

Photos of Wind Star

Wind Star ship related cruise news

Windstar Cruises unveils a multi-million refurbishment project for the 3 sailing ships (2023-2026)

Windstar Cruises has announced a comprehensive multi-year, multi-million-dollar project to enhance its classic sailing yachts, including the Wind...

Windstar Cruises unveils fleet deployment through winter 2025-2026

Windstar Cruises has made significant updates to its onboard cruise booking program, offering passengers more attractive incentives for booking...

Windstar releases cruise schedule through summer 2025

The Xanterra Parks & Resorts-owned ultra-premium cruise line Windstar announced its deployment through the summer of 2025, with key...

Windstar launches high-speed Starlink Internet across its global cruise fleet

Windstar Cruises announced the launch of Starlink Maritime's high-speed broadband satellite internet capabilities fleetwide. The company will...

Windstar Cruises’ flagship Wind Surf restarts Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona

The USA-headquartered (Xanterra Parks and Resorts-owned) company Windstar welcomed back its 342-passenger flagship Wind Surf to the sea. The...

Windstar Cruises restarts in French Polynesia & Tahiti aboard Wind Spirit

The U.S. headquartered small ship cruise line Windstar resumed operation in French Polynesia/the Islands of Tahiti with vaccinated passengers and...

Windstar Cruises restarted with 4-masted sailing yacht Wind Star from Athens

The owned by Xanterra Parks and Resorts premium company Windstar Cruises is sailing again with vaccinated passengers and crew onboard. The first...

Tauck introduces 10-day “Treasures of the Aegean” cruise aboard Wind Star

Tauck Travel introduced a 10-day “Treasures of the Aegean” cruise itinerary aboard the chartered from Windstar's sailship Wind Star...

Windstar requires COVID-19 vaccine for cruising

Until further notice, the premium travel company Windstar announced it would require proof of current COVID vaccination for all passengers sailing...

Windstar postpones cruises on 4 of its yachts

Windstar announced it had postponed sailings on 4 of its yachts. The cruise line is assessing multiple factors impacting their timing to resume...

•   show more news

Other Windstar Cruises cruise ships

• Star Breeze
• Star Legend
• Star Seeker
• Wind Spirit

Wind Star Wiki

Wind Star cruise ship was built as the first tall sailing ship in the fleet of Windstar Cruises. She is a member of a very specific class of three sister vessels - Wind Star, Wind Spirit and Wind Song. Wind Song had fire in the engine room in 2002, and the ship was scuttled. Windstar sailing yachts have a modern design, but still feature 6 sails on 4 masts, that are handled via a sophisticated computer program.

The yacht's design is based on smaller 5,350-ton motor sailing yachts constructed by the French shipbuilding company "Societe Nouvelle des Ateliers et Chantiers du Havre". Among those are the Windstar sail ships Wind Surf and Wind Spirit, and also Club Med 2 .

During Wind Star's last drydock refurbishment (2023, at Navantia Cadiz) a new mast was installed.

In 2012, Windstar completed an extensive (18-month long) drydock refurbishment project for renovations of the company's all three sail yachts - Wind Star, Wind Spirit and Wind Surf. Works included overhauls of all passenger staterooms, dining venues, public spaces, as well as new sails.

The ship Wind Star has fleet's first female Captain - Belinda Bennett (born on St Helena Island - a British Overseas Territory in South Atlantic Ocean). Her maritime career started at age 17, as a deck cadet on the cargo-passenger ship RMS St Helena . In September 2005, she joined Windstar as Second Officer and became Captain (Master) of Wind Star in January 2016.

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Ship Specifications

• ITINERARIES

Welcome Aboard Wind Star

Step aboard a vessel that is "180 °  from Ordinary," the four-masted schooner, Wind Star,  provides guests with a luxury yachting experience that is as delightfully pampering as it is uniquely personal. Renovated from stem to stern with open teak decks, Wind Star is intimate and stylish with public spaces that invite conversation and relaxation among guests.

Wind Star is a romantic, four-masted sailing ship with recently updated accommodations, a casual yet elegant atmosphere, and friendly service. While her towering sails echo a bygone era of explorers, her sleek lines and computerized controls are innovative in concept and design. Teak decking, rich wood interiors, an attentive service staff, intimate surroundings, eclectic artwork, exceptional signature cuisine featuring both light and vegetarian menu selections, and complimentary wine with dinner are the elements synonymous with your ship. Staterooms (188 square feet each) offer ocean views, new LCD flatscreen TV with an updated catalog of movies and shows, Bose SoundDock system, safe, mini-bar/refrigerator, international direct-dial phone, bathroom with pampering toiletries, hair dryer and plush terry robes. All are equipped with one standard U.S. 110 volt and European 220 volt, 60 cycle AC electrical outlet. Wind Star exudes a private, yacht-like ambiance creating camaraderie and lasting friendships among guests, a hallmark of small ship cruising.

See for yourself what Small Ship Cruising is all about

Lounging on the deck, lounge on one of wind star's decks with accompanying views of the water..

Wind Star is intimate and stylish with public spaces that invite conversation and relaxation. Tuck away in one of cozy nooks and crannies perfect for hiding away with a good book or conversing with friends.

Life onboard

"casual elegance" defines life aboard wind star....

Teak decking, rich wood interiors, an attentive service staff and intimate surroundings are just a few reasons that showcase the Windstar Cruises' slogan, "180 from Ordinary" to the fullest.

Pool & Jacuzzi

Take a dip in the pool to cool off or relax in the connected jacuzzi..

Renovated for 2024! Enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool to cool off during those hot days aboard Wind Star... or, alternatively, relax in the connecting hot tub, where you can converse with the friends you've met onboard as the jets massage your body. For those seeking a bit more adventure, a watersports platform, fitted with a variety of aquatic equipment to explore the wondrous ocean and native sea life, is yours to enjoy. For those who would like to enjoy a cool beverage throughout your journeys, the poolside bar has been recently expanded with additional seating.

Wind Star - refinished for 2023

The four-masted sailing yacht, wind star, is designed to show guests the world with luxury in mind.

The first in Windstar's multi-year refresh of their Wind Class ships, the recently refinished Wind Star offers guests numerous modern-day luxuries, including updated beautiful teak decks, tranquil staterooms featuring warm and contemporary color palettes and indulgent linens, updated gym with brand new Technogym equipment and backlit mirrors and a full refurbished spa.

With a maximum capacity of 148 passengers, the four-masted Wind Star provides guests with a yachting experience that is as delightfully pampering, as it is uniquely personal.

Onboard, enjoy a variety of public spaces including a salt-water swimming pool, hot tub and accompanying pool bar, the recently refurbished WindSpa, an entertainment lounge, a water sports platform and a library.

Wide open teak decks from end to end invite conversation between guests. Discover the hidden nooks in crannies throughout the ship for private moments that give guests a feeling of being on their own private veranda.

Staterooms (188-square-feet each) offer ocean views, queen-size beds, LCD flatscreen TV with an updated catalog of movies and shows on demand, Bose SoundDock speaker system, safe, mini-bar/refrigerator, international direct-dial phone and private bathroom with premier toiletries, hair dryer and plush terry robes with accompanying slippers.

• Completely redesigned welcome lobby with open reception and additional seating
• Redesigned lounge with living-room like ambiance
• New pool and Whirlpool hot tub
• Expanded poolside bar with additional seating
• Fully refurbished spa
• Equipment available for a variety of aquatic activities including kayaking, water-skiing, windsurfing and snorkeling, weathering permitting
• A choice of onboard dining available, including the gourmet AmphorA restaurant for evening meals and the casual Veranda for breakfast and lunch
• Candles Grill, an alternate option, offers dinner by candlelight under the stars, weather permitting
• State-of-the-art audio equipment installed throughout the ship
• Updated gym including brand new Technogym equipment and backlit mirrors
• With over 100 crew members on board at any given time, attentive service is a top priority
• All staterooms are equipped with one standard U.S. 110-volt and European 220-volt, 60 cycle AC electrical outlet

Welcome Aboard

Flying bridge.

View Cabin Categories

Category AX Deluxe

Category BX Deluxe

Onboard Experience

Wake up aboard the romantic, four-masted Wind Star in your sumptuous oceanview stateroom, whose amenities include a queen-sized bed and a private bathroom with pampering premier toiletries. Breakfast tempts in the casual Veranda restaurant. After breakfast, you may venture off the ship for a morning of guided sightseeing ashore, or indulge in onboard pleasures that are the mainstay of the yachting set – because this elegant sailing ship feels very much like a private yacht. Lunch as you choose… onboard in the Veranda, or perhaps staying ashore to sample the local fare in today's port of call. Beverages, from soft drinks to house wine and spirits, complement your mood and are available onboard throughout the day. Afternoon invites more exploration ashore… or relaxation onboard, whether it's cuddling up with a good book in the library… taking a dip in the ship's pool or relaxing in the hot tub… sipping a cocktail in the lounge… attending an insightful lecture by an onboard expert… enjoying a rejuvenating treatment in the WindSpa… or going snorkeling in the ocean from the watersports platform aft. This evening, dine with new friends – or enjoy a romantic dinner for two – under the stars at Candles Grill, or in the gourmet AmphorA restaurant. Nighttime brings out the stars in the sky above… and time to watch them twinkle from the open deck with Wind Star's sails unfurled. Or, you can try your luck in the Casino, or enjoy live entertainment in the lounge. When you return to your stateroom, Windstar's signature bowls of flowers and fresh fruit will be waiting for you. And when it's time to turn in, you'll close your eyes and sleep to the rhythm of the seas aboard Windstar's classic four-masted flagship, Wind Star. Read Less

ALL ITINERARIES

Cruising with Wind Star

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Windstar Cruises

Partner Since 1998

Founded in 1984 as Windstar Sail Cruises, Windstar Cruises today is one of the world's leading operators of small luxury cruise ships. Its award-winning fleet of yachts accommodating between 148 and 310 guests sails to some 150 ports in 50 nations across the globe. Our guests have enjoyed Tauck's personalized sailing on Windstar ships for many years, including the company's classic yachts  Wind Star  and Wind Surf .

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

8 Experiences That Make A Windstar Cruise Worth The Price

• Cruises and Sailing
• Luxury Travel
• Types of Travel

In December, I had my first cruise with Windstar. Boarding the Star Legend in St. Maarten, my husband and I set sail on a romantic and adventurous itinerary with a cruise brand known for offering exceptional vacations and a reputation to back that claim. We had a week of sailing through the Caribbean, soaking up the sights in Antigua, the BVI, and St. Bart’s to create memories that will last for a lifetime and really get to know the Windstar brand. As an avid cruiser, this cruise’s price tag was a bit higher than my previous cruises. But, let me tell you how that extra bit more than makes up for it with these eight experiences that make a Windstar cruise worth the price tag.

Windstar hosted me as a guest to familiarize myself with this brand. As always, opinions and reviews are 100 percent my own and unbiased. 

1. Smaller Crowds

It might surprise you that the Windstar yachts only hold about 200–310 passengers. Not only is this a big difference in the mega cruise ships that often make you feel like a herd of cattle going through long buffet lines and waiting to disembark the ship at port, but it allows you to get to know the other cruisers. It also allows the crew to know you — your cruise preferences and your name. While I have met friendly cruise staff on each of the 50+ cruises I’ve taken, this was more like we were all just guests of Windstar, not crew and cruisers.

I especially think that, in the craziest of times we have faced since 2020, this is one of the most appealing cruise offerings possible. The Windstar team has assumed extra sanitation measures and are held to the highest standard of safety practices. This was apparent from the personalized service of staff members making up our buffet plates to the onboard doctor that was a seamless and pleasant transaction for the guests.

2. Windstar’s Stylish Yacht & Rooms

There are no cruise boats or ships with Windstar, only yachts and sailboats. I took the Star Legend , a small, incredibly picturesque yacht. The Legend was small enough to learn my way around in a short time, without wasting precious vacation time. Still, it was big enough to cuddle up for a warm-weather nap, read a good book, have an intimate conversation, or watch as we sailed through the mesmerizing blue waters.

Speaking only for the Star Legend , this yacht offers all-suite rooms. We even had a full-size closet, perfect for storing suitcases, hanging our clothes, and keeping our main room straight. Features in our stateroom that rated highest were L’Occitane en Provence toiletries, cozy robes, a comfortable couch, a heavenly bed, premium Egyptian cotton sheets, and a fully-stocked mini-fridge.

3. Lesser-Known Ports Of Call

I’ve studied cruise itineraries for over 20 years, and the ports of call for large cruise ships rarely change. I was shocked to see the remote destinations that Windstar Cruises travel to. My husband and I took the St. Maarten cruise that went to the British Virgin Islands, and though we had been to Virgin Gorda with others, Tortola and Jost Van Dyke were two places I’ve seldom seen on other itineraries. And we also had the chance to go to Gustavia (St. Bart’s), the island of all things luxury and exuberant.

If you are jonesing for a one-of-a-kind cruise, I’ll let you know that Windstar Cruises visits Tahiti , Kobe, Bordeaux , and Honfleur , not your typical cruise ports. 

Pro Tip: Cruise lines can change the itinerary for the passenger’s safety and best experiences. This is common practice, so please roll with the punches should it happen. Often the passengers are unaware of the entire situation unfolding that causes these decisions.

4. Windstar’s Exceptional Food

When the general public talks about cruises, they tend to think of huge, overflowing buffets with mediocre food, but lots of it. And that makes many cruisers perfectly happy. I tend to lean toward quality over quantity, so the high-end food choices — many locally sourced — on Windstar Cruises made me a happy girl. Our meals were terrific!

Indulge in delightful breakfasts with an array of made-to-order eggs, fluffy pancakes, and decadent eggs Benedict. The buffet caters to all tastes, featuring a variety of Indian delights, smoked meats, comforting food favorites, soups, and sandwiches for lunch. With 24-hour room service, unlimited ice cream, and a charming coffee shop serving tempting mini-sandwiches and sweets, your culinary desires will be satisfied.

I was shocked (mic-drop here) that the main dining room — the basic one for those of you new to the cruise world — is the only cruise line at sea endorsed by and is the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation . Yes, you read that right. The foundation was created in part to recognize the efforts of those putting America’s culinary skills a cut above the rest, and that is apparent with the chef-inspired dishes on these ships. Windstar Cruises brings people to plates on the high seas that are “180 degrees from ordinary.”

5. Star Legend’s Specialty Restaurants

As if the food wasn’t remarkable enough, there are specialty restaurants on a Windstar cruise. The Star Legend had the lovely Spanish restaurant, Cuadro 44, and Candles, a classic steakhouse. Cuadro 44 offers coastal Spanish tapas, wines, and exotic seafood in a vibrant, energetic setting, while Candles is a more romantic restaurant with white table cloths, candlelight, and al fresco dining. 

Now get this… they are included in your cruise fare. You pay no additional fees to dine in these restaurants that serve high-end items like Ibérico ham, lamb chops, Galician-style octopus, and jumbo prawns.

Fun Fact: Cuadro 44 only holds 38 passengers, so this small-scale dining experience is highly desirable.

6. Adventurous Cruise Excursions

I’ve been told that Windstar caters to a more active group of travelers. The website boasts 2,500 one-of-a-kind tours, and that is mind-boggling. I found many of the Windstar cruise excursions to be on the moderate to strenuous side of the scale, but there was still plenty for others to enjoy, too. From scuba diving to visiting private islands, there was a wide range of activities and experiences.

Windstar also offers many custom tours, including a carefully-curated excursion for your family and friends, or even a solo trip, to see the sights you wish to visit with an English-speaking guide in a private car or van. These guides are also fully bonded, insured, and licensed.

Check into the culinary shore excursions onboard Windstar Cruises, as well. These opportunities take cruise passengers to local wineries, breweries, and even hands-on cooking classes to learn from the locals and eat and drink with goods from the region you are visiting.

7. Ratio Of Cruise Staff To Cruise Guests

My cruise ship could potentially hold 312 passengers. On this particular sailing, there were only around 158 passengers, which meant running at half capacity for guests. This meant no lines, no packed swimming pools or hot tubs, and nearly 1.25 cruise staff per passenger. 

I swear, I don’t know how the Windstar staff does it, but they would remember every name, drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) choice, favorite things, and where we were from. Often, we didn’t have time to think we needed something before a smiling face showed up with said item in hand. I kept thinking of the Ritz Carlton tagline, “My pleasure Mrs. Pittman.”

Fun Fact: For even more excellent cruise concierge service, allow Windstar to help you book your air travel, pre and post hotel and tour reservations, and even your itinerary for a fantastic vacation.

8. A Unique Beach Barbecue Dining Experience

Something new to my cruising experiences happened on the Windstar Star Legend . It was supposed to be two things, but one got postponed and then canceled due to inclement weather. But, the one that did take place was incredible, and I think you will agree.

In a port where we had to tender (take small boats) to the shore, Windstar set up a beach barbecue for all of its guests to enjoy for lunch. Virgin Gorda was the perfect setting for the festive tables, steel-drum musicians, paella and bbq meats buffet, and tropical backdrop. The amount of effort that went into shuttling all things necessary (plates, glassware, utensils, food, beverages, linens, etc.) to the shore for us to have a memorable lunch honestly brings tears to my eyes. What a fantastic brand and staff that braves, in our case, extreme waves and weather conditions for a quick dining experience that creates such a heartwarming memory. It was well-appreciated.

Windstar, if you made that macaroni and cheese because I mentioned it, thank you. They canceled the deck barbecue mentioned above due to the weather, but I heard from repeat passengers that this is one of their favorite Windstar offerings.

Pro Tip: I like to bring a few cards from home and leave a tip for my favorite cruise staff, along with a personalized message to thank them for enriching my vacation.

For more premiere cruising options , check out our recent coverage:

• Epic 3-Year World Cruise Sets Sail This November — What You Need To Know
• 6 Tips For Choosing The Best Yacht Charter Experience
• 6 Best Antarctica Expedition Cruises To Add To Your Bucket List

Melody and her daughter Taylor run both Wherever I May Roam and Travel The South travel blogs. She is a digital influencer, freelances for both print and online publications, and hosts an annual travel conference, Southern Travelers Explore. Melody has been traveling her entire adult life and has visited 49 states and 49 countries. She loves cruising, small towns, historical sights, and National Parks.

The Roaming Boomers

Review: sailing windstar cruises wind surf.

Posted by David Porter on Thursday, December 29, 2016 · 17 Comments  

Our group of Roaming Boomers aboard the Windsurf

Our Personal Experience Sailing Aboard the Windstar Cruises Motor Sailing Yacht: Wind Surf

Note: click all photographs for larger views.

One of the missions of our website is to expose our readers and clients to off-the-beaten-path experiences. As we see it, why travel with the hordes if you can have a fabulous travel experience far from the madding crowd.

When it comes to ocean cruises, if the idea of sailing with an army of 6,000 people makes you feel icky, then thankfully, today’s evolving cruise industry is providing wonderful alternative options.

Carol and I recently sailed with Windstar Cruises on a 9-night sailing in the Caribbean and really enjoyed the experience.

Windstar Cruises offers a fabulous blend of luxury, value, and intimate small-ship cruising that deserves your rapt attention!

Carol and I, along with a group of 7 other “roaming boomers” that came with us, sailed aboard the Wind Surf which Windstar Cruises bills as the world’s largest motor sailing yacht.

I’ve been sitting here staring at my computer screen for about 20 minutes trying to figure out how to best describe our 9-day experience in an article that is informative, valuable to our readers, but yet not so large that you lose interest part-way through.  Therefore, I’ve decided to keep our review article limited to the major categories that folks would first want to know about, and create shorter deep-dive pieces in the future about our various experiences.

So that we don’t bury the lead, would we sail with Windstar Cruises again?  Yes.  Absolutely!

Now, let’s get into the good stuff…

The Ship: Windstar Cruises Wind Surf

This ship has 6 passenger decks, and holds a maximum of 310 guests with 122 deluxe ocean-view staterooms, 31 deluxe ocean-view suites, and 2 deluxe ocean-view bridge suites.

As you can see, the ship (part cruise ship, part yacht) features five massive computerized sails that reach 221 ft. above sea level. And important to me, the Wind Surf has a passenger space ratio of 47.5, which is nearly double the passenger spaces that many of the large cruise ships feature.  That means you won’t be fighting over a place to park yourself with a good book on deck.

As most of our sailing was done at night, we didn’t really get to experience the sails much.  However, each night the ship featured a “sail-away” event which resembled a Disney-like atmosphere with dramatic music playing throughout the ship as each of the sails was unfurled to the setting of the sun.

In this photograph, you can see that one of the unique features of a yacht-cruise is a marina on the back of the ship.  As the ship was generally moored at most of our locations, those who wanted to play in the warm Caribbean waters had great fun using the ship’s complimentary water sports equipment.

I snagged this photograph (below) showing one of our sunset sail-aways.  Looks fun.  Right?

Windstar Cruises Wind Surf Staterooms

Carol and I enjoyed one of the deluxe ocean-view suites (pictured above).  Our suite was 376 sq. ft. and was essentially two of the ship’s standard staterooms combined to make one suite.  As a result, we had two bathrooms, two desk areas, loads of storage space, and being able to draw the curtains when I rose in the morning before Carol was a plus she enjoyed.

Some of the folks traveling with us opted for the 188 sq. ft. deluxe ocean-view stateroom.  Inquiring about these staterooms, their comments were that they were small, but they didn’t feel squished, had ample storage, a nice desk area, and as they weren’t spending much time in their rooms anyway, they felt completely satisfied.

If you take a peek at our ocean-view suite above, you’ll notice that there is no balcony.  With rare exceptions, this is standard on a yacht cruise.  Behind each of the curtains in our stateroom were two portholes giving the illusion of two large picture windows.  There was ample natural light, and like our guests commented above, we didn’t spend much time in our stateroom anyway as there were ample common spaces above to sneak away and relax.

I know that some of you reading this will simply put yacht cruising out of your minds because there are no verandas.  But to me, the other benefits of our sailing yacht experience far outweighed the fact that we had no balcony. Keep in mind, there were only 300 of us on board.  I would happily give up a veranda to not be around 5,000 other people.

Dining Aboard the Windstar Cruises Wind Surf

I grabbed this photograph one morning and I think this pretty much says it all. Granted, these were the first people to be seated on this delightful morning, but dining on the Wind Surf is akin to dining on your own private yacht.  We enjoyed breakfast and lunch in this setting every single day, and loved it.

At night, this area is transformed into what they call Candles Restaurant where guests can enjoy steaks and fine seafood under the stars.  AmphorA, the ship’s main dining room served wonderful dining experiences each night with standard American cuisine available along with regional specials each night.  One night we enjoyed a massive BBQ under the stars on the top deck, and when we were in St. Lucia, Windstar gave us a fabulous beach BBQ.

With Windstar Cruises, all meals are complimentary in all venues at all times, including the room service menu available 24 hours.  We ordered breakfast in our room a few mornings, and several times enjoyed a simple sandwich, cookie, and cappuccino in the Yacht Club Sandwich & Espresso Bar.

Overall, our group gave the cuisine aboard ship 4.3 stars out of 5, with 5 being a Michelin-star rated restaurant.  You should also know that our group gave the staff aboard ship a 5 out of 5 rating.  They really were remarkable.  In just a few days, most of the staff that we interacted with knew our names, knew our wine preferences, and really made us feel at home.

Here’s two guys enjoying the pool one lazy afternoon in port. And I snagged the photograph below while on a fun-filled shore excursion at the world-famous frigatebird sanctuary in Barbuda.

I grabbed this photograph during one of our sunset sail-aways.  Can you picture yourself here?

Yacht Cruise or Mega-Ship

When we were moored in St. Martin, I was enjoying a good book on the back of our yacht when I spied this behemoth to the right coming into port. I was flabbergasted by its size.  I quickly grabbed my flip-flops and ran off the Wind Surf determined to get a photograph that might compare these two completely different cruising options.

The ship on the right carries 5,400 people and once they competed the docking process, people started streaming out of the belly of this thing like ants out of an ant hill.  I went to the very front of the monstrosity to capture my photograph, but from that vantage point, you could hardly see the Wind Surf.  So, I opted for a photograph that compared roughly half of said monster-ship against the elegant Wind Surf.

I don’t know.  You tell me.  Which would you rather sail the ocean blue upon?  It’s a no brainer for us.  We prefer smaller ships and no crowds. Monster-ship is very limited in where she can go.  Where our nimble sailing yacht could moor nearly anywhere in the world.  Nuff said?

It’s all about the ship.  Really?

Carol and I were meeting with the sales rep for the company that represents the ship to the right, and she made a comment that “ocean cruising is all about the ship”.  And I’ll admit, if I were 30 years old and single, or perhaps doing a multi-generational trip with my family, I would be drawn to something more like the ship on the right.  But when we’re traveling, the ship is certainly important, but for us, it’s all about the destination.  And the ship on the left is going to allow me to experience destinations far away from the crowds.

So, ask yourself, when you contemplate an ocean cruise, do you want to come home and boast about the ship you were on, or would you rather boast about the off-the-beaten-path destinations you visited?

Carol pretending to steer the ship.

Summing it all up

Carol and I really enjoyed our sailing experience aboard the Windstar Cruises Wind Surf.  When we asked our group of “roaming boomers” to rate the total experience, 0 being get me off this tub, and 5 being the most luxurious and best of the best ever, they gave the Wind Surf a 4.3.

Windstar Cruises isn’t trying to compete against the ultra-luxe yacht cruises that are now becoming available in the marketplace.  They have a unique niche in the 4+star market, we really enjoyed it, and would happily do it again.  Plus, when I share with folks that our 10-day sailing started at only $1,795/person, they are generally shocked as they expected a much higher price tag.

So.  Bottom line?  Carol and I highly recommend that you consider getting far away from the madding crowd on your next ocean cruise and try a peaceful, elegant cruise aboard the Windstar Cruises Wind Surf.

We promise, you’re going to enjoy it greatly.

And Lastly, a Shameless Commercial Plug

Now that you’re ready to book your own sailing on the Wind Surf, you can call Windstar Cruises or you can call our travel agency.  Either will get your cruise booked for the exact same price, but we have a lot of hand’s on experience that the very nice 30-something sitting in a cubicle can’t really bring you.  Plus, as we’re also affiliated with the $15 billion/year Virtuoso Travel Network, we are likely to also have some nice complimentary VIP perks for your booking as well.

Either way, we highly recommend that you experience a sailing with Windstar Cruises.  After this sailing, Carol and I have put one of their even smaller motor yachts on our bucket list.  I’m thinking that a cruise of the Greek Isles aboard one of their 200 passenger luxury motor yachts would really be the cat’s meow.  Don’t you agree?

Again, to book your Windstar Cruise, call our travel agency at (480) 550-1235, or use our convenient online information request ( click here ) and we’ll reach out to you.

Category: Barbuda , Blog , Guadeloupe , St. Lucia , Windstar Cruises · Tags: Luxury Cruises , Windstar Cruises

17 Comments on “ Review: Sailing Windstar Cruises Wind Surf ”

We do Windstar every year…truly, a one of a kind voyage with minimal “cruisers” on board – the Windstar intellect know the vast difference between large cattle boats and the intimate yachts at Windstar! A special kind of “medicine” that no doctor can prescribe – good for the soul !!!

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your love of Windstar. When we were sailing with Windstar, we met a guy named Bill who has sailed with Windstar 93 times and is looking forward to his 100th Windstar sailing soon. We’re going to put Windstar in the special part of our brains for “want to do again” and look forward to another Windstar experience, perhaps in the Med next time. Again, thanks for sharing! 😀

Hi, sounds fabulous.

Hi Rich. It was, and we’d happily go again. 🙂

Well said! Been there done that since 2004! Due number 7 on Star Pride seond on her

Doing our 9thTrans Atlantic on the Surf in November then staying aboard for the Caribbean cruise and really looking forward to another great crossing ! Twenty days of the best ! Did Barcelona -Lisbon last year and really enjoyed it however we prefer the crossing.

Is the weather rough on the Atlantic crossing? Thanks.

How was the T/A? We are booked for this April 2019 on the Surf.

For those fans and readers of the Roaming Boomers – I must say that doing trans-Atlantic crossings and the Caribbean are great…however, as an alternative, sailing with Windstar in Tahiti / French Polynesia is tantamount to sailing on your “private” yacht in paradise on earth. Only 148 privileged guests aboard the Windspirit yacht is a true bucket list journey – that will turn your wanderlust dreams into a precious lifetime memory!

We just did that Windstar Tahiti/French Poynesia trip this summer and we loved it! We are now going to the do a 7 day on the Star Legend in the Caribbean in December. We couldn’t wait to get back on a Windstar cruise.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your love of Windstar. Have fun on your next cruise.

We just finished a cruise of the Riviera on Silver Seas. I was surprised how dressed up all the people were – we are from New England and live in blue jeans and sneakers. Of course, many of the passengers were European, not American. Do Windstar Cruises have that kind of atmosphere or are they more casual in dress and atmosphere?

Does Windstar go to Alaska?

Yes. Here’s a link: https://www.windstarcruises.com/destinations/alaska/ And when you find a cruise you like, be sure to check with u as we may well have some complimentary perks to add to your booking.

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Windstar Cruises Beverage Guide

This guide contains all of the beverage options available on Windstar Cruises, covering everything from the packages, bar menu, wine list and what’s available in the stateroom minibar. I’ve also included a couple of money saving tips, bottoms up!

Beverage Packages

Windstar signature cocktails, classic cocktails, modern with a twist, the perfect nightcaps, coffee cocktails, zero-proof cocktails, zero-proof spirits, white wines by the glass, red wines by the glass, rosé by the glass, sparkling wines by the glass, windstar minibar price list, windstar cruises drinks faqs.

Windstar also offers two beverage packages which can be excellent value depending on how much you drink whilst on a cruise. They also have an ‘All-in’ package that makes the cruise become all-inclusive and is actually a really good deal as it includes gratuities and Wi-Fi. I highly recommend working out how many drinks you think you will have a day and then seeing if the package makes sense for you. As a lighter drinker I generally use buy drinks individually and find the onboard credit I receive from the Yacht Club loyalty scheme covers most of if not all of my drinks bill.

Top tip: if you are cruising to some EU countries like Italy and Spain Windstar are forced to apply VAT to any beverage packages or drinks purchased if you don’t have a package. The VAT rate is 22% but this can be avoided by purchasing your package at the time of booking or on the Windstar website before the sailing date.

Top tip: The All-in package is $89 per person per day if booked at least 7 days before the cruise starts but $99 per person per day if purchased onboard.

Prices accurate as of March 2024

Windstar Bar Menu with Prices

One of my small Windstar gripes is how limited the beer selection is. Sometimes the bar manager will stock a local beer, for example on our Indonesian cruise there was a wonderful local beer called Bintang but in my opinion the selection is too limited. I come from the UK where we have access to a lot of very interesting craft beers even in big chain establishments. I just wish Windstar would have a more expansive selection, like they do with wines. Also why do they only have one cider and why has it been shoved in with the beers? One cider isn’t good enough either.

Windstar Wine List with Prices

I am a big fan of how the minibar works on Windstar. All soft drinks and bottled water in the bar are complimentary and so are the alcoholic drinks if you are on a beverage package. Your cabin steward will adjust how the minibar is stocked to your preferences. If you don’t drink alcohol they will restock it with the soft drinks or bottled water of your choice. On my recent Mediterranean cruise my wife and I consumed many bottles of San Pellegrino, which were replenished twice a day by our wonderful steward Sunni.

You will also find two jugs of still water which are replenished twice a day, along with an ice bucket and tongs and a variety of quality glassware (not shown in picture) so you can make a cocktail in the room. Room service can also deliver drinks to the cabin , another nice touch.

Prices do not include gratuity, VAT in certain EU destinations and will not necessarily apply if you are on a beverage package.

Prices accurate as of March 2024 .

Is there a service charge on drinks?

Yes, if you are buying alcoholic drinks outside of a beverage package there is an 18% service charge.

Is there a minimum drinking age?

Yes, you have to be at least 21 year old to drink on any Windstar cruise regardless of itinerary.

Is the cabin mini bar complimentary?

Soft drinks and water from the mini bar are complimentary. Alcoholic beverages incur a charge unless you have purchased a beverage package.

When can I buy a beverage package on a Windstar cruise?

Packages can be purchased before the cruise or during the first two days of the cruise.

Do Windstar sell tobacco?

Yes Windstar sell Marlboro Red or Gold from the bars. The price is $8.00 plus service charge.

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Interflug A310 Incident, Moscow, 1991

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The Essence of Small Ship Sailing

Wind Spirit is a sleek, 4-masted sailing yacht accommodating 148 guests. With four decks and a gross tonnage of 5,736, Wind Spirit feels like your own private yacht.

Wind Spirit features wide open, teak decks—quite unusual for small ships. Guests will find hidden nooks for private moments giving them a feeling of being on their own private veranda.

All staterooms have ocean views, queen beds, and flat-screen TV with DVD player. The Owner’s Suite includes a sitting area.

Wind Spirit offers two primary dining venues. Amphora restaurant offers gourmet, course-by-course cuisine in the evenings and Veranda restaurant offers casual buffet and full-service dining for breakfast and lunch. All dining is open seating. And, for dining under the stars, make a reservation for Candles which features steaks and skewers.

Wind Spirit amenities include: World Spa by Windstar, Watersports Platform, Lounge, Library, Pool, and Hot Tub.

Windstar has always been known for our iconic sailing ships, and now we are embarking on a multi-year refresh of the Wind Class ships. The initiative, Setting Sails: A Wind Class Refresh , brings the tight-knit connection of the Windstar community to the forefront through the redesign of public spaces and staterooms. From a revamped lobby to a new pool and larger pool bar, new World Spa by Windstar to a redesigned lounge, this initiative also includes intricate details like new teak decks and décor for a timeless and welcoming experience. Wind Spirit will complete her redesign in 2025.

Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers TV with DVD Player Fully Stocked Mini Bar/Refrigerator Safe L'Occitane Bath Amenities Fresh Fruit Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets Wi-Fi (internet cards can be purchased at reception) Bathroom with granite countertop and shower Granite vanity with magnifying mirror

• CAPACITY: 148 Guests
• STATEROOMS: 73 deluxe ocean view staterooms
• OWNERS SUITE: 1 ocean view owner’s suite
• DECKS: 4 decks
• CREW:  101 international staff
• SHIP'S REGISTRY: Bahamas
• LENGTH: 360 feet (110 meters) at waterline; 440 feet (134 meters) including bowsprit
• DRAFT: 14 feet (4.1 meters)
• TONNAGE: 5,703 gross registered tons (grt)
• BEAM: 52.1 feet (15.8 meters)
• SAILS: 6 triangular, self-furling, computer-operated sails with 21,500 square feet (or 2,200 square meters) of Dacron surface area
• MASTS: 4 at 204 feet (62 meters)
• ENGINES: 3 diesel electric generating sets, 1 electrical propulsion motor
• SPEED: 10 knots with engines only; up to 15.8 knots with prevailing wind