Windstar Cruises: Our Cruise Line Guide

The back story

Fleet: Wind Class sailing yachts Wind Star, Wind Spirit and Wind Surf; Star Class all-suite yachts Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride, Star Seeker and Star Explorer (windstarcruises.com, Oct 2026) · Guests per yacht: 150 to 350 per sailing: Wind Star 148, Wind Surf 342, Star Class 224–312 · Founded: 1984, when Wind Star was commissioned; part of the Xanterra Travel Collection · Newest: Star Explorer, first sailing season from December 2026; Star Seeker, the first Star Class new build, from December 2025 · Gratuities: Suggested onboard gratuities are extra unless the All-Inclusive Package is booked (windstarcruises.com) · Sails to: The Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Tahiti and the South Pacific, Asia, Latin America, North America and ocean crossings

1. W

   The back story

   Windstar Cruises: the back story

   Windstar Cruises·In depth

   Four decades of small-ship sailing, from a 148-guest yacht with real sails in 1984 to two new all-suite yachts.

   Explore →View on map ↗

The fleet

Who it suits. On a budget: Couples who want a small ship without luxury prices: an ocean-view stateroom on a Wind Class sailing yacht, and an early-booking offer that adds the All-Inclusive Package. Mid-range: A Star Class suite of 225–288 sq ft with a balcony or a floor-to-ceiling infinity window, on the Mediterranean or in Tahiti. Luxury: The 548 sq ft Owner’s-level suite on Star Seeker or Star Explorer, with a 248 sq ft wraparound balcony, separate dining and living areas and a powder room.

1. W

   342 guests

   Wind Surf

   Windstar Cruises·Sailing yacht · Wind Class flagship·€€

   Windstar’s flagship sailing ship, with real working sails, for 342 guests.

   Explore →View on map ↗

   
2. W

   Wind Star: 148 guests

   Wind Star and Wind Spirit

   Windstar Cruises·Sailing yachts · Wind Class·€€

   The yachts that started it all: Wind Star, commissioned in 1984 for 148 guests, and her sister Wind Spirit, both under real sails.

   Explore →View on map ↗
3. S

   Up to 312 guests

   Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride

   Windstar Cruises·All-suite yachts · Star Class·€€

   All-suite yachts with spacious ocean-view suites, updated bathrooms and walk-in closets; Star Legend and Star Pride carry 312 guests.

   Explore →View on map ↗
4. S

   224 guests, 112 suites

   Star Seeker and Star Explorer

   Windstar Cruises·All-suite yachts · Star Class new builds·€€€

   Windstar’s first Star Class new builds: Star Seeker sailing since December 2025, and Star Explorer from December 2026.

   Explore →View on map ↗

The suites

1. T

   548 + 248 sq ft

   Top suite (Star Seeker and Star Explorer)

   Windstar Cruises·Signature suite·€€€

   A 548 sq ft suite with floor-to-ceiling windows and a 248 sq ft wraparound balcony, on the new Star Class yachts.

   Explore →View on map ↗
2. B

   288–380 sq ft

   Balcony suites (Star Seeker and Star Explorer)

   Windstar Cruises·Suite·€€€

   Suites of 288, 353 and 380 sq ft, each with a 110 sq ft private balcony and a bedroom with its own door to it.

   Explore →View on map ↗
3. I

   280–301 sq ft

   Infinity-window suites (Windstar)

   Windstar Cruises·Suite·€€

   Suites with a wide floor-to-ceiling infinity window whose top half opens to the sea breeze.

   Explore →View on map ↗

Dining on board

1. A

   Open seating

   Amphora

   Windstar Cruises·Main restaurant·€€

   Windstar’s main dining room: the manager seats you, but where, when and with whom is your choice.

   Explore →View on map ↗
2. C

   Signature

   Candles

   Windstar Cruises·Open-air restaurant·€€

   Windstar’s signature outdoor restaurant, transformed by night for dinner under the stars with wine pairings.

   Explore →View on map ↗
3. B

   Star Seeker and Star Explorer

   Basil + Bamboo

   Windstar Cruises·Asian-Mediterranean·€€

   The newest specialty restaurant, fusing Asian influences with a Mediterranean twist.

   Explore →View on map ↗
4. S

   Wind Surf only

   Stella Bistro

   Windstar Cruises·French bistro·€€

   French-inspired café cuisine, indulgent desserts and wines matched to the meal, on Wind Surf.

   Explore →View on map ↗
5. V

   Al fresco

   Veranda and the deck barbecue

   Windstar Cruises·Breakfast, lunch and barbecue·€€

   Breakfast and lunch al fresco in Veranda, and the deck barbecue of international dishes, a highlight of every voyage.

   Explore →View on map ↗

Spa and wellness

1. W

   Fitness centre

   World Spa by Windstar

   Windstar Cruises·Spa·€€

   Windstar’s spa, which on Star Explorer has a grand entrance from the deck above, with a fitness facility.

   Explore →View on map ↗

Life on board

1. W

   Selected itineraries

   Watersports Platform

   Windstar Cruises·Life on board

   A platform at the stern for swimming and watersports straight from the yacht, with snorkel gear fitted for your use on Tahiti cruises.

   Explore →View on map ↗
2. D

   Included on many voyages

   Destination Discovery Events

   Windstar Cruises·Life on board

   Exclusive evenings ashore: a sunset on a private motu in French Polynesia, a dinner at Ephesus after hours or the Tower of London after closing.

   Explore →View on map ↗
3. J

   Culinary voyages

   James Beard Foundation voyages

   Windstar Cruises·Life on board

   As the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar sails acclaimed guest chefs on selected voyages, with market visits, demonstrations and exclusive dinners.

   Explore →View on map ↗

Where it sails

1. W

   Small harbours

   Where Windstar sails

   Windstar Cruises·Itineraries

   The Mediterranean and Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Tahiti and the South Pacific, Asia, Latin America and North America, plus ocean crossings and RiverOcean voyages.

   Explore →View on map ↗

What’s included and how to book

1. W

   Gratuities extra unless all-inclusive

   Windstar fares and the All-Inclusive Package

   Windstar Cruises·How to book

   Suggested onboard gratuities are extra in the standard fare; the All-Inclusive Package covers gratuities, unlimited Wi-Fi and select beer, cocktails and wine by the glass.

   Explore →View on map ↗