Windstar Cruises are for travelers who love the romance of the sea and are looking for quiet exploration on a small boat, intimate and personal.
With small ships, distinctive itineraries and a relaxed, yacht-style atmosphere, sailing with Windstar feels more like a private trip than a typical cruise. The fleet also grew; Star Seeker was launched at the end of 2025 and Star Explorer will be christened in London in June 2026.
Here are ten reasons why this boutique cruise line has become a favorite among discerning travelers.
1. Small ships, big experience The Windstar fleet carries between 148 and 342 guests, creating an intimate atmosphere on board where you will never feel lost in the crowd.
These smaller ships can also access ports that larger cruise ships simply cannot reach, opening the door to more authentic destinations and quieter ports. On board Star Class yachts, each room is a spacious suite with ocean views.
There is also another choice. Would you like to return to the quiet era of sailing? Wind Class yachts feature functional sails for a timeless cruising experience.
No matter which yacht you board, the Windstar experience will be 180 degrees from the ordinary.
2. A real yacht-style atmosphere Windstar describes its ships as “yachts” and the comparison is apt. The atmosphere on board is relaxed, social and unpretentious.
Expect open decks, teak railings and a casual elegance that encourages guests to relax rather than dress up.
Many guests are seasoned travelers who explore the world through Windstar cruises. Conversations over coffee, cocktails and dinner are often cosmopolitan and fascinating.
3. Unique, Less Crowded Destinations Due to their size, Windstar ships can sail into smaller ports, allowing guests to travel away from the hectic crowds of many ports.
From the Greek islands and coastal villages of Italy to the remote bays of the Caribbean, itineraries often focus on places bypassed by major cruise lines.
Everything you need to plan your trip in 2026 4. Exceptional culinary experiences Food is a highlight of every Windstar sailing. The cruise line partners with the James Beard Foundation, bringing award-winning culinary expertise on board. Guests can enjoy inventive menus, destination-inspired regional dishes and elegant dining without worrying about rigid schedules.
As the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar works with more than 20 top chefs to create extraordinary dishes. At the Amphora restaurant, the menu changes daily.
Newly opened Basil and Bamboo, with a spectacular and sizzling open kitchen, fuses oriental and Mediterranean tastes.
5. Open Deck Policy Windstar has an open and welcoming deck policy. Customers can stop at any time outside of port maneuvers or busy periods.
They can observe operations, chat with agents, ask questions, learn how navigation equipment works. On clear nights, guests receive stargazing tips from the night watch officer.
6. Water sports from the ship Many Windstar voyages, in warm seas, include a marina platform that opens directly aft of the vessel when anchored in calm waters.
Guests can kayak, paddleboard or swim directly from the ship, transforming the ocean into their personal playground.
7. Longer stays and overnight ports Windstar itineraries often prioritize longer port stays and overnight visits. That means more time for shore dinners, sunset walks, and deeper cultural exploration instead of quick daytime stops.
By planning ahead, some guests reserve tickets for ballets, concerts, and plays during evenings ashore. Ballet in Barcelona? Opera in Rome?
8. Personalized service With fewer guests on board than the average cruise ship, the crew quickly learns guests’ preferences. The result is a warm, personalized level of service that feels more like a boutique hotel than a traditional cruise ship.
Windstar has many long-time employees who remember returning customers. Having traveled the world, the crew has plenty of insider tips to offer on ports of call.
9. Authentic cultural experiences Excursions are designed to immerse travelers in local life. Imagine picking herbs in the garden of a finca in Valencia before learning to create SpainThe original paella.
Regional experiences include visiting a 17th-century farmhouse in Malta for a culinary challenge, tasting pua roti in Tahiti, or shopping with a chef at local markets.
10. Casual luxury In addition to requiring advance reservations for candles as well as basil and bamboo, Windstar restaurants offer dining as you wish, seated wherever you like the freedom.
There is no need to pack tuxedos and evening gowns. There are no stiff-collar formals. The dinner dress code is smart casual, with an emphasis on comfort.
The final verdict For travelers who appreciate intimate ships, immersive destinations and a sophisticated yet relaxed onboard atmosphere, Windstar offers a refreshing alternative to traditional cruises. It’s less about the spectacle of the ship and more about the joy of the journey itself.
Disclosure: Our cruise was sponsored by Windstar Cruises.
Michael Edwards Michael Edwards is a travel writer from Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. Although Michael published his first travel articles nearly four decades ago, he continues to find new luxury destinations to visit and write about.
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