In an age where many cruise ships resemble floating cities, Windstar Cruises offers an elegant alternative: intimate yachts designed for a more personal way of exploring the world. Accommodating between 150 and 350 guests, Windstar’s fleet offers immersive and authentic experiences with exceptional service.
As the cruise line’s motto promises, sailing with Windstar is 180 degrees from ordinary. A Windstar voyage is less like a trip aboard a towering mega-ship and more like a trip on an exclusive private yacht, where destinations are never overwhelmed by thousands of passengers arriving at the same time.
From the sun-drenched Greek islands to the tropical paradise of Tahiti and the South Pacific, Windstar sails far beyond the typical cruise circuit, visiting destinations that many large ships simply cannot reach.
1. Access to smaller, more exclusive ports Windstar’s elegant fleet can enter intimate harbors and lesser-known ports inaccessible to large cruise ships. On many occasions, a Windstar yacht may be the only cruise ship in port.
While mega-ships are often confined to major cruise terminals – where berths may need to be reserved years in advance – Windstar’s smaller ships can dock in charming fishing villages, picturesque harbors and remote coastal towns, allowing for far more imaginative itineraries.
Guests can enter directly into the heart of destinations such as Portofino, Saint-Tropez and Monemvasia, often without a tender, making each arrival seamless and effortless.
2. A more personalized level of service True luxury lies in the details. It’s the crew who remembers your favorite cocktail or the fact that you’re allergic to the flowers in your suite.
With an exceptional crew-to-guest ratio of approximately 1:1.5 – among the best in the industry – service is warm, attentive and truly personal. Crew members quickly learn guests’ names and preferences, creating the relaxed atmosphere of a private yacht rather than a conventional cruise ship.
3. A spacious environment without the crowds There are no long lines, no competition for poolside lounge chairs, and no rush to reserve a table in the lounge for a cocktail. Windstar’s small ships offer an atmosphere of effortless calm.
Even when sailing at full capacity, boarding and disembarkation is quick and simple, allowing passengers to quickly settle into a relaxed pace on board.
Everything you need to plan your trip in 2026 4. An authentic yacht experience A cruise aboard a sailing yacht brings a true sense of maritime romance.
Watching the sails unfurl as the yacht glides across the ocean evokes the golden age of sailing, long before the arrival of steamships. Rather than looking like a floating resort, a Windstar yacht offers the inimitable feel of a true maritime adventure.
5. Exceptional culinary experiences For a small ship, Windstar offers an impressive variety of dining experiences.
The Yacht Club serves light breakfasts, specialty coffees and freshly prepared snacks throughout the day. La Veranda offers hearty buffet breakfasts and lunches as well as freshly cooked meals, with indoor and outdoor seating. In the evening, the restaurant is transformed into romantic candlelight, where guests dine under the stars.
Amphora, Windstar’s signature restaurant, showcases refined cuisine with menus that evolve regularly. Since many guests are on back-to-back trips, culinary variety is essential. Working in partnership with the James Beard Foundation, Windstar continually updates its menus with innovative dishes inspired by destinations around the world.
On the upper deck, Star Grill serves grilled seafood, premium meats and imaginative vegan dishes in an informal, open-air setting. Afterwards, its adjoining bar becomes one of the ship’s favorite places for a moonlit nightcap.
The recently introduced Basil + Bamboo offers reservation-only East-West fusion cuisine, including dishes such as sushi, tuna tartare, miso-blackened cod and expertly prepared steaks.
At select ports, guests can accompany chefs to local markets and experience regional culinary culture while stocking up on fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables and other local ingredients.
6.Different experiences on land Windstar offers a wide range of carefully curated onshore experiences designed for small groups.
Rather than grand coach tours, guests enjoy immersive experiences that connect them to local culture. In Bora Bora, the Destination Discovery event pairs Polynesian fire dancers with a spectacular beachside feast.
In Cartagena, a tapas trail presents one of the Spainwhile near Valencia, guests can learn how to prepare authentic paella in the kitchen of a traditional finca.
7. Behind the scenes of the bridge Windstar’s open deck policy provides a rare opportunity to experience life at sea from the crew’s perspective. Unless the ship is maneuvering in port, guests are welcome to tour the deck and observe the navigation team at work. They are more than willing to answer questions.
Evening visits are particularly memorable. Far from urban light pollution, officers often point out constellations and explain celestial navigation while sharing stories about life at sea, their favorite destinations and their own maritime careers.
8. An atmosphere that is both relaxed and refined Evenings on board are elegant without being formal. The dress code is smart casual, so there’s no need to pack tuxedos or evening gowns, while open dining means there are no set times for seating.
Windstar attracts curious, well-traveled guests who enjoy sharing stories and recommendations over pre-dinner cocktails, creating an atmosphere that is both sociable and sophisticated.
The final verdict Windstar’s yachts offer a more considered style of cruising. Each evening, guests can enjoy engaging presentations showcasing the culture, cuisine and history of the next day’s destination.
Far from major tourist centers, the itineraries discover quiet islands, isolated coves and hidden ports rarely visited by larger ships. Many trips also include the opportunity to swim, snorkel, paddleboard or kayak directly from the yacht’s marina platform.
Luxury cruises continue to evolve and more travelers are discovering that bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. Windstar’s remarkably loyal guests – many of whom return time and time again – are proof positive that when it comes to cruising, smaller can indeed be better.
The cost Windstar’s current costs, on routes that span the globe, include seven days of Treasures of Corsica and Sardinia cruise from £1,611 per person based on two people sharing.
The seven days Dreams of Tahiti starts at £2,319 per person, while a seven-day stay Scenic Alaska travel starts at £4,686.
Cruises booked before November 17, 2026 qualify for a complimentary all-inclusive package, including gratuities, unlimited Wi-Fi and selected beers, cocktails and wines by the glass.
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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