Windstar Cruises

Windstar was founded in 1984 and launched Wind Star, a four-masted sailing yacht with computer-controlled sails, in 1986. The idea of cruising under sail on a small, comfortable ship became the brand’s signature, and Windstar is now part of Xanterra Travel Collection, which also operates lodges in US national parks.

The fleet has two distinct types. The sailing ships are Wind Star and Wind Spirit, each carrying 148 guests, and Wind Surf, a five-masted ship for 342 guests; their sails are raised when conditions allow, but engines handle most of the work. The Star Plus class motor yachts, Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride, are all-suite ships of 312 guests, and Windstar has added two newer all-suite ships of 224 guests: Star Seeker, which entered service around the start of 2026, and Star Explorer, joining at the end of 2026 for Mediterranean voyages.

Wind Spirit sails Tahiti and French Polynesia year-round, while the rest of the fleet covers the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Alaska and Canada.

Windstar is casual, relaxed and quietly upscale, with a yacht-club feel. Guests are typically 50 and older, mostly North American couples, many of them active travelers who want to swim, kayak and hike. Dress is resort casual, with no formal nights. The ships’ small size means short tender lines, easy friendships and access to harbors big ships can’t enter. The open bridge policy lets guests visit the bridge and chat with officers at many times. Sailing ships rock more in swells than larger ships, and onboard amenities are limited compared with big ships, so the experience is about ports, sea and good food.

AmphorA is the main restaurant across most of the fleet, with open seating and menus influenced by the region. Candles offers outdoor steak and seafood dining, and Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso serves Spanish tapas on the Star Plus yachts. The Veranda serves breakfast and lunch, and the Signature Deck Barbecue under the stars is a fleet tradition. Windstar has a long-running culinary partnership with the James Beard Foundation.

Entertainment is low-key: a small band or pianist, local performers brought aboard in port, trivia and movies. The real draws are the watersports platform at the stern for kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming in calm anchorages, the open bridge, and a beach day in some destinations. On sailing ships, watching the sails unfurl to music is a highlight.

Children are welcome but there are no kids clubs or youth programs, and few families sail. It suits older kids who love swimming and snorkeling.

Sailing ships have compact ocean-view cabins with portholes and a few suites; Wind Surf adds larger suites. The Star Plus yachts and newer Star ships are all-suite, with many balconies or French balconies and more space. Cabins have premium bedding and bath products, and everyone gets ocean views.

Soft drinks, specialty coffee and water are included. Alcoholic drinks cost extra unless you add Windstar’s all-inclusive package, which bundles drinks, gratuities and premium Wi-Fi; promotions sometimes include it. Basic Wi-Fi is included.

Gratuities are not part of the base fare. A daily crew gratuity is added to your onboard account unless you have the all-inclusive package or a promotion that covers it.

The Windstar Yacht Club rewards repeat guests with perks that increase with the number of voyages, including onboard credit, discounts and member events.