Star Legend

Star Legend began life as a Seabourn yacht and is now one of Windstar’s three all-suite Star-class motor yachts. A lengthening project added a new midsection with extra suites, a new restaurant, a larger spa and an infinity pool, giving her more space without losing her intimate, yacht-like character. Suites are generous, each with a separate sitting area and large windows or a French balcony. A fold-down watersports platform at the stern lets you swim, kayak and paddleboard straight from the ship on calm days. Windstar’s open-bridge policy means you can often visit the bridge and chat with the officers.

Best for: Couples who want a small, yacht-like ship with spacious suites, casual service and time in smaller ports.

Windstar Cruises sails small ships of roughly 150 to 340 guests, including graceful masted sailing ships and all-suite motor yachts, to smaller ports in Europe, the Caribbean, Tahiti, Central America and Alaska. Its casual, yacht-like style includes swimming and kayaking off a stern watersports platform and an open bridge. It suits couples and active, well-traveled adults who want intimacy without luxury-line formality, less so families or big-ship fans.