Star Pride

Star Pride, the oldest of Windstar’s Star-class trio, was lengthened with a new midsection that brought extra suites, a larger spa and a new tapas restaurant. Her origins as a Seabourn yacht still show in the generous suites and polished woodwork. She feels relaxed and unpretentious, with open-seating dining and no formal nights, and the small guest count means you rarely wait for anything. Like the rest of the fleet, she offers a watersports platform for swimming and kayaking on calm days. Star Pride sails the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and Central America, often visiting smaller islands and harbors.

Best for: Couples and small groups who want a relaxed, casual yacht experience in the Mediterranean or Caribbean.

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.