Wind class · Windstar · In service since 1986
Wind Star
Wind Star is a Wind class cruise ship operated by Windstar, in service since 1986. At about 5,703 gross tons, it carries roughly 148 guests and ranks #5 by size in the 6-ship Windstar fleet we cover.
- 5,703 gross tons
- 148 guests
- 443 ft long
Photo: Klearchos Kapoutsis https://www.flickr.com/photos/klearchos, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ship facts
- Cruise line
- Windstar Cruises
- Ship class
- Wind class
- Entered service
- 1986 (40 years ago)
- Gross tonnage
- 5,703
- Guests
- 148
- Length
- 443 ft (135 m)
- Speed
- 15 knots
- Builder
- Ateliers et Chantiers du Havre
- Flag
- The Bahamas
- IMO number
- 8420878
About Wind Star
Wind Star is one of Windstar’s original sailing yachts, a four-masted ship that set the line’s identity when it launched in the 1980s. She carries fewer than 150 guests, which gives her a private-yacht feel and a relaxed, friendly crew. Computer-controlled sails let her sail with a small crew, and the experience is about the sea, the wind and quiet anchorages rather than big-ship amenities. Wind Star has spent seasons in Costa Rica, Panama and the Caribbean, with Mediterranean summers in some years.
Best for: Couples who want an intimate sailing ship with a casual, adventurous feel and quiet anchorages.
Wind Star highlights
- Four masts with computer-controlled sails
- Watersports platform for swimming and kayaking from the ship
- Amphora restaurant with open seating
- Open-bridge visits with the officers
- Candles, a dinner under the stars on deck
How Wind Star compares in size
- Wind Surf14,745
- Star Breeze9,975
- Star Pride9,975
- Star Legend9,961
- Wind Star5,703
- Wind Spirit5,307
Gross tonnage measures a ship's enclosed volume, not its weight. Source: Wikidata.
Wind class sister ships
Sailing with Windstar
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.
Read our full Windstar guide: dining, drinks, tipping and who it suits →
Wind Star FAQs
How big is Wind Star?
Wind Star measures about 5,703 gross tons and is about 443 feet (135 m) long. That makes it #5 of 6 Windstar ships we cover by tonnage, and #253 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.
How many passengers does Wind Star carry?
About 148 guests, according to Wikidata's record for the ship. Cruise lines usually quote capacity at two guests per cabin; with third and fourth berths filled, the maximum is higher.
When was Wind Star built?
Wind Star entered service in 1986 and was built by Ateliers et Chantiers du Havre. Older ships are often refurbished, so ask about recent upgrades when you compare sailings.
What class of ship is Wind Star?
Wind Star belongs to Windstar's Wind class, alongside Wind Surf, Wind Spirit. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.
Is Wind Star good for families?
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. Facilities vary by ship, so check what Wind Star offers for your kids' ages.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikidata, Wikipedia, Windstar official site.