Wind Surf

Wind Surf is the largest of Windstar’s sailing ships and one of the biggest sailing cruise ships afloat, with five masts and seven computer-controlled sails. When the sails go up to music on departure, it’s a moment many guests remember. She combines the romance of sailing with comfortable cabins and suites, several restaurants and a spa. Despite her size, she carries a small number of guests, so the decks stay quiet and the atmosphere relaxed. Wind Surf usually spends summers in the Mediterranean and winters in the Caribbean, calling at smaller islands and harbors the big ships pass by.

Best for: Travelers who want the romance of a sailing ship with the comfort of a small cruise ship.

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.