Luxury small ship cruises with yacht-style experiences and global destinations
Windstar Cruises is a leader in small-ship cruising, offering travelers an intimate yacht-style experience focused on destination access, personalized service, and a more relaxed way to explore the world. With a fleet of small sailing yachts and all-suite motor yachts, Windstar is designed for guests who want a more refined and immersive cruise experience than what larger mainstream ships typically provide. Windstar positions itself as a small-ship line visiting more than 330 ports around the world, with yachts carrying roughly 148 to 342 guests depending on the ship.
What sets Windstar Cruises apart is its yacht-style atmosphere and access to smaller ports, scenic waterways, and harbors that larger cruise ships often cannot reach. Windstar emphasizes getting guests closer to the destination, whether that means sailing into the heart of historic coastal towns, visiting secluded coves, or navigating routes that feel more personal and less crowded than traditional big-ship cruising.
Windstar’s fleet includes both its classic Wind Class sailing yachts and its Star Class all-suite yachts, giving travelers the choice between a romantic sailing experience and a more contemporary suite-style small ship cruise. Ships such as Wind Surf, Wind Star, and Wind Spirit deliver the line’s signature sailing identity, while Star Pride, Star Breeze, and Star Legend offer spacious suite accommodations and a more modern yacht experience. The line has also expanded its Star Class with newer ships such as Star Seeker, reflecting its continued investment in the small-ship luxury market.
Another major strength of Windstar is its destination variety. The cruise line sails throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Alaska, Canada and New England, Japan, the South Pacific, Tahiti, and Latin America, offering travelers a wide mix of warm-weather escapes, culturally rich coastal voyages, and more adventurous regional itineraries. This makes Windstar especially appealing for guests who want a cruise line with upscale comfort but a strong emphasis on itinerary and unique routing.
Windstar cruises are especially popular with travelers seeking small ship cruises, yacht-style cruises, Tahiti cruises, Mediterranean cruises, Caribbean cruises, and boutique luxury cruise experiences. The onboard atmosphere is elegant but never overly formal, which makes the line attractive to guests who want high-touch service, strong cuisine, and distinctive itineraries without the scale or feel of a traditional mega-ship. Windstar also highlights world-class dining, local immersion, and a more personal onboard environment as core parts of the experience.
Windstar Cruises is a leader in small-ship cruising, offering travelers an intimate yacht-style experience focused on destination access, personalized service, and a more relaxed way to explore the world. With a fleet of small sailing yachts and all-suite motor yachts, Windstar is designed for guests who want a more refined and immersive cruise experience than what larger mainstream ships typically provide. Windstar positions itself as a small-ship line visiting more than 330 ports around the world, with yachts carrying roughly 148 to 342 guests depending on the ship.
What sets Windstar Cruises apart is its yacht-style atmosphere and access to smaller ports, scenic waterways, and harbors that larger cruise ships often cannot reach. Windstar emphasizes getting guests closer to the destination, whether that means sailing into the heart of historic coastal towns, visiting secluded coves, or navigating routes that feel more personal and less crowded than traditional big-ship cruising.
Windstar’s fleet includes both its classic Wind Class sailing yachts and its Star Class all-suite yachts, giving travelers the choice between a romantic sailing experience and a more contemporary suite-style small ship cruise. Ships such as Wind Surf, Wind Star, and Wind Spirit deliver the line’s signature sailing identity, while Star Pride, Star Breeze, and Star Legend offer spacious suite accommodations and a more modern yacht experience. The line has also expanded its Star Class with newer ships such as Star Seeker, reflecting its continued investment in the small-ship luxury market.
Another major strength of Windstar is its destination variety. The cruise line sails throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Alaska, Canada and New England, Japan, the South Pacific, Tahiti, and Latin America, offering travelers a wide mix of warm-weather escapes, culturally rich coastal voyages, and more adventurous regional itineraries. This makes Windstar especially appealing for guests who want a cruise line with upscale comfort but a strong emphasis on itinerary and unique routing.
Windstar cruises are especially popular with travelers seeking small ship cruises, yacht-style cruises, Tahiti cruises, Mediterranean cruises, Caribbean cruises, and boutique luxury cruise experiences. The onboard atmosphere is elegant but never overly formal, which makes the line attractive to guests who want high-touch service, strong cuisine, and distinctive itineraries without the scale or feel of a traditional mega-ship. Windstar also highlights world-class dining, local immersion, and a more personal onboard environment as core parts of the experience.
Windstar is especially well suited for travelers who want a more immersive style of cruising focused on charming harbors, iconic coastal towns, and less crowded destinations. Its official destination pages highlight sailings to more than 330 ports around the world.
Windstar sails a wide range of regions, with some of its most popular cruise destinations including the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Tahiti and French Polynesia, Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Alaska, Canada & New England, Asia, Latin America, and the Canary Islands. The line also offers Ocean Crossings, giving travelers access to longer specialty voyages in addition to its core regional cruises.
In terms of cruise length, Windstar commonly offers voyages in the 7-night range, which is one of the most frequent formats across the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Caribbean, and Tahiti. Examples on Windstar’s site include 7-night Greek Isles cruises, 7-night Riviera sailings, 7-night Caribbean itineraries, and 7-night Costa Rica & Panama Canal voyages. For travelers wanting more time, the line also offers longer itineraries such as 13-night Star Collector voyages, 14-night Caribbean sailings, and other extended combinations.
One of Windstar’s biggest strengths is the variety of common routes it operates. In Europe, travelers will find popular sailings through the Greek Isles, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, and the Rivieras, often built around smaller ports and yachting destinations rather than only major cruise hubs. In the South Pacific, Windstar is especially well known for Tahiti and French Polynesia, which the line highlights as one of its signature specialties. In warmer climates, the brand also features Caribbean island-hopping voyages and Costa Rica & Panama Canal cruises that focus on natural beauty, wildlife, and small-port access.
Windstar’s Star Collector sailings are another important part of its destination offering. These longer voyages combine multiple itineraries into one extended journey and are specifically designed for travelers who want more in-depth regional exploration, with official materials describing them as voyages of 13+ days with few repeated ports.
Whether you are looking for a 7-night yacht-style cruise in the Greek Isles, a Tahiti small ship cruise, a Caribbean sailing voyage, or a longer Mediterranean or Star Collector itinerary, Windstar delivers a small-ship cruise experience centered on unique routes, intimate ports, and more meaningful destination access. For travelers who value immersive itineraries, boutique ship size, and distinctive coastal routing, Windstar offers one of the strongest destination-focused cruise products in the market.
Windstar is especially well suited for travelers who want a more immersive style of cruising focused on charming harbors, iconic coastal towns, and less crowded destinations. Its official destination pages highlight sailings to more than 330 ports around the world.
Windstar sails a wide range of regions, with some of its most popular cruise destinations including the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Tahiti and French Polynesia, Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Alaska, Canada & New England, Asia, Latin America, and the Canary Islands. The line also offers Ocean Crossings, giving travelers access to longer specialty voyages in addition to its core regional cruises.
In terms of cruise length, Windstar commonly offers voyages in the 7-night range, which is one of the most frequent formats across the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Caribbean, and Tahiti. Examples on Windstar’s site include 7-night Greek Isles cruises, 7-night Riviera sailings, 7-night Caribbean itineraries, and 7-night Costa Rica & Panama Canal voyages. For travelers wanting more time, the line also offers longer itineraries such as 13-night Star Collector voyages, 14-night Caribbean sailings, and other extended combinations.
One of Windstar’s biggest strengths is the variety of common routes it operates. In Europe, travelers will find popular sailings through the Greek Isles, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, and the Rivieras, often built around smaller ports and yachting destinations rather than only major cruise hubs. In the South Pacific, Windstar is especially well known for Tahiti and French Polynesia, which the line highlights as one of its signature specialties. In warmer climates, the brand also features Caribbean island-hopping voyages and Costa Rica & Panama Canal cruises that focus on natural beauty, wildlife, and small-port access.
Windstar’s Star Collector sailings are another important part of its destination offering. These longer voyages combine multiple itineraries into one extended journey and are specifically designed for travelers who want more in-depth regional exploration, with official materials describing them as voyages of 13+ days with few repeated ports.
Whether you are looking for a 7-night yacht-style cruise in the Greek Isles, a Tahiti small ship cruise, a Caribbean sailing voyage, or a longer Mediterranean or Star Collector itinerary, Windstar delivers a small-ship cruise experience centered on unique routes, intimate ports, and more meaningful destination access. For travelers who value immersive itineraries, boutique ship size, and distinctive coastal routing, Windstar offers one of the strongest destination-focused cruise products in the market.
Windstar Cruises offers a relaxed, upscale onboard lifestyle centered on intimate yacht-style travel rather than the busy atmosphere of larger cruise ships. With small ships and a more personalized setting, the experience feels refined but never overly formal. Guests can expect stylish lounges, open deck space, a pool, spa and fitness facilities, attentive service, and a more easygoing social environment that appeals to travelers looking for comfort, destination focus, and boutique-style cruising. Windstar describes the experience as flexible and guest-focused, with a warm crew, open-bridge access on many sailings, and the freedom to customize how inclusive the trip becomes.
Onboard amenities typically include multiple dining venues, room service, enrichment and entertainment, wellness facilities, and inviting public spaces designed for a small-ship environment. Windstar also emphasizes its culinary program and onboard service as major parts of the experience, making the cruise feel more like a private yacht or boutique hotel than a traditional mega-ship vacation. When it comes to inclusions, Windstar is more of a customizable premium cruise line than a fully all-inclusive luxury line. Standard cruise fare generally includes accommodations, meals in onboard dining venues, room service, entertainment, and many nonalcoholic beverages such as bottled water, sodas, specialty coffees, mocktails, and juices. Those complimentary nonalcoholic drinks are specifically noted as being included on Windstar cruises.
Where Windstar differs from many luxury lines is in what is not automatically included in the base fare. Alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, and gratuities are not always included unless guests add Windstar’s All-In package or book a fare that includes it. Windstar’s current All-In offering includes unlimited alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, and gratuities, while cruise-only pricing leaves those items separate. This is an important distinction for website copy: compared with many mainstream cruise lines, Windstar can become more inclusive through its packages, but compared with some ultra-luxury cruise lines, it is not typically all-inclusive by default. Guests booking the standard fare should expect to pay extra for alcoholic drinks, internet access, and gratuities unless they select an upgraded package or promotional fare that bundles them in.
Shore excursions are also generally not included in the standard cruise fare. Windstar specifically presents shore excursions as bookable add-ons, alongside flights, hotels, beverage packages, and other optional amenities. That makes Windstar a strong fit for travelers who want flexibility and a lower entry fare, while still having the option to build a more inclusive experience around their preferences. Overall, Windstar is ideal for travelers looking for a small ship cruise experience with upscale dining, personalized service, yacht-style atmosphere, and flexible inclusions. It offers more intimacy and destination access than large mainstream cruise ships, while giving guests the choice to keep things cruise-only or upgrade into a more bundled experience with drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities included.
Windstar Cruises offers a relaxed, upscale onboard lifestyle centered on intimate yacht-style travel rather than the busy atmosphere of larger cruise ships. With small ships and a more personalized setting, the experience feels refined but never overly formal. Guests can expect stylish lounges, open deck space, a pool, spa and fitness facilities, attentive service, and a more easygoing social environment that appeals to travelers looking for comfort, destination focus, and boutique-style cruising. Windstar describes the experience as flexible and guest-focused, with a warm crew, open-bridge access on many sailings, and the freedom to customize how inclusive the trip becomes.
Onboard amenities typically include multiple dining venues, room service, enrichment and entertainment, wellness facilities, and inviting public spaces designed for a small-ship environment. Windstar also emphasizes its culinary program and onboard service as major parts of the experience, making the cruise feel more like a private yacht or boutique hotel than a traditional mega-ship vacation. When it comes to inclusions, Windstar is more of a customizable premium cruise line than a fully all-inclusive luxury line. Standard cruise fare generally includes accommodations, meals in onboard dining venues, room service, entertainment, and many nonalcoholic beverages such as bottled water, sodas, specialty coffees, mocktails, and juices. Those complimentary nonalcoholic drinks are specifically noted as being included on Windstar cruises.
Where Windstar differs from many luxury lines is in what is not automatically included in the base fare. Alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, and gratuities are not always included unless guests add Windstar’s All-In package or book a fare that includes it. Windstar’s current All-In offering includes unlimited alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, and gratuities, while cruise-only pricing leaves those items separate. This is an important distinction for website copy: compared with many mainstream cruise lines, Windstar can become more inclusive through its packages, but compared with some ultra-luxury cruise lines, it is not typically all-inclusive by default. Guests booking the standard fare should expect to pay extra for alcoholic drinks, internet access, and gratuities unless they select an upgraded package or promotional fare that bundles them in.
Shore excursions are also generally not included in the standard cruise fare. Windstar specifically presents shore excursions as bookable add-ons, alongside flights, hotels, beverage packages, and other optional amenities. That makes Windstar a strong fit for travelers who want flexibility and a lower entry fare, while still having the option to build a more inclusive experience around their preferences. Overall, Windstar is ideal for travelers looking for a small ship cruise experience with upscale dining, personalized service, yacht-style atmosphere, and flexible inclusions. It offers more intimacy and destination access than large mainstream cruise ships, while giving guests the choice to keep things cruise-only or upgrade into a more bundled experience with drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities included.
| Ships | Year Build | Refurbished | Passengers | Crew | Length | Tonnage | Deck Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1989 | 2020 | 312 | 190 | 522 | 12,995 | Deck Plan | |
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2026 | - | 224 | 130 | 431 | 9,315 | Deck Plan | |
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1988 | 2021 | 312 | 200 | 522 | 12,995 | Deck Plan | |
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1988 | 2021 | 312 | 200 | 522 | 12,995 | Deck Plan | |
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2025 | - | 224 | 130 | 431 | 9,315 | Deck Plan | |
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1988 | 2025 | 148 | 101 | 360 | 5,736 | Deck Plan | |
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1986 | 2023 | 148 | 105 | 360 | 5,736 | Deck Plan | |
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1990 | 2019 | 342 | 210 | 617 | 14,745 | Deck Plan | |
Amphora Restaurant is the signature main dining room on Windstar Cruises, offering a refined yet relaxed dinner experience aboard Windstar’s small luxury cruise ships and sailing yachts. Known for its open-seating format, attentive service, and freshly prepared cuisine, Amphora gives guests the freedom to dine comfortably while enjoying course-by-course menus that change throughout the voyage. Depending on the itinerary, dishes may include regional specialties, fresh seafood, premium meats, vegetarian options, seasonal soups and salads, and decadent desserts. Dinner service is typically offered in the evening, with exact dining times provided in the ship’s daily program.
Basil & Bamboo offers a flavorful Asian-fusion dining experience aboard Windstar’s small luxury cruise ships and intimate yachts. Designed as a refined specialty dining venue, Basil & Bamboo features dishes inspired by Asian cuisine, with menus that may include sushi, sashimi, dumplings, noodles, fresh seafood, grilled meats, stir-fried specialties, and vegetarian options. This elegant onboard restaurant adds variety to the Windstar cruise dining experience, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy bold flavors, creative presentations, and relaxed upscale service while sailing to destinations around the world.
Candles is Windstar Cruises’ romantic outdoor dining venue, offering an elegant al fresco dinner experience beneath the stars. Set on deck in a relaxed, yacht-style atmosphere, Candles transforms the evening into a more intimate dining experience with attentive service, ocean breezes, and beautiful sea views. Menus may vary by ship and itinerary, but Candles commonly features grilled specialties, steakhouse-style entrées, fresh seafood, salads, seasonal sides, and indulgent desserts. It is a popular choice for guests looking to enjoy a memorable dinner during their Windstar cruise in a quieter, open-air setting.
24-hour room service on Windstar Cruises gives guests the convenience of enjoying select meals, snacks, and beverages from the comfort of their stateroom or suite. Whether you prefer a quiet breakfast, a relaxing afternoon bite, or a late-night snack after an evening onboard, room service adds flexibility to the Windstar cruise experience. Menus and availability may vary by ship and itinerary, but room service may include items such as continental breakfast, sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and late-night selections. Some items may be included, while specialty beverages, alcoholic drinks, or premium selections may carry an additional charge depending on the guest’s package and onboard policies.
The Star Grill on Windstar Cruises is a casual outdoor dining venue offering fresh, flavorful cuisine in a relaxed open-air setting. Created in partnership with acclaimed chef and restaurateur Steven Raichlen, Star Grill brings a modern grilling concept to Windstar’s small luxury cruise ships and intimate yachts. Menus may vary by ship and sailing, but Star Grill commonly features grilled meats, seafood, barbecue-inspired dishes, burgers, sandwiches, salads, sides, and casual lunch or dinner selections. With ocean views and a laid-back deck atmosphere, Star Grill is a great place to enjoy a casual meal while experiencing Windstar’s yacht-style approach to cruising.
The Veranda Restaurant is a casual daytime dining venue offering breakfast and lunch in a relaxed, open-seating atmosphere. Located in a bright onboard setting, Veranda gives guests a comfortable place to enjoy freshly prepared meals, ocean views, and flexible dining during their Windstar cruise. Menus and service styles may vary by ship and itinerary, but Veranda commonly features breakfast favorites, fresh fruit, pastries, made-to-order eggs, salads, soups, sandwiches, grilled items, regional dishes, desserts, coffee, tea, and juices. It is a convenient option before heading ashore, during a day at sea, or for a casual lunch between activities.
The Stella Bistro is an elegant French-inspired specialty dining venue available aboard select Windstar ships, including Wind Surf. Designed for a more intimate evening dining experience, Stella Bistro offers refined cuisine in a relaxed, yacht-style atmosphere with attentive service and thoughtfully prepared dishes. Menus may vary by ship and sailing, but Stella Bistro may feature French-inspired classics, fresh seafood, premium meats, seasonal starters, elegant desserts, and carefully paired wines or specialty beverages. Availability, reservations, hours, and menu selections vary by ship and itinerary.
The Yacht Club Café on Windstar Cruises is a casual onboard café and lounge where guests can enjoy specialty coffees, teas, light snacks, and relaxed seating throughout the day. Found aboard select Windstar small ships and luxury yachts, the Yacht Club Café is a convenient spot for morning coffee, afternoon refreshments, or a quiet break between excursions and onboard activities. Offerings may vary by sailing, but guests can often find pastries, sandwiches, fresh fruit, cookies, and espresso-style drinks in a comfortable, yacht-style setting.
Compass Rose lounge on Windstar Cruises is a casual yet elegant onboard bar and entertainment venue where guests can relax with cocktails, wine, and conversation while sailing aboard Windstar’s small luxury cruise ships and intimate yachts. Often used for pre-dinner drinks, evening music, and social gatherings, Compass Rose adds a lively but refined atmosphere to the Windstar cruise experience. Beverage selections, entertainment, hours, and availability may vary by ship and sailing.
The Pool Bar is a relaxed open-air bar where guests can enjoy refreshing drinks while spending time on deck. Located near the pool area on select Windstar small luxury cruise ships and yachts, the Pool Bar is a convenient spot for cocktails, wine, beer, soft drinks, and casual refreshments throughout the day. With ocean views and an easygoing yacht-style atmosphere, the Pool Bar is ideal for enjoying a drink by the pool, relaxing after a shore excursion, or gathering with fellow guests during sail-away. Beverage selections, hours, and availability vary by ship and itinerary. Alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks may not be included unless guests have an applicable beverage package or promotional offer.
The Star Bar is an open-air bar and lounge venue available aboard select Windstar ships, commonly associated with Windstar’s Star Class yachts. Located on deck, Star Bar offers a relaxed outdoor setting where guests can enjoy cocktails, wine, beer, soft drinks, and scenic ocean views while sailing aboard Windstar’s small luxury cruise ships. With its casual yacht-style atmosphere, Star Bar is a popular place for daytime refreshments, pre-dinner drinks, sail-away moments, or evening conversation under the stars. Beverage selections, hours, entertainment, and availability vary by ship and itinerary. Alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks may not be included unless guests have an applicable beverage package or promotional offer.
The Lounge Bar is the bar area located within or near The Lounge on select Windstar Cruises ships, offering a relaxed place for guests to enjoy cocktails, wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, and conversation in a comfortable yacht-style setting. Often connected to the ship’s main lounge space, the Lounge Bar is a convenient spot for pre-dinner drinks, casual socializing, live music, port talks, enrichment events, and evening entertainment. Beverage selections, hours, entertainment, and availability vary by ship and itinerary. Alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks may not be included unless guests have an applicable beverage package or promotional offer.
The Terrace Bar on Windstar Cruises’ Wind Surf is a relaxed outdoor bar and lounge area where guests can enjoy drinks, fresh sea air, and scenic views aboard Windstar’s flagship sailing yacht. With its casual open-air setting, the Terrace Bar is a comfortable spot for cocktails, wine, beer, soft drinks, and conversation before dinner, after a day ashore, or while enjoying the yacht-style atmosphere on deck. Beverage selections, hours, and availability may vary by itinerary and sailing. Alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks may not be included unless guests have an applicable beverage package or promotional offer.
The World Spa on Windstar Cruises is a serene onboard wellness venue where guests can relax, recharge, and enjoy personalized spa treatments while sailing aboard Windstar’s small luxury cruise ships and intimate yachts. Services may include soothing massages, facials, body treatments, salon services, and other wellness experiences designed to enhance relaxation during the voyage. Spa services are not typically included in the cruise fare and are available for an additional charge. Treatment options, pricing, hours, and facilities may vary by ship and itinerary. Whether visiting after a day of shore excursions or enjoying a peaceful sea day, the World Spa adds a calming, restorative touch to the Windstar cruise experience with professional treatments and a refined yacht-style atmosphere.
The Fitness Center on Windstar Cruises offers guests a comfortable onboard space to exercise during their Windstar cruise. Available aboard Windstar’s small luxury ships and sailing yachts, the fitness center may feature cardio machines, strength equipment, free weights, and stretching areas, depending on the ship. Whether guests want a morning workout, light training during sea days, or a wellness-focused routine while cruising, Windstar’s fitness facilities provide an easy way to stay active at sea. Equipment, hours, and fitness programming vary by ship and itinerary.
The outdoor Pool gives guests a comfortable outdoor retreat while sailing aboard Windstar’s small luxury ships and intimate yachts. Designed for relaxed, yacht-style cruising, the pool area offers a place to swim, sunbathe, enjoy scenic ocean views, or unwind between shore excursions and onboard activities. Depending on the ship, guests may find lounge chairs, nearby deck seating, poolside service, and convenient access to outdoor bars or casual dining venues. Pool features, hours, and deck layouts vary by ship and sailing.
Windstar Cruises is known for its signature onboard and beach barbecue events, which bring guests together for a festive dining experience in a relaxed, yacht-style setting. Depending on the itinerary, guests may enjoy an onboard deck barbecue under the stars or a beach barbecue ashore, creating one of the most memorable culinary moments of a Windstar cruise. The event is more than a casual cookout. Windstar describes its signature barbecues as a feast with international cuisine, carving stations, dessert selections, crew entertainment, and dancing. Menus may feature grilled seafood, carved meats, barbecue specialties, salads, regional dishes, sides, and indulgent desserts. Exact offerings, location, and timing vary by ship, weather, port regulations, and itinerary.
The Marina on Windstar Cruises gives guests a unique way to enjoy the ocean while sailing aboard Windstar’s intimate yachts and small luxury cruise ships. When conditions permit, the yacht’s stern platform opens directly to the sea, creating a private marina-style experience with complimentary watersports and ocean activities. Guests may enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, floating platforms, snorkeling equipment, and other water-based activities, depending on the ship and destination. Availability varies by itinerary, weather, sea conditions, local regulations, and the captain’s discretion.
Open Bridge Tours on Windstar Cruises offer guests a memorable behind-the-scenes look at the navigation and operation of Windstar’s small luxury cruise ships and intimate sailing yachts. When available, guests may visit the ship’s bridge, learn about maritime navigation, meet members of the ship’s officers or crew, and gain a deeper appreciation for the art of small ship cruising. Open Bridge Tours are typically offered on select sailings and are subject to availability, sea conditions, security protocols, and the captain’s discretion.
The Main Lounge on Windstar Cruises is a relaxed gathering space used for onboard entertainment, enrichment, and social events aboard Windstar’s intimate yachts and small luxury cruise ships. Depending on the ship and itinerary, the Main Lounge may host port talks, destination briefings, enrichment speakers, live music, cocktail events, cooking demonstrations, trivia, and other onboard activities. With its comfortable seating and casual yacht-style atmosphere, the Main Lounge gives guests a welcoming place to learn more about the destinations they are visiting, enjoy light entertainment, or connect with fellow travelers throughout the voyage. Programming, schedules, and availability vary by ship and sailing.
The Screening Room on Windstar Cruises is a comfortable onboard venue where guests can enjoy movies, presentations, destination programming, and select enrichment content in a relaxed, intimate setting. Available on select Windstar small luxury cruise ships and yachts, the Screening Room gives guests another quiet space to unwind between shore excursions, evening dining, and onboard activities. Programming may vary by ship and sailing, but the Screening Room may feature films, documentaries, port presentations, enrichment videos, destination-focused content, or private group programming. Availability, schedules, seating, and venue features vary by ship and itinerary.
Market Tours with the Chef are a signature Windstar Cruises experience that gives guests a closer look at the local flavors and culinary traditions of select destinations. On participating sailings, guests may join the ship’s chef ashore to explore a local market, browse fresh produce, seafood, spices, meats, cheeses, and regional specialties, and learn how local ingredients inspire the cuisine served onboard. This immersive culinary experience is especially popular with guests who enjoy food, culture, and destination-focused cruising. Availability varies by itinerary, port, market schedules, and local conditions, and space may be limited. Market tours are typically offered in select ports and may require advance sign-up onboard.
Windstar Cruises’ Signature Discovery Events are exclusive cultural experiences offered on select itineraries, giving guests a deeper connection to the places they visit. Depending on the sailing, these Windstar destination events may include unforgettable experiences such as an Evening in Ephesus in Turkey, a Polynesian beach celebration in Bora Bora, a Signature Beach Party at Motu Mahaea in Tahiti, Sagas & Songs at the Blue Church in Iceland, or a traditional cultural event in Japan’s Inland Sea region. Events vary by itinerary and may include local cuisine, live music, cultural performances, scenic venues, and regional traditions. Availability, location, and inclusions vary by ship, sailing, and destination.
Cooking Demonstrations on Windstar Cruises give guests the opportunity to experience the flavors and techniques behind Windstar’s destination-inspired cuisine. Hosted by the ship’s culinary team on select small ship cruises and luxury yacht sailings, these demonstrations may highlight regional dishes, fresh local ingredients, chef tips, and recipes inspired by the ports visited during the voyage. Cooking demonstrations are typically offered as part of Windstar’s onboard enrichment and culinary programming, with availability and schedules varying by ship and itinerary.
Enrichment Speakers on Windstar Cruises offer guests an informative and engaging way to learn more about the destinations visited during their Windstar small ship cruise. On select Windstar Cruises itineraries, onboard experts or guest lecturers may present talks on regional history, culture, wildlife, local traditions, cuisine, geography, and destination highlights. These enrichment programs enhance the Windstar cruise experience by bringing each port and itinerary to life through expert storytelling and educational presentations. Availability, speakers, topics, and schedules vary by ship and sailing.
The Star Boutique is Windstar Cruises’ onboard retail shop, offering a curated selection of gifts, apparel, accessories, logo merchandise, travel essentials, jewelry, and destination-inspired items. Available aboard select Windstar yachts, the boutique gives guests a convenient place to browse for souvenirs, purchase cruise keepsakes, or pick up small items during their voyage. Purchases at Star Boutique are not included in the cruise fare and are available for an additional charge. Selection, hours, merchandise, and availability vary by ship and itinerary.