Expert answers about Windstar Cruises — operating a fleet of intimate sailing yachts and motor yachts that anchor in hidden harbors, offer all-inclusive fares, and deliver a sophisticated, unpretentious experience in the world's most beautiful waters.
Windstar Cruises is a small-ship luxury line founded in 1984, operating a fleet of six ships: three classic sailing yachts and three motor yachts. Ships carry 148–312 guests and are designed to access small ports, hidden harbors, and shallow anchorages that larger ships cannot reach. Windstar is owned by Xanterra Travel Collection and is particularly associated with the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Alaska, where their ability to dock in villages rather than large cruise terminals creates a fundamentally different itinerary experience. Their brand promise — “180° from ordinary” — captures the deliberate departure from mainstream cruising that defines the line.
Windstar is more casual and adventurous than Seabourn or Silversea. The genuine sailing yacht experience, smaller ports of call, and relaxed onboard atmosphere are the defining characteristics. Seabourn and Silversea deliver more formal luxury with butler service, more comprehensive standard inclusions, and a more polished service model. Windstar suits travelers who want a yacht-style experience with authentic sailing ships and off-the-beaten-path destinations rather than maximum luxury service inclusions. It is also typically priced more accessibly than Seabourn or Silversea.
“180° from ordinary” reflects the ways Windstar deliberately diverges from mainstream cruising:
For travelers drawn to the sailing yacht experience and intimate small-ship port access, Windstar delivers a genuinely distinctive product. The ability to anchor off a Greek island village at sunset, deploy the watersports platform, and spend an evening in a harbor that other ships have already departed creates experiences unavailable on larger vessels. Windstar is not the right choice for travelers who want maximum inclusions or formal butler service — it excels on character, destination access, and the romance of sailing. The All-In package makes the value proposition particularly strong when bundled drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities are included.
Windstar operates two distinct vessel types:
Sailing Yachts (Wind Class):
Motor Yachts (Star Class):
Wind Surf is the world’s largest sailing yacht by passenger capacity, carrying 312 guests under five computer-controlled masts spanning 617 feet of total sail. Originally built as Club Med 1, it was acquired by Windstar and has been the fleet flagship for decades. It offers more dining options and amenities than the smaller Wind Spirit and Wind Star — including Degrees bistro, the Compass Rose bar, and a larger spa — while maintaining the sailing atmosphere. Wind Surf sails in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and beyond, and is the most popular choice for guests who want maximum amenities within the Windstar sailing yacht experience.
Yes — the three Wind Class ships are genuine sailing vessels that use their sails when wind conditions allow, typically 30–40% of sea time. The computer-controlled sails on Wind Surf deploy automatically; Wind Spirit and Wind Star require manual deployment. When sailing under canvas, the experience is genuinely distinctive — no engine noise, minimal wake, just the sound of wind and water. The motor yachts (Star Pride, Star Breeze, Star Legend) have no sails but deliver the same small-ship intimacy and port access.
The three Star Class ships — Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride — were originally built for Seabourn and purchased by Windstar in 2014. After extensive refits completed in 2020–2021, they were transformed with a new Windstar design aesthetic. Each carries 312 guests and features the Cuadro 44 steakhouse, the 180° Bar open-air grill deck, refurbished suites, and the AmphoraWine program. They are more formal in layout than the sailing yachts, with larger suites and a more traditional small-ship luxury feel, while sharing the same small-port destination access advantage.
Windstar’s standard fare includes all meals in open-seating restaurants, non-alcoholic beverages, entertainment, and watersports from the marina platform. Windstar’s “All In” package (often bundled as a promotion) additionally includes:
The 180° Bar is Windstar’s signature open-air deck venue on the Star Class motor yachts, serving as a casual all-day gathering space for breakfast, light meals, cocktails, and evening dining under the stars. The name refers to the panoramic 180-degree view from the ship’s stern. It has become the defining Windstar social hub — the place where guests gather most naturally and where the informal, convivial character of a Windstar voyage comes to life. The Wind Class sailing yachts have the Veranda as their equivalent outdoor gathering space.
Shore excursions are available for purchase but are not included in the standard fare. Because Windstar anchors in smaller harbors (often using tenders to go ashore), many ports allow guests to simply take the ship’s tender ashore and explore independently at no cost — a significant advantage over larger ships docked at industrial cruise terminals miles from the town center. Organized excursions are available for guests who prefer guided options. Your Pavlus advisor can advise which ports genuinely warrant booking a tour vs. exploring independently.
The retractable marina platform at the stern is one of Windstar’s most popular features. When the ship anchors in calm conditions, the platform deploys at water level providing direct access to:
All watersports equipment use is included in the fare. The platform is available when sea conditions permit — typically during port days at anchor.
The Star Barbecue is Windstar’s signature deck dining event — a lavish outdoor barbecue held on the ship’s bow or open deck, typically once per voyage. Grills are set up, tables are arranged under the stars, and the ship slows or stops at sea so guests can dine in an extraordinary setting with 360-degree ocean views. The menu typically features whole roasted meats, grilled seafood, and elaborate desserts. Long-time Windstar guests often cite the Star Barbecue as one of their most memorable sea experiences.
Windstar guests often describe the atmosphere as a private yacht that happens to have a staff of 180 — intimate, relaxed, and unhurried. There are no formal nights, no production shows, and no pressured schedule. Meals are open-seating so you meet different people each evening. The small size means you recognize fellow passengers within a day, and the crew learns your name and preferences quickly. The vibe is sophisticated but unpretentious — people in shorts at lunch, smart casual at dinner, and a genuine sense that this is a vacation rather than a performance.
Windstar has a relaxed dress code with no formal nights. During the day, resort casual is perfectly appropriate (shorts, swimwear by the pool). Evenings call for smart casual — neat trousers or a dress, but no jacket, tie, or gown required. The atmosphere is intentionally casual and yacht-like. Guests who want to dress up may do so; guests who prefer linen and loafers will feel equally at home.
The AmphoraWine program is Windstar’s curated wine selection, available across the fleet. It emphasizes varietals and producers matched to the destinations the ship is visiting — Mediterranean itineraries feature Greek, Italian, and Spanish producers; Caribbean sailings lean toward New World wines. The program reflects Windstar’s destination-forward philosophy applied to the dining experience. Wine is available for purchase or included when the All-In beverage package is booked.
Windstar’s itineraries are built around their small-ship advantage — accessing ports that large ships cannot reach. Key programs include:
The Mediterranean is where the Windstar small-ship advantage is most apparent. The line’s ships can dock directly in small harbor towns — Santorini’s caldera, the Old Port of Dubrovnik, Portofino’s tiny harbor — where large cruise ships must anchor offshore or, in some cases, cannot call at all. Windstar also prioritizes overnight stays in key ports, allowing guests to experience the evening atmosphere after day-trippers and larger ship passengers have departed. The result is a more authentic and less crowded Mediterranean experience than is possible on a ship of 2,000+ guests.
Deposits are typically $400–$800 per person depending on voyage length and cabin category. Cancellation fees increase progressively with full forfeiture inside 60–90 days depending on itinerary. Travel insurance is recommended, particularly for European Mediterranean sailings where international airfare represents a significant additional investment. Your Pavlus advisor will confirm current terms at booking.
The Windstar Yacht Club rewards returning guests across three tiers — Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Benefits include onboard credit, complimentary laundry, cabin upgrades when available, and priority booking access at higher tiers. Points accrue based on nights sailed and cabin category. Many Windstar guests sail multiple times per year, particularly on Mediterranean itineraries, and the loyalty benefits accumulate meaningfully for regular travelers. Your Pavlus advisor can help ensure your existing Yacht Club status is properly linked when booking.
Windstar’s dining is a genuine highlight of the experience. Key venues and experiences:
Food quality across Windstar is consistently praised in guest reviews — the chef-driven culinary program elevated significantly under the Xanterra ownership period. The Star Barbecue on-deck dinner event remains the signature experience.
Gratuities are included when the All-In package is booked. Under the standard base fare (without All-In), a daily suggested gratuity per person is added to your onboard account. The All-In package bundling drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities is the most popular way to book Windstar and is usually offered as a promotional package — ask your Pavlus advisor whether it’s currently available for your chosen sailing and whether the bundle represents better value than adding each element separately.
Windstar’s small-ship advantage enables itineraries in regions that mainstream cruise lines skip entirely:
These less-traveled programs often represent the most distinctive Windstar experiences — ask your Pavlus advisor about current unusual Windstar itineraries if the Mediterranean and Caribbean feel too familiar.
Windstar does not operate a children’s club or dedicated youth programming. The line is designed primarily for adults, though there is no minimum age restriction. Families with older teenagers who enjoy sailing, adventure, and small-ship intimacy often have excellent experiences. The watersports platform — kayaking, snorkeling, swimming directly from the ship — is a natural draw for active younger travelers. Families with young children seeking structured children’s activities will find this line is not the right fit. Discuss your specific family situation with your Pavlus advisor before booking.
Windstar suits solo travelers who appreciate the social environment a small ship creates naturally. With 148–312 guests, the vessels are intimate enough that solo travelers meet other guests through shared open-seating dining, deck time, and excursions without effort. Single supplements apply; Windstar periodically offers solo promotions with reduced supplements. The casual and friendly onboard culture is particularly welcoming for independent travelers. Ask your Pavlus advisor about current solo-friendly Windstar departures.
The Wind Class sailing yachts are smaller vessels (148–312 guests) without the stabilization systems of large cruise ships, and they can move in rough conditions. The trade-off is the sailing experience — a vessel that moves is also a vessel that actually sails. In calm Mediterranean waters or sheltered Caribbean anchorages, motion is minimal. Open Atlantic passages or rough weather conditions can produce more noticeable movement. Guests who are seriously prone to seasickness should discuss this with their physician before booking and come prepared with preventive medication.
The Star Class motor yachts (312 guests) are stabilizer-equipped and generally more stable in open-water conditions.
Call Pavlus Travel at 800-528-9300. Our specialists are familiar with all six Windstar ships and their itinerary differences and can guide you through the sailing yacht vs. motor yacht decision, the All-In package options, and current promotions. Deposits are typically $400–$800 per person with final payment due 90 days before departure. Pavlus provides a savings benefit — discount, cash back, or onboard credit — on top of all current Windstar promotions.
Booking through Pavlus delivers real value over booking direct:
Pavlus has preferred agency status with Windstar and periodically has access to shipboard credits and promotional packages not available when booking directly. These change regularly with Windstar’s promotional calendar. Call 800-528-9300 and ask specifically about current Windstar Cruises offers and any Pavlus-exclusive amenities for your target sailing.
Bookings can typically be transferred to a travel agency within a defined window after the original deposit date (usually within 60 days of booking, though current Windstar policy should be confirmed). Transferring to Pavlus gives you access to any Pavlus-exclusive amenities and an experienced advisor supporting your voyage from booking through return. Call 800-528-9300 to discuss your specific booking.
No — you will pay less. Pavlus Travel provides a savings benefit on top of current Windstar promotions, in the form of a discount, cash back, or onboard credit. You receive all the vendor’s deals plus Pavlus savings, along with All-In package guidance and the ongoing support of an experienced small-ship cruise specialist.
Pavlus has sold Windstar for decades — since the original Wind Star launched in 1986. Our advisors understand the important nuances: the real difference between the sailing yachts and motor yachts, which Mediterranean itineraries use which ships, how the All-In package value changes by voyage length, and how Windstar’s small-ship access compares to competitors on specific routes. If you’re deciding between, say, a Wind Surf Mediterranean sailing and an Aegean Star Class itinerary, we can give you the honest comparison from experience.
Pavlus acts as your advocate throughout the booking and travel process. For billing discrepancies, cabin assignment concerns, pre-departure logistics issues, or any onboard situation requiring attention, call us at 800-528-9300 and we will work directly with Windstar on your behalf. Windstar itineraries can include last-minute port or anchorage changes based on weather and sea conditions — having an experienced agency in your corner is reassuring when plans flex.
To make the call efficient, have the following ready:
Not sure which ship or itinerary is right? Call 800-528-9300 — our advisors specialize in exactly that conversation.
For peak-season Mediterranean sailings (June–September), book 6–12 months in advance — popular Greek Islands itineraries on Wind Surf sell out well ahead of the season. For Caribbean sailings, 4–6 months is often sufficient, though popular holiday-season departures (December–January) book faster. Alaska sailings during the summer season should be booked 6+ months out. Booking early also locks in any current All-In promotional packages before they expire or the inventory sells out.
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