Windstar cruises: an intimate voyage far from ordinary
Escape the crowds and find a more personal way to explore the world with Windstar Cruises. Their elegant yachts, designed for just 150 to 350 guests, deliver immersive, authentic experiences with exceptional service. It's 180 degrees from ordinary.
A more intimate experience
Windstar's fleet offers access to smaller, more exclusive ports that are off-limits to larger cruise ships. This means you can step directly into the heart of destinations like Portofino, Saint-Tropez, and Monemvasia without the need for tenders, making every arrival smooth and effortless.
With an exceptional crew-to-guest ratio of around 1:1.5, the service is warm, attentive, and genuinely personal. Crew members quickly learn your name and preferences, creating the relaxed atmosphere of a private yacht rather than a conventional cruise ship.
A true yacht experience
Cruising aboard a sail-powered yacht brings a genuine sense of maritime romance. Watching the sails unfurl as the yacht glides across the ocean evokes the golden age of sailing, long before the arrival of steamships. Rather than feeling like a floating resort, a Windstar yacht offers the unmistakable sensation of true seafaring adventure.
From the sun-drenched Greek Islands to the tropical paradise of Tahiti and the South Pacific, Windstar sails far beyond the typical cruise circuit, visiting destinations that many larger ships simply cannot reach.
Exceptional culinary experiences
Windstar offers an impressive variety of dining experiences. The Yacht Club serves light breakfasts, specialty coffees, and freshly prepared snacks throughout the day. The Veranda offers generous buffet breakfasts and lunches alongside freshly cooked dishes, with indoor and al fresco seating.
In the evening, the restaurant transforms into the romantic Candles, where guests dine beneath the stars. Amphora, Windstar's signature restaurant, showcases refined cuisine with menus that evolve regularly.
On the top deck, Star Grill serves grilled seafood, premium meats, and imaginative vegan dishes in an informal open-air setting. Afterwards, its adjoining bar becomes one of the ship's favorite spots for a moonlit nightcap. The recently introduced Basil + Bamboo offers reservation-only East-meets-West fusion cuisine, featuring dishes such as sushi, tuna tartare, and expertly prepared steaks.
Immersive shore experiences
Windstar offers a wide range of carefully curated shore experiences designed for small groups. Rather than large coach excursions, guests enjoy immersive experiences that connect them with local culture. In Bora Bora, the Destination Discovery Event combines Polynesian fire dancers with a spectacular beachside feast. In Cartagena, a tapas trail introduces one of Spain's most social traditions, while near Valencia, guests can learn to prepare authentic paella in the kitchen of a traditional finca.
A peek behind the scenes
Windstar's open bridge policy offers a rare opportunity to experience life at sea from the crew's perspective. Unless the ship is maneuvering in port, guests are welcome to visit the bridge and observe the navigation team at work. They are more than willing to answer questions. Evening visits are especially memorable, with officers often pointing out constellations and explaining celestial navigation while sharing stories of life at sea, favorite destinations, and their own maritime careers.
A relaxed yet refined atmosphere
Evenings on board are elegant without being formal. The dress code is smart casual, so there's no need to pack tuxedos or evening gowns. Windstar attracts well-traveled, curious guests who enjoy sharing stories and recommendations over a pre-dinner cocktail, creating a sociable yet sophisticated atmosphere.
The verdict
Windstar's yachts offer a more thoughtful style of cruising. Each evening, guests can attend engaging presentations introducing the culture, cuisine, and history of the following day's destination. Away from the major tourist centers, itineraries uncover quiet islands, secluded coves, and hidden harbors rarely visited by larger ships.
Many voyages also include opportunities to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or kayak directly from the yacht's marina platform. Luxury cruising continues to evolve, and more travelers are discovering that bigger does not necessarily mean better. Windstar's remarkably loyal guests – many of whom return time after time – are compelling proof that, when it comes to cruising, smaller can indeed be better.