Windstar Cruises

The Romance of Sail

Windstar has a niche all to itself, operating a fleet of small ships that offer the amenities of a premium cruise experience but with one utterly distinctive difference: The ships have sails.

It all started in 1984, prompted by a new ship design by Finnish shipbuilding firm Wartsila. The idea was called the Windcruiser, and it was like nothing else in the market: a vessel that combined standard diesel engines with several huge, computer-controlled staysails, which could propel the vessels on their own or work in concert with the engines, helping to save fuel. The fact that they add an air of romance to the cruise experience didn’t hurt, either, and that may be the word that still describes Windstar best to this day. For a romantic cruise, you can’t do much better.

The romance of sail is alive and well aboard the ships of Windstar Cruises. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

Aside from sails, Windstar’s hallmarks have remained consistent throughout its quarter-century history and through four different corporate owners: It’s a line that sails in beautiful, exotic locations; it provides great service and excellent dining; and its onboard vibe is completely casual and unregimented — no dress code, no loud onboard activities, no stress.

Windstar Destinations

Windstar returned to the Baltic in 2011; Wind Spirit is seen here in Copenhagen, Denmark. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

Whether in the Greek Isles, the Mediterranean, the Baltics, Central America, or the Caribbean, Windstar’s itineraries are port-intensive, usually with just one day spent at sea. On board, there are few organized activities to distract you from daydreams. What activities there are include things like fitness classes and a nightly cocktail hour where the ship’s hosts fill you in on the next day’s port. When the ships are able to anchor offshore, the crew may lower a water sports platform from the stern, from which guests can go waterskiing, windsurfing, or kayaking. Entertainment is generally limited to music in the lounges, though once per cruise members of the crew put on a show highlighting music and dance from their home countries. Each of the ships also has a small casino, plus both indoor and outdoor bar/lounges.

Dining aboard Windstar

Dining aboard a Windstar ship is a true event. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

Dining is one of the highlights of any Windstar cruise, with dinners served in the ship’s comfortable main restaurant, which operates on a casual, open-seating basis — just show up when you’re ready during mealtimes and the maitre d’ will seat you. The fleet’s largest ship, Wind Surf, also offers a Mediterranean bistro called Degrees and two outdoor, alfresco venues: Candles for steaks and skewers and Le Marché for seafood. Fleetwide, breakfast and lunch are served in the buffet-style Veranda Cafe, and the Yacht Club Sandwich and Espresso Bar offers specialty sandwiches, fruit, and other snacks throughout the morning and afternoon.

Due to the small size of these ships, and their focus on providing a relaxed, adult atmosphere, there are no activities or play spaces for kids. Generally speaking, you’ll find very few kids on any particular sailing, even during school holidays.

Also, it’s worth nothing that all three ships lack staterooms designed for people with wheelchairs, and only Wind Surf has a passenger elevator.

All Windstar ships will undergo dramatic refurbishments in the next year to their staterooms and public areas, ensuring passengers continue to experince the magic of sail in style and comfort.

Scroll through the videos below for other videos featuring Windstar Cruises.

Ship Reviews

Articles About Windstar Cruises