Wind Spirit Ship Review

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

The 5,350-ton, 148-guest Wind Spirit and her identical twin, Wind Star, were Windstar’s original vessels (launched in 1988 and 1986, respectively), and they’re still some of the most romantic small ships at sea — part sailing yacht, part premium cruise ship, and with all the fine service, casual atmosphere, and excellent cuisine for which Windstar is known.

Wind Spirit Dining & Public Rooms

The Restaurant aboard Wind Spirit creates a soothing, nautical feel. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

In all, there are only four main public rooms: the Skylight Main Lounge and next-door Casino, the Restaurant, and the Veranda buffet restaurant. The Main Lounge is the spot for dancing, cocktails, and port talks, plus gambling in the casino, which is located in a small adjoining room. There’s also a second, open-air bar out by the pool, which is also the venue for Candles, a poolside steak and shish kabob restaurant that can serve about 30 guests per evening. Otherwise, guests take their dinner at the spacious, nautically-styled main Restaurant. Breakfast and lunch are served at the Veranda, a sunny, big-windowed room with indoor and outdoor seating.

Once per cruise, the crew of the Wind Spirit put on an outdoor barbecue extravaganza that is not to be missed. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

Other rooms on board include a small spa, an equally small gym, and a cozy library where guests can surf the web or check out books, DVDs, and CDs for use in their staterooms. Outdoors there’s a small pool and hot tub, plus various decks and nooks appointed with deck chairs.

Wind Spirit Staterooms

Staterooms aboard Wind Star and Wind Spirit are comfortable, nautical, and well-designed. Photo courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Wind Spirit offers two basic accommodation choices: standard outside staterooms and Owners Cabins. Each standard, 188-square-foot stateroom offers a queen-size bed, TV, DVD/CD player, Bose SoundDock (for use with iPods, your own or one you check out onboard), wi-fi, a small refrigerator, L’Occitane toiletries, adequate storage, and nicely designed bathrooms with granite countertops and teak floors. Owners Cabins offer a bit more space, measuring in at 220 square feet.

Note that no accommodations on Wind Spirit offer balconies: Instead, all staterooms have traditional porthole windows.

The sails of the Wind Spirit, beautifully illuminated at night. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

As part of renovations planned for April 2012, Wind Spirit will be getting an updated decor, with accommodations receiving leather headboards, linen wall coverings, wool carpeting, and new armchairs, art work, lighting features, window coverings, bed cushions, and throws. The ship’s public rooms will also get a makeover, adding a more contemporary look. But make no mistake: this is one comfortable, extremely well-kept ship.

Avid Cruiser Posts Featuring Wind Spirit:

• The New Windstar Cruises
• Updated: Our Wind Star Ship Profile
• Updated: Our Windstar Cruises Profile
• Only Six Months Away, Windstar To Launch The First Of Its New “Motor Yachts”
• Still Sailing On Wind Spirit: Live Voyage Report – The Last Day
• Wind Spirit From Stockholm: Aaron Saunders’ Live Voyage Report – Day 2
• Avid Cruiser Far & Wide: Ralph Grizzle Reports From Canada While Aaron Saunders Sails From Stockholm