Windstar Cruises – Luxury Sailing Vessels
About Windstar
Windstar Cruises operates sailing yachts custom built to visit the hidden harbors and private coves of the world’s most unique destinations.
The ships feature 5-star cuisine, but with a casual flair- there is no assigned seating. The ocean-view staterooms and suites are equipped with Apple iPod Nanos and Bose SoundDock speakers, cell phone service, flat screen televisions, wireless Internet, luxury linens and mattresses, and L’Occitane amenities. Windstar has also partnered with The OnboardSpa Company for certified organic O SPA London Spa and salon services.
Windstar offers complimentary waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing, ski-tubing and kayaking from each ship’s aft deck for water lovers.
Windstar Cruises is best for:
Adventurous, active adults looking for elegant yachting experience.
Those seeking a country club casual sailing experience with very upscale surroundings and amenities; those who prefer a private yacht feel to their cruise
The ships of Windstar Cruises:
- Star Breeze, 312 Passengers
- Star Legend, 312 Passengers
- Star Pride, 312 Passengers
- Wind Spirit, 148 Passengers
- Wind Star, 148 Passengers
- Wind Surf, 342 Passengers
The atmosphere and experience onboard Windstar Cruises:
Windstar Cruise’s sleek, masted sailing ships (the sails are computer-directed) have a relaxed, casual and intimate vibe that eliminates the need for dressing up (country club casual prevails) or any other kind of formality or routine. Their size allows access to small harbors and enhances the sense of exploration on a private and luxurious yacht.
As might be expected, service is excellent and dining is a treat; food is prepared a la minute using top quality ingredients. There is open dining and a choice of either two or four venues on the ships. While there are few organized activities or programs (and no Vegas-style revues), complimentary water sports are an important part of the Windstar Cruises experience; there is complimentary ski-tubing, kayaking, windsurfing, etc. from each ship’s aft deck.
The OnboardSpa Company provides certified organic O SPA London Spa and salon services to the spa, salon and fitness center.
Unlike the pricing on luxury lines, which is fairly inclusive, Windstar Cruises has an a la carte policy for shore excursions, cocktails, special classes and some alternative dining.
As there are no formal nights on Windstar Cruises, the line suggests “casual elegance” in dress for dinners and evenings. Shorts, jeans and T-shirts are not allowed in the specialty dining venues or the public rooms in the evening.
The destinations served by Windstar Cruises:
- Alaska
- Arabia
- Asia
- Australia & New Zealand
- Canada & New England
- Caribbean
- Costa Rica & Panama Canal
- Grand Adventures
- Greece
- Holy Lands
- Italy
- Mediterranean
- Mexico
- Northern Europe
- Ocean Crossings
- South Pacific
- Tahiti
- U.S. Coastals
The clientele of Windstar Cruises:
Well-traveled, experienced cruisers. The average age is about 50, but there is wide variance on both sides. The line tends to attract an adventurous, independent crowd and is also a favorite of honeymooners.
Regarding children onboard Windstar Cruises: Children, especially infants and toddlers, are not encouraged aboard Windstar cruises. The intimate ship size and unregimented atmosphere are adult in orientation and do not provide for the care, supervision, or entertainment of children. Children occupying staterooms as the third person are charged the applicable “third person” rate, which is available on request. Travel for Children under seven years of age is limited. Please contact Windstar Reservations for availability.
https://allthingscruise.com/cruise-planning/cruise-lines-childrens-programs/
Consumer reviews about Windstar Cruises:
https://allthingscruise.com/cruise-reviews/reviews/Cruise-Ships/Windstar-Cruises/index.htm
Shore excursions for your Windstar Cruises Voyage:
http://www.cruisecompete.com/shore_excursions/
See dining options for Windstar Cruises here:
https://allthingscruise.com/specialty-restaurants-alphabetically-by-cruise-line/
Windstar Cruises are offered here:
http://www.cruisecompete.com/lines/windstar_cruises.html
To read a travel diary about Windstar Cruises please click here:
https://allthingscruise.com/travel-diaries/
See the newest ships for Windstar Cruises here:
https://allthingscruise.com/newest-ships/
Some of the cruise lines offer all-inclusive experiences, See the amenities offered by Windstar Cruises here:
https://allthingscruise.com/all-inclusive/
Alcohol policies for Windstar Cruises
https://allthingscruise.com/onboard-the-ship/alcohol-policy-by-cruise-line/
About Weddings at Sea or Vow Renewals at Sea:
https://allthingscruise.com/cruise-research/cruise-lines/windstar-cruises/
See cancellation policies for Windstar Cruises here:
https://allthingscruise.com/cruise-planning/cancellation-policy-by-cruise-line/
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Heidi, Editor-In-Chief
