Why Windstar

The World's Best Small Ship Cruise Line

All cruise ships let you see the world. Only Windstar's yachts bring you close enough so you can truly experience it. Each of our yachts serves between 148 and 342 guests. This intimacy provides you with the luxuries of time, space and freedom to immerse yourself in both the journey and the destination — in ways you may never have imagined possible.

Two Styles of Yachts

There are eight yachts in the Windstar fleet. Stretch out on our three reimagined Star Class yachts, which recently received a $250 million transformation. Or, take to the seas in one of three classic Wind Class yachts featuring masts with sails and the largest sailing ship in the world, Wind Surf.

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Not Just Different, Better

We go out of our way to find out-of-the-way places to go. It’s easy to build an itinerary made up of tried-and-true destinations. It’s not so easy to find smaller, less-visited ports of call — places out of the limelight where locals go to vacation, where authentic food and traditions take the place of tourist fare, and where you can still find deserted beaches and bustling markets filled with unfamiliar produce and colorful characters. We’re always looking for hidden gems like these. If we fall in love with them, we figure there’s a good chance you will too.

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Perfectly Sized, Newly Transformed

Banish cliché, toss aside regimen, steer clear of stuffy. Our perfectly sized yachts, fresh from a $250 million renovation, make it possible to flip the script on cruising. Free yourself from the crowds and indulge all your senses, especially your sense of awe. Experience cultures in ways that are personal and authentic, with the power to change your perspective. With 148-342 guests, a Windstar yacht is large enough to pamper, yet small enough to explore secluded coves and docks in the heart of charming villages, sparkling cities, and remote islands.

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Authentic Experiences

Yes, our yachts are beautiful, but their real beauty lies in how close they can get you to the kind of authentic, immersive experiences you're looking for.

Beyond Sightseeing

Have dinner with a Croatian family in their village home, and see what life is like from a local perspective. Snorkel with whale sharks off the coast of La Paz. Our carefully curated onboard lecturers deepen and enhance your experiences with an insider’s look at intriguing local topics. Get closer to each destination through the best small ports and hidden harbors, for access to different cultures and far off lands.

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Enrichment Programs

At Windstar, we don’t just take you to fascinating destinations, we take you into them, giving you unique access to knowledge and activities that enhance your understanding of the places you visit. Complimentary Destination Discovery Events treat you to iconic experiences that capture the essence of your locale. Enrichment Speakers intrigue you with regional topics, adding new dimensions to your voyage. And small group excursions take you to meet locals who are delighted to share their homes, cuisines and cultures with you.

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Shore Excursions

"You don’t want to just dip a toe in local culture, you want to dive into the deep end, and that’s exactly what Windstar shore excursions are designed to do. All of our excursions are created to provide authentic local experiences — the kind travelers like you are looking for. And with more than 2,000 excursions to choose from, you can experience your destination in whatever way is most meaningful to you, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, a history buff or someone who loves to get to know the faces behind the many places we travel. Experience cultures in ways that are personal and authentic, with the power to change your perspective. With 148-342 guests, a Windstar yacht is large enough to pamper, yet small enough to explore secluded coves and docks in the heart of charming villages, sparkling cities and remote islands. "

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Freedom

No Schedule to Keep. Except Your Own.

We don’t have jam-packed onboard programs filled with bingo and blackjack tournaments. Instead, visit local markets with our chef. Drop by the Open Bridge for an impromptu lesson in chart reading. Share bottles of wine and stories with the couple sitting next to you in Candles. Listen to live music in the Lounge. Jump directly off the yacht from our Marina Platform. And most of all, do more of the things you want to do when you travel.

Welcoming

If We Can, We Do: Making a Difference Once Detail at a Time.

Of all the things that make Windstar 180 degrees from ordinary, the most exceptional may be our crew. To them, hospitality is not just a job, it’s a calling, and the more you enjoy your voyage, the more they enjoy serving you. They notice things others might not – your affection for turn-down chocolates, for instance, resulting in extra sweets magically appearing on your pillow.

A Delicious Pairing

Windstar Cruises has partnered with the James Beard Foundation to bring you culinary experiences that are truly 180 degrees from ordinary. Now guests can dine on dishes created by not just one celebrity chef, but by a list of all-stars recognized by the James Beard Foundation, an organization committed to celebrating, nurturing and honoring chefs and other leaders making America's food culture more delicious, diverse and sustainable for everyone.

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World-Class Dining

We've upped the onboard dining game with our culinary program, featuring an array of fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from each port along the journey, and menus inspired by a partnership with the James Beard Foundation. Each nightly menu is crafted to highlight the spectacular flavors of the regional cuisine. Every meal is just want you'd expect on your private yacht — perfect, and included in Windstar's Cruise Fare. You're free to dine when, where, and with whomever you please.

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Innovative New Restaurants

With two brand new restaurants on our Star Class ships, you will be able to taste a variety of cuisines from around the globe. Whether you are looking for afternoon tapas or barbecue grilled by a master, the option to relax and enjoy delicious meals is always a guarantee. In Michelin-starred Chef Anthony Sasso's Cuadro 44, enjoy small plates and exquisite Iberian flavors. Or indulge at Star Grill, the most inventive modern grill at seas, with recipes from Chef Steven Raichlen. Both included in Windstar's Cruise Fare.

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The Option to Make it All-Inclusive

Make your cruise all-inclusive with our All-Inclusive Fare at just $99 per guest per day. Receive everything in the Cruise Fare plus Wi-Fi, unlimited beer, wine & cocktails, and gratuities. Make your vacation hassle free with everything arranged before you depart.

Alcoholic Beverages

Unlimited beer, wine, and cocktails. Cheers!

Gratuities

At your service. Includes all service and bar gratuities.

Wi-Fi

Unlimited internet, so you can stay connected — and make your friends wish they were with you!

The Marina*

Complimentary kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and floating islands. *Select Voyages

Watersports Equipment, Including Custom-Fitted Snorkel Gear*

No need to pack snorkel, mask, or fins. *Select Voyages

Windstar's Crew Talent Show

You don't want to miss this! Our crew shows off their hidden talents beyond their day job.

Signature Onboard & Beach Barbecues

It's more than a barbecue — it's a feast, complete with carving stations, dessert bar, and line dancing with the crew!

24-Hour Room Service

Stay in tonight. You can even order from your yacht's restaurant menus.

Live & Local Entertainment*

Brought to you by the locals who are eager to share their culture. *Select Voyages

Market Tours With the Chef*

Come with our chef to learn to select some of the ingredients that will be featured in your dishes. *Select Voyages

Daily James Beard Foundation Dishes

You didn't come all this way for just a burger.

Enrichment Lectures & Nightly Port Talks

Learn more about the adventures you'll have tomorrow.

Signature Sail Away Event

It's off to our next destination! Come to the deck as we bid the port farewell to the strains of Vangelis' 1492.

All Meals, Including Specialty Restaurants

Try it all! Basil + Bamboo on any of our Star Class yachts, Candles, or Wind Surf's Stella Bistro. Coursed meals in Amphora, buffet and à la carte in Veranda, and even reservations-only restaurants.