This is the Windstar Cruises: casual, comfortable and spectacular!
Sailing at sea with six ships since 2014
A relaxed atmosphere on board, comfortable furnishings, excellent cuisine and an unusual route - these are the hallmarks of the Clipper from Windstar Cruises, a cruise line based in the Bahamas that was founded in the 1980s and is a subsidiary of the Carnival Cooperation.
Windstar Cruises scores with a fleet of small luxury ships in an intimate yacht style. You set off on unique sailing cruises around the world and call at small ports, secret bays and exotic islands. The program also includes special trips such as those through the Panama Canal.
The three sailing yachts Wind Star, Wind Spirit and Wind Surf offer space for 148 and 342 passengers respectively and head to destinations in around 50 countries around the world. The snow-white luxury ships can be seen in Europe (especially in the Mediterranean) as well as in the South Pacific (from/to Papeete), in the Caribbean and around America. Whether Barbados (Bridgetown), St. Maarten (Philipsburg), the beautiful Antilles archipelago or Costa Rica (Caldera) – some of the most beautiful destinations in the world are on the route plans.
But at Windstar Cruises the signs also point to expansion. In May 2014, the cruise line took over the Star Pride, which previously sailed as Seabourn Pride. And in the spring of 2015, the Star Breeze and the Star Legend also followed as takeovers from Seabourn, so that Windstar Cruises now sails the world's oceans with a small and very fine fleet of six ships, including three motor sailing yachts and three motor yachts, and offers a bed capacity of 1,574. This makes Windstar Cruises a big player in the market for small ships with up to 350 passengers. Due to the increased capacity as of 2014, the cruise line has once again expanded its range of routes and also sends its ships to unusual places such as Iceland or Puerto Rico.
On board you will find the young at heart who want to travel in style and discover the world in an individual way. Anyone who boards a Windstar ship can expect sophisticated culinary delights. Here, mere food gives way to enjoyment. The elegant restaurants serve dishes of the highest quality, with the greatest possible individuality such as free choice of seating and the opportunity to eat the menu in the privacy of your own cabin or suite. Laissez faire not only on deck, but also in the organization of the daily routine.
Distinguished: honor where honor is due
Windstar Cruises has already won an impressive number of international prizes and awards. Whether Condé Nast Traveler, Cruise Critic, Travel + Leisure, Islands Magazine or Forbes Life: They have all been impressed by the quality of the noble cruise line and have regularly awarded them awards. Windstar Cruises received the gold medal in various categories – from “best cruise line” to “best small cruise ship” to “best offer for honeymooners”.
Bulk purchase at Seabourn
For a long time, Windstar Cruises was only known among cruise lovers for the three cruise sailing yachts Wind Surf, Wind Star and Wind Spirit. Wherever they docked, the three sleek, snow-white sisters were an eye-catcher. Windstar Cruises, then known as Windstar Sail Cruises, was the first to send the Wind Star out to sea in 1986. The Wind Spirit was added in 1988 and the Wind Surf in 1989. A fourth ship, the Wind Song, launched in 1987, met a sad end. After a fire in the engine room, it was declared a total loss and the Wind Song came to an end.
Windstar Cruises set new sails in 2013. Owner Xanterra Parks & Resorts announced that it wanted to buy three ships from Seabourn, initiating an expansion that would give the cruise line a leading position in the small ship sector. Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Legend and Seabourn Spirit have been extensively renovated and upgraded to Windstar standards. The first to launch was the Star Pride for Windstar Cruises, followed by the Star Legend in April 2015 and the Star Breeze in May 2015.
Wind Surf: proud five-master
The five-masted Wind Surf is the cruise line's flagship. On the elegant sailing yacht with six decks, 210 crew members look after 342 passengers. They will find a comfortable temporary home in 171 outside cabins - some of which have a third bed, for example for families with children. Or in the 18 regular suites, an Officer’s Suite and the two suites on the bridge deck (see deck plan), which delight their residents with their own dining room for private gourmet dinners and a Jacuzzi for 24-hour wellness.
The 187-meter-long and 20-meter-wide ship was built at the Ateliers et Chantiers du Havre shipyard in France and is a majestic sight. The Wind Surf is Windstar Cruises' largest sailing ship and therefore offers significantly larger suites than its smaller sisters Wind Star and Wind Spirit. However, the guest will not notice any differences in the equipment; the facilities for wellness, sports and entertainment are also the same on the three sailing yachts. Wind Star and Wind Spirit:
French elegance
The Wind Star and the Wind Spirit also bear the signature of French shipbuilders - like the Wind Surf, they were born at the Ateliers et Chantiers du Havre shipyard. The two motor sailers with four masts were built in 1986 and 1988 and are 134 meters long and almost 16 meters wide and offer space for 148 passengers on four decks each. 101 crew members ensure the well-being of the guests with the best service quality. The large upper deck is particularly popular on cruises for all sun lovers and fresh air fans. 74 elegantly furnished outside cabins offer all the amenities you would expect from such a ship. Only the Owner's Suites top the offer.
With Wind Star and Wind Spirit, Windstar Cruises has ushered in a new era of luxury cruises. The white sails only need around two minutes to unfold for a cruise like in times gone by and appear billowing in front of the sky. Hardly any passenger can escape this fascination. Captains and officers are happy to explain the miracle of technology and invite you to the open bridge at many times.
Star Pride: Not a sailer, but a real star
With the Star Pride, Windstar Cruises enters the world of conventionally powered cruise yachts. The floating gem is not a sailing ship, but is still an equal member of the Windstar fleet that can compete with its sailing sisters in terms of comfort, equipment and service. For three weeks, the former Seabourn Pride went to a shipyard in Barcelona for a beauty treatment and underwent a facelift to conform to Windstar Cruises standards. The 159-meter-long and 19-meter-wide ship (GT 12,995) offers space for 312 guests in 156 cabins and suites, whose well-being is in the hands of 190 crew members. In November 2020, the ship underwent a complete renovation and then offers just as much space as her sisters. “Come to the bridge,” is also what Star Pride says. At many times, passengers can watch the captain at work, chat with him or talk shop and from there enjoy the exposed view of the sky and sea.
Star Breeze and Star Legend: the younger sisters set sail
The sisters Star Breeze (formerly Seabourn Spirit) and Star Legend (formerly Seabourn Legend), also presented in yacht style, followed the cruise ship Star Pride and were put into service by Windstar Cruises in 2015. The identical cruise trio was sold by Seabourn to Xanterra Parks & Resorts, the parent company of Windstar Cruises, in the winter of 2013. The three ships were originally built at the Schichau Seebeck shipyard in Bremerhaven and were then converted over the years at various European shipyards. The Star Breeze and Star Legend received the final touches in Genoa. Despite their intimate size, these mega yachts offer a level of comfort that impresses even the most demanding cruise guests. The 312 passengers can choose between different suite categories, including the Owner's Suite, which is around 50 square meters in size and each has a stylish seating area that allows a wonderful view over the waves to the horizon. By the way, the Star Legend, formerly Seabourn Legend, is a celebrity. In 1997 it served as a filming location and backdrop for the American action film Speed 2 - Cruise Control. Many film sequences starring Sandra Bullock and Jason Patric were shot directly on board.
All inclusive, drinks packages and flowers
Anyone who sets sail with Windstar Cruises wants to enjoy their time carefree, forget everyday thoughts and not have to worry about anything on the entire itinerary - the all-inclusive concept that the ccruise line offers to its illustrious guests is perfectly in accordance with this. All meals at all restaurants on all occasions are already included in the travel price on an all-inclusive basis. This all-inclusive policy is exemplary in its consistency. All non-alcoholic drinks and all tea and coffee specialties are also included in the travel price.
There are also some other very pleasant services at no extra cost: these include the sailing parties on deck with champagne, champagne receptions and 24-hour room service. Barbecue events and events on the pool deck are also included. Of course, fresh flowers in the cabins and suites and the use of the all facilities on the well-equipped water sports platform.
Additional costs apply for alcohol such as wine, champagne or beer outside of the included events. The costs can be reduced and reliably calculated by the booking of drinks packages. If you want to use the laundry service extensively, you can book a corresponding service package and reduce the prices.
Good to know: this is what awaits you on board and on land
On-board language:
The onboard language on Windstar Cruises ships is English, appropriate for international audience.
Dress code:
As luxurious and elegant as the Windstar yachts appear, things are relatively casual on board. Tuxedos and long evening dresses are not part of the dress code – the dress code is rather casual. The evening can be sporty and elegant, but guests are not restricted by a strict dress code. Of course, passengers should not come to restaurants to eat in swimwear.
Children, babies, families and singles:
Windstar Cruises ships are not aimed at families with younger children or babies. There are no special facilities for children, no care for children or babies and no special catering, such as children menus.Windstar Cruises offeris are aimed primarily to adults.
If you want to take children on board, you should check whether this makes sense or not based on the child's age and interests. Boys and girls who are happy with leisure activities can certainly have fun. However, very active children do not find appropriate options. Children pay the full price for a third person in the corresponding cabins and suites. The cruise line limits the number of children who are under eight years old aboard a ship.
Although there are no special facilities for singles, singles report good experiences in the reviews. Since the ships are small, it is easy to make contact. In addition, the open table concept allows you to enjoy meals with new friends.
Guests on board:
Guests who like to board a Windstar Cruises ship are usually between 45 and 65 years old and are often still actively working. They are wealthy, educated and experienced in cruises and are interested in lifestyle topics, water sports and culinary delights. There are mainly couples on board, but also singles and occasionally families with – usually older – children.
Internet, Wi-Fi and telephone:
Windstar Cruises ships are connected to the Internet depending on their position and route. In most areas of the ships, internet access via Wi-Fi (for a fee) is possible. The (fee-based) satellite phone can also be used to keep in touch with home and the world.
Photos and videos:
A cruise with Windstar Cruises offers a variety of opportunities to capture the proud ship in pictures or on video. The four- and five-masters offer a particularly attractive subject for perfect photos when they are under full sail.
Gratuities:
A gratuity of US$12 per person per day will automatically be credited to the passenger's onboard account. A 15 percent gratuity is also automatically added to the bill at the bar and at the spa and must be paid at the end of the cruise.
Smoking:
Most areas on Windstar Cruises ships are smoke-free areas. Smoking is not permitted in the cabins, in the suites, in the public areas including the restaurants and hallways. The cruise line only tolerates smoking in designated areas on deck.
Onboard credit and onboard account:
All expenses (e.g. cosmetic and wellness treatments) that are not included in the travel price will be charged to the personal onboard account, which must be balanced at the end of the cruise. The gratuities per day and person as well as the gratuity surcharge of 15 percent on expenses at the bar and in the spa also accrue.
Guests are allowed to bring two bottles of alcohol (wine or champagne) on board. Any additional bottles, including those purchased in the ports of the destination, will be retained and given back to the guests on the last evening of the cruise.
Disabled-accessible cabins and suites:
Windstar Cruises' three sailing yachts are not designed for passengers with mobility limitations and are therefore not disabled-accessible. The Wind Star and Wind Spirit do not have elevators, so the stairs must be used to change decks. Some stairwells are also quite narrow. All three sailing ships lack barrier-free cabins and suites.
The Star Pride, Star Breeze and Star Legend have barrier-free cabins. However, the cruise line points out that disabled passengers may not be able to take part in all activities on board and on land. It is best for passengers to ask the experts at kreuzfahrten.de for details before booking.
Experiences and reviews:
Windstar Cruises operates in the luxury segment and only very critical guests discover serious defects. The overall rating of the ships in the common forums and portals is mostly good to very good. The culinary offer in particular scores top marks. Cruise guests particularly praise the very personal atmosphere and the good guest-crew relationship. Windstar Cruises, the summary says, is excellent for active cruise guests who feel comfortable in a personal environment and enjoy visiting remote ports and destinations.
The ships are clearly not aimed at families, so the reviews on this point are less positive. The same applies when assessing the amenities for people with disabilities.
If you would like to set sail on a cruise ship from Windstar Cruises and are interested in offers and deals, it is best to contact the cruise experts at kreuzfahrten.de and inquire about the best offers.
Suites and cabins: a stylish temporary home
Wind Surf, Wind Star, Wind Spirit: gifts with fresh flowers and fruit baskets
Sailing and still spending the night in luxury on the cruise – discerning guests will find this combination on the Wind Surf. 18 Deluxe Oceanview Suites, one Officer’s Suite, two Bridge Suites and 150 outside cabins (Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms) are waiting to be moved into by cruise guests. The 18 square meter outside cabins offer a stylish and comfortable design with light woods and fresh colors. The queen-size bed, decorated with fine Egyptian cotton, can be converted into two twin beds. The cabins offer high-quality toiletries, a bathrobe and always welcome residents with fresh flowers and a fruit basket.
The suites are even more classy, with 31 square meters of additional space offering a seating area, two flat-screen televisions and two bathrooms. The Bridge Suites even have a separate dining room on 46 square meters, so that you can dine for two or with friends in a private atmosphere. The Bridge Suites also feature a massage shower and a whirlpool.
Wind Surf's two smaller sailing ships, the Wind Star and the Wind Spirit, are similarly equipped. In keeping with the ship's smaller dimensions, the Owner's Suite is somewhat more modest at 21 square meters. But it also offers an extra seating area and the opportunity to dine within your own four walls. In addition to the Owner’s Suite, guests can book one of the 73 elegant outside cabins. The 18 square meter cabins offer the usual Windstar Cruises comfort and a very attractive design. It offers queen-size beds, flat screen TV, DVD player, docking station for iPods, Wi-Fi access and of course a separate bathroom with shower/toilet. In these cabins, guests are also greeted with fruits and flowers.
Star Pride, Star Breeze and Star Legend: the luxury yachts only have suites!
Three ships, one thing in common: the 312 guests each live exclusively in suites! On the Star Pride, Star Breeze and Star Legend, cruise guests can choose between different suite categories. The equipment of the three ships is essentially the same. There are sea view and balcony suites with 26 square meters each, deluxe suites, classic suites with 37 square meters and the noble Owner's Suites, which measure an impressive 49 to 54 square meters. No matter what suite guests book, a seating area with a view of the sea awaits them. And they are welcome by the usual Windstar Cruises amenities, including mini-bar, flat-screen TV, safe, slippers and bathrobes, fine toiletries, fresh fruit and flowers and much more.
Food and drinks: dining like in seventh heaven
Almost all guests agree on this: a cruise with Windstar Cruises is like a cruise to the seventh gourmet heaven. No matter where hungry passengers dine, whether at the exquisite Amphora, at The Veranda or, if desired, within their own four suite walls, the experience is always a culinary delight. Fresh local ingredients and seasonal products are used, each prepared by top international chefs. The restaurant concept is very similar on all six Windstar Cruises ships. There are four restaurants on the sailing yachts. There is the main restaurant Amphora with international cuisine and local specialties tailored to the destination. Murano glass, soft lighting and works of art on the walls create an elegant ambience as a setting for fine dining. Candles offers fresh steaks and grilled fish -an outdoor restaurant that invites you to dine under the stars. For breakfast and lunch, guests meet at The Veranda and are spoiled for choice from the lavish buffets.
Additional service:
Guests can also dine intimately within the four walls of their own outside cabin or suite. Windstar Cruises will gladly accommodate this request and offers 24-hour room service. The three motor yachts Star Pride, Star Legend and Star Breeze also invite you to the Yacht Club. This is a chic lounge and coffee bar, making it the perfect place to relax and prepare for your next adventures on board or on land. This maritime and stylishly designed place offers a wonderful 270-degree panoramic view and satisfies your hunger with sandwiches and delicious pastries. The current Yacht Club was the Oberservation Lounge on the Seabourn Legend and, with its new design, has developed into a real wow place.
The Wind Surf has taken another restaurant on board, the Stella Bistro. The French-inspired eatery is best known for its wonderful desserts and good wine selection. Head chef Michael Sabourin, who has been creating new culinary delights and menu sequences for Windstar Cruises since 2013, is responsible for the excellent quality of the food. The claim is that every dish must be what you would expect on a private yacht - namely perfect. Guests should also be able to taste the part of the world they are in when they dine. Whether around France, in Norway, in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean - the specialties of the destination are only too happy to be served on the table. Guests are also invited to visit the local markets with the respective chef and look over his shoulder as he buys fresh fruits, vegetables or herbs for the evening meal.
Sports options & wellness: water skiing is also “all-inclusive”
Sailing fans and water sports enthusiasts will immediately feel at home on one of Windstar Cruises' sailing ships. One of the big highlights is the water sports platform, which can be used by guests when the ship is anchored and the wind and weather conditions cooperate. If this is the case, the hearts of all water sports enthusiasts beat faster. There are kayaks, zodiacs, windsurfing equipment, snorkeling equipment and even the opportunity to go water skiing. The offer is supplemented by diving offers. The water sports platform is the heart of all sports options on Windstar Cruises sailing ships.
There is also a swimming pool, whirlpools and a beautiful sun deck for all guests who feel like relaxing after extensive sporting activities. The ships also have inviting wellness and beauty areas. Here, guests can indulge in massages, yoga, fitness options, aromatherapy, facial treatments and other pleasant wellness programs.
The three motor yachts Star Pride, Star Breeze and Star Legend also score points with their water sports platform, which, in the style of Windstar Cruises, offer free sports opportunities for everyone who feels comfortable in and on the water. Unusual items such as a water trampoline and wakeboards are also included. The marina is protected underwater by a steel cage. The sun deck offers two smaller pools and the modernized WindSpa invites you to enjoy a sauna, steam baths and wellness treatments.
Open-air massages are also possible on deck. Anyone who wants to keep fit is invited to the small but well-equipped fitness center, which offers modern treadmills, cross trainers and other equipment. The offer is rounded off by courses in aerobics, Pilates, yoga and other disciplines.
Destinations and shore excursions
Small ports with great charisma
Cruises with Windstar Cruises are characterized above all by their unusual routes. Atlantic crossings or a passage through the Panama Canal are on the program, as are the Caribbean with long-lasting destinations such as St. Maarten (Philipsburg), Barbados (Bridgetown), Costa Rica (Caldera) or a round cruise to the Antilles. But the Mediterranean with its cultural treasures and the South Seas from/to Papeete are also visited.
Due to the small dimensions of the ships, the elegant yachts can also anchor in small harbors and secretive bays where large cruise ships cannot. The preferred destinations for Windstar Cruises ships include the most beautiful ports in the Mediterranean. In Italy you sail to Sicily, Elba and the Amalfi Coast. The small, picturesque islands of Greece are visited and the Mediterranean highlights such as Venice, Dubrovnik and the southern coast of Spain. Of course, the elegant yachts also glide through the turquoise waves of the Caribbean and anchor in places like Philipsburg or Bridgetown. But hey also venture into Northern Europe and into the exotic, distant world of the South Seas, where, for example, Bora Bora or Papeete (Tahiti) are visited.
If you have a specific hobby, you should take a look at the themed cruises from Windstar Cruises. The Grand Prix Monaco is just as exciting as gourmet and wine themes. Shore excursions can be booked to the destinations whose quality and design match the Windstar Cruises premium product. Every evening before the excursion, a lecture provides general information about the individual stops and the destination.
Entertainment and shows: small but nice
Loud entertainment shows, flashy activities and large concerts, as we know them from the megaliners, are not to be found on Windstar Cruises - and are not missed by the guests. Those who sail with Windstar Cruises enjoy an intimate experience and the atmosphere of a private yacht. The water sports activities, land excursions and excellent restaurants alone are entertainment enough for many passengers.
Nevertheless, a small but fine entertainment program is offered. Every evening a lecture introduces the next day's activities. A music program in the lounge invites you to listen and dance. The songs of Frank Sinatra, Carole King and Lady Gaga can be heard. If the ship stays in the port longer, local artists will also come on board. They sing, perform or perform traditional country skills such as flamenco dances or tango shows.
The Compass Rose Bar is also popular in the evening, for example on the Wind Surf. When the night is clear and warm, the tables and chairs are moved to the side and people who enjoy dancing do their laps under the night sky. Books and games are available in the library.
On Deck 6 of the three motor yachts Star Pride, Star Breeze and Star Legend there is a completely redesigned library and the business center with flat screens and new printers.
Visit to the captain on the bridge
On all Windstar Cruises ships, the open bridge offers special entertainment options that are highly valued and welcomed by guests. At many times, passengers can visit the captain and officers and be instructed in the secrets of seafaring.
