Windstar Cruises

871 Reviews
Star Pride

About Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises offers a trio of masted sailing ships, as well as a trio of all-suite small cruise ships. Passengers embrace a casual-yet-upscale environment and active exploration in port. Deck barbecues and beach parties are a highlight, as are water sports right from the ship.

  • More about Windstar Cruises

  • Who goes on Windstar cruise ships?

  • Do I have to dress up on a Windstar cruise?

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Star Breeze
Star Breeze

10 Night
Tahiti & The Tuamotu Islands 10d Ppt-ppt

123 Reviews
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Wind Spirit
Wind Spirit (Photo: Windstar)

7 Night
Windward Island Delights 7d Bgi-bgi

105 Reviews
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Wind Spirit
Wind Spirit (Photo: Windstar)

10 Night
Hidden Treasures Of The Lesser Antilles 10d Bgi-bg...

105 Reviews
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Star Breeze
Star Breeze

12 Night
Dreams Of Tahiti Package With Air From Sea+hotel &...

123 Reviews
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7 Night
Jewels Of The Windward Islands 7d Bgi-bgi

105 Reviews
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8 Night
Aegean Sea Odyssey Via The Corinth Canal 8d Pir-is...

124 Reviews
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12 Night
Portuguese Passages & Spanish Shorelines 8d Bcn-li...

259 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

10 Night
Treasures Of Southern Spain & Morocco 10d Bcn-lis

105 Reviews
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11 Night
Boston Sights, Caribbean Nights 11d Bos-sju

127 Reviews
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12 Night
Dreams Of Tahiti Package With Air From Sea+hotel &...

123 Reviews
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7 Night
Jewels Of The Windward Islands 7d Bgi-bgi

105 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

10 Night
Norway’s Famous Fjords 10d Cph-le1

124 Reviews
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7 Night
Windward Islands Surf & Sunsets 7d Sju-sju

127 Reviews
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7 Night
Dreams Of Tahiti 7d Ppt-ppt

123 Reviews
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9 Night
Adriatic Archipelagos & Greek Goddesses 9d Pir-vce

259 Reviews
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Windstar Cruises Tips, Activities, and Overview

Who goes on Windstar cruise ships?

Windstar attracts adults all the way from 30 to 90 years, including honeymooners and people celebrating milestone birthdays or anniversaries. The core age, however, is 55 to 75, with most coming from North America; others come from New Zealand and Australia, the U.K. and other European countries. You won't find younger families onboard as Windstar draws the line at kids under 8.

Do I have to dress up on a Windstar cruise?

Not really. You can leave your formal dress and neckties at home and stick to country club casual sportswear. By day, most women wear walking shorts, slacks, skirts, sarongs and cover-ups; in the evenings resort-style dresses and dressy pants. Men usually wear walking or Bermuda shorts or khakis by day and lightweight trousers and collared shirts in the evening. Windstar doesn't allow shorts, flip-flops, jeans, hats or T-shirts during dinner at either of its dining venues.

Is everything free on Windstar cruises?

No. Although Windstar is a luxury line, its pricing is a la carte, which means the cruise fares are lower than most competitors. You choose what you want to pay for whether it be alcohol and soft drinks, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, gratuities and spa and beauty treatments.

The cruise fare covers all dining and unlimited use of the water sports platform, including equipment for snorkeling, stand-up paddle-boarding, kayaking, sailing, water skiing and windsurfing.

What are Windstar’s most popular activities?

There are few organized activities onboard a Windstar cruise, with most cruisers spending their time onshore exploring the ports being visited. The unregimented, relaxed life with outstanding food and service fits the passengers, and friendships spring up quickly. Many passengers take advantage of the water sports platform that's on most ships and all the toys that go with it. In the evening, passengers will chat in the main lounge, and while a house band might play for a little while, most cruisers get to bed early to take advantage of a full day in port the next day.

The line does have a robust partnership with the James Beard Foundation, with culinary demonstrations on every sailing that give passengers access to chef secrets.

On the sailing ships, the top deck will always be packed if the sails are scheduled to be unfurled.

Why go with Windstar?

  • Options to travel on masted sailing ships or all-suite yachts.
  • Intimate ships sail to destinations bigger ships can't.
  • Attentive service, with a passenger-crew ratio of 1.5 to 1.
  • Casual atmosphere with fine dining.

Best for: Couples, sailing enthusiasts and independent travelers who love to explore off-the-beaten-path

Not for: Anyone looking for a wide range of dining and nightlife options

Windstar Cruises Cruiser Reviews

Vacation of a lifetime

I work in the food industry myself, primarily as a mixologist, so I have to give a special shoutout to Bien.I had been looking for months for a special trip for us, and I did as much research as i could before choosing Windstar.Read More
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Kelley Adrienne

couple2-5 Cruises

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Age 34s

Great food and service — but lack of air conditioning ruined the experience

This was our second Windstar cruise, but will be our last.However, our Panama Canal cruise was largely ruined by the complete lack of air conditioning in most public spaces.Read More
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CTH75

few6-10 Cruises

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Age 49s

Great experience with a great group!

There were only 3 couples in our group; the rest were single travelers, some of whom had never met previously.The Wind Surf also offers a small private party just for single travelers, as well as receptions for new and repeat customers.Read More
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GARYTHEHITMAN

many10+ Cruises

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Age 80s

Life is Great on the Wind Surf

Dinner is lovely and on the Surf you have 3 venues to choose from: Stella Bistro , French that is French, Candles is the outside venue that is a grille with incredible meats and fish, I love the lamb and I love this restaurant sailing out of harbors at dusk, the main restaurant, Amphora, delicious choices.Small ports, especially in the Caribbean, we find them more culturally interesting, having great beaches, nice touring and lovely markets.Read More
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Strenz

many10+ Cruises

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Age 76s

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