Windstar Cruises have a special ambience which is sporting and refined, like that of taking a private yacht. These tall, masted sailing vessels carry no more than 308 guests, so there's always a peaceful place onboard.
* Trip Destinations
* Windstar Cruises
* Onboard Activities
Dive the world's most exotic seas right from the ship's own watersports platform and see for yourself why Windstar is so different from other types of ships. Windstar's ships are officially motor-sail-yachts, but the designation belies the vessels' unique rigging. Unfurling in two minutes at the push of a button, billowing white sails reach to the sky.
Ships
Windstar Cruises has three ships, which comprise the industry's oldest fleet (average age: 18 years).
Wind Surf, at 14,745 tons and a passenger capacity of 308, is the largest, and bears another distinction in that it has five masts to each of the other ships' four.
Features unique to the Wind Surf include 31 deluxe suites, a Business/Internet Center, The Bistro, The Terrace Bar for small intimate getaways and the nearly 10,000 square foot WindSpa offering a full array of spa treatments, consultative, health and fitness programs
Siblings Wind Spirit and Wind Star are both 5,530 tons and 148 passengers.
Wind Spirit - at 5,350 tons, there are 74 total staterooms: 73 deluxe ocean-view staterooms and 1 deluxe owner’s cabin with queen beds (converts to 2 twins), and dining/sitting area. Some staterooms offer a 3rd berth and some side-by-side staterooms offer an adjoining private door
Wind Star - The same specifications as the Wind Spirit.
All three ships are undergoing both mechanical and cosmetic upgrades. New beds, pillows and down duvets have been added already, along with flat-screen televisions, DVD players and Bose iPod docks in the staterooms. A huge selection of DVD's is available to rent free of charge as are music-loaded iPods.
All staterooms have been fitted with wireless Internet service. Cabin Amenities: Closed circuit colour television, videocassette and CD players, personal safe, refrigerator, mini-bar, international direct-dial phones, private bathrooms with shower toiletries, hair dryer, vanity and plush robes. Each stateroom is equipped with one standard U.S. 110 and European 220 volt (converter recommended), 60 cycle AC electric outlets.
Further upgrades will include a new library/Internet cafe/meeting area and new lighting and granite countertops in stateroom baths. Below-deck work on the water systems and piping, and mechanical work on the sails are being scheduled as well.
Onboard Activities and Amenities
Guests leave their ties and formal wear at home in favor of country club casual sportwear. There are few organized activities and none of the typical cruise line Vegas-style reviews. Passengers linger over dinner, sampling delicious entrees developed by renowned chef Joachim Splichal of L.A.'s Patina, Pinot Bistro and Octavio Becerra. Sail Light and Vegetarian meals were designed by health guru Jeanne Jones, developer of spa menus for Canyon Ranch spa and the Pritikin Longevity Center.
The most interesting feature on a Windstar cruise is the watersports platform located onboard each ship. A range of complimentary watersports -- snorkeling, windsailing, paddleboats, Zodiacs, and even waterskiing are available -- as is scuba diving, (fee for tanks and equipment) with licensed instructors.
List of Destinations & Itineraries
The ships alternate between the Mediterranean and Greek Isles during the summer and Caribbean and Costa Rica/Panama Canal cruises during the winter months.
