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Windstar Wind Star Deck Plans & Reviews

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Activities & entertainment

• Cooking Demonstrations
• Deck Parties
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes
• Nightly Recaps & Briefings
• Watersports Platform
• The Veranda - Casual
• AmphorA - International
• Candles Grill - Intimate
• Pool Bar - Pool Bar *
• Excellent 22
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• English ( 44 )

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Aegean Sea Odyssey via the Corinth Canal

Dreams of tahiti, enchanting greece & the amalfi coast, classic italy & dalmatian coast, mediterranean island mosaic, souks & sherries: iberia & morocco, star collector: ancient to avant-garde mediterranean, star collector: aegean & bosporus escapades, star collector: twice the tahiti, treasures of the greek isles, comprehensive spain, tahiti & the tuamotu islands, a piece of greece, a slice of sicily & the corinth canal, star collector: mediterranean memoirs, yachtsman's harbors of the rivieras, star collector: memoirs of france & iberia, impressionist france, star collector: kilts, celts & crepes, rome & prix du monde of monaco, star collector: sicilian circumnavigation & monaco prix du monde, james beard foundation & wine cruise: cuisines & cultures of spain, portugal & france, sicilian splendors, star collector: culture & charms of italy & croatia, star collector: scottish lochs & norwegian waterways, the emerald isle & scottish highlands, star collector: stories of italy, croatia & greece, star collector: endless days of the north sea & iceland, wine cruise: lands of the midnight sun, adriatic archipelagos & greek goddesses, atlantic archipelago adventures, around iceland, star collector: adriatic old towns & aegean islands, delphi & meteora: grecian treasures cruise tour, tahitian treasures & magnificent marquesas, gaelic explorers, star collector: irish cliffs, scottish castles & norwegian fjords, star collector: cruising on the rivieras, norway's famous fjords, star collector: cultural treasures of the north & baltic seas, adriatic icons & venetian treasures, dreams of tahiti air + hotel package from lax, overwater bungalow & tahitian paradises cruise tour, tahiti & moorea foodie cruise tour, dreams of tahiti air + moorea hotel package from sea, star collector: enchantment of the western med, baltic beauty, portuguese passages & spanish shorelines cruise tour, spanish symphony, baltic bliss, star collector: riviera rhapsody, comprehensive iceland cruise tour, star collector: italian trio, vatican & italian riviera cruise tour, tahiti & the tuamotu islands air + hotel package from lax, vatican & croatian coastlines cruise tour, lake como & adriatic romance cruise tour, star collector: northwest europe in sips & bites, tahiti & the tuamotu islands air + hotel package from sea, james beard foundation & wine cruise: adriatic archipelagos & greek goddesses, cuisines & cultures of spain, portugal, and france, star collector: north atlantic explorer, greenland: north atlantic odyssey, star collector: greenland fjords, canadian maritimes, star collector: echoes of italian & greek isles via the corinth canal, southeast canadian explorations, wine cruise: sicilian splendors, cappadocia & aegean rhapsody cruise tour via the corinth canal, istanbul icons & aegean artifacts cruise tour, star collector: croatia to the cote d’azur, star collector: fall leaves & caribbean breezes, romance on the rivieras, star collector: romance of the west med, myths & marvels of the aegean, boston sights, warm caribbean nights, treasures of southern spain & morocco, san juan & the virgin islands, star collector: lovely leewards, ocean crossings, star collector: a winter muse in the mediterranean, winter in italy and the adriatic, wine cruise: tahiti & the tuamotu islands, windward islands surf & sunsets, winter italy and the dalmatian coast, colombian & southern caribbean coastlines, star collector: reefs & rainforests: the caribbean, colombia, panama & costa rica via the panama canal, star collector: winter in europe's rivieras & croatia, star collector: winter mediterranean adventure, hidden treasures of the lesser antilles, costa rica & panama canal, europe winter riviera, monteverde cloud forest & arenal volcano cruise tour, star collector: winter in spain and the rivieras, jewels of the windward islands, southern spain winter escapes, star collector: white sands of the windwards, star collector: windward treasures: an antilles odyssey, winter antilles escape, star collector: wild wonders of the central america coasts via the panama canal, star collector: windward islands & spanish new world, windward island delights, windward ways & tobago cays, classic caribbean, naturally costa rica, panama canal, cartagena, san blas islands & more, star collector: caribbean explorations, beach fun & sun: a remote caribbean getaway, national health association plant-based culinary extravaganza: dreams of tahiti, james beard foundation: windward ways & tobago cays, star collector: winter rhapsody in italy and croatia, star collector: classic crossing to spain & more, winter in croatia & greece, ocean crossings + ponta delgada, azores, star collector: atlantic interludes & iberian indulgences, star collector: song of the canaries: a transatlantic crossing, cappadocia & aegean rhapsody cruise tour, star collector: mysteries of the mediterranean, james beard foundation: spanish symphony, captivating canary islands, star collector: canaries, casablanca & the costa del sol, 2025 president’s mystery cruise, star collector: beneath a spanish sun: western mediterranean treasures, ancient wonders of greece & ephesus, star collector: racing for the prix du monde along the rivieras, comprehensive germany & the kiel canal, star collector: norwegian fjords and german gems via the kiel canal, norwegian fjords & danish delights, lands of the vikings, star collector: fjords & fire, james beard foundation: baltic beauty, star collector: culinary capitals of spain & france, star collector: spanish, italian & greek holiday, james beard foundation: adriatic archipelagos & greek goddesses, james beard foundation: southeast canadian explorations, bermuda bliss, star collector: southern spain & canary islands, the colorful canary islands, star collector: hearty ports & rum punches - a transatlantic crossing, canary island idyll, barefoot break in the british virgin islands, star collector: ivory beaches & sapphire seas of the caribbean, the spanish main: rise of the new world, star collector: latin america explorer via the panama canal, marvels of ecuador, peru, and the panama canal, marvels of latin america cruise tour, star collector: a lesser antilles odyssey, star collector: grand caribbean adventure, star collector: leeward & windward caribbean havens, star collector: the best of the windward & leeward isles, lush & lovely islands of the lesser antilles, star collector: antilles adventures, blue waters of the leeward islands, star collector: hidden gems of the caribbean, star collector: captivating caribbean, in the wake of the spanish armadas, star collector: natural history meets ancient mystery: latin america & beyond, mayan legacies, star collector: caribbean cultures: latin america & the greater antilles, star collector: deep dive into the blue: underwater worlds of the caribbean, stars of the greater antilles, star collector: blue seas of the windward islands, star collector: comprehensive tahiti & marquesas adventure.

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Ship Specifications

• ITINERARIES

Welcome Aboard Wind Star

Step aboard a vessel that is "180 °  from Ordinary," the four-masted schooner, Wind Star,  provides guests with a luxury yachting experience that is as delightfully pampering as it is uniquely personal. Renovated from stem to stern with open teak decks, Wind Star is intimate and stylish with public spaces that invite conversation and relaxation among guests.

Wind Star is a romantic, four-masted sailing ship with recently updated accommodations, a casual yet elegant atmosphere, and friendly service. While her towering sails echo a bygone era of explorers, her sleek lines and computerized controls are innovative in concept and design. Teak decking, rich wood interiors, an attentive service staff, intimate surroundings, eclectic artwork, exceptional signature cuisine featuring both light and vegetarian menu selections, and complimentary wine with dinner are the elements synonymous with your ship. Staterooms (188 square feet each) offer ocean views, new LCD flatscreen TV, DVD/CD player, IPod Nano and Bose SoundDock system, safe, mini-bar/refrigerator, international direct-dial phone, bathroom with pampering toiletries, hair dryer and plush terry robes. All are equipped with one standard U.S. 110 volt and European 220 volt, 60 cycle AC electrical outlet. Wind Star exudes a private, yacht-like ambiance creating camaraderie and lasting friendships among guests, a hallmark of small ship cruising.

See for yourself what Small Ship Cruising is all about

Lounging on the deck, lounge on one of wind star's decks with accompanying views of the water..

Wind Star is intimate and stylish with public spaces that invite conversation and relaxation. Tuck away in one of cozy nooks and crannies perfect for hiding away with a good book or conversing with friends.

Life onboard

"casual elegance" defines life aboard wind star....

Teak decking, rich wood interiors, an attentive service staff and intimate surroundings are just a few reasons that showcase the Windstar Cruises' slogan, "180 from Ordinary" to the fullest.

Pool & Jacuzzi

Take a dip in the pool to cool off or relax in the connected jacuzzi..

Enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool to cool off during those hot days aboard Wind Star... or, alternatively, relax in the connecting hot tub, where you can converse with the friends you've met onboard as the jets massage your body. For those seeking a bit more adventure, a watersports platform, fitted with a variety of aquatic equipment to explore the wondrous ocean and native sea life, is yours to enjoy.

The four-masted sailing yacht, Wind Star, is designed to show guests the world with luxury in mind

Boasting beautiful teak decks, Wind Star invites you to enjoy tranquil staterooms featuring warm and contemporary color palettes and indulgent linens.

With a maximum capacity of 148 passengers, the three-masted Wind Star provides guests with a yachting experience that is as delightfully pampering, as it is uniquely personal.

Onboard, enjoy a variety of public spaces including a salt-water swimming pool, hot tub and accompanying pool bar, WindSpa, an entertainment lounge, a water sports platform and a library.

Wide open teak decks from end to end invite conversation between guests. Discover the hidden nooks in crannies throughout the ship for private moments that give guests a feeling of being on their own private veranda.

Staterooms (188-square-feet each) offer ocean views, queen-size beds, LCD flatscreen TV, DVD/CD player, Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods, safe, mini-bar/refrigerator, international direct-dial phone and private bathroom with premier toiletries, hair dryer and plush terry robes with accompanying slippers.

• Equipment available for a variety of aquatic activities including kayaking, water-skiing, windsurfing and snorkeling, weathering permitting
• A choice of onboard dining available, including the gourmet AmphorA restaurant for evening meals and the casual Veranda for breakfast and lunch
• Candles Grill, an alternate option, offers dinner by candlelight under the stars, weather permitting
• With over 90 crew members on board at any given time, attentive service is a top priority
• All staterooms are equipped with one standard U.S. 110-volt and European 220-volt, 60 cycle AC electrical outlet

Welcome Aboard

Flying bridge.

View Cabin Categories

Category AX Deluxe

Category BX Deluxe

Onboard Experience

Wake up aboard the romantic, four-masted Wind Star in your sumptuous oceanview stateroom, whose amenities include a queen-sized bed and a private bathroom with pampering premier toiletries. Breakfast tempts in the casual Veranda restaurant. After breakfast, you may venture off the ship for a morning of guided sightseeing ashore, or indulge in onboard pleasures that are the mainstay of the yachting set – because this elegant sailing ship feels very much like a private yacht. Lunch as you choose… onboard in the Veranda, or perhaps staying ashore to sample the local fare in today's port of call. Beverages, from soft drinks to house wine and spirits, complement your mood and are available onboard throughout the day. Afternoon invites more exploration ashore… or relaxation onboard, whether it's cuddling up with a good book in the library… taking a dip in the ship's pool or relaxing in the hot tub… sipping a cocktail in the lounge… attending an insightful lecture by an onboard expert… enjoying a rejuvenating treatment in the WindSpa… or going snorkeling in the ocean from the watersports platform aft. This evening, dine with new friends – or enjoy a romantic dinner for two – under the stars at Candles Grill, or in the gourmet AmphorA restaurant. Nighttime brings out the stars in the sky above… and time to watch them twinkle from the open deck with Wind Star's sails unfurled. Or, you can try your luck in the Casino, or enjoy live entertainment in the lounge. When you return to your stateroom, Windstar's signature bowls of flowers and fresh fruit will be waiting for you. And when it's time to turn in, you'll close your eyes and sleep to the rhythm of the seas aboard Windstar's classic four-masted flagship, Wind Star. Read Less

ALL ITINERARIES

Cruising with Wind Star

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Windstar cruises.

Partner Since 1998

Founded in 1984 as Windstar Sail Cruises, Windstar Cruises today is one of the world's leading operators of small luxury cruise ships. Its award-winning fleet of yachts accommodating between 148 and 310 guests sails to some 150 ports in 50 nations across the globe. Our guests have enjoyed Tauck's personalized sailing on Windstar ships for many years, including the company's classic yachts  Wind Star  and Wind Surf .

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The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Windstar Cruises ship

Where can you go on a Windstar Cruises ship? A surprising number of places, given the line's small size. Despite having just six vessels, the upscale line operates voyages to a wide range of destinations around the world, from North America and Europe to French Polynesia.

Among all the Windstar cruise destinations, Europe might be the most popular. As is often the case with higher-end lines, Windstar has a particularly large footprint when it comes to Europe itineraries. Nearly half of the 534 voyages currently on its schedule for 2024 focus on either the Mediterranean or Northern Europe. In a typical year, the line will deploy five of its six ships to Europe for at least part of the year.

Windstar also typically deploys at least one of its vessels year-round to Tahiti for sailings around the islands of French Polynesia. It's a particular specialty of the line.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

In the winter, at least two and sometimes three Windstar vessels will move to the warm waters of the Caribbean, another area of focus. In addition to classic Caribbean sailings, those vessels also often do sailings through the Panama Canal, another specialty of the line.

Currently, Windstar's itinerary lineup offers sailings as short as six nights and as long as 55 nights. The company generally doesn't do short sailings of just three or four nights, unlike big-ship lines.

Here, a look at TPG's picks for the five best destinations you can visit on a Windstar Cruises ship.

Mediterranean

Of all the places that Windstar ships sail, none gets as much focus from the line as the Mediterranean . As of the publishing of this story, a whopping 212 of the 534 voyages on the line's schedule for the coming year included calls in the region. That's 40% of all Windstar itineraries.

The Mediterranean trips offer a wide range of port stops and vary greatly in length. There is everything from relatively short, seven-night sailings around the sunny Greek islands to 23-day voyages that span a good chunk of the Mediterranean from Montenegro and Croatia to the far western coast of Spain.

Windstar features voyages focused specifically on the Western Mediterranean or the Eastern portion and voyages that include days traveling beyond the edges of the Mediterranean to such places as the Canary Islands.

Typical of the latter is the line's epic, 18-night "Star Collector: Canaries, Casablanca and the Costa del Sol" routing. It's a one-way trip between Barcelona and the Canary Islands with a mix of stops in Spain, Portugal, Morocco and the Canary Islands. It's a deep exploration into the western side of Europe and North Africa.

Related: The best Mediterranean cruise for every type of traveler

Some of Windstar's Mediterranean itineraries also include a visit to Israel, although port stops in Israel have been canceled for the next few months due to the war between Israel and Hamas. For now, Israel remains on itineraries scheduled to depart in April 2024 and beyond.

Typical of the line's more focused, quickie Mediterranean itineraries are its eight-night "Myths and Marvels of the Aegean" routing out of Piraeus, Greece (the port for Athens) that concentrates on the islands of Greece and Turkey with seven stops in the countries.

In the Mediterranean, the line's main hubs are Piraeus, Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Barcelona.

Windstar has been one of the leaders in a trend that has swept the cruise world in the past decade: cruises that focus solely on Iceland.

In 2016, Windstar became the first traditional cruise brand to operate complete circumnavigations of the Kentucky-size island nation, joining a handful of expedition-style cruise operators such as Lindblad Expeditions and Hurtigruten that were starting to add Iceland circlings.

And while other cruise brands including Ponant and Scenic Luxury Cruises have since followed Windstar in offering voyages that take in every corner of Iceland, Windstar remains one of the biggest players in the market with regular summer sailings.

In a typical year, Windstar will offer seven-night circlings of Iceland every week from June through late August.

The trips begin and end in Reykjavik, Iceland's main city and capital. The ship will sail in a counterclockwise direction around the country with stops at some of Iceland's most remote areas. It's a chance to see the full range of Iceland's famously striking geothermal fields of geysers and fumaroles, mountains, glaciers, volcanoes and waterfalls without having to navigate the ring road that circles the country. And it includes stops in some of Iceland's smallest and quirkiest towns.

In 2024, the 312-passenger Star Pride will call on places like Heimaey Island, where passengers see the frozen-in-place lava flows of a famous 1973 eruption that covered a third of the town.

Another call at little-visited Grundarfjordur, along the remote Snæfellsnes Peninsula, offers the chance to hike onto the glacier atop nearby Snæfellsjökull volcano, the setting for Jules Verne's 19th-century classic "Journey to the Center of the Earth."

Other stops include Akureyri, the gateway to the geothermal fields of of Hverir and their bubbling mud pots and whistling steam vents.

French Polynesia

Windstar has been a longtime leader in French Polynesia cruises, too, operating in the region for 37 years. In fact, it's one of just two traditional cruise lines that dominate the market for French Polynesia voyages — the other being one-ship line Paul Gauguin Cruises.

Like Paul Gauguin Cruises, Windstar offers French Polynesia sailings year-round out of Papeete, Tahiti, the main hub for the region. Ranging from seven to 18 nights, the trips take in such iconic French Polynesian islands as Bora Bora, Moorea, Tahaa and Huahine. They appeal heavily to couples looking for a romantic getaway.

For many years, Windstar has used one of its sailing ships, the 148-passenger Wind Spirit, for its French Polynesia sailings. But in early 2024, it replaced that vessel in the region with one of its bigger motor-powered vessels, the 312-passenger Star Breeze.

The redeployment more than doubles Windstar's capacity in the region, a sign of just how popular these trips have become.

The voyages offer a large amount of time in each of the islands that are visited, thanks to the short distances between them. In most cases, the ship travels between the islands overnight and ties up or anchors in a new stunning bay each morning.

As is typical for French Polynesian trips, whether on land or water, days are spent exploring sandy tropical beaches, swimming and snorkeling in ridiculously clear water and visiting cultural attractions. You'll have a chance to visit the sites where locals harvest the cultured black pearls that account for more than half of French Polynesia's exports.

Diving is also a big draw on these trips. It's a top excursion during calls at the islands of Raiatea and Bora Bora. Snorkeling with stingrays and joining a marine biologist in search of dolphins and whales are other popular excursions.

Like many upscale cruise brands operating smaller ships, Windstar doesn't focus on Caribbean cruises . The Caribbean is more the domain of such big-ship cruise giants as Carnival Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean . Still, Windstar typically sends at least two of its six vessels to the Caribbean every winter to operate warm-weather-focused getaways to lesser-visited Caribbean ports — usually one of its motor-powered vessels and one of its wind-powered sailing vessels.

For 2024, Windstar's two main vessels in the Caribbean will be the 312-passenger Star Pride, a motor-powered vessel, and the 342-passenger Wind Surf, a sailing vessel. One other Windstar sailing ship, the 148-passenger Wind Spirit, will also make an occasional appearance in the region.

For the most part, WIndstar's lineup of Caribbean cruises is focused on round-trip, seven-night sailings out of St. Martin or Barbados.

When sailing out of St. Martin, the voyages typically include stops in St. Barts, Antigua, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands. When sailing out of Barbados, the ships will call at more southerly Caribbean islands such as St. Lucia and the Grenadines.

For 2024, most of the line's sailings out of St. Martin will take place in the first part of the year, while the Barbados-based sailings will come at the end of the year.

Related: The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler

In addition, the line also sometimes offers Caribbean sailings out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, with calls in St. Maarten (the Dutch side of the island of St. Martin), Guadeloupe, St. Lucia and the Grenadines.

At times, the line will run back-to-back seven-night sailings in the Caribbean with different itineraries. The two trips can be paired to create a longer, 14-night voyage with few repeating ports.

Panama Canal

In addition to Caribbean trips, Windstar is known for a large number of sailings that begin in the Caribbean and end in the Pacific, or vice versa — voyages that involve a transit between the two regions via the Panama Canal.

Such trips offer travelers a chance to see the marvel of modern engineering that is the 48-mile-long Panama Canal up close. An entire day is spent traveling through the canal, including transits of the locks found at each end.

As is the case with many Panama Canal cruises, passengers on Windstar canal cruises also get a second chance to experience the canal the day before or after the transit when their ship docks at one side or the other of the canal. Shore excursions will take them to the locks for an up-close view of the lock chambers that their ship will navigate the next day (or passed through the previous day).

In a typical year, Windstar will offer as many as two departures a week through the Panama Canal from late November through the end of March. It typically has two of its six vessels operating such journeys in winter — one sailing ship and one motor ship.

Related: The best time to cruise the Panama Canal

The trips all are one-way, starting in either Aruba in the Caribbean or the port of Balboa on the Pacific side of Panama.

In addition to the experience of traveling through and visiting the canal, the Pacific-bound sailings visit Colombia, Costa Rica and the Caribbean side of Panama.

The Caribbean-bound sailings bring calls along the Pacific side of Costa Rica and Panama.

Bottom line

Windstar is a relatively small cruise line with just six ships, but its ships visit a wide array of cruise destinations. The line is known for regularly moving its vessels around the world to offer a diverse lineup of itineraries everywhere from North America and Europe to French Polynesia.

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These 3 lesser-known cruise lines offer amazing voyages on sail-powered ships

There is nothing quite as magical — or romantic — as a cruise on a sailing ship.

To stand on the deck of a vessel topped with dozens of billowing sails, propelled through the waves by the power of the wind alone, is to go back in time to an earlier age of travel, when crossing the world's oceans was as adventurous as it was challenging.

It's an experience that's all about the feeling of the wind in your hair, the lean of the vessel (known as the heel) as it's pushed by the wind and the sway from the waves (which is actually smoother than what you get on a motor ship).

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

In contrast to what you'll find on so many motor-powered ships, cruising on a masted ship is about the simple thrill of traveling across the sea and not about all the many attractions you'll find on board.

Only a handful of small cruise brands — so small that you might never have heard of them — offer trips on sailing ships. Here, we look at the three biggest players in this niche subset of the cruise industry.

Sea Cloud Cruises

If it's an authentic, old-style sailing experience you want, then Sea Cloud Cruises is the line for you. The Germany-based company operates three large sailing ships where the sails are unfurled by hand, just as they were on sailing ships centuries ago.

On the biggest of these three vessels, the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit , 18 deckhands scurry high into the rigging on sea days to manually untie and prepare the sails, an amazing sight. Unveiled in 2021 , it's a full-rigged, three-masted sailing ship of the sort that hasn't been common on the world's oceans for more than a century.

Related: Why Sea Cloud Spirit is a sailing vessel you'll want to try

Sea Cloud Cruises' two other vessels — Sea Cloud 2 and Sea Cloud — are smaller but offer a similar show as the sails are set by hand the old-fashioned way. The former is a 23-year-old, three-masted barque propelled by 23 sails (five fewer than Sea Cloud Spirit); the latter is a 93-year-old, four-masted barque with 30 sails and a storied past.

Now configured to carry 64 paying passengers, Sea Cloud was originally the private yacht of Postum Cereals heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post and her husband, the famed financier E. F. Hutton. At the time, the vessel was the largest private yacht in the world. It later served the U.S. Navy as a weather ship during World War II, after which it became the presidential yacht for the Dominican Republic. It only began sailing as a cruise vessel in the 1980s.

If you have money to spare, you can still book Post's opulent private quarters on Sea Cloud, now its owner's suite. It'll set you back around $5,000 per day per couple. Her husband's slightly smaller quarters are also available to book at a similar rate.

Post, the wealthiest woman in the U.S. during her lifetime, notably also built Mar-a-Lago, the massive estate in Florida that is now the official residence of Donald Trump.

Sea Cloud Cruises is the most all-inclusive and upscale of the three brands listed in this story, with pricing to match. Expect to pay nearly $1,000 per person per day or more for many sailings.

Sea Cloud Cruises' three vessels offer a diverse array of sailings in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Canary Islands and Morocco, the Caribbean or along the west coast of Central America.

Related: Cruising Costa Rica, Panama with Sea Cloud Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Founded in the 1980s, Windstar Cruises got its start as a sailing ship line. While it now operates traditional motor-powered ships, too, voyages on sailing ships are still a big part of its business.

Three of the Seattle-based brand's six vessels — Wind Spirit, Wind Star and Wind Surf — are sailing vessels, and they all offer a similar yacht-like, small-ship experience.

Two of the three vessels (Wind Spirit and Wind Star) are particularly intimate, measuring 5,407 tons and carrying just 148 passengers with every berth full.

Related: The 2 types of Windstar ships, explained

The line's third sailing vessel, Wind Surf, is nearly three times the size at 14,745 tons. It's one of the biggest sailing ships in the world (only a sister vessel that sails for Club Med is bigger). Wind Surf carries 342 people, an enormous number for a sailing ship.

Unlike on the vessels operated by Sea Cloud, the sails on Windstar's sailing ships aren't unfurled by hand in the old-fashioned way but by the push of a button from the bridge. It's a fully automated system that is much more modern, if less dramatic.

Still, the experience of slicing through the waves by the power of the wind alone on Windstar ships is as glorious and romantic as it is on the Sea Cloud ships.

Windstar Cruises is less all-inclusive and pricey than Sea Cloud but still offers a relatively upscale experience. Its dining program is done in partnership with the food-focused James Beard Foundation, which also brings James Beard Award-winning chefs to the ships regularly for food-themed itineraries.

For an extra $89 per person per day, passengers can also make the experience more all-inclusive with included Wi-Fi, unlimited beer, wine and cocktails, and gratuities (three things that aren't included in regular fares).

The line's three vessels typically spend nearly all of their time sailing in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean or along the west coast of Central America.

Related: Read more about Windstar's itineraries

Star Clippers

Like Sea Cloud and Windstar, Star Clippers operates three sailing vessels that are among the biggest and most elegant sailing vessels in the world.

The belle of the ball at the line is Royal Clipper, a stunning five-masted ship that is billed as the largest square-rigged ship in the world. Its enormous array of 42 sails has a sail area of 56,000 square feet — significantly more than the sails atop any of the Sea Cloud or Windstar vessels. (Only Sea Cloud Spirit comes relatively close with a sail area of 44,100 square feet spread across 28 sails.)

Built to resemble Preussen, a legendary tall ship of the 19th century, the 24-year-old Royal Clipper shares the spotlight at Star Clippers with two smaller sister vessels, Star Flyer and Star Clipper.

Carrying 166 passengers apiece, the smaller vessels were designed to resemble the speedy clipper ships of the 19th century, which were known for their narrow profile and large sail area. Each vessel has a sail area of 36,000 square feet spread across 16 sails, a large amount for the size.

When it comes to the setting of sails, Star Clippers vessels offer a level of old-style authenticity that is in between the ships of Sea Cloud and Windstar. Like on Sea Cloud vessels, the sails are pulled into position by a team of deckhands using hand power and winches to tighten the "sheets," or ropes.

Unlike on Sea Cloud vessels, the deck hands don't climb high into the rigging to untie and prepare the sails for winching. That part is done automatically at the push of a button from the bridge, as it is on Windstar vessels.

In one key difference, though, Star Clippers lets passengers harness up and climb into the crow's nest of its vessels — a thrilling experience. Just be prepared for your knees to go a bit wobbly as you get to the top; it's way up there.

Star Clippers sailings are the most affordable option among the three sailing brands, in part because the onboard experience is less all-inclusive and upscale.

The three Star Clippers vessels mostly operate sailings in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, the Caribbean and along the west coast of Central America.

Bottom line

It's still possible to get a taste of what traveling the world's oceans was like in the days before motor power. Three small cruise companies — Sea Cloud Cruises, Windstar Cruises and Star Clippers — offer voyages on large sailing ships that are as majestic as anything that has sailed the seas in centuries past.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise news
• Cruise Industry

Windstar's newest cruise ships - Star Seeker & Star Explorer

Windstar Cruises unveils plans to broaden its fleet with the introduction of two all-suite superyachts - Star Seeker and Star Explorer.

The initial vessel, Star Seeker, currently under construction at WestSEA shipyard (in  Viana do Castelo )  is slated for delivery in December 2025, followed by Star Explorer in December 2026.

Each ship boasts 112 staterooms, all with private step-out balconies and infinity windows. Additionally, two aft-facing Owner’s Suites with wraparound terraces, providing ideal settings for evening gatherings or private dining.

With a max passenger capacity 224 and staff-to-guest ratio of 1:2, the yachts cultivate an intimate ambiance, promising personalized service throughout.

Guests can indulge in several Windstar guest favorites, including the iconic Watersports Platform with new staircase access, the inviting Yacht Club cafe and lounge, a two-story spa and fitness center, a secluded forward whirlpool on the bow, and an expansive open deck perfect for sunbathing and al fresco dining.

As the designated Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation (JBF), Windstar maintains a dedication to exceptional cuisine. The redesigned main dining venue, Amphora, offers a range of upscale and innovative dishes, including rotating selections from James Beard Foundation–affiliated guest chefs. Al fresco dining options are available at both Amphora and the Star Grill, complemented by a specialty restaurant and 24-hour room service.

Star Seeker and Star Explorer feature ice-strengthened hulls, granting access to new destinations. Equipped with cutting-edge safety , propulsion , and navigation technology, including pump jet thrusters and forward-facing Sonar, the ships prioritize safety and efficiency. To minimize environmental impact and uphold sustainability commitments, the vessels are outfitted with tier III Nox-rated Rolls Royce engines and shore power connectivity to reduce port emissions. Advanced wastewater treatment systems meet global standards, demonstrating the company’s dedication to environmental stewardship.

The fleet expansion enables Windstar to reintroduce the beloved Wind Class ship, Wind Star , to Tahiti, where it will join Star Breeze in 2027, meeting the rising demand for French Polynesian voyages. With over 36 years of experience navigating the islands of French Polynesia, Windstar offers travelers a choice between sailing aboard Wind or Star Class ships.

Full itineraries and booking information for Star Seeker will be released in late June 2024.

Windstar Expands Guest Services with New Leadership Appointments

• April 22, 2024

Windstar is expanding and rebranding the company’s Guest Services department, including announcing the appointments of Jaymi Fiveash as Senior Director of Vacation Planning and Andrew Ironstone as Director of Outbound Consumer Sales, according to a press release.

The rebranding from Guest Services to Vacation Planning is meant to better reflect the team’s expertise in organizing Windstar vacations, as well as to mark a fundamental change in the group’s approach, the company announced.

“Rather than just managing the guest booking process, the emphasis will now be on proactive sales as well as specialized expertise to craft personalized vacations for Windstar’s diverse customers and travel partners,” said Janet Bava, Windstar’s Chief Commercial Officer.

In the elevated role of Senior Director of Vacation Planning, Fiveash assumes responsibility for overseeing inbound and outbound reservations, the passenger air program, onboard cruise consultants, and pre-cruise guest operations. With more than a decade of experience with Windstar, Fiveash’s journey within the company spans various roles starting as a Vacation Planner in Guest Services. She will now establish dedicated teams specializing in outside sales, inbound reservations, and a groups team to support the trade and sales department. Onboard cruise consultants are also an important part of her Vacation Planning team. All vacation planners are U.S. residents who have sailed with Windstar and are well-versed in the brand.

“At Windstar, our goal is to provide the best vacation experience for each individual, whether that be a completely all-inclusive vacation with air, hotel, transfers, drinks, excursions, and other onboard amenities, or an a la carte experience created with you by a Vacation Planner,” says Fiveash.

Andrew Ironstone joins Windstar as the Director of Outbound Consumer Sales, tasked with developing and leading the Outbound Reservations team to drive sales growth initiatives. Ironstone will be responsible for establishing and cultivating relationships with new Windstar guests, as well as providing personalized booking experiences like connecting the company’s most loyal guests with a Vacation Planner to guide them through their entire booking process.

Ironstone is a seasoned professional in the cruise industry, having previously led the Outbound Sales growth initiatives at Crystal Cruises and Silversea Cruises. Andrew most recently took charge of a team comprising over 100 outbound sales agents at Princess Cruises, where he played a pivotal role in ensuring the achievement of their monthly and yearly sales targets.

“We are thrilled to refocus our guest services operations as a new Vacation Planning team, combining Jaymi’s wealth of experience cultivated over years of commitment to Windstar Cruises with Andrew’s expertise in building and leading call center teams within the cruise industry,” said Bava.

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Ten of the best small-ship cruises

Not a fan of mega-ships our cruise expert has picked the best boutique sailings to keep things exclusive and adventurous.

T here’s something special about small-ship cruising. You’ll feel a deeper connection to the sea, and there’s a certain pleasure from being docked in chic little ports among the superyachts or anchored in a remote bay far from the crowds. Of course, there won’t be Broadway shows and a choice of restaurants, but simplicity is all part of the appeal. Here are ten of the best small-ship cruises for this year and next.

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1. Authentic Caribbean

Explore some of the tiniest islands in the Caribbean on Ponant’s smallest ship: the swish, recently refurbished sailing yacht Le Ponant, which carries just 32 passengers. Sail from Marigot on St Martin to Prickly Pear Cays on Anguilla, St Barts, Nevis, Falmouth Bay on Antigua, Barbuda and the chic Îles des Saintes in Guadeloupe — in other words some of the most seductive islands in the region. On board you can expect the fine dining and service that comes from the ship’s partnership with Relais & Châteaux. Details Seven nights’ all-inclusive from £5,550pp, including excursions, departing on March 8, 2025 (uk.ponant.com). Fly to St Maarten and back from Guadeloupe

2. Croatia under sail

Explore Croatia in detail on the classic schooner Kairos, which sails out of medieval Trogir to Vis, Hvar and Korcula, as well as lesser-known islands and anchorages, depending on wind speed and direction. With just 16 passengers and seven crew on board, this is small-ship luxury at its best — and you don’t have to help to sail the boat unless you want to do so. When you’re at anchor, jump straight into the warm Adriatic. Evenings are spent either in lively towns or anchored in remote bays. Details Seven nights’ full board from £3,025pp, departing on August 10 (venturesailholidays.com). Fly to Split

3. Butlers in the Bahamas

This 12-night cruise zigzags from New York to Bermuda for an overnight stay, through the Bahamian islands of San Salvador, Exuma and Honeymoon Harbour on tiny Gun Cay, then on to Miami before ending back in Nassau. Expect luxury all the way, with a butler service, an open bar and helicopter trips, plus a submarine and water toys to play on when the ship’s marina platform is down, which is often. Scenic Eclipse carries just 228 passengers, with the vibe of a swish private yacht in its glossy lounges and smart, high-ceilinged cabins. Details Twelve nights’ all-inclusive from £6,914pp, including flights, private transfers, tips, wi-fi and excursions, departing on October 12 (scenic.co.uk)

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4. turkey as you please.

Muster a group of 12 and you can charter a gulet for a blissful week exploring the Turquoise Coast of Turkey. Sailing from Bodrum, you’ll travel on the gleaming wooden Salamander, which comes with a crew of four, including a chef. Visit pretty fishing villages and drop anchor in pine-scented bays surrounded by green mountains for swimming off the boat, as well as playing on the water toys. On board are six en suite cabins and plenty of lounging space on deck, where you’ll also have meals. Details Seven nights’ full board (excluding two dinners) from £22,870 for 12, including transfers and house wine, departing on June 24 (salamandervoyages.com). Fly to Bodrum

5. New year in the Seychelles

Spend more than a week over the new year pottering around the dreamy Seychelles on Emerald Cruises’ sleek, 100-passenger Azzurra, visiting Praslin; rugged Curieuse, home to Aldabra giant tortoises; La Digue, location of the much-photographed Anse Source d’Argent beach; and Aride Island Nature Reserve, a breeding site for seabirds. You can snorkel and paddleboard off the back of the ship, which has a distinct superyacht feel thanks to an infinity pool and lovely alfresco dining area. Details Seven nights’ all-inclusive from £5,445pp, including flights, tips, wi-fi and some activities, departing on December 29 ( emeraldcruises.co.uk )

• Ten river cruises for adventurous travellers

6. Amazon adventure

Trace the northeast coastline of South America on a 19-night expedition on Swan Hellenic’s smart SH Vega, which carries 158 passengers. You’ll start in Barbados and head to Trinidad, but this is no ordinary Caribbean cruise — the next stop is Georgetown in Guyana, then it’s the volcanic Salvation Islands, a former penal colony off the coast of French Guiana now returned to nature. From the Brazilian town of Iquiqui you’ll head into the Amazon rainforest in search of jaguars and pink river dolphins. While in Brazil there’s also a chance to see the rippling white sand dunes ofLençois Maranhenses National Park and the Unesco world heritage town of Olinda before arriving in colourful Bahia. Details Nineteen nights’ all-inclusive from £6,980pp including wi-fi, taxes, excursions and a night in Barbados, departing on October 12, 2025 (swanhellenic.com). Fly to Barbados

7. Maritime history on east-coast US

Sail from Boston to New York City on American Cruise Lines’ 90-passenger American Independence, built for the shallow inlets and rivers of the US east coast. You’ll learn about the history of Boston and call at arty, boho coastal towns packed with maritime history. Plymouth was the first pilgrim settlement, while yachtie Newport is known for its opulent seaside estates and lobster. Old Saybrook, settled in 1635, is one of oldest towns in Connecticut, while Sag Harbor is famed for its art galleries and endless beaches. Details Seven nights’ all-inclusive from £5,999pp, including flights, excursions and a night in a hotel pre-cruise, departing on September 29 (fredholidays.co.uk)

8. Tall ship Atlantic crossing

Crossing the Atlantic under sail is special; you’ll have days to commune with the ocean, leaving the stresses of everyday life behind. Join the 170-passenger tall ship Star Flyer in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria — the city from which Columbus set sail in 1492. There’s a stop at the Canary island of La Gomera, then 13 days at sea as you head west to the Tropics, making landfall at St Maarten. On board you can help the crew with the sails, splash around in the pool, have a Thai massage and — on this sailing, which has a yoga theme — practise your sun salutations. Details Fifteen nights’ full board from £2,015pp, departing on November 15 (starclippers.co.uk). Fly to Gran Canaria and back from St Maarten

9. Tempting Tahiti

Discover Tahiti in all its high-definition beauty on the small ship Star Breeze, which carries 312 and is based in Papeete. You’ll visit dreamy islands including Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea and Raiatea on a seven-night meander through French Polynesia, with swimming in turquoise lagoons, rainforest hikes and visits to vanilla plantations and ancient sacred sites on the agenda. One night there’s a special dinner on a private island, followed by a fire-dancing display under the stars. Details Seven nights’ all-inclusive from £6,200pp, including flights and a night in a hotel pre-cruise, departing on October 17 (windstarcruises.com; book by June 30)

10. Wellness in the Cyclades

Potter round the lesser-visited Greek islands of the Cyclades on the 50-passenger Elysium, a tiny ship that can anchor in smaller harbours, away from the mainstream cruise ships. There’s an emphasis on healthy Greek food for meals onboard, and you can choose the most inviting taverna in town for either lunch or dinner each day. A wellness coach travels on every cruise to help balance mind and body, with yoga, meditation and hiking on offer. On a seven-night Divine Cyclades cruise you’ll sail from Athens and visit islands including Delos, Naxos, Milos, Serifos and Kythnos, as well as big-hitters such as Santorini and Ios. Details Seven nights’ half-board from £2,530pp, departing on September 7 (elixir.cruises). Fly to Athens

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