windstar cruises youtube

Discover Windstar's Degrees of Difference

Book Through March 31 to Pick Your Perk

• One free pre- or post-cruise hotel night, OR
• Up to $1,000 onboard credit, OR
• Premium Suite guests may select a free upgrade to an All-Inclusive Fare* featuring Wi-Fi; unlimited beer, wine & cocktails; and all gratuities.

Travel that's 180 degrees from ordinary The moment you step aboard a Windstar yacht, you’ll feel warmly welcomed into the Windstar family. Our crew members take the time to get to know you and your preferences — and their genuine thoughtfulness will make you feel as though you’re on your own private yacht. It’s easy to see why, when our award-winning all-suite and sailing ships only serve between 148 and 342 guests. That limited number of guests allows you to disembark seamlessly into the less-visited places where only small ships like ours can take you. Join small group shore excursions and engage in meaningful connections with the locals. Whether your passion is culture, cuisine, history or natural wonders, Windstar experiences are authentic, personally curated — and unforgettable.  

• Work with Us
• Destinations

Windstar Cruises’ Star Legend Completes Total Transformation

Much more than the usual ship refurbishment, Windstar Cruises’ Star Legend just completed a massive transformation. Following completion of a multimillion dollar renovation project, Windstar Cruises’ President officially received a “new” Star Legend from the shipyard in Palermo, Sicily. 

Part of Windstar’s $250 million Star Plus Initiative, Star Legend’s transformation included the insertion of a middle section into the ship. This added 50 additional suites that would allow the ship to accommodate 312 guests. Renovations happened throughout the ship from dining to fitness and intensified sanitation ability.

Star Legend Completes Transformation and Expansion 

Star Legend is the second of Windstar Cruises’ three small ships to undergo the transformation at the Italian shipyard. Star Breeze was the first ship to be completed and Star Pride is scheduled to complete its transformation this summer.

READ MORE:  Best things to do in Valletta, Malta on a day in port

“We’re proud to see Star Legend emerge from this major project with all initial plans completed,” said Prelog. “I am so thankful to Fincantieri for their great partnership on this complicated and innovative project. This is the ship I began my seagoing career on 20 plus years ago and to see it today like a new ship is more than exciting for me. I am blown away.”

Star Legend and all Star Class Transformations Include:

• Two new restaurants : Star Grill by Steven Raichlen , an outdoor barbecue concept, and Cuadro 44 by Michelin chef Anthony Sasso , a Spanish small plates restaurant
• Refurbished and enlarged spa and fitness center:  The workout equipment is made by Technogym, an Italian company known for its cutting-edge designs. The spa menu features regional spa treatments and destination-themed therapies as part of the World Spa by Windstar program
• Larger pool and hot tub on top deck:   The yacht now has a larger pool and hot tub on an elevated top deck with expanded outdoor deck areas.
• Fifty new 277-square feet suites:  New suite categories were added with open floor plans plus two brand-new, larger Owner’s Suites. These suites can combine to create up to a three-bedroom, two-balcony suite with more than 1,300 square feet, unique to the cruise industry.
• New bathrooms:   Who doesn’t love a brand new bathroom! Every suite on board features all-new bathrooms.
• New mid-ship elevator
• Two new 90-passenger tenders to use at ports where the ship needs to anchor.
• Increased Health and safety renovations and sanitation to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Health and Safety Measures

The transformation also includes new health and safety renovations that were added to the project when COVID-19 impacted the cruise industry in 2020. Windstar’s Beyond Ordinary Care program is a multi-layered strategy implementing key hospital-grade elements. HEPA filters and UV-C ultraviolet germicidal irradiation are used to filter and disinfect the air. Electrostatic sprayers were added to sanitize all surfaces throughout the yacht. 

In addition, Windstar Cruises requires proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination for all guests who plan to sail aboard Windstar’s yachts.

“Many thanks to the team here in Palermo for their hard work and diligence on a long, complicated project,” said John Gunner, Windstar’s vice president of expansion projects. “It was an amazing process to get the ship to where she is now; and we have one more to go.”

Star Legend begins cruising in Northern Europe on Sept 4, 2021 features their Belles of the British Isles itinerary sailing roundtrip from London.

You’ll Also Love

Holland america serves up new vegetarian menu.

Virgin Voyages Adds a Tattoo Studio on Their New Ship

Crystal Cruises Announces 2019 President’s Cruise

Virgin Voyages Includes Gratuities & Dining Options in Cruise Fare

Regent Seven Seas Announces “Model” Godmother for New Ship

Cunard line queen mary 2 hosts luncheon to honor sir winston churchill, what are you looking for.

8 Experiences That Make A Windstar Cruise Worth The Price

I n December, I had my first cruise with Windstar. Boarding the Star Legend in St. Maarten, my husband and I set sail on a romantic and adventurous itinerary with a cruise brand known for offering exceptional vacations and a reputation to back that claim. We had a week of sailing through the Caribbean, soaking up the sights in Antigua, the BVI, and St. Bart’s to create memories that will last for a lifetime and really get to know the Windstar brand. As an avid cruiser, this cruise’s price tag was a bit higher than my previous cruises. But, let me tell you how that extra bit more than makes up for it with these eight experiences that make a Windstar cruise worth the price tag.

Windstar hosted me as a guest to familiarize myself with this brand. As always, opinions and reviews are 100 percent my own and unbiased. 

1. Smaller Crowds

It might surprise you that the Windstar yachts only hold about 200–310 passengers. Not only is this a big difference in the mega cruise ships that often make you feel like a herd of cattle going through long buffet lines and waiting to disembark the ship at port, but it allows you to get to know the other cruisers. It also allows the crew to know you — your cruise preferences and your name. While I have met friendly cruise staff on each of the 50+ cruises I’ve taken, this was more like we were all just guests of Windstar, not crew and cruisers.

I especially think that, in the craziest of times we have faced since 2020, this is one of the most appealing cruise offerings possible. The Windstar team has assumed extra sanitation measures and are held to the highest standard of safety practices. This was apparent from the personalized service of staff members making up our buffet plates to the onboard doctor that was a seamless and pleasant transaction for the guests.

2. Windstar’s Stylish Yacht & Rooms

There are no cruise boats or ships with Windstar, only yachts and sailboats. I took the Star Legend , a small, incredibly picturesque yacht. The Legend was small enough to learn my way around in a short time, without wasting precious vacation time. Still, it was big enough to cuddle up for a warm-weather nap, read a good book, have an intimate conversation, or watch as we sailed through the mesmerizing blue waters.

Speaking only for the Star Legend , this yacht offers all-suite rooms. We even had a full-size closet, perfect for storing suitcases, hanging our clothes, and keeping our main room straight. Features in our stateroom that rated highest were L’Occitane en Provence toiletries, cozy robes, a comfortable couch, a heavenly bed, premium Egyptian cotton sheets, and a fully-stocked mini-fridge.

3. Lesser-Known Ports Of Call

I’ve studied cruise itineraries for over 20 years, and the ports of call for large cruise ships rarely change. I was shocked to see the remote destinations that Windstar Cruises travel to. My husband and I took the St. Maarten cruise that went to the British Virgin Islands, and though we had been to Virgin Gorda with others, Tortola and Jost Van Dyke were two places I’ve seldom seen on other itineraries. And we also had the chance to go to Gustavia (St. Bart’s), the island of all things luxury and exuberant.

If you are jonesing for a one-of-a-kind cruise, I’ll let you know that Windstar Cruises visits Tahiti , Kobe, Bordeaux , and Honfleur , not your typical cruise ports. 

Pro Tip: Cruise lines can change the itinerary for the passenger’s safety and best experiences. This is common practice, so please roll with the punches should it happen. Often the passengers are unaware of the entire situation unfolding that causes these decisions.

4. Windstar’s Exceptional Food

When the general public talks about cruises, they tend to think of huge, overflowing buffets with mediocre food, but lots of it. And that makes many cruisers perfectly happy. I tend to lean toward quality over quantity, so the high-end food choices — many locally sourced — on Windstar Cruises made me a happy girl. Our meals were terrific!

Indulge in delightful breakfasts with an array of made-to-order eggs, fluffy pancakes, and decadent eggs Benedict. The buffet caters to all tastes, featuring a variety of Indian delights, smoked meats, comforting food favorites, soups, and sandwiches for lunch. With 24-hour room service, unlimited ice cream, and a charming coffee shop serving tempting mini-sandwiches and sweets, your culinary desires will be satisfied.

I was shocked (mic-drop here) that the main dining room — the basic one for those of you new to the cruise world — is the only cruise line at sea endorsed by and is the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation . Yes, you read that right. The foundation was created in part to recognize the efforts of those putting America’s culinary skills a cut above the rest, and that is apparent with the chef-inspired dishes on these ships. Windstar Cruises brings people to plates on the high seas that are “180 degrees from ordinary.”

5. Star Legend’s Specialty Restaurants

As if the food wasn’t remarkable enough, there are specialty restaurants on a Windstar cruise. The Star Legend had the lovely Spanish restaurant, Cuadro 44, and Candles, a classic steakhouse. Cuadro 44 offers coastal Spanish tapas, wines, and exotic seafood in a vibrant, energetic setting, while Candles is a more romantic restaurant with white table cloths, candlelight, and al fresco dining. 

Now get this… they are included in your cruise fare. You pay no additional fees to dine in these restaurants that serve high-end items like Ibérico ham, lamb chops, Galician-style octopus, and jumbo prawns.

Fun Fact: Cuadro 44 only holds 38 passengers, so this small-scale dining experience is highly desirable.

6. Adventurous Cruise Excursions

I’ve been told that Windstar caters to a more active group of travelers. The website boasts 2,500 one-of-a-kind tours, and that is mind-boggling. I found many of the Windstar cruise excursions to be on the moderate to strenuous side of the scale, but there was still plenty for others to enjoy, too. From scuba diving to visiting private islands, there was a wide range of activities and experiences.

Windstar also offers many custom tours, including a carefully-curated excursion for your family and friends, or even a solo trip, to see the sights you wish to visit with an English-speaking guide in a private car or van. These guides are also fully bonded, insured, and licensed.

Check into the culinary shore excursions onboard Windstar Cruises, as well. These opportunities take cruise passengers to local wineries, breweries, and even hands-on cooking classes to learn from the locals and eat and drink with goods from the region you are visiting.

7. Ratio Of Cruise Staff To Cruise Guests

My cruise ship could potentially hold 312 passengers. On this particular sailing, there were only around 158 passengers, which meant running at half capacity for guests. This meant no lines, no packed swimming pools or hot tubs, and nearly 1.25 cruise staff per passenger. 

I swear, I don’t know how the Windstar staff does it, but they would remember every name, drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) choice, favorite things, and where we were from. Often, we didn’t have time to think we needed something before a smiling face showed up with said item in hand. I kept thinking of the Ritz Carlton tagline, “My pleasure Mrs. Pittman.”

Fun Fact: For even more excellent cruise concierge service, allow Windstar to help you book your air travel, pre and post hotel and tour reservations, and even your itinerary for a fantastic vacation.

8. A Unique Beach Barbecue Dining Experience

Something new to my cruising experiences happened on the Windstar Star Legend . It was supposed to be two things, but one got postponed and then canceled due to inclement weather. But, the one that did take place was incredible, and I think you will agree.

In a port where we had to tender (take small boats) to the shore, Windstar set up a beach barbecue for all of its guests to enjoy for lunch. Virgin Gorda was the perfect setting for the festive tables, steel-drum musicians, paella and bbq meats buffet, and tropical backdrop. The amount of effort that went into shuttling all things necessary (plates, glassware, utensils, food, beverages, linens, etc.) to the shore for us to have a memorable lunch honestly brings tears to my eyes. What a fantastic brand and staff that braves, in our case, extreme waves and weather conditions for a quick dining experience that creates such a heartwarming memory. It was well-appreciated.

Windstar, if you made that macaroni and cheese because I mentioned it, thank you. They canceled the deck barbecue mentioned above due to the weather, but I heard from repeat passengers that this is one of their favorite Windstar offerings.

Pro Tip: I like to bring a few cards from home and leave a tip for my favorite cruise staff, along with a personalized message to thank them for enriching my vacation.

For more premiere cruising options , check out our recent coverage:

• Epic 3-Year World Cruise Sets Sail This November — What You Need To Know
• 6 Tips For Choosing The Best Yacht Charter Experience
• 6 Best Antarctica Expedition Cruises To Add To Your Bucket List

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits

I got tired of big cruise ships so splashed out on a small, 140-passenger cruise. Here's why it was worth the money.

• Rebecca Deurlein booked a cruise annually when her kids were young as an easy family vacation.
• But she began to tire of the busy ships and bland food — so she tried a small-ship experience.
• Deurlein said the incredible service and delicious gourmet meals were well worth the price increase.

When my kids were young, I loved mega-ship cruise vacations. Our family booked yearly cruises trying different lines and ships. I'd make one phone call and one payment, and the vacation was set. 

While perfect at the time, I slowly began to feel "cruise-ship fatigue."  

I was tired of fighting for lounge chairs, standing in buffet lines, and dealing with the crowds. The smoky casinos, hypnotists, and piano players pounding out "Sweet Caroline" no longer appealed. 

Once our kids left for college, my husband and I felt we'd outgrown mega ships . 

So when we started researching a trip to celebrate our anniversary, I proposed a small-ship experience . I'd heard friends talk about the joys of small-ship sailing, and we could finally afford it. 

We had paid as little as $100 a day on mega-ship cruises. For smaller ships, you pay closer to $600 a day per person. A special anniversary was my excuse to splurge. 

I was drawn to Windstar's Wind Spirit : a 140-passenger sailing yacht that would be an easy sell to my sailor husband. We chose a seven-day trip through Tahiti, the South Polynesian Islands, and Bora Bora. The cruise cost $4,299, or about $614 a day per person. 

We traveled on the Windstar this March. Here are the pros and cons of choosing a small-ship experience.

The staff-to-passenger ratio meant the service was incredible

We shared our small ship — which felt more like a rich friend's yacht — with only 100 other passengers.

With 100 staff on board, that meant incredibly personalized service and intimate day trips. 

One day, six of us visited a private island. We were greeted by waiting crew members with flower garlands, tropical beverages, and beach towels. 

When I ordered a coconut-rum and coke from the tiki bar they'd set up, the bartender realized he didn't have that specific liquor. Before I could offer my second choice, he called the ship, reported that one of the passengers would like some coconut rum,  hung up, and smiled. "They will motor it over from the ship," he said. "I'll deliver your drink to you when it arrives."

It felt like your every whim would be catered to. 

We could access destinations that aren't open to mega ships and visit without crowds 

Large ships aren't allowed near some of the islands we traveled to for environmental and logistical reasons. 

Because the Wind Spirit didn't require large docking furniture or canals necessary for larger ships, we easily sailed into coves and dropped anchor. 

Related stories

Every time we emerged onto the deck, we were met with scenery like Moorea's green mountains dropping into the blue water or traditional huts tucked into palm-tree alcoves. These views were never blocked by crowded railings. 

The islands we visited were also nearly empty of tourists. There were no more than eight people in our group on all the excursions we booked .  

I was happy to avoid the massive cruise ships carrying thousands of passengers disembarking at the same time and being frog-marched to the same attractions.

Each island felt private; each excursion could be tailored to our wishes. 

The entertainment on board is very pared back and simple 

You won't get Broadway-style entertainment on a small ship. You won't have casinos, rows of shops, or waterslides. 

The experience is closer to yachting, where you soak in the destination rather than follow an activity-packed itinerary. 

We could visit the bridge and talk to the captain, join a mixology class, or sit with local islanders and make traditional crafts. As Calvin Dsouza, a hotel general manager at Windstar Cruises, told me, "This is an opportunity to connect to the actual place, rather than seeking your next thrill."

The boat's water-sports marina, only open when the ship was anchored, was on the deck one floor down from our cabin. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, we jumped off the swim deck,  floated on a tethered platform or trampoline, or grabbed a kayak or paddle board.

It felt surreal to swim straight off the boat into the Pacific Ocean. Occasionally, others joined in, but many times, it was just us.

Feeling like the ship and the destination were ours to explore was my favorite aspect of small-ship cruising.

I was tired of cruise food, but the gourmet small-ship options changed my mind

The food on board was a close-second favorite. I had pretty much sworn off cruises because of the food: eggs that never quite tasted like eggs, slight variations of the same dishes at multiple meals, and menus shaped around how many they could feed rather than creativity. 

The dining experience on a small ship was the opposite. Windstar partners with James Beard and features award-winning cuisine on its nightly menu. 

The food on board far exceeded my expectations. We enjoyed fresh bread out of the oven,  a whole suckling pig, lobster tails, paella, and perfectly cooked steaks. I was delighted by every meal. 

One of my favorite dining experiences was in Bora Bora. We arrived at a private island with views of Mount Otemanu and were served fresh red snapper and generously poured top-shelf drinks, all while chatting with fellow passengers who had become friends. 

It's worth the price if you can entertain yourself

My takeaway is, if you don't need 100 activities on board, small-ship cruising is for you. Small ships don't entertain you all day long — you find and make your entertainment.

The Wind Spirit is more expensive upfront than your average mega ship, but it's worth every penny, and I'll be booking a small-ship cruise vacation again.

Watch: The rise and fall of the cruise industry

• Main content