Windstar Cruises Guide
Compare Windstar’s intimate sailing yachts and all-suite small ships, including cabin styles, dining, destinations, onboard atmosphere, and the travelers each fleet style fits best.
What Makes Windstar Cruises Different?
Windstar Cruises operates a fleet of very small yachts rather than conventional mass-market cruise ships. Its fleet is split between Wind Class sailing yachts with working sails and Star Class all-suite yachts. Current published capacities range from 148 to 342 guests, creating a substantially different onboard environment from ships carrying several thousand passengers.
The tradeoff is important: Windstar is not built around waterparks, huge theaters, casinos packed with attractions or dozens of restaurants. The appeal is small-ship access, a quieter onboard atmosphere, personalized service, open decks and itineraries where the destination is a major part of the experience.
Wind Class vs. Star Class
Wind Class includes Wind Star, Wind Spirit and Wind Surf. These are genuine sailing ships with working sails, giving the cruise itself a distinctive maritime character. Wind Star and Wind Spirit carry only 148 guests; flagship Wind Surf carries 342.
Star Class includes Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride, Star Seeker and Star Explorer. These are motor yachts with all-suite accommodations. Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride carry 312 guests, while the newer Star Seeker and Star Explorer carry 224. Star Explorer is scheduled to debut December 28, 2026.
Windstar Cruises Ships
- Wind Star — 148 guests; Wind Class
- Wind Spirit — 148 guests; Wind Class
- Wind Surf — 342 guests; Wind Class
- Star Breeze — 312 guests; Star Class
- Star Legend — 312 guests; Star Class
- Star Pride — 312 guests; Star Class
- Star Seeker — 224 guests; Star Class
- Star Explorer — 224 guests; Star Class; upcoming December 2026
Who Is Windstar Best For?
Windstar is strongest for travelers who value destinations, smaller ports, uncrowded ships and a relaxed upscale atmosphere more than high-energy attractions. Couples, experienced cruisers, food-focused travelers and people who prefer intimate ships may find the line particularly appealing.
Families looking for extensive children’s facilities, travelers who want nonstop nightlife, or guests whose vacation revolves around large water attractions and production entertainment should compare Windstar carefully with larger cruise lines before booking.
Cabins and Suites
The cabin decision begins with the fleet type. Wind Star and Wind Spirit primarily offer ocean-view staterooms rather than balcony cabins. Wind Surf has a broader accommodation mix. The Star Class moves to all-suite accommodations, and Star Seeker and Star Explorer add a modern mix of veranda and infinity-window suite categories.
Do not assume that “suite” means private balcony. Check the actual category, window or veranda configuration, room size, deck position and accessibility details for the exact ship.
Dining on Windstar
Windstar’s dining is designed for a small number of guests and is a central part of the onboard experience. Ships feature intimate restaurants rather than massive dining rooms, with venues varying by yacht. Complimentary dining is a major part of the product, while newer and transformed Star Class ships provide more venue variety than the smallest sailing yachts.
Destinations and Small-Port Cruising
Windstar sails regions including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Tahiti and the South Pacific, Northern Europe, Latin America, Alaska and ocean crossings. A small ship can call at ports and navigate waterways that are inaccessible or impractical for the largest cruise ships, so itinerary details deserve as much attention as the yacht itself.
Use GCI’s Cruise Port Guides to research the stops on a specific itinerary and the Cruise Ship vs. Itinerary Guide if you are deciding which should drive the booking.
Watersports Marina and Onboard Experience
A signature Windstar feature is direct access to the water from a watersports platform or marina on suitable itineraries. Its use depends on local regulations, weather, sea conditions and the ship’s operating schedule. Windstar also emphasizes open decks and, when operationally permitted, access to the bridge.
What Does a Windstar Cruise Include?
Windstar’s pricing should be compared using the inclusions attached to the specific fare being sold. Dining and several onboard experiences are included, while beverages, Wi-Fi, gratuities, excursions and other items can depend on the fare or package selected. Verify the current terms instead of assuming every advertised Windstar fare includes the same items.
Use GCI’s Cruise Total Cost Calculator to compare the full vacation cost with another cruise option.
Accessibility Considerations
The intimacy that makes small yachts attractive can also create accessibility differences. Gangways, tenders, thresholds, stairs and marina activities can require more mobility than on some newer large ships. Travelers with accessibility needs should verify the exact cabin, route and embarkation arrangements before booking. See GCI’s Accessible Cruise Guide.
How to Choose the Right Windstar Ship
Start with one question: Do you want the experience of traveling under sail, or do you prefer a larger all-suite cabin? That separates Wind Class from Star Class immediately. From there, compare guest capacity, itinerary, cabin configuration and the specific ports each ship can visit.
Use the Cruise Ship Finder and Cruise Ship Comparison Tool to narrow the fleet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ships does Windstar Cruises have?
Windstar’s 2026 fleet consists of seven operating yachts, with Star Explorer scheduled to become the eighth when it debuts on December 28, 2026.
Does Windstar use real sailing ships?
Yes. Wind Star, Wind Spirit and Wind Surf are Wind Class sailing ships with working sails. They also have engines for propulsion when required.
Which Windstar ships are all-suite?
Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride, Star Seeker and the upcoming Star Explorer are Star Class all-suite yachts.
Is Windstar a good choice for families?
It can work for some multigenerational or destination-focused families, but Windstar does not compete on large kids clubs, waterparks or family attractions. Families seeking those features should compare other cruise lines.
Sources & Last Checked
Checked October 5, 2026. Fleet status, itineraries and onboard offerings can change.
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