Wind Spirit
A 148-guest sailing yacht combining working sails, intimate scale and destination-focused cruising.
Wind Star Cruise Ship Guide
A 148-guest four-masted sailing yacht built around intimate cruising and destination access.
Wind Star Overview
Wind Star is one of Windstar Cruises’ classic sailing yachts, carrying just 148 guests beneath six computer-operated sails. Its small scale, open decks and watersports platform create a very different experience from a conventional large cruise ship.
Explore the Windstar Cruises guide to compare the line’s sailing yachts and all-suite yachts, then compare Wind Star with other ships using GCI’s planning tools.
Wind Star Quick Facts
- Cruise line: Windstar Cruises
- Ship class: Wind Class
- Status: Active ship
- Original build / Windstar service reference year: 1986
- Gross tonnage: 5,736
- Published guest capacity: 148
- Published stateroom / suite count: 74
Windstar’s published capacity is useful for comparing the scale of its yachts. Always confirm the specific deck plan and cabin configuration attached to your sailing.
Onboard Highlights
- Four masts and six self-furling sails
- Complimentary watersports platform when conditions permit
- World Spa by Windstar
- Amphora restaurant and Veranda dining
- Open bridge access when operational conditions allow
Availability of the marina, open bridge and outdoor activities depends on weather, itinerary and operational conditions.
Cabins & Suite Selection
Wind Star has 73 deluxe ocean-view staterooms plus one Owner’s Suite. Standard staterooms are designed around ocean views rather than private balconies, so travelers who consider a veranda essential should compare Wind Star with Windstar’s newer Star Class yachts.
Use the Best Cabin Location Guide and check what is above and below the room, distance to stairs or lifts where applicable, and the exact bed and view configuration.
Dining on Wind Star
Dining centers on Amphora for dinner, Veranda for breakfast and lunch, and Candles for an evening alternative. The Yacht Club Café adds a casual coffee-and-snack setting. Confirm current venue schedules and reservation requirements aboard your sailing.
Small-Ship Activities & Time Outdoors
Windstar emphasizes destination access, deck time and yacht-style cruising rather than large waterparks, Broadway-scale theaters or amusement attractions. On suitable itineraries, the watersports platform or marina can provide direct access to the water. Availability is determined by local rules, weather and operating conditions.
Who Should Consider Wind Star?
Wind Star is a strong fit for travelers who want the romance of sailing, a very small guest count and destination-focused itineraries rather than large-ship attractions. It is especially worth comparing with Wind Spirit and with Windstar’s all-suite Star Class if cabin size or private outdoor space matters.
What to Compare Before Booking
Windstar fares and inclusions should be compared on a total-trip basis rather than against a large-ship base fare alone. Review the fare type, Wi-Fi terms, beverages, gratuities, shore activities and any pre- or post-cruise costs that apply to your booking.
Use the Cruise Total Cost Calculator to estimate the broader vacation cost.
Accessibility & Practical Details
Small yachts can present different accessibility considerations from modern large cruise ships, including gangways, tenders, thresholds, stairs and marina access. If mobility or accessibility is important, confirm the exact ship, cabin and itinerary arrangements before booking. Use the Accessible Cruise Guide to prepare your questions.
Choose a Sailing & Compare Ships
Use the Cruise Ship Finder to narrow your options, then put your shortlist into the Cruise Ship Comparison Tool. Windstar’s biggest ship-level decision is often whether you prefer a true sailing yacht or an all-suite motor yacht.
Browse the cruise port guides for stops on your actual itinerary and compare the time available ashore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wind Star already sailing for Windstar?
Wind Star is an active Windstar Cruises ship.
Is Wind Star a sailing yacht or an all-suite yacht?
Wind Star is part of Windstar’s Wind Class. Wind Class ships use working sails as part of the experience.
How can I compare Wind Star with another ship?
Use GCI’s Cruise Ship Finder to create a shortlist and the side-by-side Cruise Ship Comparison Tool to compare available ship data.
Sources & Last Checked
Checked October 5, 2026. Confirm current sailing, cabin and fare terms when booking.
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Need Help Choosing a Cruise Ship?
Compare itineraries, cabin options, cruise lines, and pricing before booking.
Explore Similar Windstar Cruises Ships
Compare the ships most closely related to Wind Star, then explore a few other options from the same cruise line.
Ships Most Similar to Wind Star
These ships share the same Wind Class design and are the closest starting point for a ship-to-ship comparison.
More Windstar Cruises Ships to Consider
These ships offer additional ways to compare the fleet without listing every ship on every page.
Star Pride
A 312-guest all-suite yacht combining spacious rooms, intimate service and small-port access.
Star Breeze
A 312-guest all-suite yacht with spacious accommodations, a watersports marina and destination-focused itineraries.
Star Legend
A 312-guest all-suite yacht designed for small-port access, spacious cabins and destination-intensive cruising.
Star Seeker
Windstar’s 224-guest purpose-built Star Class yacht pairs all-suite accommodations with verandas and infinity windows.
More Ways to Explore Wind Star
Use these related GCI resources to compare this ship by features, accessibility, traveler type and cruise line.