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911 Reviews
Star Pride

About Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises offers a trio of masted sailing ships, as well as a trio of all-suite small cruise ships. Passengers embrace a casual-yet-upscale environment and active exploration in port. Deck barbecues and beach parties are a highlight, as are water sports right from the ship.

  • More about Windstar Cruises

  • Who goes on Windstar cruise ships?

  • Do I have to dress up on a Windstar cruise?

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Star Pride

14 Night
Star Collector: Lovely Leewards

137 Reviews
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Wind Surf

16 Night
Star Collector: Natural History Meets Ancient Myst...

265 Reviews
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Star Pride

14 Night
Quebec And Newfoundland Adventure

137 Reviews
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Star Pride

7 Night
James Beard Foundation & Wine Cruise: Windward Way...

137 Reviews
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Sponsored

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MSC Cruises

16 Night
Star Collector: Eternal Greece

129 Reviews
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8 Night
Bella Italia – A Southern Italian Romance

265 Reviews
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7 Night
Dreams Of Tahiti

132 Reviews
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7 Night
Dreams Of Tahiti

132 Reviews
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8 Night
Myths & Marvels Of The Aegean

129 Reviews
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16 Night
Ocean Crossings

137 Reviews
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8 Night
Myths & Marvels Of The Aegean

129 Reviews
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5 Night
Yachtsman's Harbors Of The Rivieras

265 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

7 Night
Treasures Of The Greek Isles

111 Reviews
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7 Night
International Women’s Day Celebration: Beach Fun &...

265 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

10 Night
Delphi & Meteora: Grecian Treasures Cruise Tour

111 Reviews
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Windstar Cruises Tips, Activities, and Overview

Who goes on Windstar cruise ships?

Windstar attracts adults all the way from 30 to 90 years, including honeymooners and people celebrating milestone birthdays or anniversaries. The core age, however, is 55 to 75, with most coming from North America; others come from New Zealand and Australia, the U.K. and other European countries. You won't find younger families onboard as Windstar draws the line at kids under 8.

Do I have to dress up on a Windstar cruise?

Not really. You can leave your formal dress and neckties at home and stick to country club casual sportswear. By day, most women wear walking shorts, slacks, skirts, sarongs and cover-ups; in the evenings resort-style dresses and dressy pants. Men usually wear walking or Bermuda shorts or khakis by day and lightweight trousers and collared shirts in the evening. Windstar doesn't allow shorts, flip-flops, jeans, hats or T-shirts during dinner at either of its dining venues.

Is everything free on Windstar cruises?

No. Although Windstar is a luxury line, its pricing is a la carte, which means the cruise fares are lower than most competitors. You choose what you want to pay for whether it be alcohol and soft drinks, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, gratuities and spa and beauty treatments.

The cruise fare covers all dining and unlimited use of the water sports platform, including equipment for snorkeling, stand-up paddle-boarding, kayaking, sailing, water skiing and windsurfing.

What are Windstar’s most popular activities?

There are few organized activities onboard a Windstar cruise, with most cruisers spending their time onshore exploring the ports being visited. The unregimented, relaxed life with outstanding food and service fits the passengers, and friendships spring up quickly. Many passengers take advantage of the water sports platform that's on most ships and all the toys that go with it. In the evening, passengers will chat in the main lounge, and while a house band might play for a little while, most cruisers get to bed early to take advantage of a full day in port the next day.

The line does have a robust partnership with the James Beard Foundation, with culinary demonstrations on every sailing that give passengers access to chef secrets.

On the sailing ships, the top deck will always be packed if the sails are scheduled to be unfurled.

Why go with Windstar?

  • Options to travel on masted sailing ships or all-suite yachts.
  • Intimate ships sail to destinations bigger ships can't.
  • Attentive service, with a passenger-crew ratio of 1.5 to 1.
  • Casual atmosphere with fine dining.

Best for: Couples, sailing enthusiasts and independent travelers who love to explore off-the-beaten-path

Not for: Anyone looking for a wide range of dining and nightlife options

Windstar Cruises Cruiser Reviews

Overall, just OK.

The food was flavorful and excellently prepared.The food was lacking in flavor, rather bland.Read More
Robinkh

10+ Cruises

Age 69s

Wind Star not a great ship

Our very warm Caribbean Christmas cruise had no a/c in many public areas and cabins for 2 days.It was far too hot to eat in many of their venues, with no access to fresh air or and no a/c.Read More
inuit

2-5 Cruises

Age 69s

Horrible Old Smelly Ship

5) A/C was inconsistent in our berth.2) Embarkation was a disaster - very disorganized and inconsistent instructions/messaging.Read More
TidalCreek2012

6-10 Cruises

Age 66s

"Bucket List" trip to French Polynesia

In early December our travel agent let us know that Windstar was offering a last minute deal for their 7 night trip on the Star Breeze.In conclusion - a trip to Tahiti aboard the Star Breeze is a fantasy trip come to life.Read More
FlaMilkman

10+ Cruises

Age 57s

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