Windstar Cruises Cruise Guide
Windstar Cruises operates the world's finest small sailing ships and boutique motor yachts, carrying just 148-342 guests to intimate ports and hidden harbours that larger ships cannot reach. The experience combines the romance of sailing with the comfort of a luxury yacht — casual elegance, outstanding cuisine, and the thrill of watching the sails unfurl as the ship departs.
What Makes Windstar Different?
The sailing ships. Wind Surf, Wind Star, and Wind Spirit are genuine sailing vessels — watching the computer-controlled sails unfurl as the ship leaves harbour is one of cruising's most romantic moments. The motor yachts (Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride) offer the same intimate experience with more space and amenities.
With just 148-342 guests, Windstar creates an atmosphere that's more private yacht than cruise ship. No formal nights, no assigned seating, no crowds. The Signature Sail-Away (complimentary deck party as the sails unfurl) sets the tone. The James Beard Foundation partnership ensures food that rivals much larger, more expensive ships.
How Does Windstar Handle Port Days?
Windstar's greatest advantage is access. These ships dock at ports where mega-ships can only dream — tiny Greek island harbours, the centre of Kotor's old town, and secluded Polynesian anchorages. You often step off the ship directly into the heart of a destination.
Tahiti highlight: Windstar is the dominant cruise option in French Polynesia. Their Tahiti itineraries dock at each island's main harbour, meaning you step off the ship into Bora Bora's village rather than tendering from a distance. Lucy translates French and Tahitian — essential since these are French-speaking islands where English is not universal.
Who Sails Windstar?
Windstar attracts romantic couples, seasoned travellers, and anyone who prefers the authentic to the manufactured. The passenger age ranges from 40-70+, with many experienced cruisers who have graduated from larger ships. The atmosphere is social and relaxed — you'll know everyone onboard by the end of the voyage.
How Lucy Helps on Windstar Cruises
Windstar visits the intimate, less-touristy ports where English may be rare. In small Greek islands, Lucy reads the taverna menu scrawled on a chalkboard. In French Polynesia, Lucy translates French menus and market signs (Tahiti is a French territory). In Costa Rica and Panama, Lucy handles Spanish at dockside restaurants and local markets. The smaller the port, the less English you'll find — and the more Lucy matters.
Popular Itineraries
Tahiti & French Polynesia
Ports: Papeete, Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Huahine, Taha'a
Greek Isles & Turkish Coast
Ports: Athens (Piraeus), Mykonos, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Patmos, Santorini, Monemvasia
Costa Rica & Panama Canal
Ports: Puerto Caldera, Quepos, Golfo Dulce, Panama Canal transit, Colon
Northern Europe & Fjords
Ports: Edinburgh, Bergen, Geiranger, Alesund, Flam, Stavanger, Copenhagen
Dining On Board
Main Dining
Amphora is the elegant main restaurant with a daily-changing menu featuring James Beard Foundation-crafted dishes. Veranda is the casual indoor-outdoor restaurant. Stella Bistro serves French-inspired fare. Candles is a signature deck-top dining experience under the stars (weather permitting), available once per voyage.
Specialty Restaurants
Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso (Spanish tapas, small supplement on select ships). Candles (deck-top dining, reservations required, complimentary). The overall food quality across all venues is exceptionally high for the ship size, thanks to the James Beard Foundation partnership.
Dietary Accommodations
Windstar's small galley teams know every guest's preferences. Flag dietary requirements at booking and the chef may visit your table personally. The intimate size means the kitchen can accommodate nearly any request with genuine care. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options are available daily.
How Lucy Helps on Windstar Cruises
- •Navigate intimate Greek and Turkish ports where tourism infrastructure and English signage are minimal
- •Translate French menus and signage in Tahitian ports and French Polynesia
- •Communicate with local fishermen, market vendors, and artisans at small, off-the-beaten-path ports
- •Read Spanish signage and menus at Central American ports from Costa Rica to Panama