HTTPS://WINDSTARCRUISES.COM
Windstar Cruises — Full Divi 1200px Page (with Images)
Cruise Guru South Africa Edition – Windstar Cruises | The World’s Best Small Ship Cruise Line
Windstar Cruises Overview
Windstar Cruises is a boutique small‑ship luxury cruise line offering immersive, intimate voyages aboard elegant yachts and sailing ships. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, personalised service, and destination‑focused itineraries, Windstar delivers a unique blend of casual luxury and authentic exploration.
Windstar’s ships carry between 148 and 342 guests, ensuring a private, uncrowded, and deeply personalised experience.
Why Sail with Windstar
- Boutique small‑ship cruising
- Immersive itineraries with access to smaller ports
- Elegant sailing ships and luxury motor yachts
- Exceptional personalised service
- Casual, relaxed luxury — no crowds, no noise
- Destination‑focused experiences and enrichment
- Ideal for couples, mature travellers, and adventure‑minded guests
- Unique Watersports Platform for ocean activities
Windstar Fleet
Windstar operates two distinct fleets: Sailing Ships and All‑Suite Motor Yachts.
Sailing Fleet (Iconic Windstar Experience)
- Wind Surf — the world’s largest sailing ship
- Wind Star
- Wind Spirit
Star Plus Class (All‑Suite Motor Yachts)
- Star Breeze
- Star Legend
- Star Pride
These ships offer spacious suites, refined décor, and yacht‑style luxury.
Destinations & Itineraries
Windstar offers global itineraries with a strong focus on cultural immersion and scenic cruising.
Top Regions
- Mediterranean
- Greek Islands
- Northern Europe
- Caribbean
- Tahiti & South Pacific
- Asia & Japan
- Arabian Gulf
- Alaska
- Australia & New Zealand
Signature Experiences
- Watersports Platform (kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling)
- Destination immersion tours
- Access to smaller ports larger ships cannot reach
- On‑deck barbecues and sailing events
Onboard Experience
Dining
Windstar offers exceptional dining with:
- Menus crafted in partnership with the James Beard Foundation
- Fine dining restaurants
- Casual and elegant venues
- Fresh, locally inspired cuisine
- Wine tastings and culinary events
Entertainment
Expect refined entertainment:
- Live music
- Enrichment lectures
- Cultural performances
- Intimate lounges
Wellness & Relaxation
- Spa & wellness centre
- Fitness classes
- Quiet lounges
- Spacious outdoor decks
- Relaxed yacht‑style ambience
Accommodation
Windstar’s suites are elegant and comfortable:
- Oceanview Staterooms
- Balcony Suites (select ships)
- Spacious All‑Suite accommodations on Star Plus Class
- Premium bedding and refined décor
Who Windstar Cruises Is Perfect For
Windstar is ideal for:
- Couples
- Mature travellers
- Solo travellers
- Adventure‑minded guests
- Food and wine lovers
- Culture enthusiasts
- Travellers seeking small‑ship luxury
- Guests who prefer relaxed, uncrowded cruising
Why Book Windstar with Cruise Guru
Cruise Guru offers:
- Expert Windstar itinerary guidance
- Exclusive promotions
- Local South African support
- Multi-line comparison
- Tailored cruise planning
- Assistance with flights and travel packages
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windstar a luxury cruise line?
Windstar is a boutique small‑ship luxury brand offering relaxed elegance.
Are Windstar ships small?
Yes — between 148 and 342 guests.
Is Windstar good for couples?
Absolutely — Windstar is perfect for romantic, intimate travel.
Does Windstar offer sailing ships?
Yes — Wind Surf, Wind Star, and Wind Spirit are iconic sailing vessels.
Book Windstar Cruises with Cruise Guru
Ready to explore the world aboard a luxury yacht? Cruise Guru will help you choose the perfect ship, itinerary, and suite.
Contact Cruise Guru today to begin your Windstar adventure.
Windstar Cruises – Luxury Sailing Vessels
About Windstar
Windstar Cruises operates sailing yachts custom built to visit the hidden harbors and private coves of the world’s most unique destinations.
The ships feature 5-star cuisine, but with a casual flair- there is no assigned seating. The ocean-view staterooms and suites are equipped with Apple iPod Nanos and Bose SoundDock speakers, cell phone service, flat screen televisions, wireless Internet, luxury linens and mattresses, and L’Occitane amenities. Windstar has also partnered with The OnboardSpa Company for certified organic O SPA London Spa and salon services.
Windstar offers complimentary waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing, ski-tubing and kayaking from each ship’s aft deck for water lovers.
Windstar Cruises is best for:
Adventurous, active adults looking for elegant yachting experience.
Those seeking a country club casual sailing experience with very upscale surroundings and amenities; those who prefer a private yacht feel to their cruise
The ships of Windstar Cruises:
- Star Breeze, 312 Passengers
- Star Legend, 312 Passengers
- Star Pride, 312 Passengers
- Wind Spirit, 148 Passengers
- Wind Star, 148 Passengers
- Wind Surf, 342 Passengers
The atmosphere and experience onboard Windstar Cruises:
Windstar Cruise’s sleek, masted sailing ships (the sails are computer-directed) have a relaxed, casual and intimate vibe that eliminates the need for dressing up (country club casual prevails) or any other kind of formality or routine. Their size allows access to small harbors and enhances the sense of exploration on a private and luxurious yacht.
As might be expected, service is excellent and dining is a treat; food is prepared a la minute using top quality ingredients. There is open dining and a choice of either two or four venues on the ships. While there are few organized activities or programs (and no Vegas-style revues), complimentary water sports are an important part of the Windstar Cruises experience; there is complimentary ski-tubing, kayaking, windsurfing, etc. from each ship’s aft deck.
The OnboardSpa Company provides certified organic O SPA London Spa and salon services to the spa, salon and fitness center.
Unlike the pricing on luxury lines, which is fairly inclusive, Windstar Cruises has an a la carte policy for shore excursions, cocktails, special classes and some alternative dining.
As there are no formal nights on Windstar Cruises, the line suggests “casual elegance” in dress for dinners and evenings. Shorts, jeans and T-shirts are not allowed in the specialty dining venues or the public rooms in the evening.
The destinations served by Windstar Cruises:
- Alaska
- Arabia
- Asia
- Australia & New Zealand
- Canada & New England
- Caribbean
- Costa Rica & Panama Canal
- Grand Adventures
- Greece
- Holy Lands
- Italy
- Mediterranean
- Mexico
- Northern Europe
- Ocean Crossings
- South Pacific
- Tahiti
- U.S. Coastals
The clientele of Windstar Cruises:
Well-traveled, experienced cruisers. The average age is about 50, but there is wide variance on both sides. The line tends to attract an adventurous, independent crowd and is also a favorite of honeymooners.
Regarding children onboard Windstar Cruises: Children, especially infants and toddlers, are not encouraged aboard Windstar cruises. The intimate ship size and unregimented atmosphere are adult in orientation and do not provide for the care, supervision, or entertainment of children. Children occupying staterooms as the third person are charged the applicable “third person” rate, which is available on request. Travel for Children under seven years of age is limited. Please contact Windstar Reservations for availability.
https://allthingscruise.com/cruise-planning/cruise-lines-childrens-programs/
Consumer reviews about Windstar Cruises:
https://allthingscruise.com/cruise-reviews/reviews/Cruise-Ships/Windstar-Cruises/index.htm
Shore excursions for your Windstar Cruises Voyage:
http://www.cruisecompete.com/shore_excursions/
See dining options for Windstar Cruises here:
https://allthingscruise.com/specialty-restaurants-alphabetically-by-cruise-line/
Windstar Cruises are offered here:
http://www.cruisecompete.com/lines/windstar_cruises.html
To read a travel diary about Windstar Cruises please click here:
https://allthingscruise.com/travel-diaries/
See the newest ships for Windstar Cruises here:
https://allthingscruise.com/newest-ships/
Some of the cruise lines offer all-inclusive experiences, See the amenities offered by Windstar Cruises here:
https://allthingscruise.com/all-inclusive/
Alcohol policies for Windstar Cruises
https://allthingscruise.com/onboard-the-ship/alcohol-policy-by-cruise-line/
About Weddings at Sea or Vow Renewals at Sea:
https://allthingscruise.com/cruise-research/cruise-lines/windstar-cruises/
See cancellation policies for Windstar Cruises here:
https://allthingscruise.com/cruise-planning/cancellation-policy-by-cruise-line/