Windstar Cruises
“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”
—Oscar Wilde
Getting to Know Windstar Cruises
Their Motto: 180 Degrees From Ordinary
Itineraries: Caribbean • Central America & Panama Canal • Mediterranean • Trans-ocean
Cruise fare includes: all meals and entertainment aboard the ship. Airfare, transfers, soft drinks and alcohol, shore excursions, and items of a personal nature are not included.
Gratuities: Windstar adds a $12 per person per day Hotel Service Charge to your onboard account to cover gratuities for wait staff, stewards, and other crew personnel. You may adjust this amount by visiting the Purser’s Desk. A 15 percent Beverage Service Charge is automatically added to bar charges and dining room wine purchases.
History
There may have never been a more apt slogan than Windstar Cruises’ 180 Degrees From Ordinary. Trust us: They truly live up to the words. One of the only luxury lines sailing motor-sail-yachts, Windstar stalwarts feel the company offers the perfect blend of casual elegance and pampering. The intimate yacht-like nature of the 148-passenger Wind Spirit and Wind Star ships and the 312-passenger Wind Surf allow for greater camaraderie between passengers and the ability to visit exclusive ports that larger ships can’t call upon. (Think Capri, Italy or Iles Des Saintes, Guadeloupe.) Then, there’s the take-your-breath-away moment when your masted ship unfurls her sails—to Vangelis’ theme music to the movie 1492, Conquest of Paradise—and speeds across the water under Mother Nature’s watchful eye.
Windstar Cruises came on the scene in 1986 with its fleet of motor-sail-yachts. The line championed the concept of combining luxurious amenities and impeccable service with an unpretentious, relaxed atmosphere. Windstar immediately caught on with active couples that preferred leaving formal night ball gowns and tuxedos at home.
In April 2007, Ambassadors International, Inc. acquired Windstar from its previous owner, Holland America Line (part of Carnival Corporation). Carnival also owns and operates the high-end Seabourn brand, but felt Windstar no longer fit in with the company’s long-term goals of expanding its core brands and opening new markets. The sale came as a surprise to many in the cruise industry and Windstar fans closely watched the 2007–2008 season to see what changes, if any, the new owners would bring. From reviews of current sailings, it’s clear that Ambassadors has kept the same down-to-earth ambiance and attentive service.
Onboard Vibe
You’ll feel welcome the moment you board a Windstar ship. The crew is knowledgeable and friendly and provides excellent service without hovering or getting in the way of your vacation. If you’re hoping for an opportunity to wear your diamond-studded tiara, look elsewhere. Windstar eschews traditional formal nights for more fun-filled events, such as an afternoon beach BBQ or an extravagant evening buffet featuring the cuisine of the region you’re visiting.
Windstar ships are motor-sail-yachts and the line works hard to ensure an intimate yacht-like experience. While the ships are larger than those from the more upscale SeaDream and American Safari Cruises, the guest-to-crew ratio aboard the Wind Spirit, Wind Star, and Wind Surf is an impressive 1.6 to 1.
A vacation aboard a Windstar ship is unregimented. You dine when and where you want and with whom you want, and you can leave the formal night attire hanging in your closet at home. It’s the perfect getaway for a busy professional couple or retirees who like to mix and mingle and enjoy a more active vacation.
Fellow Travelers
Windstar travelers share one thing in common: They’re active and adventurous and have likely cruised before. According to the line, the average age of past guests is 52. It’s not unusual though to meet people as young as 30 or those in their 70s. Most passengers are sophisticated travelers coming from varied backgrounds (small business owners, executives, retirees, honeymooners, doctors, lawyers, artists, authors, engineers, etc.).
Dress Code
Windstar passengers are sophisticated and well traveled, but they’re not worried about putting on a fashion show while on vacation. The line says its dress code is “casual elegance” and they suggest women wear shorts and t-shirts during the day, and sundresses, blouse and slacks, or an informal cocktail dress at night. Gentleman will be comfortable in shorts and T-shirts during the day, and slacks with collared or polo shirts in the evening.
Food & Wine
The food aboard all Windstar ships is excellent. In 1994, the line partnered with acclaimed Los Angeles chef Joachim Splichal of the Patina Group. He brings his style of bistro-cuisine to all three Windstar ships. Windstar’s own culinary team constantly rotates its gourmet menus, offering unique seasonal and regional menus. And finally, for those watching their health and waistlines, Windstar also offers Jeanne Jones’ Sail Lite and Vegetarian Cuisine.
All three vessels feature The Veranda for casual, buffet-style breakfast and lunch; the Pool Grill for burgers and hotdogs, wraps and grilled fish for lunch; and The Restaurant for open seating dining at dinner. Wind Surf, the largest of Windstar’s ships, also welcomes guests to Degrees (formerly The Bistro). This intimate dining room accommodates 124 and features a steakhouse menu four nights a week. The menu rotates alternating nights with menus from Northern Italy, France, and Indonesia. A 24-hour room service menu is also available on all three ships.
Entertainment
There are no Broadway-style shows aboard Windstar ships, but you will find a house band and singer/guitarist in various locations throughout the ship in the evenings. Other entertainers, such as comedians, are also often on board and can be found performing in The Lounge.
Smoking Policy
Windstar’s smoking policy as of November 22, 2008: Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the ship, including the staterooms. Smoking is allowed on the outside decks in designated smoking areas only.
Children’s Program
Windstar does not offer a children’s program and lets guests know that their ships are not appropriate for infants or toddlers. Children occupying staterooms as the third person are charged the applicable third person rate.
The Ships
For detailed information about each Windstar ship, click on the links below:
- Wind Spirit (148 passengers)
- Wind Star (148 passengers)
- Wind Surf (312 passengers)
- No other ships in development at this time
Book This Cruise Line If…
…you seek unregimented, casual elegance. Service is attentive, staterooms are well thought-out, itineraries are distinctive, and your fellow cruisers are passionate about living the good life.
For More Information…
…talk with your travel agent, call Windstar at (877) 827-7245, or visit their website.