Why Windstar’s Small Ships Are Quietly Redefining Luxury Sailing—and What You’re Missing If You Haven’t Sailed One Yet

Ever wondered what it’d be like to cruise the world’s most breathtaking shores—not herded like cattle on a gargantuan floating city—but sipping a cocktail aboard an intimate yacht, where the crew actually remembers your name (and your peculiar snack preferences)? Welcome to Windstar Cruises, a fleet that’s rewriting the rules of sea travel with vessels carrying no more than a few hundred guests. It’s a charming rebellion against the mega-ship monotony, offering an experience that’s—quite literally—180 degrees from ordinary. Imagine docking at small harbors where your yacht might be the only one in sight, where the rhythm feels less like a hectic commute and more like a private invitation to the world’s hidden gems. From the sun-kissed retreats of the Greek Islands to the lush, exotic enclaves of Tahiti and the South Pacific, Windstar beckons travelers who crave authentic adventures paired with exceptional service. Intrigued? Let me take you aboard this voyage of understated luxury and discovery. LEARN MORE

In an age when many cruise ships resemble floating cities, Windstar Cruises offers an elegant alternative: intimate yachts designed for a more personal way to explore the world. Carrying between 150 and 350 guests, Windstar’s fleet delivers immersive, authentic experiences with exceptional service.

As the cruise line’s motto promises, sailing with Windstar is 180 Degrees from Ordinary. A Windstar voyage feels less like travelling aboard a towering mega-ship and more like stepping onto an exclusive private yacht, where destinations are never overwhelmed by thousands of passengers arriving at once.

From the sun-drenched Greek Islands to the tropical paradise of Tahiti and the South Pacific, Windstar sails far beyond the typical cruise circuit, visiting destinations that many larger ships simply cannot reach.

1. Access to smaller, more exclusive ports

Windstar’s elegant fleet can enter intimate harbours and lesser-known ports that are inaccessible to larger cruise ships. On many occasions, a Windstar yacht may be the only cruise ship in the harbour.

While mega-ships are often confined to major cruise terminals – where berths may need to be reserved years in advance – Windstar’s smaller vessels can dock in charming fishing villages, picturesque harbours and tucked-away coastal towns, allowing for far more imaginative itineraries.

Guests can step directly into the heart of destinations such as Portofino, Saint-Tropez and Monemvasia, often without the need for tenders, making every arrival smooth and effortless.

2. A more personalised level of service

True luxury lies in the details. It’s the crew remembering your favourite cocltail or that you’re allergic to flowers in your suite.

With an exceptional crew-to-guest ratio of around 1:1.5 – among the best in the industry – the service is warm, attentive and genuinely personal. Crew members quickly learn guests’ names and preferences, creating the relaxed atmosphere of a private yacht rather than a conventional cruise ship.

3. Spacious surroundings without the crowds

There are no long queues, no competition for poolside loungers and no rushing to secure a table in the lounge for cocktails. Windstar’s small ships offer an atmosphere of effortless calm.

Even when sailing at full capacity, embarkation and disembarkation are swift and uncomplicated, allowing guests to settle quickly into a relaxed onboard rhythm.

4. An authentic yacht experience

Cruising aboard a sail-powered yacht brings a genuine sense of maritime romance.

Watching the sails unfurl as the yacht glides across the ocean evokes the golden age of sailing, long before the arrival of steamships. Rather than feeling like a floating resort, a Windstar yacht offers the unmistakable sensation of true seafaring adventure.

5. Exceptional culinary experiences

For a small ship, Windstar offers an impressive variety of dining experiences.

The Yacht Club serves light breakfasts, speciality coffees and freshly prepared snacks throughout the day. The Veranda offers generous buffet breakfasts and lunches alongside freshly cooked dishes, with indoor and al fresco seating. By evening, the restaurant transforms into the romantic Candles, where guests dine beneath the stars.

Amphora, Windstar’s signature restaurant, showcases refined cuisine with menus that evolve regularly. Since many guests sail on consecutive voyages, culinary variety is essential. Working in partnership with the James Beard Foundation, Windstar continually refreshes its menus with innovative dishes inspired by destinations around the world.

On the top deck, Star Grill serves grilled seafood, premium meats and imaginative vegan dishes in an informal open-air setting. Afterwards, its adjoining bar becomes one of the ship’s favourite spots for a moonlit nightcap.

The recently introduced Basil + Bamboo offers reservation-only East-meets-West fusion cuisine, featuring dishes such as sushi, tuna tartare, blackened miso cod and expertly prepared steaks.

At selected ports, guests can accompany the chefs to local markets, experiencing regional food culture while they source fresh seafood, fruit, vegetables and other local ingredients.

6.Shore experiences with a difference

Windstar offers a wide range of carefully curated shore experiences designed for small groups.

Rather than large coach excursions, guests enjoy immersive experiences that connect them with local culture. In Bora Bora, the Destination Discovery Event combines Polynesian fire dancers with a spectacular beachside feast.

In Cartagena, a tapas trail introduces one of Spain’s most social traditions, while near Valencia, guests can learn to prepare authentic paella in the kitchen of a traditional finca.

7. Behind the scenes on the bridge

Windstar’s open bridge policy offers a rare opportunity to experience life at sea from the crew’s perspective. Unless the ship is manoeuvring in port, guests are welcome to visit the bridge and observe the navigation team at work. They are more than willing to answer questions.

Evening visits are especially memorable. Away from urban light pollution, officers often point out constellations and explain celestial navigation while sharing stories of life at sea, favourite destinations and their own maritime careers.

8. A relaxed yet refined atmosphere

Evenings on board are elegant without being formal. The dress code is smart casual, so there’s no need to pack tuxedos or evening gowns, while open dining means there are no fixed seating times.

Windstar attracts well-travelled, curious guests who enjoy sharing stories and recommendations over a pre-dinner cocktail, creating a sociable yet sophisticated atmosphere.

The final verdict

Windstar’s yachts offer a more thoughtful style of cruising. Each evening, guests can attend engaging presentations introducing the culture, cuisine and history of the following day’s destination. 

Away from the major tourist centres, itineraries uncover quiet islands, secluded coves and hidden harbours rarely visited by larger ships. Many voyages also include opportunities to swim, snorkel, paddleboard or kayak directly from the yacht’s marina platform.

Luxury cruising continues to evolve, and more travellers are discovering that bigger does not necessarily mean better. Windstar’s remarkably loyal guests – many of whom return time after time – are compelling proof that, when it comes to cruising, smaller can indeed be better.

The cost

Current Windstar costs, on itineraries that span the planet, include seven days of Treasure Troves of Corsica and Sardinia cruise from £1,611 per person based on two people sharing. 

 The seven days Dreams of Tahiti begins at £2,319 per person, whilst a seven days Scenic Alaska voyage starts at £4,686. 

 Cruises booked by November 17th, 2026, qualify for a complimentary all-inclusive package, covering gratuities, unlimited Wi-Fi, and select beer, cocktails, and wine by the glass.

Disclosure: Our cruise was sponsored by Windstar Cruises.

Michael Edwards

Michael Edwards is a travel writer from Oxfordshire, UK. Although Michael had his first travel pieces published nearly four decades ago, he is still finding new luxury destinations to visit and write on.

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