Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises
Independent Expert Reviews by Professional Travel Journalists
For an authentic cruise experience complete with sea spray in the hair and the feeling of sailing on your own private yacht, look no further than Windstar Cruises.
The company brings the romance of being at sea under sail with its three intimate motor sail yachts.
With the ability to reach hidden harbours that larger ships are unable to access, such as Capri in Italy; Portimao in Portugal; Patmos in Greece or Bequia in the Grenadines; Windstar’s vessels offer an exciting alternative to big ship cruising.
Sister ships Wind Star and Wind Spirit carry just 148 passengers while Wind Surf can accommodate 312 – still far fewer than most mainstream cruise ships.
With more than one staff member for every two passengers, - 90 crew on board Wind Star and Wind Spirit and 190 on Wind Surf – service is attentive without being intrusive.
As such, Windstar aims to combine the refinement of a sophisticated hotel with a moveable feast of cultural experiences. Casual elegance is the name of the game, enabling passengers to leave jackets, ties and cocktail dresses at home in favour of relaxed attire.
Dining is free of set seating and strict meal times, leaving passengers free to choose when and with whom to eat with.
The main restaurant accommodates all passengers providing menus created by renowned chef Joachim Spilchal of the Patina Group in Los Angeles. The Veranda and Terrace serves breakfast and lunch while continental breakfast and afternoon tea is served on the pool deck. Vegetarian menus are also provided.
Ideal for water sports enthusiasts, the design of the vessels allows for diving and snorkelling. When at anchor a water sports platform is lowered from the aft Marina Deck to allow sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, ski-tubing and water-skiing.
Scuba diving expeditions are available for both professional and novice divers. The line offers a Discover Scuba Diving programme for beginners who will then participate in 30 to 40-foot dives with the on board dive master, while certified divers join PADI instructors for more challenging excursions.
Windstar ships explore the best dive sites worldwide, including the Mediterranean and Greek Islands, Caribbean and Virgin Islands and Costa Rica.
On board facilities include Apple iPod Nanos and Bose SoundDock speakers, wireless internet access, luxury linen and mattresses and L’Occitane bathroom amenities.
All cabins and suites have an ocean view and include a sitting area, DVD/CD player, safe, mini-bar, international direct-dial phone, hair dryer, robes and plenty of wardrobe space.
The library stocks international newspapers, books and games and a multi-media selection of more than 500 DVDs and CDs. Laptop computers are also available.
The full service WindSpa and fitness centre provides relaxing treatments ranging from a traditional Swedish massage to a more contemporary AromaSpa Ocean Wrap.
The gym on Wind Surf has wrap-around windows for panoramic views, with exercise bikes, elliptical machines, stairclimbers, treadmills and free weights. The enlarged gyms on both Wind Star and Wind Spirit feature new cardiovascular equipment.
Swimming pools and hot tubs – two each on board Wind Surf and one each on board Wind Star and Wind Spirit – open teak decks and comfortable loungers invite travellers to relax and rejuvenate under billowing white sails as they explore the world.
