Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises was founded in Seattle in 1984 and has been part of the Xanterra Travel Collection since 2014. The cruise line operates two types of vessels: three computer-controlled tall ships with true wind propulsion and three converted mega-yachts from the former Seabourn Pride class. On-board concept: small ships, big experiences — personalized service, an intimate on-board atmosphere, and small ports.

The sailing ships Wind Surf (1990, 14,745 GRT, 5-mast, 342 guests — the largest sailing cruise ship in the world), Wind Star (1986) and Wind Spirit (1988, both 4-mast, 148 guests) sail under wind and engine power, with fully electronically controlled sails. The mega-yachts Star Pride, Star Breeze and Star Legend (each 12,995 GRT, 312 guests) are former Seabourn vessels that Windstar acquired in 2014 and lengthened by 25.5 meters in 2020 with a mid-section stretch.

On-board language is English, on-board currency is US dollars. Itinerary highlights focus on smaller ports that mega-cruise ships cannot call at — Greek islands, Croatian Adriatic ports, Tahiti (year-round), and the Caribbean. Highlight: the open-air marina concept with a watersports platform at the stern.