The Mediterranean is one of the world's most extraordinary cruising regions—but the way you experience it matters just as much as where you go.
A large cruise ship can take you to famous Mediterranean destinations. A small yacht can sometimes take you closer to the experience itself. That is where Windstar Mediterranean cruises stand apart.
With intimate yachts, a relaxed atmosphere and an emphasis on destination-focused itineraries, Windstar offers a very different way to experience the Mediterranean—from the Greek Islands and Croatia to Italy, Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, the French Riviera and Spain.
Are Windstar Mediterranean Cruises Worth It?
Yes—especially for travelers who value intimate ships, smaller ports, destination immersion and a relaxed yacht-style atmosphere. Windstar's current fleet includes both sailing yachts and small motor yachts, creating a fundamentally different onboard experience from mainstream cruising. Smaller ships can provide access to ports and destinations that are less practical for the largest vessels, while creating a more intimate environment onboard.
Experience Windstar in the Mediterranean
Is This Windstar Guide For You?
Couples & Honeymooners
Travelers who want an intimate Mediterranean cruise with a sophisticated, relaxed atmosphere away from large crowds.
You Enjoy:
- •Intimate yacht-style cruising
- •Relaxed luxury
- •Destination immersion
Recommended For You:
Experienced Cruisers
You have already experienced larger cruise ships and want something more intimate and unique.
You Enjoy:
- •Fewer passengers
- •Unique Mediterranean itineraries
- •Authentic destination experiences
Recommended For You:
First-Time Windstar Guests
Travelers who want to understand what makes Windstar different before committing to a sailing.
You Enjoy:
- •Small-ship service
- •Personalized attention
- •Less crowded ports
Recommended For You:
Ready to Sail the Mediterranean?
Let Trips & Ships Luxury Travel design the perfect Mediterranean journey around you.
Contact an AdvisorDon't Make
TheseMistakes.
Our luxury travel advisors reveal the most common pitfall when researching a Windstar Mediterranean cruise.
Assuming all Windstar ships are identical.
One of the biggest mistakes travelers make when researching a Windstar Mediterranean cruise is treating the cruise line as if every ship delivers exactly the same experience. It doesn't. Windstar operates two distinct styles of yachts: intimate sailing yachts and all-suite motor yachts. The choice between them can materially change your vacation.
Which Yacht Style is Best for You?
Wind Class Sailing Yachts
The Classic Sailing Yacht Experience
- ShipsWind Star, Wind Spirit, Wind Surf
- AtmosphereIntimate, casual luxury with a strong nautical connection.
- SuitesPrimarily ocean-view staterooms, traditional nautical design.
- Ideal ForCouples, sailing enthusiasts, and travelers who want the most intimate Windstar experience.
Star Class Motor Yachts
Contemporary All-Suite Yachts
- ShipsStar Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride
- AtmosphereMore spacious, relaxed luxury with a traditional yacht feel.
- SuitesSpacious, all-suite accommodations with updated amenities.
- Ideal ForTravelers who prefer suites, more onboard space, and first-time Windstar guests.
Compare The Details
Sailing Yachts
Ranges from 148 guests (Wind Star, Wind Spirit) to 342 guests (Wind Surf). Offers a very small, remarkably personal social environment.
All-Suite Yachts
Approximately 312 guests per ship. Offers a middle ground between ultra-small sailing yachts and larger cruise ships.
Discover the Mediterranean
Windstar's intimate yachts explore the most captivating regions of Southern Europe.
The Greek Islands
Experience Santorini, Mykonos, and hidden gems inaccessible to larger ships.
Italy & The Amalfi Coast
Sail into intimate Italian harbors and discover Sicily, Rome, and the spectacular Amalfi Coast.
Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast
Explore the medieval walls of Dubrovnik and the stunning islands of the Adriatic Sea.
France & Spain
Discover the glamour of the French Riviera and the vibrant culture of the Spanish coastline.
Windstar Mediterranean Luxury Guide
Angela Hughes Authority & Credentials
Angela's Mediterranean Cruise Philosophy
Angela Hughes
Angela Hughes has explored over 121 countries and spent more than four decades designing luxury travel experiences. She is widely recognized across the travel industry as a leading river cruise authority and active travel advocate.
"Luxury is not simply about how luxurious the ship is. It is about how effectively the journey connects you with the destination. A ship can have beautiful public spaces and excellent service, but if the itinerary does not match your interests—or if the timing of your visit puts you in the middle of peak crowds—the experience may not feel luxurious at all."
— Angela Hughes, On Active River CruisingKEY QUALIFICATIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS
- Over 4 Decades Designing Luxury Travel Experiences
- Explored 121+ Countries Across Seven Continents
- Recognized Industry Leader & River Cruise Specialist
- CEO & Founder of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel
- Specialist in Active River Cruising & Multi-Generational Travel
- Personal Relationships with AmaWaterways Executives & Staff
Mediterranean Cruise FAQs
Expert Answers for Your European Journey
Yes—especially for travelers who value intimate ships, smaller ports, destination immersion and a relaxed yacht-style atmosphere.
Yes, Windstar offers extensive Greek Island itineraries, often visiting smaller ports that larger vessels cannot access alongside popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos.
The shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October) offer excellent weather and fewer crowds. Summer (July-August) is popular but hotter and busier.
Absolutely. Windstar is very popular with couples and honeymooners seeking a romantic, intimate, and sophisticated environment without the crowds of large mega-ships.
Windstar's fleet ranges from approximately 148 guests on their classic sailing yachts to 312 guests on their all-suite Star Plus Class motor yachts.
The best ship depends on your travel style. Wind Class sailing yachts (like Wind Star or Wind Surf) offer a romantic, classic nautical experience, while Star Class motor yachts (like Star Legend or Star Breeze) provide all-suite accommodations and more contemporary amenities.
Yes. Windstar offers several itineraries that explore the Dalmatian Coast, often stopping at smaller Croatian ports and islands that larger ships simply cannot access, alongside famous destinations like Dubrovnik.
Pricing varies significantly based on the ship, itinerary length, suite category, and season. Fares typically include accommodations, dining, and non-alcoholic beverages. Windstar also offers an 'All-Inclusive' package that bundles Wi-Fi, unlimited alcoholic beverages, and gratuities.
Windstar defines itself as delivering 'casual luxury.' It focuses heavily on personalized service, destination immersion, intimate ships, and relaxed elegance, rather than the formal traditions and massive scale of some traditional ultra-luxury lines.
They offer different experiences. Seabourn and Silversea provide traditional ultra-luxury experiences with extensive inclusions (like all alcohol and excursions). Windstar is better for travelers who prefer a more relaxed, yacht-like atmosphere, smaller ships, and a more casual approach to luxury.
Yes, especially for travelers who usually prefer luxury hotels or resorts but have avoided cruising due to a dislike of large crowds, long lines, or rigid schedules. Windstar's intimate scale feels much more like a boutique hotel at sea.
START YOUR JOURNEY
Experience the Mediterranean by Yacht
Our luxury travel advisors are ready to match you with the perfect Windstar ship and itinerary for your next unforgettable vacation.
OUR EXPERTISE
- Custom Itineraries
- Pre & Post Cruise Tours
- Suite Selection
- Private Excursions
- Air Arrangements
- VIP Benefits
