Windstar Sailing Yachts vs. All-Suite Yachts
Which Luxury Experience Is Right for You?
At first glance, every Windstar ship looks luxurious and delivers an upscale, yacht-style atmosphere. But there is one major difference that many travelers don't fully understand before booking: Windstar operates two completely different styles of luxury yachts.
The iconic Sailing Yachts feature towering computer-controlled sails that create one of the most romantic cruising experiences in the world.
The Star Class All-Suite Yachts offer larger accommodations, expanded dining, additional amenities, and a more traditional luxury yacht experience.
Choosing the wrong style for your travel preferences can dramatically affect your vacation. This guide explains the real-world differences so you can confidently choose the experience that's right for you.
"One of the questions I hear most often is, 'Should I choose a Sailing Yacht or an All-Suite Yacht?' My answer is always the same: neither is universally better—they're simply designed for different travelers."
Head-to-Head Comparison
Sailing Yachts
Genuine sailing
- ShipsWind Surf, Wind Star, Wind Spirit
- AtmosphereRomantic and nautical
- SuitesCozy and elegant staterooms
- Ideal ForRomance and authentic nautical adventure
All-Suite Yachts
Motor yacht luxury
- ShipsStar Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride
- AtmosphereContemporary luxury
- SuitesSpacious all-suite accommodations
- Ideal ForComfort and extended luxury
Compare The Details
Sailing Yachts
Watching the sails rise as the yacht leaves port creates an emotional connection. The experience is quiet, relaxed, elegant, and nautical. Ocean breezes replace engine sounds.
All-Suite Yachts
Emphasis on comfort, wellness, and modern luxury. These ships appeal to travelers who want the intimacy of a small ship while enjoying conveniences associated with larger luxury vessels.
The Windstar Sailing Experience
180 degrees from ordinary. Watch the iconic sails unfurl.
Which Yacht Style is Best for You?
Choose a Sailing Yacht If...
- You want a unique, romantic cruising experience
- You love traditional yacht ambiance and nautical feels
- You prefer smaller ship charm and fewer crowds
- You want to access the most intimate, hidden ports
- The genuine sailing experience appeals to you
Choose an All-Suite Yacht If...
- You prioritize spacious, all-suite accommodations
- You want a wider variety of dining venues
- You value expanded spa and wellness facilities
- You prefer contemporary, floating-resort luxury
- You are booking a longer voyage and want more onboard space
Neither choice is wrong—it simply depends on what kind of vacation you're envisioning.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Windstar Yacht?
Whether you're dreaming of the romance of a sailing yacht or the spacious luxury of an all-suite yacht, our advisors will guide you to the right choice.
Contact an AdvisorAngela Hughes Authority & Credentials
CEO & Luxury Travel Advisor
Angela Hughes
With more than 40 years of experience, Angela Hughes leads Trips & Ships Luxury Travel as one of the industry's most trusted voices.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS
- Over 40 Years in Luxury Travel
- Visited 121+ Countries
- 2024 Luxury Travel Influencer of the Year
- TravelPulse Most Influential Women (2026)
Star Plus Class All-Suite Yachts
Tour the modern, spacious luxury of the Star Class yachts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sailing yachts (Wind Surf, Wind Star, Wind Spirit) offer a classic, romantic nautical experience with sails. All-Suite motor yachts (Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride) offer spacious suite accommodations, more dining venues, and a modern luxury yacht feel.
Wind Surf, Wind Star, and Wind Spirit are the three sailing yachts in the fleet.
The Star Class ships (Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride) offer the largest accommodations, as every cabin is a spacious suite.
They offer a different kind of luxury. Sailing Yachts offer the luxury of romance, intimacy, and nautical authenticity. All-Suite Yachts offer the luxury of space, enhanced amenities, and modern comfort.
Both are quiet compared to mega-ships. However, the Sailing Yachts often use wind power, which reduces engine noise, creating a very peaceful ocean experience.
The Sailing Yachts are highly recommended for couples and honeymooners due to their romantic atmosphere, iconic sail-away events, and intimate scale.
The food quality is stellar across the fleet. However, the All-Suite Yachts offer a wider variety of dining venues and specialty restaurants.
Both offer excellent value within the luxury market. Value depends on what you prioritize: space and amenities (All-Suite) or unique experience and intimacy (Sailing).
Yes, but if you are prone to seasickness or expect a traditional floating resort, the All-Suite Yachts might be a smoother transition into small-ship cruising.
If you want romance and a nautical feel, book a Sailing Yacht. If you want larger cabins, a big spa, and more restaurants, book an All-Suite Yacht.
Yes! While the ships have engines for strict schedules or calm winds, the computer-operated sails are fully functional and used whenever weather permits.
No. Windstar's dress code across the entire fleet is 'casual elegance'. There are no formal nights, ties, or gowns required.
The All-Suite Yachts (Star Class) are generally better as they have been recently expanded with better elevators, larger public spaces, and more accessible features.
Children must be at least 8 years old to sail on Windstar. The line does not offer kids' clubs or dedicated children's programming.
They visit similar regions, but the smaller Sailing Yachts can access even tinier, more hidden harbors that the slightly larger All-Suite Yachts might bypass.
Start Planning Your Windstar Voyage
Still deciding between a Sailing Yacht or a Star Class Yacht? Let our experts guide you to the perfect luxury experience.
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