WINDSTAR FLEET COMPARISON GUIDE

Windstar Ship Guides: Compare Every Windstar Yacht

Discover which Windstar yacht—from iconic Wind Class sailing ships to Star Class all-suite motor yachts—is the perfect match for your luxury travel style.

Start Your Journey

Which Windstar Ship Fits Your Travel Style?

Choosing a Windstar cruise is about much more than selecting a destination. The ship itself shapes your entire experience.

Windstar's intimate fleet includes sailing yachts and all-suite motor yachts, creating distinctly different versions of luxury at sea. One traveler may fall in love with the romance of sailing beneath full canvas aboard a Wind Class yacht. Another may prefer the spacious suite, private outdoor space, and contemporary yacht environment of Star Class.

There is no single 'best' Windstar ship—there is only the best Windstar ship for you.

Wind Class (Wind Star, Wind Spirit, Wind Surf):Iconic 4 and 5-Masted Sailing Yachts
Star Class (Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride):277 Sq. Ft. All-Suite Motor Yachts
Next-Gen Yachts (Star Seeker, Star Explorer):Infinity Suites & Expanded World Spa Sanctuaries
Signature Features:Watersports Platform, Open Bridge Access & James Beard Foundation Dining

EXPERT INSIGHT FROM ANGELA HUGHES

"The best luxury cruise isn't the one that ranks highest on a generic list. It's the one where destination, ship scale, cabin location, and travel pace perfectly align with how you want to feel."

Angela HughesCEO, Trips & Ships Luxury Travel ✦ Founder, Luxury Travel University

Let’s Plan Your Windstar Trip

Is Windstar Right for You? Fleet & Yacht Considerations

BEST FOR TRAVELERS WHO WANT

Intimate small-ship cruising with 148 to 342 guests max and no crowds
Direct shallow harbor docking in small Mediterranean, Caribbean & Tahiti ports
Open-bridge policy to meet Captain and Officers during ocean navigation
Official James Beard Foundation culinary masterclasses and local market tours

MAY NOT BE BEST FOR TRAVELERS WHO PREFER

Massive resort-style entertainment venues, casinos, or water parks
Strict formal tuxedo nights or mandatory assigned dining time slots
Enormous ocean-liner capacity carrying thousands of passengers
Rigid port itineraries with zero unstructured ocean relaxation

Windstar delivers unhurried, destination-focused luxury tailored to curious, sophisticated travelers.

Compare Every Yacht in the Windstar Fleet

Discover the distinctive character, guest capacity, and luxury features of each vessel.

Wind Class 4-Masted Sailing Yacht

Classic intimate sailing

Wind Star & Wind Spirit

148 Guests

Crew: 101

Best For:Tahiti, Greek Isles & Caribbean sailing

Highlights

✦148 guests max for an ultra-intimate private yacht atmosphere
✦Computer-operated sails unfurling to Vangelis' 1492 music
✦Retractable watersports platform for swimming and paddleboarding
✦Direct access to small shallow lagoons in Tahiti & Caribbean

Who Should Book

CouplesHoneymoonersSailing enthusiastsSmall groups

Wind Class 5-Masted Flagship Sailing Yacht

World's largest sailing yacht

Wind Surf

342 Guests

Crew: 210

Best For:Mediterranean & Transatlantic ocean crossings

Highlights

✦Largest 5-masted commercial sailing yacht in the world
✦Compass Rose, Stella Bistro, and Candles specialty dining
✦Expanded World Spa sanctuary and pool deck ocean bar
✦Ideal for classic Mediterranean & ocean crossing sailings

Who Should Book

First-time Windstar guestsSailing loversMediterranean explorers

Star Class All-Suite Motor Yachts

Spacious 277 sq. ft. all-suite luxury

Star Breeze, Star Legend & Star Pride

312 Guests

Crew: 190

Best For:Alaska, Mediterranean & Northern Europe

Highlights

✦277 sq. ft. spacious suites with walk-in closets and granite baths
✦Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso Spanish tapas dining
✦Forward glass observation lounge with 180° panoramic views
✦Star Plus Class stretching with expanded pool & spa decks

Who Should Book

Suite loversExperienced luxury cruisersAlaska expeditions

Next-Generation All-Suite Motor Yachts (2025–2026)

Next-gen suites & environmental technology

Star Seeker & Star Explorer (Next-Gen)

224 Guests

Crew: 150

Best For:European coastlines, Japan & Fjords

Highlights

✦Brand-new 2025 & 2026 debuts with cutting-edge green technology
✦Infinity-style window balcony suites and floor-to-ceiling glass
✦Expanded watersports platform marina with electric water toys
✦Designed for Europe, Alaska, and expedition coastal itineraries

Who Should Book

Modern luxury connoisseursContemporary suite lovers

Select Your Preferred Windstar Fleet Class

Features computer-operated sails that unfurl to Vangelis' 1492 music. Ideal for sailing purists, romantic deck stargazing, and authentic yachting heritage.

WIND CLASS SAILING YACHTS (WIND STAR, WIND SPIRIT, WIND SURF)

FLEET IN MOTION

WINDSTAR FLEET SHOWCASE & YACHT LIFE

Discover why small-ship yacht cruising with Windstar provides an intimate, uncrowded luxury experience across the world's most iconic destinations.

Every Windstar Ship Compared at a Glance

FLEET MATRIX & SPECIFICATIONS

1. Wind Class Sailing Yachts

Wind Star (148 guests), Wind Spirit (148 guests), and Wind Surf (342 guests) delivering iconic sailing romance and intimate harbor access.

3. Star Seeker (Next-Gen 2025)

Windstar's brand-new 224-guest next-generation all-suite motor yacht featuring infinity-style balcony suites and expanded dining venues.

2. Star Class All-Suite Yachts

Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride (312 guests each) featuring 277 sq. ft. all-suite luxury, French balconies, and World Spas.

4. Star Explorer (Debut Dec 2026)

Quick Ship Selection by Travel Personality

First-Time Visitors

Wind Surf / Star Breeze

Wind Surf for sailing romance; Star Breeze for spacious 277 sq. ft. all-suite comfort.

Couples

Wind Spirit / Star Seeker

Intimate South Pacific lagoon anchorage and private motu beach barbecues.

Food & Wine Lovers

Wind Surf / Star Legend

Official James Beard Foundation chef-led market tours and Cuadro 44 Spanish dining.

History Enthusiasts

Wind Star / Star Pride

Intimate European harbor docking in Capri, St. Tropez, Dubrovnik, and Portofino.

Scenic Beauty

Star Breeze / Star Seeker

180-degree glass observation lounge viewing for Alaska fjords and Norwegian glaciers.

Ship Selection by Traveler Personality Matrix

Sailing & Romance Purist

Windstar Fleet ClassesPrimary Fleet Alignment

Wind Class Sailing Yachts (Wind Star, Wind Spirit, Wind Surf)
Iconic 4 and 5-masted computer-operated sails unfurling to music
Direct lagoon watersports platform marina access in Tahiti & Caribbean

Sailing & Romance PuristKey Vessel Advantages

Best choice for travelers who love the romantic feeling of being under canvas
Ultra-intimate 148-guest scale on Wind Star & Wind Spirit
Open teak deck stargazing and casual-elegant yacht atmosphere

WHY SMALL-YACHT CRUISING DELIVERS UNMATCHED LUXURY

Windstar Fleet Features & Intimacy Factors

Windstar

Iconic Sailing Atmosphere

Billowing computer-operated sails unfurling to music as you depart historic European and tropical harbors.

Windstar

All-Suite Living Space

277 sq. ft. ocean-view suite layouts with French balconies, walk-in closets, and granite-detailed bathrooms.

Windstar

Retractable Watersports Marina

Direct ocean swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and waterskiing from the ship's stern platform.

Windstar

100% Open Bridge Access

Visit the bridge, meet the Captain and Officers, examine navigation charts, and observe seamanship.

Windstar

Official James Beard Culinary

Chef-driven local market tours, sommelier wine pairings, and signature dining venues like Candles and Cuadro 44.

Windstar

Small-Ship Harbor Access

Dock directly in shallow harbors like St. Barts, Capri, St. Tropez, and Bora Bora lagoons inaccessible to mega-vessels.

BRAND NEW INTERACTIVE ATELIER

The Windstar Fleet & Suite Concierge Atelier

Select your travel profile to discover your ideal Windstar ship, cabin style, watersports access, and pre/post-cruise luxury land strategy.

PROFILE 1 — SAILING PURIST

The Romantic Sailing Purist

Ideal for travelers who want the visual spectacle and romance of sailing to be central to their cruise.

Pairs Wind Star or Wind Spirit (148 guests) with French Polynesia or Mediterranean island hopping. Experience billowing canvas sails, open teak deck stargazing, direct lagoon watersports access, and intimate stateroom comfort.

CURATED HIGHLIGHTS:

Iconic computer-operated sails unfurling at sunset

Direct lagoon access via rear watersports platform

Private motu beach barbecues with steel drum rhythms

Ultra-intimate yacht atmosphere with only 148 guests

RECOMMENDED LAND EXTENSION STRATEGY:

Combine your sailing with 3 Nights in an Overwater Bungalow in Bora Bora or a 5-Star Boutique Hotel in Athens.

Reserve This Ship & Suite Strategy

MATCHED YACHT VESSEL

Wind Star / Wind Spirit (148 Guests)

Master Ship Selection & Suite Placement Checklist

Interactive guidance covering fleet class selection, midship suite placement rules, watersports platform marina access, and all-inclusive package options.

1. Fleet Class & Ship Selection Rules

Wind Class Sailing Yachts: Choose Wind Star or Wind Spirit for 148-guest intimacy; choose Wind Surf for 342-guest sailing scale.
Star Class All-Suite Yachts: Choose Star Breeze, Legend, or Pride for 277 sq. ft. suites and French balconies.
Next-Gen Star Seeker & Explorer: Choose Star Seeker for 2025 debut with infinity balcony suites and expanded dining.

EXPERIENCE COMPARISON

WIND CLASS VS STAR CLASS COMPARISON

Explore the contrast between Wind Class 4-masted sailing yachts and Star Class 277 sq. ft. all-suite motor yachts.

Key Differences

Stern watersports platform vs pool deck crowds
Boutique local entertainment vs broadway musicals

✦ LUXURY TRAVEL EXPERTISE ✦

Angela Hughes Authority & Credentials

CEO, Trips & Ships Luxury Travel ✦ Founder, Luxury Travel University

40+ YEARS EXPERTISE

Angela Hughes

Angela Hughes INSIGHTS & LEADERSHIPTrusted Greece Luxury Travel Authority

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 travel authority and active travel advocate.

"The best luxury cruise isn't the one that ranks highest on a generic list. It's the one where destination, ship scale, cabin location, and travel pace perfectly align with how you want to feel."

— Angela Hughes, On Greece Planning

KEY 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

Direct consultation & VIP cruise amenities with Angela Hughes.Let’s Plan Your Windstar Trip

WINDSTAR FLEET GALLERY

Windstar Ships & Onboard Experience Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions About Windstar Ships

There is no single best Windstar ship. Wind Class sailing yachts (Wind Star, Wind Spirit, Wind Surf) are best for romantic sailing purists. Star Class motor yachts (Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride, Star Seeker) are best for travelers seeking 277 sq. ft. all-suite luxury, French balconies, and expanded spa sanctuaries.

Wind Class vessels are 4 and 5-masted sailing yachts (148 to 342 guests) with billowing computer-operated sails. Star Class vessels are all-suite motor yachts (224 to 312 guests) featuring spacious suite layouts, veranda balconies, and larger public lounges.

Star Class yachts (Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride, Star Seeker, Star Explorer) feature ocean-view suites with French balconies, veranda balconies, and infinity-style windows. Wind Class sailing yachts feature ocean-view staterooms with portholes or large picture windows.

Star Seeker is Windstar's newest 224-guest all-suite motor yacht entering service in 2025, followed by her sister ship Star Explorer in late 2026.

Wind Spirit and Star Breeze are premier choices for French Polynesia, offering direct shallow lagoon access, watersports platform marina equipment, and private motu beach barbecues.

Wind Surf (342-guest sailing yacht) and Star Legend (312-guest all-suite yacht) are top choices for the Mediterranean, providing easy docking in historic harbors like Capri, St. Tropez, Dubrovnik, and Portofino.

Star Breeze and Star Seeker are ideal for Alaska, featuring forward panoramic glass observation lounges, 180-degree deck viewing, and Zodiac expedition launches for glacier close-ups.

Windstar ships accommodate between 148 and 342 guests maximum, making them dramatically smaller and more intimate than mega-cruise ships carrying 3,000+ passengers.

Windstar maintains an Open Bridge policy where guests can visit the bridge, meet the Captain and Officers, observe navigation, and examine real-time nautical charts while at sea.

Windstar ships feature a retractable Watersports Platform at the stern, allowing guests to swim, kayak, paddleboard, and sail directly from the ship when anchored in calm waters.

Windstar features open-seating gourmet dining across specialty venues including Amphora (main restaurant), Candles (alfresco steak and seafood grill), Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso (Spanish tapas), and Star Grill by Steven Raichlen.

Windstar features elegant country-club casual attire. There are no formal tuxedos, gowns, or assigned seating times required.

Yes, all gourmet dining across all specialty restaurants, 24-hour room service, non-alcoholic beverages, and watersports platform access are included in the base fare.

Choose Wind Surf if you want towering sails, iconic deck atmosphere, and classic yachting heritage. Choose Star Breeze if you prioritize a 277 sq. ft. suite with a French balcony, large World Spa, and modern suite living.

Working with Angela Hughes and the Trips & Ships team ensures expert ship/suite matching, exclusive onboard credits, midship suite placement, private airport transfers, and customized pre/post-cruise luxury hotel extensions.

Ready to Select Your Windstar Yacht & Suite?

Speak directly with Angela Hughes and the Trips & Ships Luxury Travel team to select your ship, secure midship suite placement, and design custom European, Tahiti, or Alaska extensions.

Compare & Reserve My Windstar Yacht