Ultimate Guide

Windstar Ships and Yachts: The Complete Fleet Guide (2026 & 2027)

Discover Every Windstar Yacht, Compare Every Ship, and Find the Perfect Luxury Cruise for Your Travel Style

Whether you're dreaming of sailing through the Greek Isles under towering white sails, exploring the turquoise lagoons of Tahiti, cruising Norway's dramatic fjords, or discovering hidden Mediterranean ports inaccessible to larger ships, selecting the right Windstar yacht can transform your vacation from memorable to extraordinary.

Let’s Plan Your Windstar Trip

✦

WINDSTAR

What Makes Windstar Cruises Different?

Windstar Cruises occupies a unique position in the luxury cruise market. Rather than operating massive floating resorts carrying thousands of passengers, Windstar specializes in small-ship luxury cruising, offering intimate yacht experiences that emphasize destination immersion, personalized service, and access to ports that larger ships simply cannot reach.

The fleet currently consists of six boutique vessels divided into two distinct classes: Wind Class Sailing Yachts and Star Class All-Suite Motor Yachts.

Each class delivers the signature Windstar experience while appealing to slightly different traveler preferences. No matter which ship you choose, you can expect small passenger counts, a relaxed luxury atmosphere, exceptional personalized service, destination-focused itineraries, and outstanding cuisine.

Comparing Wind Class vs. Star Class

The Ultimate Face-Off: Suites & Inclusions

Wind Class Sailing Yachts

Classic Sailing Experience

Guest Capacity

148–342 guests for an intimate, uncrowded experience.

Signature Feature

Automated white sails that create a romantic, nautical atmosphere.

Outdoor Space

Extensive teak decks perfect for enjoying the ocean breeze.

Ideal For

Couples, romantics, and sailing enthusiasts.

Star Class Motor Yachts

All-Suite Luxury

Guest Capacity

Approximately 312 guests for boutique luxury with expanded amenities.

Signature Feature

Spacious luxury suites and modernized contemporary interiors.

Wellness & Space

Larger indoor lounges, infinity pools, and expanded wellness spaces.

Ideal For

Luxury travelers seeking additional comfort and amenities.

Interactive Fleet Comparison

Compare Windstar's Six Luxury Ships

342 Guests

Wind Surf

The flagship of the Windstar fleet and one of the most iconic sailing yachts in the world. With five towering masts and seven computer-controlled sails, she delivers one of cruising's most unforgettable experiences.

Ideal ForCouples, sailing enthusiasts, Mediterranean lovers

Crew

210

Best Regions

Mediterranean, Caribbean, Canary Islands

Rooms

171

Built/Refurb

1990 (Modernized)

Experience the Windstar Fleet

Watch our comprehensive fleet tour to see the differences firsthand.

Windstar Fleet Overview

YouTube Video Placeholder

Windstar Fleet Overview

Who Should Choose Which?

Wind Class Sailing Yachts Are Perfect For

Travelers who love sailing, ocean breezes, and outdoor decks.
Those who prefer smaller guest counts (148-342 guests).
Couples and honeymooners seeking a romantic, nautical atmosphere.
Travelers who enjoy classic yacht ambiance.
Destinations like Tahiti, Greece, and the Caribbean.

Star Class Motor Yachts Are Perfect For

Travelers who prefer larger suites and more indoor public spaces.
Those looking for expanded spa facilities and infinity pools.
Guests who want more dining venues and specialty restaurants.
Travelers seeking contemporary luxury and modernized interiors.
Adventure destinations like Alaska, Iceland, and Japan.

Neither class is objectively better—they simply cater to different preferences. The sailing yachts emphasize the romance of life at sea, while the Star Class yachts provide extra space and expanded onboard facilities.

The best Windstar yacht is the one that best matches your travel style, preferred destinations, vacation goals, and expectations. Choosing the right ship comes down to five key considerations.

How to Choose the Right Windstar Ship

Step 01

Choose Your Destination First

Unlike many cruise lines, Windstar assigns specific ships to destinations where they perform exceptionally well. For example, Wind Spirit is legendary for Tahiti, while Star Breeze excels in Alaska.

Step 02

Decide Which Ship Style Fits You

Choose Wind Class Sailing Yachts if you love sailing, ocean breezes, and a romantic atmosphere. Choose Star Class All-Suite Yachts if you prefer larger suites, more restaurants, and contemporary luxury.

Step 03

Think About Your Vacation Style

For Relaxation: Star Pride or Star Breeze. For Adventure: Star Breeze or Star Legend. For Romance: Wind Star or Wind Spirit.

Step 04

Cabin Selection Matters

A well-chosen suite can significantly improve your overall cruise experience. Consider midship cabins for stability, higher decks for views, or suites for longer voyages.

Step 05

Book Early

With only six ships in the fleet, availability is limited. Popular itineraries—including Tahiti, Greece, and holiday sailings—often sell out months or even a year in advance.

Best Windstar Ship by Traveler Type

Find the perfect match for your travel style

Couples & Honeymooners

The intimate atmosphere, exceptional dining, and relaxed pace make Wind Star, Wind Spirit, and Wind Surf ideal. Nothing compares to sailing through Bora Bora on Wind Spirit.

First-Time & Solo Travelers

Star Breeze provides an introduction with spacious suites. For solo travelers, the welcoming atmosphere makes meeting fellow travelers easy.

Luxury & Experienced Cruisers

All-suite accommodations and enhanced amenities on the Star Class elevate the experience. Experienced cruisers appreciate destination-rich itineraries of Star Legend.

Active & Adventure Travelers

Excellent itineraries, watersports, hiking opportunities, and destination-focused exploration from Alaska to Japan and Costa Rica.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Speak with our luxury travel advisors to design your perfect itinerary.

Contact an Advisor

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing the Ship Instead of the Destination

Many first-time guests select a ship based on appearance rather than itinerary. The destination should almost always come first.

Waiting Too Long to Book

With only six ships, availability is limited. Waiting often means higher prices, fewer suite choices, and missed promotions.

Assuming Every Ship Is the Same

Although every Windstar yacht delivers excellent service, each offers a unique atmosphere. Understanding these differences helps ensure the best fit.

Overlooking Suite Categories

The right suite can dramatically improve your experience. Consider location, size, deck, accessibility, and noise levels.

Booking Without Expert Advice

An experienced advisor can help match itineraries to interests, select the ideal suite, find exclusive promotions, and plan pre- and post-cruise experiences.

✦ LUXURY TRAVEL EXPERTISE ✦

Angela Hughes Authority & Credentials

Expert Insight from Angela Hughes

40+ Years Experience

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.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS

CEO, Trips & Ships Luxury Travel
40+ years in luxury travel
Visited 121+ countries
Founder of Luxury Travel University
Global luxury travel speaker and trainer
Weekly travel industry columnist
Travel Leaders Network Advisory Board member
2024 Luxury Travel Influencer of the Year
Named one of the Most Influential Women in Travel in 2026
Featured in global travel publications
Luxury cruise, safari, expedition specialist
River cruise master specialist

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

The best Windstar cruise isn't simply the newest ship or the most expensive suite—it's the voyage that perfectly matches your travel style, expectations, and dreams. Whether you're captivated by the romance of sailing beneath Windstar's iconic white sails or prefer the spacious elegance of an all-suite Star Class yacht, choosing the right ship is the key to an exceptional luxury cruise. That's where experienced luxury travel planning creates lasting value.

Windstar Yacht Lifestyle

Discover what 180 degrees from ordinary really looks like.

Windstar Yacht Lifestyle

YouTube Video Placeholder

Windstar Yacht Lifestyle

Frequently Asked Questions About Windstar Ships and Yachts

Windstar Cruises operates six boutique ships divided into three Wind Class sailing yachts and three Star Class all-suite motor yachts.

The newest addition to the Windstar fleet is Star Seeker, scheduled to enter service in late 2025, followed by sister ship Star Explorer in 2026. These purpose-built yachts expand Windstar's fleet while maintaining its signature small-ship luxury experience.

The best Windstar ship depends on your destination, travel style and preferences. Wind Spirit is ideal for Tahiti, Wind Surf excels in the Mediterranean, and Star Breeze is one of the fleet's most versatile ships.

Wind Class ships are sailing yachts with iconic automated sails, while Star Class ships are larger all-suite motor yachts with expanded dining venues, wellness facilities and spacious accommodations.

Wind Spirit is Windstar's signature yacht for Tahiti and French Polynesia, while select itineraries are also operated by Star Breeze.

Yes. Windstar Cruises is recognized for boutique luxury cruising with personalized service, gourmet dining, destination-focused itineraries and intimate yacht-style ships.

Only the Star Class yachts are all-suite ships. The Wind Class sailing yachts offer ocean-view staterooms and a selection of suites.

Wind Star and Wind Spirit are especially popular with couples thanks to their intimate atmosphere, romantic sail-away experience and small guest capacity.

Most Windstar accommodations do not feature private balconies, but guests enjoy expansive open decks, outdoor lounges and marina platforms.

For many first-time Windstar travelers, Star Breeze provides an excellent introduction to the brand thanks to its spacious suites, diverse itineraries, modern amenities, and outstanding service.

Cruise fares generally include accommodations, gourmet dining, entertainment, fitness facilities, room service and personalized onboard service. Some fares also include Wi-Fi, beverages and shore excursion credits.

Windstar welcomes families, but the experience is primarily designed for adults seeking boutique luxury. Older children who appreciate cultural exploration generally enjoy it more than those looking for water parks.

The Star Class yachts—Star Pride, Star Breeze, and Star Legend—offer the fleet's largest accommodations. Every cabin aboard these ships is a suite.

Experienced travelers appreciate Windstar for its smaller ships, less crowded ports, longer stays in destination, authentic cultural experiences, outstanding service, and unique itineraries unavailable to larger ships.

Working with a luxury travel advisor helps travelers choose the right ship, suite and itinerary while providing personalized planning, exclusive offers and ongoing support.