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.
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.
The Ultimate Face-Off: Suites & Inclusions
Wind Class Sailing Yachts
Classic Sailing ExperienceGuest 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 LuxuryGuest 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
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.
Experience the Windstar Fleet
Watch our comprehensive fleet tour to see the differences firsthand.
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.
How to Choose the Right Windstar Ship
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 AdvisorCommon 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.
Angela Hughes Authority & Credentials
Expert Insight from Angela Hughes
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.
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
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.
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.
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