In 2012, Windstar Cruises completed an extensive (18-month long) drydock refurbishment project for renovations of . Would love your thoughts, please comment. The Wind Surf in French Polynesia. Windstar sees a particularly high repeat passenger rate. Windstar Cruises runs frequent promotions, from waiving the single supplement fees to discounts on fares, and free shipboard credits, shore excursions and WiFi. cruises and many cruise ships and this was hands down the best ship I have ever been on and this was the sentiment of many passengers . Wind Spirit is in many ways similar to Wind Star, but has a slightly greater gross registered tonnage. Here are the different ships you can sail on with Windstar and what you can expect with each. On occasion, a movie is screened in the lounge or screening room. is a travel editor for TPG, with a focus on cruise travel. Some ships cross the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, which are both thousands of miles wide. Ship World Traveller. Holland America Line (HAL) purchased 50% of Windstar Sail Cruises in 1987[2] and purchased the balance of the company in 1988. * Photo: Windstar Cruises. If youre ready to book an adventure on an uncrowded cruise ship, contact a Vacation Planner or find your cruise today. WINDSTAR Cruises - Quirky Cruise 4.5 / 5.0 Editor Rating 122 reviews 8 Awards Write a Review Overview Reviews Dining Activities Photos Cabins Decks See all photos Editor Rating 4.5 Very Good Overall Colleen McDaniel Cruise. The biggest difference between the classes, besides the sails, is that cabins on Star Plus-class ships are marketed as suites. Small Ship Cruise Line Company - Windstar Cruises Many travelers are also repeat Windstar cruisers. Under this flag they are some of the few cruise ships in the world where passengers are . Windstar Cruises Star Legend Ship Information - Travel Weekly Size: 5,307 tons (Spirit and Star) to 14,745 tons (Surf). Nothing is far from an elevator bank or staircase. The ships were cut open and a new midsection was added to create more space for additional cabins (Windstar calls them suites, even if they have only one room), new dining venues and expanded outdoor deck areas. CA Residents only: Do not sell my personal information. Paying tribute to the golden age of tall ships, Wind Star -- a four-mast, motor-sailing yacht -- is the namesake ship in Windstar Cruises' informal-yet-upscale fleet. The Windstar "Star Plus" ships. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. [6], In 2013 Windstar completed the purchase of Seabourn Cruise Line's Star Pride, Star Legend, and Star Breeze. Ratings (5=excellent, 4=very good, sponsored Prince William Sound Cruise Looking for someplace different? In cabin: en suite, TV and DVD, phone, Wi-Fi, minibar, safe, hair dryer. Because cruises on Star Breeze are so busy (you'll be in port for extended periods most days), you might not actually spend much time in your cabin. They are known for their immersive and authentic experiences, unique, port-intensive itineraries, exceptional award-winning service, and innovative culinary program as the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation. For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPGs cruise newsletter. Occasionally, the line will welcome other nationalities such as those from the UK, Australia and Germany. Wind Surf features: 150 staterooms with ocean views and 188 square feet 18 spacious suites with ocean views and 376 square feet Two expansive bridge suites with ocean views and 495 square feet One officer's suite located in the officers' quarters with ocean views and 242 square feet As with all Windstar ships, you can use the Watersports Platform to enjoy the glittering sea and swim, kayak or water ski off the ships stern. page for that ship. The 342-passenger Wind Surf joined the Windstar fleet in 1998 after sailing for Club Med. Wind Star sails with just 148 pampered guests in 74 total staterooms: 73 deluxe, ocean-view staterooms and 1 deluxe Owners Suite with queen beds and a dining/sitting area. True suites range from 400 to 820 square feet, and include the Classic, Deluxe, Owners Suite Forward and Owners Suite Midship. If you're sailing in French Polynesia, spending time outdoors is a no-brainer, even when it rains. Wind Surf (ship) - Wikipedia All dining venues have open seating with plenty of ocean views and al fresco options. The fleet has an open bridge policy, so weather-permitting you are free to wander in and have a chat with the officer on duty, and perhaps the captain. Try sailing on a Windstar ship", "Carnival Sells Windstar - Windstar Cruises", "Windstar Parent Co. 2023 Windstar Cruises. Extensive below-decks work was done to replace the existing engines with more efficient ones, as well as improve environmental standards. All our Star Plus Class ships are part of a $250 million initiative designed to offer more of everything our guests love without cruise ship crowds. Families are more common during the summer and holiday seasons, when you'll have a smattering of kids. (The sails aren't just for show, either; the captain uses them, as needed, to increase speed and stability.) Get Wind Star price drops 250,000+ people have entered their email. Use the key below to identify the restaurant name. Shore excursion attire is far more casual, with both men and women wearing T-shirts and UV-protective sportswear. Although not an exact science, Wind Surf is our prized sailing ship that will bring you closer to the sea with its seven billowing sails and gorgeous decks. over the years. Small ships also mean smaller groups and a better chance of having the experience you want. The spa and fitness center is much larger on these ships, featuring a complimentary thermal suite with heated lounges and saunas, as well as a separate workout room and fitness studio for group classes. Cruises on Windstar Wind Star start from 1,887 per person. ). It wins with excellent food, interesting shore excursions and great service, filling a tough-to-nail niche in the cruise industry. Feel free to unwind in one of two whirlpools, or let your tension melt away in the World Spa by Windstar. In some cases, passengers need to take smaller boats into port (such as to Lipari) when the ship is at anchor. With the expansion comes two new dining rooms: the outdoor Star Grill by Steven Raichlen and fine Spanish-inspired Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso. Windstar Cruises has 6 ships in the fleet. A longtime editor at Cruise Critic, Erica has also written for The Washington Post, Fodors and Lets Go travel guides, and numerous print and online cruise publications. Most of Windstars fleet was not originally built for Windstar. All Rights Reserved. Windstar Cruises is proud to be an affiliate of Xanterra Travel Collection, one of the worlds most environmentally responsible travel and hospitality companies. Mealtime is a big part of the Windstar Cruises experience, with all ships having several dining venues, including at least one with outdoor seating so diners can soak up the sun or starry nights. The cruise line was known for years for its fleet of three-masted sailing yachts (imagine a hybrid of a small cruise ship and a large four- or five-masted sailing vessel). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Canadas Cruise Ban Wide-Ranging But Not A Death Knell For Small Ships, Last Call For Wave Season Deals on Small-Ship Cruises, Listen to the American Queens deep-throated, Writer Terri Colby reviews her recent C, Writer & adventurer John Roberts spent a week aboa, Our latest & greatest ode to #smallshipc, The 64-pax Canadian Empress provides a lov, The right luggage is important & if youre l, Maybe youve cruised southeast Alaska, but chanc, I love canal barge cruising in France! During the day, shorts and a blouse, a sundress or cover-up (over a bathing suit) are suitable for women, while men typically wear a collared shirt and shorts. Reviewer Rudy from the US. Are you considering booking a cruise, but dont want to deal with crowds? Also, with fewer people aboard, you can expect less noise during the day. Best Time to Cruise to the Caribbean - Windstar Cruises Travel Blog (In fact, Windstar encourages against packing a suit and tie.) The first is whether the room offers a porthole, picture window or French balcony (which is big enough for one person to step out onto, but too small for a seating area); the second is whether the room has the original furnishings and the bed by the bathroom or is a newly built cabin with more modern furnishings and the bed by the window. The 684-passenger Regatta cruise ship of Oceania Cruises is marketed as a "premium" ship, but it includes many features that are normally only found on "luxury" lines. Between them they've traveled all over the world aboard hundreds and hundreds of small cruise ships of all kinds, from river boats to expedition vessels and sailing ships. Windstar Cruises specializes in small ships carrying between 148 and 342 passengers each. As the line carefully matches ship style to the itinerary, youll likely find yourself content with whichever class of ship you find yourself sailing. On our French Polynesian sailing, we appreciated seeing local dishes show up, including traditional poisson cru and fried breadfruit, as well as fresh fish at pretty much every meal. Thats because each of the six ships honors the brands themes of a casual onboard vibe with adult-focused upscale touches, fine dining in partnership with the James Beard Foundation, low-key outdoor fun, destination exploration and a friendly, helpful crew. Each has four decks and as many masts for sails. At Windstar Cruises, we enjoy taking travelers to once-in-a-lifetime places worldwide and enhancing their journeys with unique excursions and exceptional service. The open teak decks, towering masts, and flapping sails look majestic, even when the engines are doing the work. All meals in all venues at all times are covered in your cruise fare, as are nonalcoholic beverages, espresso and cappuccino. As some of the least crowded cruise ships youll find, Windstar Cruises welcomes you aboard. Usually once per cruise, local performers come on board for a few hours to entertain guests with folkloric dance or other cultural traditional entertainment. Check here before booking an award fare. When my brother Sandy and I were deemed old enough, mother took us to Europe by ship. The non-sail motor yachts are all identical at 12,995 tons. A smaller ship boasts a more laid-back, intimate atmosphere that feels more like an exclusive hotel than a busy metropolis. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. RELATED: Check out these Windstar Reader Reviews. Destination Mediterranean, to Nice, France. In port once per cruise, there is a complimentary specialexperience, the likes of a wine tasting and traditional lunch in Sicily or in Ephesus, aprivate dinner under the stars at the stunning ruins of the Celsus Library. The cabins on Wind-class ships are more compact and nautical in design, with porthole windows and small living spaces tricked out with hidden storage to maximize space. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. If youre the type of traveler who would prefer to avoid a crowded cruise ship and instead enjoy an intimate, immersive and relaxing voyage, you have options. The largest ship in the Windstar fleet, the Wind Surf carries 312 passengers in luxurious appointments and caters primarily to American couples with an average age of 48. Other onboard spaces include a number of indoor and outdoor lounges and bars, the Yacht Club Caf & Library, a small boutique, a screening room and water sports platform. The ship offers two banks of elevators, and four accessible cabins for those with mobility issues. Guests aboard Star Breeze are primarily English speakers hailing from the U.S., Canada and the U.K. On select days when the ship is anchored (not docked at a pier) and the weather and government regulations align, crew members can offer water sports, such as swimming and kayaking, right off the back of the ship. If anchored in calm seas, all six have watersports platforms for easy access to swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing and other water fun right from the ship and all free of charge. Several returning passengers on our cruise told us the service is a big part of what keeps them coming back; one group told us they returned specifically for their dining room waiter, and requested to sit in his section every night. The 2 classes of Windstar ships, explained - The Points Guy But the older cabins just don't stand up to the new ones, so if you're not careful in your cabin selection, you could end up with a room that doesn't quite suit your needs. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. All cabins have updated bathrooms, some with tub-shower combos and others with shower only. On a small ship, staff members dont have as many guests to serve, and they can provide personalized service. the parent company. A smaller ship is less overwhelming and much quieter than a large one, and it wont leave you feeling exhausted when you return home. Post-relaunch, these three all-suite ships now have 50 additional cabins, called Star Suites. Work on the project began in 2019, with the renovated ships debuting in 2021 and 2022. * Photo: Windstar Cruises. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Don't miss one.Sign up for our newsletter! Therefore, the Regatta is a good value for cruise travelers who enjoy something extra for their vacation dollar.. Windstar Cruises has a surprisingly varied fleet for a cruise line with only six small ships. Vision: Enriching people's perspective through inspired travel. Small ships offer unique experiences aboard, as well. Lack of daytime activities and nighttime entertainment. That's the word today from Michael Bayley, the CEO of Royal Caribbean, the world's largest cruise line.. Most of its six vessels carry just 150 to 300 passengers fewer than fit on a single big-ship lifeboat and are wonderfully intimate. Theres no kids club because children younger than 8 arent allowed onboard. To learn more about each suite on Star Pride, view the deck plan here. Windstar Cruises specializes in small ships carrying between 148 and 342 passengers each. A smaller ship may also be right for you if you want to relax as you sail to different ports, prefer to avoid crowds and value a good nights sleep. Cabins on all Windstar Cruises ships come stocked with LOccitane bath amenities, bathrobes, slippers, fresh fruit, and 24-hour room service. Learn more about our $250 million reimagining of our all-suite yachts. by Anne Kalosh. But you'll appreciate the ship's approach to outdoor spaces no matter where it's sailing. Ships of the same class usually have the same layout and features. Sale of Windstar to Xanterra Travel Collection, Last edited on 18 February 2023, at 18:28, "A cruise that's not a cruise? The deck pool area and spa will also be redesigned. * Rendering: Windstar Cruises, Star Breezes Amphora Restaurant. While aboard Star Legend, you can feel like youre drifting into the aquamarine sea as you relax in the infinity pool. Massive cruise ships may feel like bustling, high-energy cities and leave you feeling like a stranger at sea. The Yacht Club is a gorgeous circular hangout and library space with board games and a little cafe area, and the Star Bar is surrounded by comfortable patio furniture one deck above the pool. The breeze gently fills the sails, carrying you across shimmering blue sea, and your spirit soars. LEARN MORE Star Breeze All Suite Ship All six have gyms, plus outdoor pools and one or two hot tubs. Ships and travel are in my blood, and so is writing. Windstar Wind Star - Deck Plans, Reviews & Pictures - Tripadvisor Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. A small ship creates an environment that promotes conversation with other guests and invites you to enjoy activities together. The 148-passenger Wind Spirit and Wind Star are the only ships in the current fleet custom-built for Windstar. One 242-square-foot Officer's Suite and two 495-square-foot Bridge suites are located on Deck 5 (Bridge Deck). In a recent $250 million refurbishment, all three ships were stretched (they're now 522 feet long). These three ships have much the same features and amenities, with some differences. With fast-moving lines or no lines at all, youll have more time to explore each destination or relax aboard. Ship Pandaw. The ships are relatively small, with the Wind Surf having a capacity for about 300 passengers, and the others about 150. Overview About Passengers: 148 | Crew: 90 Passengers to crew: 1.64 :1 Passengers to space: 36.1 :1 Launched: 1986 Decks Deck 1 Deck 2 Deck 3 Deck 4 Deck 5 Deck 1 layout Cabins Oceanview Stateroom (B) Owner's Suite (OS) Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom (BX) Cabins Activities & entertainment Activities (11) Whirlpool Pool Casino * Cooking Demonstrations See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. The majority are North American couples in their 40s to 70s, with a fair number of British and European passengers in the mix. The Wind Surf has four restaurants, including a formal venue serving continental, a modern French bistro, a poolside grill for steaks and grilled skewers, and a casual buffet restaurant for breakfast and lunch. A pool, hot tub and pool bar round out the alfresco offerings. windstar cruises. [10], In June 2018, Star Legend became the largest cruise ship to ever travel through Seattle's Ballard Locks and the Lake Washington Ship Canal. Star Pride carries up to 212 passengers in 106 suites as well as sister ships Star Legend and Star Breeze. Located on the east side of the Kenai Peninsula, the largest port Canada River Cruises sponsored With global travel in full swing, the 64-passenger Canadian Empress is no exception, with the 2023 season nearly sold out. Windstar Cruises | The World's Best Small Ship Cruise Line Windstar Cruises is a cruise line that operates a fleet of small luxury cruise ships. Get Star Breeze price drops 250,000+ people have entered their email. Classes define the type and style of the ship. On the other hand, you must be OK with sacrificing common luxury touches, like balconies in the staterooms and multiple dining options. Most suites measure 277 sq. In addition, the ship adds a third dining venue Stella Bistro and the Terrace Bar, both on the ships top deck. ship. Perfect for adventurous travelers and sailing enthusiasts who prefer to go off the beaten path. Early November can be a great time to explore the Caribbean through a late fall cruise. Star Legend welcomes 312 guests in 156 suites, including 4 Owners' Suites, 2 beautiful Classic Suites, 3 Deluxe Suites, 79 Ocean View Suites, 58 Balcony suites, and 10 Star Porthole Suites.
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