Windstar Cruises is perfect for travelers that enjoy small ships that visit places off limits to larger vessels. Windstar is a unique experience designed with casual luxury in mind. The
Wind Star,
Wind Spirit and
Wind Surf ships are all quot;180 degrees from the ordinary". Windstar Cruises is a leader in luxury, small ship cruising offering deluxe accommodations, state of the art amenities, casual yet elegant atmosphere and exquisite service and cuisine.
Company
Windstar Cruises is a niche, upscale cruise line recently acquired by the newly formed Ambassadors International Cruise Group (which also acquired the Delta Queen and Columbia Queen steam ship companies in early 2007). The company is known for sailing to places to which other visitors have to arrange for private transportation, and mainstream cruise ships are simply not allowed. Windstar strives to exceed the expectations of all of their guests.
Ships
Windstar Cruises is comprised of a three ship fleet which includes the 312-passenger Wind Surf, and the sister 148-passenger ships Wind Star and Wind Spirit. Windstar Cruises is well known for its romantic, five-masted sailing vessels. The three ships with their majestic sails rising up over five tall masts make for an inspiring impression, especially for people seeing the ship from a distance. When you choose Windstar cruise lines, you will find that the ships and the accommodations are what also make these cruises first class. The ships are small enough to call at the smallest islands. These are beautiful ships, with the grace and beauty of their sails carried throughout the nautically themed decor. If the sight of anything with sails make you tremble, take comfort in the fact that Windstar's fleet aren't real sailboats, but small cruise ships with motorized sails used to increase speed only when the wind is right, or when it is time to impress the locals with a dazzling display of canvass.
These small ships are ideal for honeymooners and those who love water sports. There are no verandas on any of the ships, though the nautical feel of the extensive wood paneling and portholes makes up for that fact. Windstar is or has added a host of high-tech amenities including Apple iPod Nanos, Bose Sound Docks and personal laptops plus wireless connectivity in public areas on all three ships.
Service
Windstar's international crew specializes in unobtrusive, gracious service with a guest to crew ratio of less than 2 to 1. Room service also includes pizza and hot popcorn for times when you want to sample a free DVD from the ship's huge library. People who have sailed on our ships just once, the previous year, told us the crew still remembered them.
Aboard
More Luxurious Accommodations Combining the classic luxury of a sailing ship with today's modern amenities is Windstar's forte. The sleek yacht-like design of Windstar's ships feature all outside staterooms, with ample space for rest and relaxation. Aboard you have free rein over the restaurants, library, casino, sports deck and the open bridge. Windstar offers WayNew hammocks on the flying bridges aboard all three ships that will accommodate two for a prime spot to relax under billowing sails. Life aboard a Windstar Cruise is one of elegant but casual relaxation.
Experience
Windstar Cruises is one of the most sophisticated cruise lines in the world. Windstar Cruises is totally unlike any other travel experience you've ever known. Windstar Cruise Line is for those who would rather let technology raise the sails while they focus on enjoying out-of-the-way beaches and smaller ports, along with adventurous shore excursions. A Windstar is ideal for vacationers and romantics who want a relaxing cruise in a casual, yet luxurious environment. The emphasis is on water sports and on visiting tiny, relatively un-touristy isles for which conventional cruise ships are too big. There are water sports from the onboard sports deck, a drop-down large platform in the stern of the ships that gives direct access to the water. Since most Windstar cruisers are active, the gym facilities are quite spacious for small ships.
The ships are wonderfully romantic, and perfect for a honeymoon or romantic getaway for those looking for private time together with no hassles of packing/unpacking, deciding where to dine, etc. "Degrees of Difference" continue the tradition and romance of a sailing ship, but with cutting edge amenities and a casual elegance relevant to today's traveler. Windstar provides an experience that can only be found aboard a small cruise vessel.
Guests
A niche operator featuring a fleet of exclusive, computerized motor-sail vessels, this luxurious, yet casual and unregimented cruise line is known for pampering guests. These aren't ships for children, although occasionally a teen will sneak aboard. Guests will be treated to Shea Butter bathroom amenities from L'Occitane, maker of fine natural body products manufactured with ingredients from Provence. Guests may rent laptops from the reception desk. Returning guests are often surprised to be greeted by name and handed their favorite cocktail-courtesy of a crew member's memory.
Itineraries
The three ships are all motor-sail-yachts that provide a spectacular sail yacht experience to their guests featuring itineraries in the Mediterranean during the Spring, Summer and Fall, and Winter cruises in the Caribbean and Costa Rica. Itineraries have also been adjusted for later departures and more overnights in ports, so guests can enjoy more time for shopping, shore excursions and nightlife.
Dining
Enhanced Signature Cuisine Building on an industry-leading relationship established more than ten years ago, Windstar is introducing 100 new menu items in collaboration with acclaimed celebrity chef Joachim Splichal of the Patina Group. Chef Splichal created Windstar's initial Signature Cuisine and has now created an array of new dishes to be served aboard all three ships. Other dining enhancements include the addition of an "Amuse Bouche," or "little bite" at dinner, compliments of the chef; Riedel stemware to grace the tabletops aboard each ship; Rosenthal china; a new wine list featuring more boutique labels plus the flexibility to purchase wine in ports along the ships' itineraries; a selection of exotic fine cheeses (many bought fresh in local markets) served tableside from a specially designed cheese cart, and Petit-fours, trays of delicate sweet treats, to be served with coffee at the end of dinner.
Combining the 24-hour country-club casual dress code with open-seating dining lends an air of informality and relaxation onboard that is perfect for travel-oriented cruisers. All dining rooms are open seating, and every sail-away feels like a special event as the line offers free hors d' oeuvres on deck.
Tipping
Windstar company forbids any kind of solicitation of gratuities, and offers no guidelines.
Conclusion
Windstar Cruises is an iconic, luxury cruise brand that is defined by its magnificent state-of-the-art sail system and it's tag line, "180-degrees from ordinary". Windstar Cruises is one of the most sophisticated cruise lines in the world. The hardest part about planning a Windstar cruise is deciding where you want to go.
