Windstar Cruises offers a uniquely intimate and elegant way to explore the world, standing apart from the crowd of larger cruise lines. The fleet is known for its casual elegance, where the focus is on the destination and a relaxed onboard atmosphere. When choosing your adventure with Windstar Cruises, you’ll encounter two distinct styles of vessels: the iconic Wind Class sailing ships and the all-suite Star Plus Class yachts. While both promise an exceptional small-ship experience, they offer different atmospheres and amenities. Understanding these differences is the key to selecting the perfect ship for your dream vacation.

The romantic allure of Windstar Cruise’s Wind Class sailing ships

There is nothing quite like the experience of standing on deck as magnificent white sails unfurl against the sky, set to a dramatic musical score. This is the signature sail-away moment aboard Windstar’s Wind Class ships. This class includes the 148-passenger Wind Spirit and Wind Star, and the slightly larger 342-passenger Wind Surf. These vessels are for travelers who are captivated by the romance of traditional sailing but still desire modern comforts. The onboard atmosphere is exceptionally intimate, fostering easy connections with fellow passengers and crew. While cabins are cozy and feature classic porthole windows, they are designed with smart storage and provide a comfortable, nautical haven after a day of exploration.

Experience the spacious luxury of the Star Plus Class

If you prefer more expansive accommodations and a wider array of public venues, the Star Plus Class is your perfect match. This class consists of three identical, all-suite yachts: Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride. These 312-passenger motor yachts were recently part of a massive renovation project that not only updated them but stretched them, adding new midsections to create more space. The result is a collection of ships that feel like private yachts, offering spacious suites starting at 277 square feet, most with French or full balconies. These ships also boast more dining options, a larger spa and fitness center, and a beautiful infinity pool, providing more choices for how you spend your time at sea.

Excitement is building at Windstar Cruises with the arrival of two innovative additions to the Star Plus Class fleet—Star Seeker and Star Explorer. Star Seeker will make her grand debut in December 2025, inviting guests to explore new horizons in Alaska and Japan, while Star Explorer is set to follow in December 2026 with inaugural voyages in the Mediterranean.

Both ships are designed with modern adventurers in mind, offering upgraded amenities and an array of inviting public spaces. Guests can look forward to 112 spacious suites—nearly all with full private verandas or floor-to-ceiling infinity windows—ensuring breathtaking views and direct access to the sea breeze from the comfort of their rooms. Star Seeker and Star Explorer also introduce the new Basil + Bamboo restaurant, serving up an inspired blend of Asian and Mediterranean flavors, along with Windstar’s signature Yacht Club, World Spa, and elegant lounge spaces. These new ships promise to set a fresh standard for boutique cruising, combining the cozy feel of a private yacht with state-of-the-art comforts and culinary adventures.

Comparing onboard dining and amenities on a Windstar cruise

Both ship classes share core Windstar Cruises features, like the open-seating Amphora main dining room, the alfresco steak and seafood experience at Candles, and the popular water sports platform that allows you to swim, kayak, and paddleboard right from the back of the ship. However, the Star Plus Class ships expand your culinary horizons with additional specialty restaurants like the Spanish-inspired Cuadro 44 and the alfresco Star Grill by Steven Raichlen. The larger size of the Star Plus yachts also allows for more public spaces, including the Compass Rose lounge for evening entertainment and the beautiful Yacht Club library and café, a perfect spot for a quiet read with an ocean view.

Choosing your vessel based on destination

Windstar Cruises carefully pairs its ships with itineraries that play to their strengths. The nimble and romantic Wind Class ships are often found navigating the stunning archipelagos of French Polynesia, the charming coves of the Greek Isles, and the vibrant coastlines of the Caribbean and Central America. Their ability to anchor in smaller, more secluded harbors offers a truly up-close experience. The Star Plus Class yachts, with their greater speed and more extensive indoor spaces, are ideal for longer, more destination-intensive journeys. You’ll find them exploring cooler climates like Alaska and Iceland, as well as undertaking epic voyages in Asia and Australia, providing ultimate comfort no matter the weather.

Deciding between a Wind Class sailing ship and a Star Plus Class yacht comes down to personal preference. Do you dream of billowing sails and the most intimate of cruise settings, or do you prefer the spaciousness of a suite and a greater variety of onboard venues? Whichever you choose, Windstar Cruises promises an unforgettable journey that is 180 degrees from ordinary and Cruises.com is here to help you book.

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