Windstar Cruises - Cruise Line Profile of Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises is ideal for vacationers and romantics who want a relaxing cruise in a casual, yet luxurious environment. The ambience on the ships is much like a country club--good food, good drinks, and good company. People who hate large cruise ships should like Windstar. Those who expect lots of entertainment and constant activities might not. Anyone who loves water sports, the sea, and just wanting to relax will find Windstar a perfect match.
Windstar currently operates 3 computerized sailing ships, all of which use both the sails and their engines. The Wind Surf (1990) is the largest, with 5 masts and 308 passengers. It is one of the world's largest sailing cruise ships. The Wind Star (1986) and Wind Spirit (1988) are smaller twins, each with 148 passengers and 4 masts. The ships were all significantly refurbished in 2006.
Many Windstar passengers are active, experienced cruisers, ranging from 35 to 75. The average age is about 50. The ships allow children, but there are no organized activities to entertain them. Windstar cruisers love the casual ambience, but appreciate the luxury and excellent service. Many passengers are professionals (or retired), with many repeat cruisers. Honeymooners or romantics of all ages are attracted to the appealing Windstar lifestyle, which at times seems like a private yacht.
The Windstar cabins are a real asset to the ship. They are much larger than on other sailing vessels, with plenty of storage space and some great amenities such as DVD players, iPod docking stations, light cotton robes, terrific beds, and L'Occitane toiletries. The only thing missing is a balcony. However, on a small ship, you are never too far from the outdoors, so it is not as much of a drawback as on a larger ship.
Windstar has open seating for all meals. Breakfast and lunch are either buffet or to order from the grill, and the hours are generous. Dinner is from 7:30 to 9:30 in The Restaurant, and the atmosphere is casually elegant. The Wind Surf has an alternative restaurant, the Bistro, which is reservation-only (no extra charge). Tea and snacks are served every afternnon, and each cruise has several pre-dinner cocktail parties.
Windstar passengers do not choose this line for the entertainment. The ships have a small dance combo and a singing duo, but no organized shows (except the delightful crew show). The ships do have a terrific water program and great selection of DVDs for in-cabin viewing. The casino is small, but well located just off the lounge.
The common areas on the Windstar ships go along with the casually elegant atmosphere. The decor is relaxing and peaceful, and with no organized activities or constant loudspeakers, you will feel like you are on your own private yacht much of the time. Even those these small ships have lots of sailing equipment on deck, there are many quiet places to be alone or with the one you love.
Since most Windstar cruisers are active, the gym facilities are quite spacious for small ships. All have modern equipment and a variety of fitness classes. Time to Spa, operated by Steiner Leisure, has all the standard treatments from head to toe. Couples' massages on deck are quite popular for romantics.
Contact Information
Windstar Cruises
300 Elliott Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98119
On the Web: http://www.windstarcruises.com
Reservations 800-258-7245
Brochures (USA) 800-626-9900
Brochures (Canada) 800-663-5384

Windstar Cruises was started in 1984 and acquired by Holland America Line in 1987. They were both purchased by Carnival Corporation in 1988. Windstar was sold to Majestic America Line in April 2007.

Windstar says its mission is to provide "the freedom of sailing with the luxury of a resort vacation", and the cruise line meets this objective well. The crews are friendly and accommodating, and pamper passengers as much as desired. 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.

Windstar has a "no-tipping required" policy, which means the staff will not solicit tips, but they do take them. This can be confusing for many people who appreciate the excellent service and crew, but are uncertain about whether or not to tip, and if so, how much and to whom.