Windstar Cruises

A Unique Concept in Cruising

Sailing under the banner of its appropriate tag line "180º From Ordinary," Windstar was created in the mid-1980's with the vision to offer an alternative to the typical cruise or resort vacation. The Windstar passenger sees the world from a romantic sailing ship with luxurious accommodations, a casual yet elegant atmosphere, and exquisite service and cuisine.

The Ships
In late 1986, the first commercial sailing vessel built in 60 years slipped out of a French dry-dock in Le Havre. Although the towering sails echoed a bygone era of explorers, the msy Wind Star, with its sleek lines and computerized controls, was revolutionary in concept and design.

Windstar's ships are officially motor-sail-yachts (msy), but the designation belies the vessels unique rigging. Unfurling in two minutes at the push of a button, billowing white sails reach to the sky. All functions are operated from the bridge by computer micro-chips and navigational devices. The unusual "open-bridge" operation allows guests to drop by and acquaint themselves with the veteran captains and officers who demonstrate the ship's intriguing capabilities to modern day explorers.

The 148-passenger Wind Star was joined by sister ships the msy Wind Song in 1987, and msy Wind Spirit in 1988. A new era in luxury cruising was now being pioneered by Windstar Cruises. Nearly a decade later in 1998, the 308-passenger msy Wind Surf was acquired by Windstar. Sailing originally as Club Med I, the Wind Surf was built in 1990 in the same shipyard to strikingly similar specifications as her sister ships, making her a perfect match for the four fleet family.

Shipboard Life
Windstar's unique concept of sailing has lead the cruise industry in the luxury small ship, casual attire, and alternative dining arenas. Pioneering and refining these concepts has earned Windstar an excellent reputation and market niche, winning the allegiance of a new generation of contemporary cruise vacationers, one-third of whom are first-time cruisers.

Teak decking, rich wood interiors, an attentive service staff, intimate surroundings, eclectic artwork, exceptional signature cuisine featuring both light and vegetarian menu selections, and an extensive wine list are some of the extraordinary elements which have become synonymous with Windstar. Features unique to the Wind Surf include 31 deluxe suites, a Business/Internet Center, The Bistro, The Terrace Bar for small intimate getaways and the nearly 10,000 square foot WindSpa offering a full array of spa treatments, consultative, health and fitness programs.

Passengers are cradled in comfort as all staterooms and suites offer ocean views, sitting area, new LCD flatscreen TV, DVD, CD player, safe, mini-bar/refrigerator, international direct-dial phones, bathroom with luxurious pampering toiletries, hair dryer, plush terry clothe robes, and an abundance of closet space. The library on board stocks an array of international newspapers, books and games, as well as a multi-media selection of more than 500 DVD titles and compact discs available for complimentary check-out.

Carrying just 148 to 308 guests, Windstar ships exude a private-yacht-like atmosphere creating camaraderie and lasting friendships between fellow sailors. Every day aboard Windstar brings the promise of new horizons and harbors to explore.

An interesting mix of shore excursions and complimentary water sports activities are available at each destination. Passengers may find themselves slicing through Caribbean waters aboard an actual America's Cup racing yacht, or exploring archaeological ruins in Greece, the "Cradle of Civilization." Water buffs can enjoy complimentary water-skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking from the ship's aft Water Sports Platform.

The company's cruise vacations offer a sea-side window on the world, combining the refinement of a luxury hotel with a moveable feast of cultural experiences.

Seattle-based Windstar Cruises operates the 308-passenger Wind Surf and 148- passenger Wind Star and Wind Spirit (the Wind Song was retired in 2003). The three sailing yachts cruise to over 47 countries worldwide offering an affordable luxury vacation.

The World of Windstar

You open your eyes to the reflections of sunlight on the ceiling, draw the curtains to the sight of an island drifting slowly by. Before you the sea shimmers like blue silk, seemingly close enough to touch, and the horizon stretches to infinity like a promise. A promise! That this day – this vacation – will be unlike any other. It’s a promise wrapped up in the ship’s majestic white sails and the simple, sublime notion of being at one with nature and the sea. It’s written in the unspoken philosophy of Windstar, too, which centers on unstructured freedom, privacy, impeccable service and space. On board, a mere 148-308 guests come and go according to their desires, chatting with the officers on the Bridge, having a cocktail with friends up at the Pool Bar, going ashore to discover the perfect white-sand beach, or simply enjoying time together, alone. What if the universe (or at least, a few hundred feet of it) conspired to grant your every wish? Welcome to Windstar, and the feeling of being utterly alive and content.

World Class Service

There’s simply an untethered joy in sailing, in traveling at a relaxed pace, with the brilliance of the sun and stars overhead. Long teak decks warm the soles of your bare feet. In the distance lie islands, their lush green shoulders rising from the sea, while just a few feet below a school of playful dolphins surf the ship’s wake. Out here, the sails fill with the trade winds, time slows down and the world seems to expand. It’s as if you can hear the earth breathing. Or is that you?

The Ships

Windstar and Windspirit - are identical sister ships each carrying 148 passengers.

The Itineraries

Caribbean

Costa Rica - seven night itinerary along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

St. Thomas - seven night itinerary on the Windstar.

Mediterranean

Athens to Venice - seven night itinerary from Athens to Venice.

Lisbon to Barcelona - seven night itinerary from Lisbon to Barcelona aboard the Windsurf.

Rome to Athens - seven night itinerary from Rome to Athens.

Rome to Barcelona - seven night itinerary from Rome to Barcelona.

Rome to Nice - seven night itinerary from Rome to Nice aboard the Windsurf.