Windstar Cruises: Get to Know Your World On More Intimate Terms On A Windstar Cruise

Highly rated Windstar Cruises is a unique and romantic adventure on an upper-premium small ship that appeals to honeymooners, active couples, and those enjoying a sailing experience and a casual atmosphere. Guests are usually educated and well traveled. Somewhat comparable cruise experiences would be on cruise lines like SeaDream Yacht Club, Oceania Cruises and Azamara Cruises, while a less upscale option would be Star Clippers.

Uncrowded and unhurried, a Windstar cruise is a unique five-star voyage that attracts luxury cruise guests who enjoy the casual ambience and intimacy of a large yacht, and the sophistication of fine service and cuisine -- without pretense, regimentation or stuffiness. The retractable watersports platform ofers complimentary water-based activities (see below).

The cruise line's motorized sailing vessels, with their sophisticated computer-operated sails, carry fewer than than 150 guests on Wind Star and Wind Spirit, or just up to 312 guests on Wind Surf. With a staff of from 88 to 185, Windstar has one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the industry. Windstar's ships provide a stable ride thanks to a computerized ballast system that adjusts to changes in direction, wind and current.

Unlike large cruise ships, there are few glitzy public spaces. On the expansive top deck there's plenty of space for lounging, while indoors, there's a small casino, lounge with a live band nightly, a bar, library with books and DVD's, business center and fitness center. The Captain's bridge is always open to guests.

As befitting a yacht, there are no veranda staterooms, and average accommodations are compact but well designed and more than comfortable. All Windstar cruise line staterooms are oceanview, though none have balconies. Average staterooms are 188 square feet, while the popular suites are twice that, from 376-495 square feet, with his and her bathrooms, double closets and a sitting area.

To keep up-to-date and fresh, Windstar Cruises has undergone three refurbishments in the last several years, so that every Windstar cruise offers every possible luxury. Windstar has added computer rooms,  L’Occitane amenities, plush Sealy Euro Pillow Top beds and fine linens, Wi-Fi connectivity and iPods, flat-screen LCD TV's, refurbished pool areas, and updated the Fitness Center.

Windstar's cuisine has always been notable. There is a relaxed attitude toward attire (no jacket and tie required) and open seating allowing guests to dine when and with whom they please -- ideas Windstar pioneered.

There are two main restaurants which accommodate all passengers at one time. An extensive wine list and locally purchased cheeses complement the cuisine, which is served on Rosenthal china and Riedel stemware. Windstar has also tapped culinary expertise of celebrity chefs who have created menus.

When not ashore, days offer guests unstructured freedom and all manner of inspiring pursuits, from treatments at the WindSpa, to the Discover Scuba Diving program or complimentary water sports activities from the ship's aft Marina Decks. These include kayaking, sailing, wind surfing and water skiing (water-based sports are restricted in selected ports). Or relax in hammocks beneath the massive sails, attend cooking lessons or lectures.

A perfect evening on a Windstar cruise might entail wrapping up in bathrobes, calling room service, and having dinner served leisurely, course by course, in the utter privacy and tranquility of your comfortable stateroom.

To arrange your Windstar cruise vacation and receive your complimentary upgrade from category B to A or a shipboard credit, contact one of our luxury cruise experts, or call us at 1-888-779-7447.

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