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 a luxury small ship that appeals to honeymooners, active couples, and those enjoying a sailing experience and a casual atmosphere. Comparable cruise experience would be SeaDream Yacht Club, and a less upscale option would be Star Clippers.

Windstar Cruises, featuring its unique motorized sailing yachts, has always been true to it moniker: 180 degrees from Ordinary. Uncrowded and unhurried.

A Windstar cruise is a unique five-star voyage that attracts luxury cruise guests who enjoy the casual onboard ambience, the intimacy of a large yacht, and the sophistication of fine service and cuisine -- there's no pretense, regimentation or stuffiness. Captain and crew invite you to the bridge.

Windstar cruise line's motor sailing vessels, with its 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.

While a smaller vessel, Windstar's ships provide a more stable ride than many larger cruise ships, thanks to a computerized ballast system that adjusts to changes in direction, wind and current.

As befitting a yacht, average staterooms are compact but very well designed and more than comfortable. All Windstar cruise line staterooms are oceanview, though none have balconies. Average staterooms are 175 square feet, while suites are twice that, with two 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, adding computer rooms, refurbished pool areas, an updated Fitness Center, L’Occitane amenities, plush Sealy Euro Pillow Top beds and fine linens, and has added Wi-Fi connectivity and iPods for guest’s use, along with flat-screen LCD TV's, so that every sailing cruise wit Windstar offers every possible luxury.

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 featuring a live band nightly, a bar, library with books and DVD's, business center and fitness center. Plus, the Captain's bridge is always open to guests.

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 that Windstar pioneered. Windstar has also tapped the culinary expertise of celebrity chef Joachim Splichal, who has created the menus.

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.

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 (though 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. Enjoy the casino or watch the latest DVD in the comfort of your 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. SIGN UP to receive our exclusive travel offers.

You can also reference consumer reviews of the following Windstar ships (or post your own review): Wind Spirit and Wind Star.

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