Windstar isn’t one size — it’s several small ones. Depending on which ship you choose, you’ll sail with anywhere from 148 to 346 fellow guests. And you’ll never be lost in the crowd. In fact, one of the line’s biggest strengths, whichever size ship you choose, is how personal and intimate the experience will be.
Windstar offers two classes of ships. Its Wind Class vessels, such as Wind Surf, Wind Spirit and Wind Star, can operate under sails. Its Star Class ships, with a yacht-style emphasis on the cruise experience, feature Star Breeze, Star Pride, Star Legend, Star Seeker and, in December 2026, Star Explorer.
Curious which ship is the right fit for your vacation? Here’s what to expect.
The Wind Class
Wind Surf
The ship is currently undergoing a $7.5 million “Setting Sails” refurbishment in two phases. The first took place in November 2024. Redecorating in the first phase included transforming the ship’s top three suites, in the Broadmoor and Sea Island design that’s onboard the Star-class ships, plus one that was redone in a yacht-like style. Other projects included refurbishments of Amphora, Compass Rose, the pool deck and bar. As well, the lobby, Yacht Club coffee bar, and the boutique were refreshed.
Phase two of “Setting Sails” for Wind Surf will be complete in December 2026. During phase two of Wind Surf’s refurbishment, all remaining accommodations will be remodeled with new furniture, bedding, carpets, interactive televisions and art and décor.
With this ship’s six decks and capacity to accommodate 342 guests, you can stretch out comfortably or find a quiet nook whenever you need some solitude. Wind Surf features:
- 150 staterooms with ocean views and 188 square feet
- 18 spacious suites with ocean views and 376 square feet with French verandahs.
- Two expansive suites, one inspired by Colorado’s legendary Broadmoor Hotel, the other by Georgia’s tropical Sea Island Resort with ocean views and 495 square feet; these have wrap-around balconies.
- One nautically influenced officer’s suite located in the officers’ quarters with ocean views and 242 square feet
While aboard, you can order room service whenever you feel like staying in, or, if you want to stretch your legs and explore, there are plenty of spaces to enjoy. You might savor an after-dinner cocktail in the Lounge, for example, or indulge in a decadent dessert in Stella Bistro Restaurant. Feel free to unwind in one of two whirlpools, or let your tension melt away in the World Spa by Windstar. No matter how you choose to spend your time on Wind Surf, you’ll have plenty of room to relish every moment.
Wind Star and Wind Spirit
Carrying 148 guests, Wind Star and Wind Spirit, are the smallest sailing ships in the fleet. They’re very similar if not identical, featuring:
- 73 staterooms with ocean views and cozy queen-sized beds
- One owner’s suite with ocean views and 220 square feet, including a dining space and sitting area
- Multiple restaurants, including the Veranda for breakfast and lunch which transforms into the alfresco Candles for dinner, and Amphora, an elegant evening venue.
- Fitness center, spa and pool deck.
- Water sports marina with water toys and lounging areas
- In its part of a major reburbishment, Wind Star has completed its part in the cruise line’s $7.5 million “Setting Sails” refurbishment. Enhancements include expanded seating and retail space in the ship’s reception area and a lounge that was spruced up with new furniture and lighting. The World Spa by Windstar and its gym were revitalized with new fitness equipment . The pool deck, one of Wind Star’s most social places, has a new pool and Jacuzzi, an extended pool bar, and fresh pops of color via new outdoor seating and lounging. The Owner’s Suite was completely redesigned.
- Wind Star’s technology has also gotten a major upgrade, with new, larger flatscreen televisions in all staterooms and suites and upgraded technology (Starlink connectivity and new TVs with on-demand content).
- On Wind Star, all guest staterooms have been remodeled. upholstered headboards, integrated lighting and convenient bedside charging.
- Amphora, its primary restaurant, and Veranda, it’s ship-top café for lunch and breakfast, have also been completely redecorated.
Wind Spirit has all the features of Wind Star and has received the first phase of two in its . It will complete the full refresh in March 2027 (when all accommodations, and restaurants Amphora and Veranda, will be refreshed). Among the transformations it’s already received?
Phase one focused on refurbishments of its reception area, retail space, and the lounge that’s adjacent to the Yacht Club Café. The World Spa by Windstar and the gym received fresh overhauls and new equipment. On the outside decks, there’s a new pool and whirlpool; the pool bar was enhanced. And the ship’s Owner’s Suite was completely revamped.
Onboard technology has also been upgraded, with new, larger flatscreen televisions in all staterooms and suites and Starlink Wi-Fi.
Windstar’s Star Class
Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride
- Special themed suites such as the Broadmoor and Sea Island, plus owners’ suites; all have private verandahs.
- The new MediterrAsian fusion-themed Basil + Bamboo, plus other dining venues like Amphora, The Grill, Candles and The Yacht Club.
- A fully equipped fitness center, a spa with complimentary sauna, two full-service bars, on-deck hot tubs, and a water-access marina
Star Seeker and Star Explorer
Capturing the same ambience of Windstar’s other Star Class ships, the 224-guest Star Seeker, and, soon to debut Star Explorer, offer many similar hallmarks of Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride, such as a watersports marina, outdoor pool, two whirlpools (including one on the bow) and a range of accommodations. There’s Amphora for three meals-a-day dining, Basil + Bamboo, and The Grill for alfresco dining. Both ships also have a dedicated spa and fitness facility, roomy outdoor deck space for strolling and relaxing, and the top-of-the-ship Yacht Club. There are some differences, too:
Numerous staterooms feature private verandas.
New cabin categories include a new-to-Windstar Vista Infinity Suite. Instead of a balcony, these staterooms feature a massive infinity window that lowers at the touch of a button, merging the outdoors with the indoors — and creating more internal space.
As on other ships, the Yacht Club is an all-day dining observation lounge. What’s new is that on these vessels, the Yacht Club is open from 6 p.m. as a dancing and cocktail lounge.
The 548 square ft. Horizons Suite is the largest onboard, and each of a pair feature wrap around balconies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Ship Cruising
Will a Windstar cruise feel crowded?
No. With a passenger capacity between 148 travelers (and never more than 346), Windstar never feels crowded.
How does that compare to a typical cruise ship?
The average cruise ship carries around 3,000 passengers, and some carry more than 6,000.
What’s the crew-to-guest ratio like?
Small ships mean more attention per guest. On Windstar, staff learn your name, your drink order, and your preferences early in the cruise.
Can small ships visit places big ships can’t?
Yes. Windstar’s size allows it to dock in harbors and reach ports too small or shallow for larger vessels.
Is small ship cruising more expensive?
Generally, yes, per-day rates run higher than mass-market lines. In exchange, you get more space per guest, more personalized service, and fewer up-sells and add-on fees nickel-and-diming the experience.
Is Windstar a good fit for families, or is it more geared toward couples?
While Windstar tends to skew toward couples and experienced travelers looking for a quieter, more immersive trip rather than kids’ clubs and water slides, kids over the age of seven are welcome. Especially during school vacation seasons, like summer and the winter holidays, multigenerational trips are particularly popular on Windstar.
