By
Laura Hyde |
With intimate yacht-style ships carrying fewer than 350 guests, Windstar Cruises has carved out its own corner of the cruise market since its foundation in 1985. The cruise line has focused on offering a highly personalised service, while enabling its guests to explore off the beaten track by sailing to small ports larger cruise ships can’t reach.
Add in unique and immersive cultural shore experiences – such as cooking classes, zip-lining and vineyard tours with tastings – and the cruise line perfectly caters to those travellers who value authenticity and connection.
That authenticity and connection have been central to Windstar Cruises’ philosophy for 40 years, shaping not only the design of its yachts but also the way it crafts each itinerary.
“Over the last four decades, we’ve learned our guests value intimate, authentic, and immersive travel – seeking not just a cruise, but a personal connection to each destination,” says Dianna Rom, vice president of sales at Windstar Cruises. “From yacht design to exclusive shore excursions and culinary partnerships, every element of a Windstar voyage reflects our customers’ appetite for elevated exploration and genuine cultural experiences. Our Open Bridge policy, complimentary water sports marina, and James Beard Foundation culinary programme just scratch the surface of what sets us apart, while our relaxed, unpretentious onboard experience makes guests feel truly at home. In fact, a core element of the Windstar difference truly comes down to our passionate crew, who turn each voyage into a warm, personal ‘home at sea’ experience for our guests.
A core element of Windstar’s difference truly comes down to our passionate crew, who turn each voyage into a warm, personal ‘home at sea’, says Rom
Windstar Cruises sails itineraries to destinations around the globe, including the Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, Asia, Alaska, Northern Europe, and Central America.
“Every voyage is crafted to foster connection, both with our crew and the world around them,” says Rom. “Our yacht-sized ships, which carry just 148-342 guests, open up a world of unique harbours and anchorages – places like Monemvasia in Greece, Lipari in Italy and Les Saintes in the Caribbean, which larger ships can’t access. This flexibility allows us to craft immersive, port-intensive itineraries with more time ashore and deeper local connections.
“Tahiti remains a signature Windstar destination. With over 38 years of expertise and a year-round presence, we are the leader in intimate, authentic experiences in French Polynesia. We’re seeing extraordinary demand for our second Solar Eclipse Cruise in August 2026, with suites being booked up rapidly, and our inaugural President’s Mystery Cruise this year was a major success among guests.”
With guest enthusiasm driving demand for unique voyages, the itinerary planning team at Windstar is constantly on the lookout for fresh destinations to offer customers. “In 2026, we’re excited to introduce voyages in Southeast Asia onboard the new Star Seeker (read more on page 46),” explains Rom. “We are excited for our second new ship, Star Explorer, to debut in December 2026 and spend the winter sailing in the Mediterranean. As we launch new yachts and refresh our iconic sailing fleet, we’re committed to keep delivering genuinely extraordinary – and always unexpected – yacht experiences.
“At Windstar, we don’t just take guests to incredible destinations – we help them truly discover, understand, and connect with every place they visit.”
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