• Personalized yacht and itinerary matching based on your travel style

• Clear guidance on sailing yachts vs all-suite yachts

• Help comparing fares, packages, inclusions, and best-value sailings

• Access to preferred availability and added-value perks when available

• Seamless coordination of flights, hotels, transfers, and pre/post stays

• One advisor managing the details before, during, and after your trip

• Faster decisions with curated recommendations instead of endless searching

Windstar Cruises is a small-ship cruise line known for private yacht-style voyages, intimate ships, and destination-rich itineraries that reach smaller ports and hidden harbors larger ships often cannot access. Windstar yachts carry between 148 and 342 guests, creating a more personal, uncrowded experience at sea.

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Key Features:

• Small yachts carrying 148–342 guests

• Two styles of ships: sailing yachts and all-suite Star Class yachts

• Port-intensive itineraries with smaller ports, late nights, and overnights

• Destination-focused shore excursions and local experiences

• Culinary program with James Beard Foundation partnership

• Optional All-Inclusive Fare with Wi-Fi, beverages, and gratuities

Private Yacht-Style Cruising - Windstar feels more like a private yacht than a traditional cruise ship, with smaller ships, fewer guests, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

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Smaller Ports, Deeper Access - Windstar focuses on hidden harbors, secluded coves, charming villages, and ports larger ships often cannot reach.

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Sailing Yachts and All-Suite Yachts - Windstar offers both classic Wind Class sailing yachts and Star Class all-suite yachts, giving travelers two distinct ways to cruise.

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Destination-Driven Culinary Experiences - Windstar’s dining program includes locally inspired dishes, market tours on select voyages, and a culinary partnership with the James Beard Foundation.

Tahiti & French Polynesia - Bora Bora, Raiatea, Moorea, and the Marquesas with lagoons, overwater bungalow extensions, cultural events, and yacht-based watersports. Windstar highlights Tahiti as one of its core destinations.

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Mediterranean Cruises - Italy, Greece, Spain, Croatia, and the Rivieras with small ports, local markets, and port-intensive itineraries. Windstar notes Mediterranean sailings can include places like Dubrovnik, Giardini Naxos, Portofino, and Mallorca.

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Greek Isles Cruises - Sun-drenched islands, ancient history, coastal villages, and a smaller-ship feel that fits the region well. Windstar specifically features Greece as a key cruise destination.

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Caribbean Cruises - Hidden harbors, turquoise bays, watersports, and Windstar’s Signature Beach Party on select sailings. Windstar positions the Caribbean around yacht-style access to smaller towns and harbors.

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Costa Rica & Panama Canal Cruises - Rainforests, wildlife, local naturalists, tropical coastlines, and daylight Panama Canal transit. This is one of Windstar’s strongest adventure-meets-comfort regions.

Yes, if you want a more intimate, destination-focused cruise without the scale or crowds of larger ships.

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Windstar is especially strong for travelers who value:

• Smaller ports and less crowded experiences

• A more relaxed, yacht-style onboard atmosphere

• Cultural immersion over big-ship entertainment

• Premium service without ultra-luxury formality

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Windstar is best for travelers who want the destination to be the main event.

It works especially well for:

• Couples

• Honeymooners and anniversary travelers

• Experienced cruisers looking for something smaller

• Travelers who prefer boutique hotels over large resorts

• Guests who want hidden ports, scenic coastlines, and relaxed luxury

Windstar vs Celebrity Cruises

• Celebrity offers larger, more modern premium ships

• Windstar offers a smaller, yacht-style experience

• Windstar is better for travelers who want hidden ports, fewer guests, and a more intimate feel

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Windstar vs Oceania Cruises

• Oceania is strong for food, premium service, and destination-rich cruising

• Windstar feels smaller, more casual, and more yacht-like

• Windstar is better for travelers who want relaxed luxury without a large-ship environment

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Windstar vs Paul Gauguin Cruises

• Paul Gauguin is highly specialized in French Polynesia

• Windstar offers Tahiti plus broader global regions including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Costa Rica, and Europe

• Windstar is better for travelers who want yacht-style cruising across multiple destinations

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Windstar is not the right fit for travelers who want mega-ship entertainment, casinos, or a heavily programmed onboard experience. It is the right fit for travelers who want smaller ships, better port access, and a cruise that feels more personal than mass-market.

Windstar is not automatically fully all-inclusive on every fare, but guests can choose an All-Inclusive Fare.

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Windstar’s cruise fare includes many onboard essentials, while the optional All-Inclusive Fare adds Wi-Fi, unlimited beer, wine, cocktails, and gratuities.

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Common inclusions may include:

• Accommodations

• Meals in onboard dining venues

• Specialty restaurants

• Sodas and bottled water

• Select onboard experiences

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Common add-ons or package-based items may include:

• Alcoholic beverages

• Wi-Fi

• Gratuities

• Shore excursions

• Spa treatments

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Your advisor will clarify exactly what is included before you book.

Yes, especially because Windstar’s value depends heavily on choosing the right ship, itinerary, and fare structure.

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Booking direct gives you access.

Working with TripMatters travel gives you:

• Clear guidance on yacht style and itinerary fit

• Help deciding whether the All-Inclusive Fare makes sense

• Better alignment with the right destination and travel pace

• Support with pre/post hotels, transfers, and flights

• A real advisor accountable for the full experience

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Your Windstar cruise is not just booked. It is designed correctly.