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Windstar Cruises Reviews – 7 Things To Must Know

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Recently voted the best small ship cruise line Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Awards, we are going to be doing a detailed Windstar Cruise review to let you know about everything about this company.

From looking at the six cruise ship fleet to popular destinations and gratitudes of the ship, we will include everything when looking for the Windstar Cruises reviews. So let’s get started.

About Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises is a cruise line operating a small, yet luxury cruise ships fleet. It has six yachts that can carry just 148 to around 310 guests at a time. The yachts sail to almost 50 nations, calling at around 330 ports. These ports are scattered throughout Europe, the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and Central America.

About-Windstar-Cruises

Windstar cruises are known to be large enough to be pampered and entertained and considered one of the best lines to travel the world. The company applies its personal signature touch throughout these elegant ships. From their champagne bottle reception to a delightful bowl of flowers, fresh fruit, plush bathrobes, and slippers, they have everything making them one of the best.

Fleet of Windstar Cruises

Before we get started with the windstar cruises review, let’s have a look at its fleet. Currently, the company has six ships in its fleet.

  • Wind Star
  • Star Legend
  • Star Pride
  • Wind Spirit
  • Wind Surf
  • Star Breeze

We will talk about these ships one-by-one when doing reviews of Windstar cruises individually.

Fleet-of-Windstar-Cruises

Windstar Cruise Reviews - Onboard Activities

How can we forget the list of activities when doing Windstar Cruise line reviews? There are a lot of things to do onboard that make your trip exciting. Let’s have a look at a few things that people love and talk about in their Windstar ship reviews.

Windstar-Cruise-Reviews-Onboard-Activities

  • Pool

Take a deep dive in the onboard pool. The best thing about their pool is it’s not swarming with children. So enjoy relaxing in the refreshing waters at the poolside bar. People love each day’s changing scenery that offers a new stunning backdrop throughout their excursion.

  • Library

If you can’t live without books, no need to carry them along with you. There’s a library on board so you can quench your thirst for reading to refresh your brain. It’s a peaceful and spacious library where you can sit and enjoy reading books in the middle of the sea.

  • WindSpa

No one can deny a spa. Who doesn’t like to have this best quality natural cure? It makes your skin smooth, perfect, and good. You can have facials, body massages, manicures, seaweed wraps, and more.  Check out all-inclusive cruises 2022 adults-only for additional information about cruise spas.

  • Bridge Visit

With their “Open Bridge” policy, you can visit the bridge to see where the captain charts their course. You can also learn about the navigation equipment and their work to have a look at behind-the-scenes.

  • Signature Shop

There’s a signature shop on the cruise where you can have a perfect gift for your loved ones. This is a duty-free shop where you can find a variety of items anywhere from jewelry to perfume and designer clothes at great prices.

  • Food and Wine Tastings

Food and Wine always make a great pair. These two items together really make the best combo. You can get award-winning regional wines and delicious food on board the ship. There are a lot of Windstar reviews talking about their delicate food and wine.Both items are available in the casinos on the Blue Horizon Cruise.

  • Enrichment Programs

Whether you are a party animal or a lone wolf, you can’t miss the enrichment programs on the ship that attract a lot of positive Windstar cruise ship reviews. You can attend several destination lectures and learn more about the regions that you are exploring.

Dining Options

Dining onboard a Windstar cruise is a gastronomical affair. There are two open-seat dining venues so you have the opportunity to eat where you like. The first is called “Amphora” while the other restaurant is called the “Veranda” and it offers a casual buffet as well as a full service for breakfast and lunch.

Dining-Options

For dinner, you can make reservations at their specialty restaurant candles where you can dine by starlight on delicious steak.

No matter where you are, the local flavor of the culture is deliciously captured when you dine onboard a Windstar ship. Fresh local ingredients, often selected by your ship, are low with seasonal produce and culinary ingenuity go into each perfectly presented dish.

Windstar Cruises Reviews

To know what people think about the ship, we are going to dive deep into the Windstar ships reviews. So let’s get started.

First Time Windstar Cruiser

“For those with an interest, here is a review of the Star Breeze July 31st sailing Sint Maarten to Sint Maarten.

Chapter 1 – The Travel and Embarkation Process:

After running the gauntlet that is required to enter Sint Maarten, and touring the island for a day, we made our way to the Windstar port facility…… Windstar tagged our bags and took us in small groups to the pier where we boarded the shiny new Star Breeze. Once onboard we were directed to AmphorA for check-in/processing…….I know that Windstar provides great value at competitive pricing and that is a message I hope readers will take from this review.”

Windstar-Cruises-Reviews

Wonderful Cruise!!!

“We chose the Windstar Windsurf itinerary to celebrate my husband’s 55th Birthday and we are so glad we did!!….. On boards, very nice change to sail on such a small ship as we enjoyed the beautiful views of the gorgeous islands and beautiful yachts surrounding us. ……We are very lucky to have enjoyed this cruise experience and we will forever be grateful for our week of fun and sun on such a beautiful cruise.”

However, some customers were looking a bit disappointed because of the cruise’s performance. Here’s a review of Windstar cruises left by a dissatisfied customer.

What Has Happened To Windstar

“This is our fourth, and now last, Windstar cruise. The ship, the Windstar, is run down and tacky. The food was awful. The equipment in the “gym” creeky and poorly maintained. Lastly the shore excursions were often boardering on worthless. Internet? $245 a week for minimal and often nonexistent service…….The food was not fresh because we never docked in a port only anchored. Really? The poor satellite reception for the TV and internet was due to ground and sea interferences. Isn’t this 2019?”

As mentioned before, the company has 6 ships in its fleet. All of these cruises are pretty popular among people. From Windstar Legend reviews to Pride and Star Breeze, we will review each ship independently. So let’s dive deep into the reviews of Windstar Cruises for different ships.

Windstar-Cruise-Reviews-of-Popular-Ships

1) Windstar Windsurf Reviews

Windsurf, the world’s largest sailing vessel, has 342 guesses and glides openly to a harbor with high sails, always catching a spectacular look. And its beauty is much deeper than the skin.

During your cruise, you’ll find the perfect environment to “make an entrance” to the beautiful reception area. This is just the beginning. There are a lot of positive Windstar Wind Surf reviews that show how happy and satisfied its customers are.

What Does It Include?
The Windstar Windsurf review is incomplete without having a look at what you will get onboard. Here’s a list of some facilities that you will get on a Wind Surf cruise.

  • Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
  • Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
  • Flat Screen TV with DVD Player
  • Fully Stocked Mini Bar/Refrigerator
  • Safe
  • Direct Dial Phone
  • L’Occitane Bath Amenities
  • Fresh Flowers
  • Fresh Fruit
  • Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
  • Wi-Fi (internet cards can be purchased at reception)
  • Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
  • Bathroom with granite countertop and shower
  • Granite vanity with magnifying mirror and chair

If you want to see luxurious staterooms, check out Avalon River Cruise

Types of Rooms Available
These 4 types of rooms are available for you on this cruise ship.

  • Officer’s Suite
  • Gracious Staterooms
  • Spacious Suites
  • Opulent Bridge Suites

2) Windstar Cruise Review

The Windstar is an elegant yacht that can accommodate 148 guests. With four decks and a total tonnage of 5,307, the Windstar feels like your own little boat. Windstars have a very open teak deck, which is very rare for small boats.

Guests will find hidden corners for private moments and feel like they are on their private terraces. All cabins offer sea views, queen-size beds, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, and Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods. The owner suite has a seating area.

What Does It Include?
The ship includes the following facilities.

  • Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
  • Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
  • Flat Screen TV with DVD Player
  • Fully Stocked Mini Bar/Refrigerator
  • Safe
  • Direct Dial Phone
  • L’Occitane Bath Amenities
  • Fresh Flowers
  • Fresh Fruit
  • Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
  • Wi-Fi (internet cards can be purchased at reception)
  • Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
  • Bathroom with granite countertop and shower
  • Granite vanity with magnifying mirror and chair

Types of Rooms Available
It has only these two kinds of rooms available.

  • Gracious Staterooms
  • Owner’s Suite

3) Windstar Wind Spirit Cruise Reviews

Wind Spirit is a sleek yacht that has a capacity of accommodating 148 guests. With four decks and total tonnes of 5,736. It feels like your own little boat. Wind Spirit has two major restaurants which, I’ve ever seen in some Windstar Wind Spirit Reviews.

The Amphora restaurant serves hearty meals on a plate-by-plate basis at night, while the Veranda restaurant offers a casual buffet and full breakfast and lunch. All dining rooms have open seats. For dinner under the stars, book a candle that serves steak and kebab. Wind Spirit facilities include Wind Spa, water sports platform, lounge, library, swimming pool, and hot tub.

What Does It Include?
The ship has the following features.

  • Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
  • Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
  • Flat Screen TV with DVD Player
  • Fully Stocked Mini Bar/Refrigerator
  • Safe
  • Direct Dial Phone
  • L’Occitane Bath Amenities
  • Fresh Flowers
  • Fresh Fruit
  • Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
  • Wi-Fi (internet cards can be purchased at reception)
  • Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
  • Bathroom with granite countertop and shower
  • Granite vanity with magnifying mirror and chair

Types of Rooms Available
It has only these 2 types of rooms available.

  • Gracious Staterooms
  • Owner’s Suite

4) Windstar Star Pride Reviews

As of July 6, 2021, the full-suite vessel has been refurbished as part of the $ 250 million Star Plus initiative to provide more of what guests love. The new public area includes 2 new eateries, a new spa, an infinity pool, and a fitness center. Mostly, Windstar Cruises Star Pride reviews are positive, except a few negative ones,

The ship also features all-new bathrooms in each suite and a new category of newly designed StarSuites. With sea views and the convenience of over 277 square feet, Star pride is the perfect boat to see glaciers and fjords drift from the tranquility of the suite.

What Does It Include?
Following facilities are included in Windstar.

  • Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
  • Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
  • Flat Screen TV with DVD Player
  • Fully Stocked Mini Bar/Refrigerator
  • Safe
  • Direct Dial Phone
  • L’Occitane Bath Amenities
  • Fresh Flowers
  • Fresh Fruit
  • Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
  • Wi-Fi (internet cards can be purchased at reception)
  • Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
  • Bathroom with granite countertop and shower
  • Granite vanity with magnifying mirror and chair

Types of Rooms Available
Here are the categories in which the rooms of the ship are divided into.

  • Classic Suites
  • Star Category Suites
  • Gracious Ocean View Rooms
  • Owner’s Suite Midship
  • Owner’s Suites Forward

5) Windstar Star Breeze Reviews

Star Breeze is big enough to spoil and entertain you, but small enough to slip into a charming little harbor or hidden bay that no one else can reach. Beginning January 19, the suite has been refurbished as part of the $ 250 million Star Plus initiative to provide more of what our customers love. New public space includes two new eateries, a new spa, an infinity pool, and a fitness center.

The ship also features all-new bathrooms in each suite and a new category of newly designed StarSuites. With sea views and over 277 square meters of comfort, the Star Breeze is the perfect boat to watch glaciers and fjords drift past the tranquility of the suite.

What Does It Include?
In our Windstar Sea Breeze reviews, the ship includes the following features.

  • Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
  • Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
  • Flat Screen TV with DVD Player
  • Fully Stocked Mini Bar/Refrigerator
  • Safe
  • Direct Dial Phone
  • L’Occitane Bath Amenities
  • Fresh Flowers
  • Fresh Fruit
  • Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
  • Wi-Fi (internet cards can be purchased at reception)
  • Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
  • Bathroom with granite countertop and shower
  • Granite vanity with magnifying mirror and chair

Types of Rooms Available
Here are the rooms available on this cruise.

  • Owner’s Suites Forward
  • Star Category Suites
  • Owner’s Suite Midship
  • Gracious Ocean View Suites
  • Classic Suites

6) Windstar Star Legend Reviews

As of March 1, 2021, the suite has been refurbished as part of the $ 250 million Star Plus initiative to provide more of what our customers love. New public space includes two new eateries, a new spa, an elevated pool, and a fitness center. The ship also features a new category of star suites with all new bathrooms and new designs in each suite.

With sea views and the comfort of a suite of at least 277 square meters, Star Legend is the perfect vessel for navigating the tranquility of the suite in Daniel and the scenic fjords. In Windstar Star Legend cruise reviews, it’s time to have a look at some activities on the ship.

What Does It Include?
This ship has the following facilities on it.

  • Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
  • Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
  • Flat Screen TV with DVD Player
  • Fully Stocked Mini Bar/Refrigerator
  • Safe
  • Direct Dial Phone
  • L’Occitane Bath Amenities
  • Fresh Flowers
  • Fresh Fruit
  • Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
  • Wi-Fi (internet cards can be purchased at reception)
  • Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
  • Bathroom with granite countertop and shower
  • Granite vanity with magnifying mirror and chair

Types of Rooms Available
The categories of available rooms include.

  • Owner’s Suites Forward
  • Star Category Suites
  • Owner’s Suite Midship
  • Gracious Ocean View Suites
  • Classic Suites

Windstar cruises go to a lot of places, as mentioned before. From Alaska to Australia, Canada, Italy, and Tahiti, these small cruises visit almost every popular place in the world. But some itineraries are more popular than others. So let’s have a look at the reviews for Windstar Cruises for their most popular excursions.

Most-Popular-Excursion-Reviews-of-Windstar-Cruises

Windstar Tahiti Cruise Reviews
If you’ve never seen Tahiti, plan to ride a Windstar yacht that suits your sailing style, not to mention six. Everything is paradise, but you decide how you want to live it. Ride the Wind Spirit, a classic yacht that serves just 148 guests, or discover the island from the newly refurbished 312-star Star Plus yacht, Star Breeze.

Let’s have a look at the Windstar Tahiti reviews.

17 Days in Paradise
“Quick back round. This was our 37 cruise, the 6th to Tahiti, once on Princess, 2 on Oceania, 1 on Wind Star, and 1 on Holland America. This 17 days on Wind Spirit were far and away the best for the following reasons. Wind Spirit at most has only had 140 passengers.…. You should make a point to get out and mingle with the Tahitians away from the crowds. They are honest, friendly, and even thru we don’t speak French or Tahitian they do like to spend time with you.”

However, there are only a few Windstar cruises Tahiti reviews that are showing a bad customer experience. Let’s have a look at one.

MISREPRESENTED-Ship NEVER SAILED!
“This was advertised as a “sailing” ship,” filling its sails with the tradewinds of Tahiti” in every advertisement, and we fell for it. As experienced sailors on a 40′ sailboat, San Diego to Hawaii and back, pacific northwest, central America and panama canal, we know sailing. The feeble efforts to make this look like sailing consisted of releasing tiny pieces of storm jib-type sails for photo purposes, playing a sailing song, and departing port…….We have taken tours with Viking and their customer service far exceeded the haphazard approach found on Windstar. Their sales staff, of course, was charming and helpful. Never again!!!”

Windstar Greek Cruise Reviews
Acropolis at sunset. Moonlight in the old Celsus Library in Ephesus. The sugar cane house in Santorini is shining in the afternoon sun. An unparalleled experience continues, with an elegant white boat offering front row seats as if you were crossing your arms in a Siltaki dance.

The famous windmill of Mykonos is put in the lens. Enjoy delicious meze and ouzo under the bluish blue sky. You lose yourself wonderfully in the medieval alleys of Monemvasia. Live in the kingdom of God for a while. It’s time to have a look at the Windstar cruises Greek Isles reviews.

Worst cruise in 40 years
“Booked this cruise due to itinerary and being a small ship. The whole cruise was terrible starting with the ship not arriving into New York at 1 pm instead we boarded at 11.30 pm. Our first port of call was cancelled with a $55 refund !.….. The cruise was a total nightmare with the detailed credit on our final statement never refunded. In 40 years of cruising this was just the worst ever.”

Greek Island Holiday
“Booked this island cruise long in advance. The highlight is a candle light dinner in the ancient library of Ephasis. Violin quartet, lovely meal under the stars……The Captain and senior officer in charge of “Hotel services”, essentially all the guest interactions, were involved and interacted well with both pax and crew. We’ve been to Greece a lot; even lived there for a while and this cruise was a very fine way to visit Athens and the islands.”

FAQs For Windstar Cruises

What’s The Cost of Drinks on Windstar Cruises?

Prices of drinks on Windstar cruises vary depending on the ingredients used in them. However, generally, you can expect a drink to be between $8 and $11.

Are Gratuities Included In Windstar Cruise Packages?

The company automatically charges you with gratitude for $12 per head, per day. However, this amount can be adjusted, decreased or increased, at the end of your cruise itinerary.

What Do You Wear on a Windstar Cruise?

The company suggests wearing a “casually elegant” dress for dinners and evenings. For example, men should be wearing slacks and collared shirts. While women should wear sundresses, slacks, and informal cocktail dresses. What’s not allowed on a Windstar cruise ship are shorts, jeans, flip-flops, hats, and T-shirts during the evening.

Is Smoking Allowed on Windstar Cruises?

Yes, you are allowed to smoke on the ship but only in the designated areas. There are one or two lounges and bars where smoking is allowed. All other areas including cabins, cabin balconies, corridors, and pool deck are prohibited from smoking.

1 Comment

  1. Christian October 29, 2021

    Great advice!

    Reply

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