How Many Ships are in the Windstar Cruises Fleet?
Windstar Cruises has a fleet of six ships, consisting of three Wind Class sail-powered vessels and three Star Class ships that were acquired from Seabourn in 2014. It’s worth noting that one of the Wind Class ships sank in 2003.
For over two decades, Windstar Cruises was renowned for its ships with authentic working sails, which are still part of their fleet today. However, the recent inclusion of three sail-less cruise ships has doubled the size of the fleet, redefining Windstar Cruises as a cruise line known for providing exceptional luxury experiences.
The fleet will grow further with the arrival of two new Star Class ships, Star Seeker in 2025 and Star Explorer in 2026.
What is the Age of the Windstar Ships?
Windstar has a fleet of sailing ships built between 1986 and 1990, making them over 30 years old. Despite their age, these ships maintain a modern feel thanks to regular maintenance and renovation.
The smaller size of some vessels allows them to navigate unique destinations around the world, offering an intimate cruising experience.
What is the Newest Windstar Cruise Ship?
In 1990, Seabourn launched the Star Breeze and Star Legend, which have since become integral parts of the Windstar Cruises fleet.
Both ships have undergone recent upgrades to ensure they meet modern standards of luxury and comfort. This will shift with the introduction of the new Star Seeker and Star Explore.
What is the Smallest Windstar Cruise Ship?
The Wind Star and Wind Spirit are part of the Windstar Cruises fleet, each with a capacity of 148 guests and a volume of 5,307 gross tons. These two ships provide an intimate cruising experience due to their smaller size, ensuring personalized service and luxurious journeys.
Do Windstar Ships Truly Use Sails?
Guests on Windstar’s fleet of sailing ships, including the Wind Spirit, Wind Star, and Wind Surf, enjoy a unique cruising experience. These ships can operate under sails or engine power, depending on conditions.
The combination of traditional sails and modern engines allows Windstar to provide a flexible and luxurious journey for their guests.
Windstar Ships by Size
The Wind Surf is the biggest ship in the Windstar fleet, but the Star-class ships are not much smaller. It’s still unknown if the new Star Class ships will be the same size as the current ones.
The Wind Star and Wind Spirit are the smallest, each with a size of 5,307 GT, which is only about 2% of the largest cruise ship in the world. They can hold up to 148 guests.
In general, Windstar ships don’t carry many passengers, with four ships accommodating between 300 and 350 passengers, while the smallest two have room for only 148 passengers.
5 Windstar Cruise Ships
1: Wind Surf Cruise Ship
- Year Built: 1986
- Class: Wind Class
- Size: 14,745 GT
- Length: 187 m / 617 ft
- Width: 20 m / 66 ft
- Passenger Capacity: 342
The Wind Surf is a renowned sailing cruise ship powered by five generating sets and two propulsion motors. This staysail schooner with four masts offers an exceptional sailing experience. Amphora serves varied cuisine in the main dining room for dinner.
Candles, a speciality restaurant, also offers a varied dinner menu. The Veranda provides a buffet for breakfast and lunch. For a more intimate setting, Stella Bistro offers French cuisine for dinner. In-room dining is available 24/7 for ultimate convenience.
2: Star Pride Cruise Ship
- Year Built: 1988
- Class: Star Class
- Size: 12,995 GT
- Length: 159 m / 522 ft
- Width: 19 m / 63 ft
- Passenger Capacity: 312
Windstar Cruises offers an exceptional experience with their fleet of luxurious cruise ships, including the Seabourn Pride, which was one of the first in its class. After being transformed into the Star Pride, this vessel continues to deliver top-tier service.
Originally built by German shipbuilders, these three ships are renowned for their elegance and quality. Seabourn Cruise Line initially operated the Seabourn Pride, setting a high standard in the industry.
“Cuadro 44 offers a delightful Spanish menu for dinner, providing a rich culinary experience. Meanwhile, the Star Grill serves BBQ dishes throughout the day, available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring a tasty meal at any time.”
3: Star Breeze Windstar Cruise Ship
- Year Built: 1988
- Class: Star Class
- Size: 12,995 GT
- Length: 159 m / 522 ft
- Width: 19 m / 63 ft
- Passenger Capacity: 312
Windstar Cruises has a rich history of operating elegant cruise ships. The Star Breeze, a luxury liner, is a testament to this tradition. Originally built in 1989, it underwent significant refurbishments in 2005 to enhance its offerings.
This German-engineered vessel has garnered praise from prestigious publications like Condé Nast. As a cruise ship, it sails through breathtaking destinations in Europe and Africa, providing guests with unforgettable experiences.
The Star Grill offers a delicious BBQ menu available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on selected occasions, ensuring guests have a delightful dining experience throughout the day.
4: Star Legend Cruise Ship
- Year Built: 1990
- Class: Star Class
- Size: 12,995 GT
- Length: 159 m / 522 ft
- Width: 19 m / 63 ft
- Passenger Capacity: 312
The Star Legend, a cruise ship crafted by Schichau-Seebeckwerft in Bremerhaven, Germany, is operated by Windstar Cruises. She shares her design with her identical sister ships, the Star Pride and Star Breeze, all of which were designed by Petter Yran and Bjorn Storbraaten.
The Main Dining Room offers a varied menu for dinner, providing guests with a diverse dining experience. The Veranda serves a buffet for both breakfast and lunch, ensuring a wide selection of dishes to satisfy different tastes.
5: Wind Spirit Cruise Ship
- Year Built: 1988
- Class: Wind class
- Size: 5,307 GT
- Length: 5,307 GT
- Width: 15.8 m / 52 ft
- Passenger Capacity: 148
Windstar Cruises’ Wind Spirit is a motor sailing yacht with four masts and a sophisticated sail system. This cruise ship belongs to Windstar’s esteemed class of vessels.
With three elegant decks, the Wind Spirit provides an unforgettable journey, whether you’re on deck one or exploring other areas.
The Main Dining Room offers a varied menu and is open for dinner, providing a delightful dining experience. Candles is a speciality restaurant with a varied menu, also open for dinner. The Veranda serves a buffet for both breakfast and lunch, ensuring a wide selection of dishes for all tastes.
Entertainment on Windstar Cruise Ships
Windstar Cruises offers an exceptional entertainment experience, with evening entertainment that is second to none. Each itinerary includes a wide range of activities, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
The crew brings the vibrant culture of the destinations onboard, featuring music, dancing, and talent shows that showcase their skills. Guest speakers are invited to deliver insightful lectures on various topics, enhancing the overall experience.
Many of the ships have comfortable lounges where passengers can relax and enjoy the ambiance. The entertainment area becomes a hub of activity, creating memorable moments for everyone.
What is The Best Windstar Cruise Ship?
The ideal Windstar ship varies based on individual preferences. If you’re seeking a classic sailing ship experience, the Wind-class vessels are perfect, with the Wind Surf ship being the largest, though it hosts more guests.
For those desiring the most modern ships, the Star-class ships are the way to go. Some passengers may prefer the very small sizes of the Wind Star and Wind Spirit, while others might enjoy the broader range of dining choices on the larger ships.
If a balcony in your room is essential, opt for a Star-class ship and ensure you select a top suite to enjoy a full veranda.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much Windstar Cruises Crew Salary?
The average hourly wage for a Windstar Cruises crew member is $17.46. Additionally, the salary for the Windstar Cruises crew can vary based on geographic location.
What are some Affordable Small Cruise Ships?
Azamara Club Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, and Hurtigruten offer affordable small ship experiences with all-inclusive packages, providing great value for intimate and destination-focused cruises. These lines cater to travelers seeking luxury and adventure without the high costs.
How Expensive is Windstar?
Experience the ultimate convenience and value with Windstar Cruises prices starting at just $89 per guest per day. This all-inclusive fare includes Wi-Fi, unlimited beer, wine, cocktails, and gratuities. Alternatively, you can opt for a la carte purchases.
How Old is The Windstar Cruise Ships Star Breeze?
Star Breeze, formerly Seabourn Spirit, is a luxury cruise ship constructed in Germany in 1989. Now owned by Windstar Cruises, it travels on routes between Europe and Africa.
Are Windstar Cruise Ships Star Pride For Old People?
Though children aged 8 and older are welcome, you won’t find many on these luxury vessels. Most Windstar passengers are active seniors, often traveling as couples, friends, or solo adventurers, seeking a destination-focused voyage on ships where they can enjoy a more personal experience without large crowds.