There’s something quietly powerful about stepping onto a ship where every face is familiar by the second day and the sea feels close enough to touch. If you’re the sort of traveller who finds yourself clicking through photo galleries, lingering on images of sunlit decks and sparkling water, but tuning out when the details get overwhelming, you’re not alone. For many, the desire to travel begins with a feeling—a vision of a place, a mood, a possibility. Windstar Cruises is built for this dreamer in all of us, offering more than itineraries; they offer the chance to feel truly seen and cared for while you journey.
What drew me in first wasn’t a list of inclusions, but the memory of my own time aboard the Star Legend—a journey from Singapore to Bali that still lives in my senses. I remember the hum of conversation drifting from the small bar as dusk settled, the gentle sway as we slipped through tropical straits, and the hush of early morning coffee on a nearly empty deck. Windstar’s ships are intimate—far from the floating cities you might picture. Each vessel, whether it’s the sleek Star Breeze or the graceful sailing ship Wind Star, is sized for connection: with the ocean, with fellow guests, and with the places you visit.
I’ve stood on these decks as both a guest and an observer, inspecting the details that matter: the sparkle of polished wood, the warmth of a staff member’s greeting, the way a meal arrives just as you begin to wonder what might be on offer that night. Food isn’t just plentiful; it’s memorable. Plates arrive fragrant and colourful, with flavours that echo the ports you visit. Service is quietly attentive—never stiff, always human.
If your idea of adventure is less about ticking boxes and more about finding moments that linger long after you’re home, Windstar understands. The ships are small by design, creating space for genuine encounters—the kind where you might end up sharing a table at sunset with new friends, or quietly journaling in a corner of the library, unhurried and unobserved.
That scale means ports that bigger ships can’t reach. You step off onto quiet wharves and into towns that aren’t crowded with tourists. It’s the kind of travel that feels almost private, but never isolating. The staff remember your name. The world feels closer, the experience more personal.
Travelling this way is about collecting sensations: the salt on your lips after a swim, the sound of sails unfurling, the way the light changes across the water hour by hour. There’s a kind of magic in these details—the kind you can’t plan for, but remember forever.
Whether you’re sailing along the South American coast, tracing history through the South Pacific, or simply watching the horizon from your favourite spot on deck, Windstar lets you move at your own pace. There’s no rush, no pressure to join every activity or follow a schedule that fills every moment. It’s a style of travel that celebrates curiosity, comfort, and the pleasure of simply being present.
These are iconic, four-masted sailing yachts that provide an intimate and authentic sailing experience. They are known for their smaller cabins and limited public spaces but offer a unique charm with their sails.
These are upscale, all-suite ships that offer a more traditional small ship cruising experience, complete with modern amenities and larger cabin spaces.
Windstar Cruises prides itself on offering personalised service and unique itineraries, making it an appealing choice for discerning travellers. Each ship is crafted to deliver a distinct experience while exploring fascinating destinations.
Windstar Cruises is expanding its fleet with the introduction of the new Star Class ships, the Star Seeker and the Star Explorer. These ships mark an exciting addition to their collection, offering modern luxury with an intimate cruising experience.
Launch Date: December 2025
Capacity: 224 guests
The Star Seeker will be the first of the Star Class new builds, representing Windstar's commitment to offering innovative cruising experiences. Guests can expect enhanced amenities and a high crew-to-passenger ratio, ensuring attentive service.
Launch Date: December 2026
Details: While specific details about the Star Explorer are yet to be fully unveiled, it is anticipated to share many features with the Star Seeker, focusing on luxury, modernity, and intimate guest experiences.
Both ships are designed to provide a unique balance of luxury and small-ship intimacy, allowing guests to explore destinations in style and comfort. These additions to the Windstar fleet are sure to appeal to travellers looking for a more exclusive and personalised cruising experience.
Maybe you’re a seasoned cruiser searching for something quieter, or you’re new to ocean travel and want your first experience to feel friendly and manageable. Perhaps you love good food, value attentive service, or just want a journey where you feel truly welcome—Windstar is for you.
If you find yourself daydreaming about next journeys, pinning photos to your vision board, or jotting down notes for “one day,” Windstar’s small ships might just be the place where those quiet wishes become real.
Start dreaming about your next adventure—with Windstar, it’s not about ticking off destinations. It’s about finding a way of travelling that feels just right for you.
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About Julie O'Grady, CLIA Cruise Master, and Exclusively Cruising
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