Star Legend is one of Windstar Cruises’ six vessels, all smaller than most cruise ships, with a maximum of 342 passengers. The high staff-to-guest ratio (1:1.5) translates to impeccable service; and while you won’t find the dizzying number of diversions available on mega-ships, the experience is anything but minimal, including the beverages.

Windstar’s expanded new cocktail program draws inspiration from pre-Prohibition to present day, with timeless classics, a martini section, modern riffs, coffee drinks and nightcaps. Standouts include Sailor’s Dream (gin, lemon, basil and blackberry) and Paper Boat (bourbon, Aperol, Benedictine and lemon). I sipped a pre-dinner Vesper while listening to live music in Compass Rose and cooled off with a strawberry Pimm’s cup at the always-hopping pool bar. Signature libations at the restaurants include a smoked cherry old-fashioned at barbecue-focused Star Grill and a sherry sip at modern Spanish Cuadro 44.

Drinks during global itineraries connect guests to their destinations. Think Mediterranean spritzes, a Middle Eastern paloma with za’atar, an aquavit sour in Northern Europe and tiki tipples for French Polynesia sailings. Creative zero-proof cocktails include alcohol-free versions of the mint julep, Painkiller and Pimm’s cup, plus fruit- and herb-infused tonics — perfect for a hydration break from day drinking.

The by-the-glass wine list, comprising 40 global options, is diverse enough to please an Old World or New World palate. I was pleased to find a Sauvignon Blanc from Côtes de Gascogne and a Spanish Albarinho, and a chilled Provence rosé was my best friend during lunch on the deck at Veranda. There’s also a good smattering of dry, earthy reds in addition to lush California Cabs, including a Pays d’Oc Pinot Noir and a few cherry-tinged Chiantis.