LONG REGARDED AS AMONG the finest small-ship cruise lines, Windstar made its name with its first three ships, the 148-passenger Wind Star and Wind Spirit and the 312-passenger Wind Surf, each featuring computer-controlled sails. Three more conventional 212-passenger boutique ships were recently added to the fleet: Star Pride (2014), Star Legend (2015) and Star Breeze (2015). Together, the six ships now call on some 300 ports in 80 countries, taking passengers to places larger luxury ships do not go, from Little Bay on Montserrat to Surtsey Island in Iceland, while remaining true to the Windstar motto, “180 degrees from ordinary.”
The ambience is stylish but smart and casual, yacht-like, relaxed and intimate. The 1.5-to-1 guest-to-staff ratio ensures attentive, personalized service. The Bridge is always open and the captain on hand to field questions. A water sports platform provides free equipment, as the weather and seas permit, from kayaks, paddleboards, sailboats and sailboards to water trampolines and even water skis. The cuisine reflects that of top American bistros. Windstar, the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, often features its award-winning chefs aboard, especially on the numerous special culinary cruises offered each year.
Worldwide destinations include Alaska, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe; Asia and the South Pacific; and the American West Coast, Mexico, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal. While not an “all-inclusive” luxury cruise line, Windstar now offers an All-in Package that covers gratuities, WiFi access, laundry service and beverages (all wines by glass, minibar drinks and many cocktails) for $89 per person, per day.
In a novel twist, Windstar Cruises expanded its fleet this year not by number, but by length. Come November 2020, Windstar will have stretched three of its existing vessels (Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride) 84 feet each at midships, increasing capacity from 212 to 312 passengers and adding 50 new suites, an infinity pool, a spa and fitness center, new bathrooms all around, a central elevator and two 90-passenger tenders. If you can do without sails, these expanded ships will do nicely indeed.
The newly lengthened Star Breeze hits the water March 20, 2020, with a Miami-to-Panama cruise, followed by three Costa Rica/Panama trips; a Baja cruise; a James Beard Foundation culinary cruise from San Diego to Vancouver; 10 Alaska cruises May through August; and, closing out 2020, voyages to China, Korea and Japan. The “new” Star Legend debuts July 2, 2020, with a Barcelona-to-Lisbon voyage. It then heads up Europe’s Atlantic Coast to Iceland and ends up exploring the Mediterranean with cruises to Greece, Venice, the French Riviera, İstanbul, Alexandria and the less-visited Corinth Canal.
Read This Next

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jun 20, 2025Hong Kong International Airport Reveals Redesign of The Bridge Lounge
The Bridge — Cathay Pacific’s stylish, oasis-like lounge at Hong Kong International Airport — is once again available to travelers. The Bridge is located close to Departure Gate 35 in Terminal 1. Along with a traditional, staffed check-in desk, guests will soon be able to choose the option of a biometric check-in system. Inside, architectural and design features include cherry wood, black granite, travertine and framed screens, along with original artwors from Cathay Pacific’s own award-winning Gallery in the Skies.
Sponsored Content
Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November
Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.
Daily
Jun 20, 2025World’s First Runway Sauna Opens at Helsinki Airport for Unique Campaign
The world’s first runway sauna opened for just one day this month at Helsinki Airport in Finland. In a country with more than 3 million saunas, this runway sauna may just be another in the country, but it served as a symbol of Finnish happiness and wellbeing.
June 2025
Jun 20, 2025The Majors Make Summer Tops for Tennis Fans
The world’s four most important annual professional tennis tournaments, collectively known as the Grand Slam, take place during the warmer months, so why not tack a Major onto your vacation?
Sponsored Content
Sail Unique with Explora Journeys
SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.
Daily
Jun 20, 20253 Hotels with Luxury Fly-Fishing Experiences
Peak fly-fishing season is underway, making it the perfect time to book a getaway to one of these three luxury resorts with fly-fishing experiences.
The Spa at Terranea Debuts $4.5 Million Renovation
Daily
Jun 19, 2025Don’t Miss These 5 Exceptional Museums in Budapest
Daily
Jun 18, 2025W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal Review
eFlyer Reviews
Jun 18, 2025eFlyer News
Jun 18, 2025United Airlines Launches First Non-Stop Service Between United States and Greenland in 20 Years
The first non-stop service between the United States and Greenland in 20 years is officially underway thanks to United Airlines. The airline launched the new route June 15, connecting Newark Liberty International Airport with Nuuk International Airport.
Sponsored Content
Three New Routes from TAP Air Portugal as Airline Celebrates 80 Years
TAP Air Portugal offers three new routes to Portugal: from Boston (BOS) to Porto (OPO), Los Angeles (LAX) to Lisbon (LIS) and San Francisco (SFO) to Terceira (TER) in the Azores.
eFlyer News
Jun 18, 2025Radisson Collection Debuts in France in Lyon
Cour des Loges Lyon, A Radisson Collection Hotel, marks Radisson Collection’s debut in France. Part of Radisson Hotel Group, the luxury lifestyle brand opens in Lyon’s historic center in the UNESCO-listed Vieux Lyon district. The site alone dates back to the 14th century, connecting six interior courtyards across several buildings.
ShareThis