windsurf sailing yacht

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• Windstar Cruises

Former name: Club Med 1

Cruise line Windstar Cruises

• Philipsburg St Maarten (Netherlands Antilles)
• Civitavecchia-Rome (Italy)
• Venice (Marghera, Italy)
• Barcelona (Spain)
• Lisbon (Portugal)

Wind Surf current position

Wind Surf current location is at Caribbean Sea (coordinates 17.89562 N / -62.86707 W) cruising en route to BL SBH. The AIS position was reported 2 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Wind Surf

Wind Surf current cruise is 14 days, round-trip Star Collector Caribbean Explorations . Prices start from USD 8699 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 09 Mar, 2024 and ends on 23 Mar, 2024 .

Specifications of Wind Surf

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Wind Surf Itineraries

Wind surf review, review of wind surf.

The 1989-built (as "Club Med 1") cruise ship Wind Surf is the last of the three Windstar sailing yachts, together with the fleetmates Wind Spirit and Wind Star . These cruise ships are 4-masted schooners, uniquely designed for tall sailing cruises.

The vessel (IMO number 8700785) is currently Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 309242000) and registered in Nassau .

History - construction and ownership

Windstar Cruises is a luxury brand operating a fleet of smaller-sized ships (mega-yachts) with capacity up to 310 passengers. The company call at 150 ports throughout the Caribbean, Central America, South Pacific, Asia, Europe. Currently, Windstar is a subsidiary of Xanterra Parks and Resorts (USA's largest national and state park concession management company).

The 310-passenger ship Wind Surf was built as "Club Med I" and served as a "motor sailing yacht" alternative for the French resort company. It is amazingly crafted with 2320 m2 (25000 ft2) of computer-controlled sails and a ballast-water stabilizing technology that keeps the vessel leveled during navigation.

When Windstar Cruises acquired the ship in 1998, its passenger capacity was reduced to 78 to make room for new onboard facilities, such as a large spa and an alternative dining venue. These additions are not available on the company's smaller ships Wind Star and Wind Spirit.

The following YouTube drone video shows the ship approaching Portrush Northern Ireland on June 26, 2017. Unfortunately, the sails are down.

Decks and Cabins

Wind Surf staterooms (171 total, in 7 grades) include 21x Suites and 150x Oceanview Deluxe cabins. All staterooms are with modern amenities including fully-stocked minibars, Wi-Fi Internet, smart HDTVs (infotainment system), spacious wardrobe (with electronic safe box), phone (direct dial), large bathroom (single-sink granite countertop vanity, WC-toilet, L'Occitane bath products, rain showerheads, luxury towels), premium bedding sets (top-quality pillows and linens), fresh fruits and flowers.

The boat has 6 decks , all of which are passenger-accessible and 4 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The speciality restaurant on Wind Surf was transformed into an elegant French Bistro. During the day, dress on board is casual. In the evenings, expect "country-club casual" attire, with men wearing collared shirts and women in pantsuits. There are no formal nights onboard Windstar Cruises ships. No tank tops or bathing suits are allowed at dinner.

Follows the complete list of Wind Surf restaurants and food bars.

• AmphorA Restaurant (ship’s dining room, open-seating; offers 5-course gourmet dinner menu which is changed daily; along with onboard-made bread, in all ports of call the executive chef goes to the local markets to shop for fresh ingredients)
• Candles Cafe & Veranda (a smaller “dining room” which offers buffet-style breakfast and lunch, as well as a la carte menu through the wait staff; its indoor area is called “Candles Cafe” and features floor-ceiling panoramic windows; the outdoor seating area is called “Veranda” - in the evenings, it transforms into “Candles Grill” al-fresco steakhouse).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

One would think that a "motor sailing yacht," full with 5 masts and 7 sails, and with a guest capacity of only 308, would be a small and comfortable little cruise vessel. But Windstar Cruises' Wind Surf cruise ship is surprisingly large, feeling much bigger inside than any passenger would expect. To make finding a way around simple, all entertainment and dining areas are on the top three decks.

Restaurants are located forward, indoor and outdoor bars are facing aft. The casino and main lounge are midship on the Main Deck – there is the famous Yacht Club, functioning as a coffee bar, library and Internet cafe. The Surf ship’s fitness centre is a deck higher. Most of the public areas feature expansive sea views, though the spa, which is an exception, is tucked away on Deck 2 aft.

Follows the complete list of Wind Surf lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• The Marina (retractable water sports platform for water skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking; the ship provides a banana boat, waterski boat, sea kayaks, Sunfish sailboats, wakeboards, boards for windsurfing, paddleboards, scuba diving and snorkeling equipment, plus Zodiacs; the steel cage forms a swimming pool in the sea)
• Lounge (ship’s theatre/main show lounge for live evening entertainment); Library
• Stella Bistro; Compass Rose Bar; Terrace Bar; Nautilus Room
• Yacht Club Sandwich & Espresso Bar
• The Signature Shop/Boutique Shop (sells duty-free luxury fashion clothing and accessories)
• The Casino (with blackjack/roulette gambling tables, slot machines)
• WindSpa (operated by Steiner; has a treatment room, Sauna and Beauty Salon. “Spa Under the Stars” program offers spa treatments out on the deck)
• The Fitness Center (with free weights, exercycles and treadmills; offers complimentary exercise classes)
• Pool Area (with one swimming pool, two whirlpools, the sunbathing area served by the Pool Bar).

Itineraries

Wind Surf itinerary program is based on Caribbean cruises leaving roundtrip from St Maarten Island (Port Philipsburg) and also Mediterranean and Baltic Sea cruises, with Transatlantic repositioning crossings between Europe and the Caribbean Sea.

Wind Surf - user reviews and comments

Photos of wind surf.

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Other Windstar Cruises cruise ships

• Star Breeze
• Star Legend
• Wind Spirit

Wind Surf Wiki

Wind Surf cruise ship was built with a modern design, but still features sails on masts that are handled via a sophisticated computer program. This is relatively bigger tall ship with 5 masts, while Wind Star and Wind Spirit have 4 masts each.

Wind Surf has a complicated history in and out of Windstar. The company had plans to order two sailing ships with two times bigger passenger capacity. However, Holland America Line (the previous owner of Windstar Cruises) cancelled these plans. The building project, supported by the French government, resulted in two new ships for the Club Med cruise line under the names Club Med I and Club Med II. In 1998, Windstar bought back Club Med 1, and renamed it to "Wind Surf".

The yacht's design is based on smaller 5,350-ton motor sailing yachts constructed by the French shipbuilding company "Societe Nouvelle des Ateliers et Chantiers du Havre". Among those are the Windstar sail ships Wind Spirit and Wind Star and also Club Med 2 .

In 2012, Windstar Cruises completed an extensive (18-month long) ship refurbishment project for renovations of company's all three sail yachts - Wind Surf, Wind Star and Wind Spirit . Works included overhauls of all passenger staterooms, dining venues, public spaces, as well as new sails.

In 2018, Windstar Cruises offered booking of a 51-day "Grand Mediterranean" back-to-back cruise (itinerary July 7 to August 27, 2019) from Lisbon to Barcelona. The itinerary combined 6 smaller itineraries (7- to 10-days each) and visited a total of 40 Mediterranean ports (in Portugal, Spain, Gibraltar, Malta, Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Turkey, Monaco and France). The cruise was listed as one of the company's "Star Collectors Voyages" combining shorter itineraries. These deals are inclusive of complimentary laundry package (per stateroom) throughout the voyage.

Wind Surf drydock refurbishment 2019 review

During the ship's 20-day long drydock refurbishment (November 8-28) at Navantia Shipyard ( Cadiz, Spain ), the vessel's passenger capacity was increased from 310 to 342. The project also included suite modifications (decks 3 and 5) and redesigning the wellness complex (spa and gym).

On Deck 3, the 12x aft-facing suites were resized (halved) as on Club Med 1. All the 3x Bridge Deck suites were redesigned and fully renovated. The forward-starboard Bridge Suite was renamed "Officer's Suite". The WindSpa was moved from Deck 2 (aft) to Deck 5 (midship).

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Each of Windstar Cruises yachts accommodates between 148 to 342 guests. This intimacy provides you with the luxuries of time, space, and freedom to immerse yourself in both the journey and the destination - in ways you may never have imagined possible.

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Wind Surf Overview

The Wind Surf is perhaps the most impressive of Windstar’s sailing yachts, and with space for 310 guests, she’s certainly the largest. However, the 191 crew members – and nearly 2:3 crew to guest ratio – guarantee that the Wind Surf’s service remains as astounding as would be found on Windstar’s smaller ships. Onboard, take advantage of the Wind Surf’s stunning public spaces – like the watersports platform, fitness center, WindSpa, pool, Terrace Bar, Compass Rose and more – or retreat to your luxurious suite for some rest and relaxation. Recently refurbished, the beautiful Wind Surf is primed to carry you and yours to unique destinations around the world. Contact one of our cruise experts to learn more about the Wind Surf and to find the perfect itinerary for you and yours.

• Passenger Capacity: 342 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 1990
• Last Refurbished: 2019

Wind Surf Cruise Destinations

Visit unforgettable destinations in 50 different nations with Windstar Cruises. Enjoy memorable and enlightening experiences in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, the South Pacific, the Caribbean and Central America. With Windstar’s smaller ships, you’ll call at ports that larger cruise ships can’t reach – giving you unique access to these regions’ hidden gems. Continue below to learn more about each of Windstar’s destinations or contact one of our expert cruise consultants to start planning your unique small-ship voyage with Windstar.

Sail away to the sun-soaked islands of the Caribbean for a unique tropical retreat with Windstar Cruises.

Dining in elegance on a James Beard Foundation Culinary cruise, attending VIP events at the Monaco Grand Prix, or skipping the lines to the Sistine Chapel are all possible on a themed cruise or cruise tour with Windstar Cruises.

Mediterranean

Explore lands of Old World charm and never-ending beauty with a Mediterranean cruise aboard Windstar Cruises.

Mexican Riviera

Pristine beaches, picturesque palms and vibrant cultures welcome Windstar Cruises to the Mexican Riviera.

Transatlantic

Sail across the Atlantic Ocean with Windstar Cruises' luxurious yachts or sail ships and enjoy a relaxing voyage like no other.

Wind Surf Departure Ports

Windstar Cruises’ unique small ships sail all over the world from a wide array of departure ports. For instance, you can depart from some of the world’s most distinguished cities like Athens, Dubai, Singapore, London, Stockholm, Hong Kong, Rome and Venice. You’ll also find smaller or more exotic departure ports, such as Papeete, Bridgetown, Philipsburg and Colon. But no matter where your cruise embarks, you’ll always know what you’re sailing towards – an unforgettable and totally unique small-ship experience.

Port Of Oranjestad, Aruba, Caribbean

Enjoy pristine beaches, lots of fun activities and perfect weather year-round in the Dutch island of Aruba.

Bridgetown, Barbados

Barbados, where the weather is impeccable, the beaches are beautiful and the food is fantastically fresh.

Learn about the Greek gods and the early philosophy of Socrates when you visit the incredible ruins left in Athens, Greece. At night, go out and take in the culture with the modern Athenians.

Cozumel, Mexico

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has deep cultural roots that are exposed through ruins and museum artifacts. Cruise to Lisbon and discover the culture and history of Portugal in its capital city.

A cruise to Civitavecchia is a chance for you to hop a quick train to Rome and explore the enormous history through ruins, galleries and The Vatican museums.

Experience the serene, romantic splendor of Venice, but don’t forget to check out its wonderful museums and neighborhoods located off the Grand Canal.

Discover imaginative architecture, impressive Spanish dishes and beautiful excursions into nature when you cruise to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

Colon, Panama

Colon, this historically important city is a gateway to the Panama Canal and full of Latin charm and New World history. 

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Offering both French and Dutch experiences, St. Maarten is a leading destination in the Caribbean. You can always find exciting and interesting activities for everyone on this friendly island.

Cernobbio, Italy

Discover the wonder of Lake Como and the mountains of Italy when your cruise or cruise tour departs from Cernobbio, Italy.

Wind Surf Deck Plans

Bridge deck, wind surf staterooms.

Oceanview (A)

Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 188 square feet of beautifully designed comfort. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) is swathed in luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Before or after you enjoy an invigorating massage shower with soothing L'Occitane bath products, wrap up in your waffle-weave robe, have a snack from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and smell the flowers.

Oceanview (AX)

Oceanview (b), oceanview (bx), oceanview (tx).

The ultimate in space and style surrounds you in 495 square feet of pure indulgence. Separate bedroom and living room with an in-suite dining area is an invitation to relaxation. And possibly best of all, your expansive bathroom features both a whirlpool spa tub and a massage shower.

With 376 square feet, you'll find the perfect space for time together - and plenty of room for time to yourself. You'll even enjoy two full separate bathrooms. All the amenities of the staterooms await you, plus a beautiful sitting area, and two flat-screen television sets with DVD players.

Photo Gallery for Wind Surf Cruise Ship

Enjoy a preview of the completely unique and utterly luxurious Windstar cruising experience in the following photo gallery. You’ll quickly see that Windstar Cruises’ fleet is like no other, with some ships boasting towering masts with billowing sails. You’ll also catch a glimpse of Windstar’s amazing destinations, many of which can only be experienced by the fleet’s intimate yachts.

Windstar's Wind Surf

Sundeck aboard Wind Surf

Suite aboard Wind Surf

Accommodations aboard Wind Surf

Service aboard Wind Surf

Lounge Stage aboard Wind Surf

Lounge Bar aboard Wind Surf

Compass Rose Lounge aboard Wind Surf

Corridor aboard Wind Surf

Open Bridge aboard Wind Surf

Fine dining aboard Wind Surf

Exterior of Windstar's Wind Surf

Top 10 Wind Surf Cruises

• Wind Surf Atlantic Interludes & Iberian Indulgences 22C PH1-BCN (Mar 30 2024) Departing From Philipsburg, St. Maarten (Mar 2024)
• Wind Surf Ocean Crossing + Ponta Delgada, Azores 14D PH1-LIS (Mar 30 2024) Departing From Philipsburg, St. Maarten (Mar 2024)
• Wind Surf Riviera Rhapsody 23D LIS-VCE (Apr 13 2024) Departing From Lisbon, Portugal (Apr 2024)
• Wind Surf Enchantment of the Western Med 15D LIS-CVV (Apr 13 2024) Departing From Lisbon, Portugal (Apr 2024)
• Wind Surf Spanish Symphony 8D LIS-BCN (Apr 13 2024) Departing From Lisbon, Portugal (Apr 2024)
• Wind Surf Yachtmans Harbors of the Rivieras 7D BCN-CVV (Apr 21 2024) Departing From Barcelona, Spain (Apr 2024)
• Wind Surf Italian Trio 15D BCN-VCE (Apr 21 2024) Departing From Barcelona, Spain (Apr 2024)
• Wind Surf Classic Italy & The Dalmatian Coast 8D CVV-VCE (Apr 28 2024) Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (Apr 2024)
• Wind Surf Classic Italy & The Dalmatian Coast 8D VCE-CVV (May 6 2024) Departing From Venice, Italy (May 2024)
• Wind Surf Cultures & Charms of Italy & Croatia 18C CVV-VCE (May 28 2024) Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (May 2024)

Learn More About Windstar Cruises

Accessibility

Learn about Windstar Cruises' handicap accessible cruises and accommodations for guests with disabilities or special needs, including mobility issues.

Savor dining aboard Windstar Cruises, including Star Grill , AmphorA , Stella Bistro , Candles Grill and more—all included with your cruise fare.

Entertainment

Enjoy Windstar Cruises' onboard entertainment, including live music at Compass Rose, informative port lectures, destination briefings, dancing and more.

Onboard Activities

Engage in Windstar Cruises' onboard activities, including an onboard Watersports Platform, WindSpa, pool, library, fitness center and duty-free shopping.

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Learn how Windstar Cruises' staff and crew take care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view Windstar Cruises' awards.

Spa & Fitness

Unwind in Windstar Cruises' fitness center and WindSpa, offering massages, facials, herbal wraps and more.

Special Events

Learn about Windstar Cruises' special themed cruises. Themes include wine and food, the Grand Prix and more.

Explore Windstar Cruises' ship staterooms, including suites, deluxe balconies and deluxe oceanviews staterooms, as well as the luxurious Owners Suites.

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Learn about cruising with children aboard Windstar Cruises' intimate ships.

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Windstar Cruises Wind Surf Review

The romance and allure of the seven seas are alive and well aboard this five-masted sailing yacht..

Updated February 20, 2016

On any horizon, Wind Surf cuts a fetching profile. With bright white sheets enveloping more than a half-acre of surface across five masts, a trim hull that slices gamely through the sea, and a bow that looks sharp enough to parry with an iceberg, this elegant motor-sail yacht slinks into the smaller ports of the Caribbean and Europe that bigger cruise ships can only dream about. It’s not a cruise for everyone, and our journey wasn’t perfect, but—spoiler alert—we fell in love with Wind Surf.

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

About Our Cruise

Down below deck, our cabin: oceanview, cabin amenities, other cabins, amphora restaurant, the veranda, stella bistro, candles grill, barbecue dinner, in-room dining, compass rose, terrace bar, wind spa & fitness center, other recreation, shows & entertainment, other venues, kids programs, ship communications, internet facilities, dress codes, laundry facilities, general health & safety, accessibility, smoking policy, tipping and service charges, alcohol policies, loyalty program.

Originally launched in 1984, Windstar Cruises has been owned by various entities, including at one time Holland America Line/Carnival Corp. In 2011, Windstar’s three-ship fleet was acquired by Xanterra Parks and Resorts, a company that manages several storied National Park Service properties. Privately held by Denver-based billionaire Philip Anschutz, Xanterra may have been an ideal match for Windstar. The company set about refurbishing the fleet—$18 million for the three vessels—and in 2013 Xanterra announced it was expanding Windstar by acquiring the three 208-passenger luxury power yachts of Seabourn Cruises, to be phased into the fleet in 2014-15. Suddenly, Windstar Cruises has become a major player in the boutique ship category.

Built in 1990, Wind Surf is the largest and youngest member of the Windstar fleet of tall ships, offering a unique cruising experience for just 312 passengers. In fact, with its twin, Club Med 2 (owned by the Club Méditerranée all-inclusive resort chain), Wind Surf is the largest sailing cruiser at sea. The ship offers Caribbean voyages out of St. Maarten in the winter and spends the balance of the year in the Mediterranean and northern Europe.

{{photo_gallery "Windstar Wind Surf p1 g1"}}

Obviously, a cruise aboard Wind Surf is not exactly comparable to one on today’s modern cruise ships that carry 10 times as many guests. There are a number of things you won’t find: no showroom productions, no Bingo sessions, no children’s facilities, and onboard activities are limited. Though there are elevators, the ship is not very wheelchair-accessible. There’s not even a cruise director—how would we manage?

But there were more similarities than we initially expected. There’s a pool, a gym, a spa and a casino. We had multiple dining options, a DVD library, and bikes were available for rent—perfect for exploring smaller ports. Uniquely, there’s even a marina that unfolds from the stern with kayaks, a Zodiac and windsurf equipment. (On our cruise the marina emerged at one tender port but not at two others, perhaps restricted by local regulations.)

None of Wind Surf’s cabins have balconies, though all have an ocean view. Our quarters were comfortable, with a fresh and contemporary veneer following a December 2012 renovation of the ship. Similarly, the restaurants got a facelift and we found dining to be solid, both better and more diversified than we expected. Entertainment, though limited, was fine for the size of the ship—we particularly enjoyed the vocal/guitar duo with a serious affinity for Mark Knopfler that kept us entertained at the convivial Compass Rose bar.

Alas, there were some areas of our cruise that should have been better. Repairs were conducted on one top deck area during lunch, meaning loud sawing sounds and dust were inescapable for anyone dining at the Veranda (the only restaurant available for lunch). We were disappointed that non-smoking areas were not always enforced. The port side of the pool deck was a designated smoking area, but when several smokers congregated the starboard side was also usually flooded with cigarette smells.

Although service overall was very good, and we appreciate a staff that can recall names and preferences, sometimes it was a bit too informal. This would be a deal-breaker for anyone expecting white-glove coddling. Inappropriate presumptuousness was particularly a problem for one crewmember.

Now almost a quarter-century old, Wind Surf is getting up in her years. Fortunately, most areas of the ship did not appear in bad shape, though the teak decks up top definitely show their age.

Overall, our cruise aboard Wind Surf was a delight, stirring romantic seafaring notions and delivering us to choice, small ports. True yachties may scoff at Wind Surf’s sea cred—the sails aren’t hoisted by hand, and itineraries are port intensive (sea days are rare, except for trans-Atlantic crossings). But we loved the abundant teak decks, were pleasantly surprised by the dining, and we appreciated the easy-going ambience and attitude of fellow guests. Although it’s not suited for most families with young kids, we’re hard-pressed to think of a better cruise option for a honeymooning couple.

Windstar Cruises is overpromising a bit when they position their line as “the leader in small ship luxury cruising.” Both Seabourn Cruises and Silversea Cruises—for starters—offer a more refined (albeit much more expensive) product. The standard cabins aboard Wind Surf were fine relative to oceanview cabins on mainstream cruise lines, but the accommodations didn’t compare to the entry-level cabins on true luxury ships. It will be interesting to watch how Seabourn’s three smaller ships fare as they are integrated into the Windstar fleet in 2014-15.

But marketing quibbles aside, our Wind Surf journey offered a refreshing change of pace from typical cruises. While some of the service issues we encountered should be addressed, we wouldn’t want stiff, formal ministrations in place of the personalized attention we received from a crew that has been with this line for many years.

We look forward to our next Windstar experience with pleasure, perhaps aboard one of the fleet’s smaller, four-masted ships, Wind Spirit and Wind Star.

Lead photo credit: Danita Delimont/Alamy Of the 158 cabins aboard Wind Surf, 79 percent are Oceanview , which is what we stayed in (described below). All are identical in size and view, the only difference in pricing is based on location (Deck 1 forward and aft being cheapest, Deck 3 being most expensive). There are no Inside or Balcony cabins.

There are 31 Suites located on Deck 3 (except for once unit located on the Bridge Deck). All of the suites were created by combining two standard cabins, and each has two bathrooms. There are also two Bridge Suites located on the Bridge Deck. None of these units have balconies; the units on the Bridge Deck are fronted by public walkways.

Bright white and gleaming like Wind Surf’s sails, we were fairly happy with our cabin, which benefited through the the ship’s December 2012 renovation. We had a pair of porthole-style windows, each 15 inches wide, and fronting the windows was a sheer, which provided adequate privacy when pulled (when we were docked), and there was a curtain that blocked out all light. Our cabin was located on Deck 1, and our cabin floor was even with the outside water level—we felt very close to the sea.

We measured our cabin at about 178 square feet, slightly smaller than the 188 square feet shown on Windstar’s website. With a swank, padded headboard, our bed was a very comfortable mattress, or rather—two mattresses joined together. The seam was concealed by a pillowtop. There were adjustable pillow-level reading lights on either side of the bed—these were like spotlights, perfect for reading when a partner is sleeping. Atop the reading lights were lamps, and additional lighting included fluorescent fixtures above the windows, and recessed ceiling lights—in all, plenty of illumination.

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Next to the bed was a wall cabinet that had a shelf for an alarm clock, and additional empty enclosed shelves for storing small items like books. To the left was another set of shelves that included a phone (out of reach from the bed), a Pioneer DVD player, and a Bose docking station and speaker for an iPod or other compatible accessories (an iPod Nano could be borrowed front the front desk, pre-loaded with a customized playlist). Below was a stocked minibar and fridge; there was an ice bucket, sporadically refilled by our cabin attendant. Left of the cabinet was the closet, which was two compartments, each 22 inches wide. There were 18 wood clothes hangers, two of which had robes for our use; there were also pairs of slippers. While not as large as the closets on most cruise ships, combined with various drawers and shelves it was adequate for two (especially considering the ship’s relaxed dress code). Another pair of cabinets ran along the ceiling facing the bed.

On the opposite wall next to the cabin entry was another built-in feature, a desk with a large mirror above; there were two comfy leather chairs for sitting. There were six drawers, a couple more shelves above, and the TV—a 22-inch Samsung—was mounted here (an array of DVDs was available from the Library to play on the cabin DVD player). There was a single 110-volt (U.S. style) outlet and two 220-volt (European) outlets, all at the desk area (below the TV). On the second day of the cruise we noticed that the U.S. outlet was dead—we reported this to the front desk and it was fixed within a couple hours.

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Though not large, the bathroom had an unusual layout that worked well for us, and had a handsome, polished teak floor. There was a round chamber for the toilet, and facing it was a matching compartment for the shower. Between these chambers was the vanity, a sink set into a granite counter and shelving units on either side of the mirror; there was also an illuminated makeup mirror. An outlet for shavers was above the sink, convertible to 115-volt or 230-volt. The floor of the round shower was 35 inches across, larger than many we’ve encountered on mainstream cruise lines; there was a synthetic fabric curtain fronting the shower and there was a retractable clothesline. There were two Hansgrohe showerheads, one in a fixed position, the other a handheld—both had adjustable sprays.

Our bathroom was stocked with fine L’Occitane amenities—soap bars, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body lotion. A hair dryer was found in one of the desk drawers (where the outlet was located). There were two pair of slippers and a couple bathrobes in the closet. At embarkation, a bowl of fresh fruit was set on the desk—replenished at least once during our cruise—as well as a vase with a tulip. Chocolates were delivered each evening at turn-down.

Our cabin had a Pioneer DVD player and a Bose docking station and speaker for an iPod or similar accessories. The cabin safe was actually two—stacked, old-school Futura units. Both were too small for anything like a laptop or midsized camera (actual dimensions of the opening for each was 4 by 6 inches). The all-beverage minibar was stocked within the mini-fridge, with nip bottles of spirits on a pullout rack. The selection included sodas, beer (alas, no more provocative than Heineken), wine, and a good range of spirits including Beefeater gin, Smirnoff vodka, Jack Daniel’s bourbon, Kahlua, etc.

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We did not stay in these other cabin options, but we have summaries here provided by Windstar Cruises. Note that any photos below have been provided by the cruise line and not our reviewer.

Suites All staterooms have ocean views, queen beds, flat-screen TV with DVD player and Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods. Suites include an extra bath and TV along with sitting area and his-and-her bathrooms. 376 square feet.

Bridge Suites All staterooms have ocean views, queen beds, flat-screen TV with DVD player and Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods. Bridge Suites offer the additional luxury of a spacious private living room and relaxing whirlpool spa. 495 square feet.

Considering the size of Wind Surf, we expected certain limitations with the scope of meal service, and yet this never posed a problem on our seven-night voyage. Wind Surf did an excellent job with the dining—it was as good or better than what we receive on most of the mainstream lines. Even the room service menu was more extensive and varied than what most ships offer.

Breakfast and lunch are limited to room service and The Veranda , which offers both a modest buffet spread and a menu. Alternately, continental breakfast and sandwiches are available in the Yacht Club . For dinner, AmphorA served as the ship’s main dining room, while Stella Bistro offered an alternative, somewhat more intimate environment. Candles Grill was the ship’s steakhouse, located on the pool deck under the stars (weather permitting). For Stella Bistro and—especially—Candles, reservations are strongly advised. On one night of the cruise all of these venues were closed and a deck-top Barbecue Buffet Dinner was organized.

At all of Wind Surf’s restaurants there are plenty of two-seat tables, which meant we were never forced to share with other guests.

Wind Surf’s main dining room is an elegant venue that was completely revamped during the December 2012 renovation. Located on the Main Deck, forward, AmphorA is named for the tall, two-handled ancient Greek/Roman jars (there’s one displayed at the entry). Open only for dinner, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., there are no set seating times. But since AmphorA can seat 216 guests—roughly two-thirds of Wind Surf’s capacity—there is almost never a wait for seating (including the ship’s two other restaurants virtually every guest can be seated at one venue or another at the same time). Further, there are 26 two-top tables, so we never had to share.

Amid sophisticated décor AmphorA has well-spaced tables, beautifully set with handsome gold glass chargers. Alas, the chargers had an uneven surface and they remained on the table for the starter course, which meant our appetizer dishes rocked and rattled as we ate. But the chargers were removed for other courses, so this is a minor quibble.

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The menu changes nightly, offering eight starters and six or seven entrées. Mains that were always available were grilled or broiled sirloin steak, chicken breast, salmon and penne marinara. Appetizers we enjoyed included fried calamari served with a garlic-lemon aioli; an antipasto platter with meats and grilled vegetables; a Portobello mushroom gratin stuffed with crab; the pear and goat cheese salad with a slice of prosciutto; a “tunatini”—raw ahi tuna marinated and served in a martini glass; and a hearty lobster bisque with a good amount of flesh poking through. On the other hand, we found salads to be fairly rudimentary.

For entrées we like the sautéed pork tenderloin and we thought the prime rib was a good, juicy cut. The wild forest mushroom and truffle risotto was excellent, perfectly cooked, while the surf and turf one night included a small, succulent lobster tail and petite filet mignon, also nicely done. The chicken piccata was in an egg batter, heavier than we are accustomed to, but it was satisfying. Among the standout desserts was the After Eight Surprise, a mint mousse atop chocolate sponge cake, and a scrumptious banana cream pie. The chocolate lava cake and a warm pear Tatin were unsurprising but delicious.

Located on the Star Deck with tables both inside and out, this was Wind Surf’s main breakfast and lunch option. There was both a modest buffet selection and a menu available, with much of the food cooked to order at an outdoor grill right at midship. We found most of our meals here to be just fine, and we enjoyed eating here except for the afternoon when construction immediately below carried on until multiple guest complaints brought a senior crewmember to stop it.

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At breakfast, the buffet selection included bagels with smoked salmon and fixings, Greek yogurt and honey, packaged cereals, a nice selection of sliced fruit plus stewed (compote) fruits such as pear and peaches. Hot buffet offerings included scrambled eggs, bacon (soft or crispy), oatmeal and cream of wheat, sausage (chicken or pork), fried potatoes, etc. But we were happier ordering off the menu, which included a variety of eggs Benedict-style preparations (California, Spanish, Messina), plus poached eggs over corned beef hash or salmon hash, a breakfast burrito, or omelets to order with hash browns.

The lunch selection changed daily and would include cold choices from the buffet such as seafood, curried chicken or pasta salad, cold cuts, cheese and fruit, marinated vegetables. There was a hot and cold soup of the day—it might be papaya bisque or gazpacho for cold, Portuguese bean or corn chowder for hot. Among the hot buffet items were pork schnitzel, salmon escalopes, baklava spiced lamb, fish and chips, or chicken satay with spicy peanut sauce. But the menu also offered a half-dozen entrées cooked to order, such as Black Forest sandwich, leg of lamb, fontina and mushroom burger, a pasta of the day such as fettuccini carbonara or bami goring with pork and veggies, and a Caesar salad with a topping of the day like seafood or roasted chorizo.

The main alternative to AmphorA for the evening meal was this equally attractive dining room located on the Star Deck, just forward of the Veranda. Open only for dinner, there was no surcharge for dining here. Whereas AmphorA offered Continental fare, Stella Bistro has a French menu—actually two, which alternated. Although reservations were suggested, with 82 seats for Wind Surf’s 312 passengers, there were ample tables for all guests to dine here at least once. Like AmphorA, the fixed tables were nicely spaced—the smaller room was quite comfortable and well appointed.

Among the starters we tried, the Napoleon of portobello mushroom was a treat, a goat cheese soufflé was satisfying, and escargots bourguignon was done in classic style. The salads here were more to our liking than what we had at AmphorA—a simple arugula salad with marinated boiled potatoes and a wedge of goat cheese, and frisée with shredded duck breast. There were also soups: bouillabaisse, lobster bisque, classic French onion soup.

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For entrées we tried the roasted chicken “grand mère,” a succulent and crisp quarter bird with rosemary, lemon and a red wine sauce—wonderful. The coquille St. Jacque Provençale offered a quartet of scallops on the half shell with a dollop of eggplant mousse; the dish was fine, but somewhat small for a main course. By contrast, the slow braised osso bucco appeared in a bowl like a yin and yang of polenta wrapped around the meat—a decadent and hearty dish.

The dessert menu trotted out predictable but welcome standards such as tarte tatin, crepes Suzette and chocolate fondue. We enjoyed these, but the cheese plate was our favorite, selected from a cheese trolly with accompaniments such as dried apricots, cashews and walnuts.

We so wanted to love Candles Grill, an al fresco steakhouse sitting next to the pool, on the aft deck. We arrived just before sundown and the open-air setting was unique—one can certainly take in the fresh air and sunset colors, with the waves lapping gently at the boat. But there’s no kitchen here, just the grill, and so most of the food (if not everything) that is not grilled is pre-prepared; alas, this constrains the results. That said, if we were lucky to be dining with a friend on their personal yacht and this was the meal they offered, we wouldn’t have any complaints. But compared to what Wind Surf does at its other dining venues, Candles doesn’t seem to aim very high.

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The seafood cocktail, served in a martini glass, was fine, as was the Caprese salad (what could go wrong?). The Caesar salad was garnished with a healthy anchovy specimen. We ordered the lamb chops, which were serviceable, while the New York strip was not the best cut. Other entrée options included filet mignon and marinated sea bass (both of which looked better than what we had). Despite the food being our least interesting meal aboard Wind Surf, the setting was magical—we’d still rate this venue as a don’t-miss, but don’t forget to bring a jacket or wrap.

We were seated at a small table set against one of the Jacuzzi tubs. There are four of these, and we’d recommend requesting a table along the outer railings. But don’t be too choosy: On a seven-day cruise there are barely enough tables (23) available for all guests to dine here once, and not enough if inclement weather shuts the venue down for a night. Reservations are strongly recommended on embarkation day, and for a night early in the cruise (in case of weather). Select the day and time of your seating carefully. It’s nice to be dining at Candles while under sail, but the tables are all exposed to the wind; an evening with a late departure from port might be better.

One night of our cruise was dedicated to the top-deck Barbecue Dinner. A tasty buffet was set out at dusk and Wind Surf nuzzled up to the base of the erupting volcano Stromboli. The skies darkened and we were mesmerized by incandescent lava sparking from the summit like a Roman candle.

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The spread included salads and appetizers such as roasted marinated vegetables, poached shrimp, hearts of palm salad, grilled eggplant and chipotle corn salad, avocado stuffed with seafood, and various breads. Hot dishes included moussaka, spanakopita, pineapple fritters, baked potatoes, paella, and an Asian style suckling pig with applesauce. At the grill we could order jerk chicken drumsticks, wahoo fillet, baby pork ribs, lamb loin chops and lobster tails.

No one went away hungry—in fact, overall the food was better than what we experienced at Candles. The tables were covered and napkins were linen, and there was live music. All other venues were closed on this evening, and in the event of rain, the event is moved indoors.

In addition to serving coffee, the Yacht Club is an alternative buffet option for quick meals, though most of it is served cold. Although only a small percentage of Wind Surf's guests seemed to use this spot, there are only just a handful of tables, and we found them full for periods during breakfast and, especially, lunch. Fortunately, few tend to linger long, so finding an open seat wasn’t too difficult the times we were here.

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At breakfast the selection included individual plates of fruits, cereals including muesli and low-fat granola, yogurt and berries served parfait-style, and a nice selection of rolls, such as organic tomato and basil or organic carrot and sultanas, served with mango-lime or apricot-nectarine jam. At lunch there were nine different sandwiches, along with a soup of the day. We took our sandwich ashore with us one day and made our own island picnic.

We were pleasantly surprised by the breadth of Wind Surf’s 24-hour room service selection. The only drawback is that there was no real table for dining on in our cabin, just the built-in desk, at which only one person could eat at a time.

The breakfast menu, available from 6 a.m. till noon, included hot items such as eggs Benedict, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, French toast, and pancakes, all of which could be ordered with sides of sausage, bacon, ham or hash browns. Cold fare included a fruit plate, various juices, bread, rolls and pastry, and a smoked salmon and bagel feast.

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We called to request breakfast one morning and the order was delivered just 19 minutes later. Food arrived topped with plastic lids or with plastic wrap. Our order included eggs Hollandaise with sides of hash browns, and an omelet that was folded with peppers, onions, tomato, cheese and bacon. Both arrived hot, and the taste was just fine.

There are two menus for the rest of the day—the main one being available from noon to 10 p.m. On it, we found everything from crudités with ranch dressing and vegetable samosas, to burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches and Cobb salad. Entrées included grilled New York strip, sesame-crusted tuna, Thai chicken curry and vegetable lasagna. The short list of desserts featured apple pie, chocolate cake and a cheese plate. The late night menu, available from 10 p.m. till 6 p.m., was streamlined and included a few sandwiches, salads, Bircher muesli and popcorn, along with the same dessert selection. Wind Surf had a full cocktail selection, a decent wine list and five bars spread around the ship. Unlike most of the mainstream lines, bottled water, soft drinks, cappuccino, espresso, coffee, iced tea, juices and milk were all included in the cruise fare. However, unlike most of the luxury cruise lines, alcoholic drinks were additional.

Cocktail prices ranged $7.75 for Cosmopolitans and Margaritas to $10.75 for martinis made with Grey Goose vodka. A beverage package was available, for $108 per cabin, per day, plus 15-percent service charge. The package covered unlimited alcoholic drinks (except top shelf spirits such as Remy Martin and Hennessy x.o. cognac), beer and wine priced under $12 per glass. Guests were asked to sign up for the package by the end of the first day onboard.

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Wines by the glass started at $6.50 for an “early muscat” from an unidentified Oregon winery or merlot from Round Hill vineyard. Other options for a dollar or two more included Rutherford Ranch chardonnay, Firestone sauvignon blanc, Seghesio pinot grigio, La Valentina from Montepulciano d’Abruzo, Barnard Griffin syrah; Veuve Clicquot Champagne was $18. The list had a selection of modestly priced (under $30) wines by the bottle—mostly European wineries we weren’t familiar with—plus such offerings as Frog’s Leap sauvignon blanc ($37), Rodney Strong chardonnay, Chalk Hill ($47), Artesa merlot reserve ($45), King Estate signature pinot noir ($41), and Scott Harvey old vine zinfandel ($49); Champagne started at $70 for Mumm Cordon Rouge brut.

The constrained selection of beers included the usual American name brands for $5.45, or $6.45 for imports—Grolsch was the most exotic label we encountered.

As the ship’s de facto coffee bar, the Yacht Club was open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily serving standard espresso and cappuccino drinks. The bar opened onto the Library, where there was seating, but most days we didn’t see many gathered here.

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This was our favorite watering hole aboard Wind Surf, and it had the longest operating hours of any venue on the ship. Located on the Bridge Deck, overlooking the aft, Compass Rose had a decent amount of tables outside with faux wicker chairs and a few umbrellas (it was one of the few outdoor areas that had much shade, another plus). The bar itself was indoors, and there was a good amount of seating here as well. At night a vocal-guitar duo performed here, and on a couple nights engaged us in a very competitive pop music trivia contest.

The full cocktail menu was available. Each morning, coffee, tea and a light continental breakfast was set out here, along with cookies and tea from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

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Located on the Main Deck, aft, the Pool Bar faced the ship’s small pool, naturally, and it was a good spot for afternoon cocktails, whether we were swimming or not. One caveat: The port side of the seating area was designated for smokers, and when several congregated, the whole area was plagued with cigarette smells. This bar closed each evening at 6 p.m. as the space was converted into Candles Grill.

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This was the ship’s largest bar, open only in the evening. The full cocktail menu was available, and there was seating on chars and couches. Most nights this was also Wind Surf’s primary entertainment venue, with a stage barely raised a couple inches above the floor. A group called Top Society played here, a set the promoted light dancing. The Lounge was also used for check-in during embarkation, various presentations (shore excursions, captain’s cocktail reception), a wine tasting program, etc.

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Located on the Star Deck, this little cubbyhole, with seating for about a half-dozen, was the ship’s one interior space where smoking was allowed. While the door was always open, it was inconsistently staffed—it seemed to open sometimes when a guest requested service from elsewhere on the ship. We were told that the ship’s full bar menu was available here, but we suspect some drinks would be procured from another bar. The Terrace Bar counter extended outside, and at night this area was called “Cigars Under the Stars,” with a few leather chairs, a table and Oriental rug put out for effect. Cigars were available for sale.

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The ship’s spa facilities on Deck 2 aft are operated by Steiner Leisure, the dominant player in spa services for the cruise industry. There were just three treatment rooms (each appeared to be converted from a former cabin), but appointments didn’t seem particularly hard to come by on short notice. Prices were in line with Steiner services on other ships, which are somewhat higher than at most quality resorts. But there were specials each day, announced in the ship’s daily newsletter.

With a somewhat reduced staff the list of services was a bit shorter than we find on most ships, but they included a variety of massages, starting at $79 for the 25-minute deep tissue massage ($129 for a 50-minute treatment). Facials started at $119 for a 50-minute treatment. Also available were acupuncture and salon services for men and women.

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The Fitness Center was beautifully located up on the Star Deck, offering sea views port and starboard. There were 8 cardio machines by Technogym, along with various machines for weightlifting and resistance. The gym was never crowded when we visited, though with just three treadmills and two bikes, it wasn’t hard for the specific equipment we wanted to be in use at peak hours. Complimentary morning stretch, abs training, Pilates and Yoga sessions were available (one in the morning, one in the late afternoon), but the ship’s one trainer was more than 10 minutes late for the stretch session we attended. Personal training was offered at $85 for a one-hour session. The Fitness Center was open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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Located on Deck 2 aft, Wind Surf has just one, square swimming facility, and it's not much more than a plunge pool, but it is appealingly positioned, and adequately sized for a small ship. The pool was flanked by two Jacuzzi tubs. The relatively few loungers surrounding the pool were often at a premium. Swimming hours were 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (Candles Grill opened at 7 p.m. nightly, preventing evening access for bathers).

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Wind Surf offered a few unusual recreational opportunities outside the Fitness Center. Accessed from Deck 2, a small Watersports Marina unfolded from the back of the ship. From the watersports platform, kayaks, small sailboats, windsurfers and snorkel gear were available for guest use, along with an inflatable water trampoline island. The platform is opened when the ship is at anchor (presumably never at docks), but it did not emerge at two of our tender ports (due either to sea conditions or local regulations). The equipment didn’t get much use by guests that we saw (the water wasn’t exactly warm), but by afternoon a few crewmembers were enjoying it.

Jogging was possible on the Star Deck (five-and-half laps equaled a mile), but one did need to content with diners at the Veranda Restaurant as well as sun loungers. Just above the marina was also a collection of bikes that could be rented for exploring ports. The rate was $15 for four hours, $25 for 8 hours.

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One of our favorite things about Wind Surf was all of the teak exterior decks. For a small ship there seemed to be lots to explore. The lowest exterior deck was the Main Deck , or Deck 4. This was where the lifeboats were located (preventing much of a view) and, to the aft, the pool. The forward section of this deck culminated in stairs that lead up to the Bridge.

The Bridge Deck , Deck 5, was more open, a great place for strolling and taking in the nautical experience. The actual bridge was open to visitors, there was various nautical equipment to peruse, and a few loungers were available at midship. Just above, the Star Deck was a wonderful space. This is where the barbecue dinner was conducted, it’s where The Veranda restaurant is located, along with the Fitness Center and a couple dozen loungers with a towel station. A small sign said five-and-a-half laps equaled a mile, but during breakfast and lunch hours this wasn’t necessarily the best place for a jog. One additional level, Deck 7 , is a flying bridge that has its own steering station—it was great for photos.

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Located midship on the Main Deck, The Lounge served as the ship’s primary entertainment venue. The stage—such as it was—was a platform raised a couple inches above the rest of the space. But it was big enough for a quartet, and the group Top Society played here most nights of our cruise. There was also a guest vocalist who performed on a couple evenings. The entertainment was okay, but so was gazing out at the stars. There was also a talented guitar-vocal due that performed in the Compass Rose bar nightly.

The ship’s DVD library was located next on the Main Deck next to the (book) Library. We found about 1300 titles available—a pretty eclectic collection that ranged from “Smokey and the Bandit” to “Dave Chappelle’s Block Party.” Something for everyone, you might say.

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A galley tour was offered on one afternoon, and it was fairly interesting to see how our satisfying meals were prepared under Wind Surf’s constrained conditions (much smaller than what most cruise ships work with). The chef also organized a visit to a local market at one port, where he stocked up on fresh fruit, produce and other goods for the evening meal. There was no charge to join the short tour.

Of course, Wind Surf’s casino was smaller than we usually see on cruise ships, but it was bigger than we expected it to be, with 27 slot machines, 3 card tables and a Roulette table. There were different themes each night—the first night was Straight Night, then Blackjack Attack, etc. While the slots were open soon after leaving each port, the tables opened as late as 8:30 p.m. on a couple nights. Overall, the casino didn’t see a lot of traffic on our cruise.

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The size and layout of Wind Surf created a number of unique spaces. The Reception Desk was found on the Main Deck (aka Deck 4), and was staffed 24 hours a day. Around the corner was the Library , which was shared by the Yacht Club (the ship’s café). Although there were a couple hundred books here—many of them reference-oriented—there were a lot of empty shelves soon after embarkation (we’re not sure they were quite full before casting off). This area had comfy couches and handsome Scandinavian chairs, some mismatched, along with a large TV monitor that was usually tuned to news or sports. We also found Backgammon and Chess sets, and there were two pairs of headphones to listen to music, though our fellow guests weren’t good about hanging them up properly on the charging stations.

Deck 5 was the Bridge Deck and the Bridge was open to visitors pretty much any time, except during sailaway. There were always at least two officers present, happy to answer questions about the ship. One venue on this deck that got little use during our cruise was the Nautilus Room , a conference room with chairs to seat about 50. The facility was perfunctory, but included a rear-projection TV screen for presentations.

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There are no children’s facilities aboard Wind Surf. More specifically, the Windstar website states: “Children, especially infants and toddlers, are not encouraged aboard Windstar cruises. The intimate ship size and unregimented atmosphere are adult in orientation and do not provide for the care, supervision or entertainment of children.”

While we think a sailing-oriented teen might find a Wind Surf cruise pretty cool, pre-teens would largely be left to their own devices and might be miserable for the lack of playmates.

The Signature Shop was Wind Surf’s one and only boutique, but it was packed with merchandize, more eclectic than what we typically see on cruise ships. We found Wallaroo and Tilley hats, Gretchen Scott cover-ups, ladies Gittex swimwear, Patagonia clothing, watches by Fossil, Citizen and Michael Kors, blown glass ornaments, neoprene laptop sleeves, flip-flops, jewelry from Roman Glass and Antica Murrina. Captain’s uniforms for toddlers were charmers.

In addition to Windsurf logo items such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, sunglasses, visors and key chains, there was a small selection of sundries—sun block, pain relievers, batteries, memory cards, etc. CDs of the Wind Surf’s sail-away theme song by Vangelis (aka the “1492: Conquest of Paradise” soundtrack) were also available.

Wind Surf had a photographer with a Photo Gallery . Prints were priced $15 for 6x8 or $20 for 8x10, with discounts for orders or five or more (or all photos on CD for $200). On one afternoon, the Bowsprit—that pointy thing at the front of the ship—was opened for photos, a pretty unique cruise photo op, we’d say.

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Most of the service we received aboard Wind Surf was excellent, friendly. Many of the crewmembers had been with Windstar for a number of years and they were proud of the ship. However, we found one crewmember to be overly familiar and forward—to the point that we deliberately avoided his stations during meals. We also noted, in contrast to most cruise lines, that we almost never saw our cabin steward, who breezed in and out of our quarters quickly each day. While we can’t say there was anything unattended to, we were surprised to not meet him until the third day of our cruise.

Wind Surf’s normal compliment of crew is 191 and the number of guests at full occupancy is 310. This equates to a ratio of 1.6 guests for each crewmember, a relatively high level of staffing for the industry.

The ship’s daily one-page newsletter arrived in our room each evening, revealing the schedule of activities and hours of operation for the following day. Passports were collected from guests during embarkation and returned at the end of our cruise.

Located on the Main Deck next to the Yacht Club, there were just two PCs available for guests to check email or websites. The basic rate for internet access—using the ship’s computers or our own laptop anywhere on the ship—was $50 for 75 megabytes of data, or $100 for 160 megabytes. There was a usage meter (in a second browser) that indicated how many megs had been consumed. The internet station was not staffed.

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The attire on Wind Surf was comfortably relaxed. Windstar recommends that guests dress as they would at an elegant resort, but we’d say the dress was a little less refined than that. On sea days, the ship’s breezy outdoor atmosphere is conducive for light fabrics such as cotton, linen and silk.

The strictest dress was for dinner, when a casual-elegant dress code takes effect; the requirements were no shorts, jeans, T-shirts, hats and tennis shoes. There are no formal nights. The Windstar website also specifically states: “No suits or ties.”

There was no laundry room for guests to do their laundry, but basic laundry and pressing service was available (no dry cleaning). Items received before 9 a.m. were to be returned within 24 hours. Prices ranged from $1.80 for underwear to $3.30 for a blouse or sports shirt, and $3.80 for a sweater or sweatshirt to $6.45 for a suit or dress skirt. Most pressing was priced under $1; a suit or dress was $1.70.

An unlimited laundry package was available for $109 per cabin for the week ($54.50 for single-occupant cabins). Guests were asked to sign up for the package by the afternoon following embarkation.

The mandatory safety drill was conducted prior to embarkation and guests were required to bring life jackets from their room for the demonstration. Hand sanitizers were present in the dining areas, though we observed no special emphasis on using them.

Although the smaller Wind Star and Wind Spirit ships operated by Windstar Cruises do not have elevators, Wind Surf has two—one forward, one aft. However, no cabins or bathrooms are considered wheelchair-accessible, and the ship does not have elevator access for boarding. Guests with limited mobility should be aware that a number of doorways have raised thresholds to step over.

There was an infirmary on Deck 1, staffed by a doctor. The facility was open 8 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. daily. A charge was applied to the cabin account for any services rendered or medications provided. Meclizine tablets for seasickness were available from the infirmary at no charge.

Designated smoking areas were the port side of the Compass Rose and Pool bars, and indoors at the Terrace Bar (the latter was also the location for cigar and pipe smoking). Smoking was otherwise not permitted inside the ship, including cabins and the casino. However, we observed guests smoking in other, non-smoking exterior areas of the ship in front of the crew, including the outdoor dining area of the Veranda restaurant. We were disappointed that the policy was not enforced while we were dining outdoors.

A $12 per day, per guest gratuity was added to our checkout bill, to cover wait staff, our cabin steward as well as behind-the-scenes crewmembers. Additionally, a 15-percent service charge was added to all bar charges and wine purchases.

Guests were allowed to bring aboard wine and Champagne; bottles consumed in the restaurants or bars were subject to a $15 corkage fee. Other spirits were not allowed in cabins; Windstar offered to stow them until the last day of the voyage.

The minimum drinking age was 21.

Windstar Yacht Club is the frequent-cruiser program for guests. Formerly called the Foremast Club, the program was revamped in November 2013 with improved benefits that start following the first sailing.

Among them: A 5-percent discount on standard cruise fares for most voyages; upgrades to the next highest cabin category (or an upgrade from a standard cabin to a premium suite starting at $500 per person based on availability during onboard check-in); private member cocktail party; dining with the Captain or other ship officers; a Welcome Aboard gift; and savings of 10 percent on gift shop purchases. Additionally, a $100 shipboard credit is provided for each confirmed booking members refer to Windstar Cruises.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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Wind Surf: on the sailing ship of Windstar Cruises

Wind Surf , with a tonnage of about 15,000 tons, 2,400 square meters of sails on 5 masts and a length of about 190 meters, is one of the largest sailing ships sailing today offering splendid cruising itineraries.

With a capacity of 314 guests and a passenger-to-crew ratio of about 1:1, Windstar Cruises ‘ unit is both a fully equipped ship with every comfort and amenity, with ample space at its disposal.

Launched in 1989, she has undergone extensive restyling, making her today a modern yet capable cruise ship that offers the excitement of sailing. The on-board style is informal and youthful, albeit with great customer focus and luxury cruise services.

Wind Surf has 6 passenger decks, in which are distributed the various types of cabins (as many as 8 different ones, including three levels of suites) and rooms available to guests.

Deck 4 houses most of the rooms and facilities, as well as the beautiful aft pool area. The latter offers a series of sunbeds and a few tables sheltered by umbrellas and is served by the Pool Bar, perfect for a refreshing drink between swims. Two Jacuzzis complete the area, which also initiates a pleasant outdoor walkway to the bow.

Entering the interior area, also on Deck 4 Main Deck, one encounters the Signature Shop, dedicated to various products, cosmetics, clothing and jewelry. Shortly after are the Reception and Excursions Office, which in turn introduce the spacious Yacht Club Café. This is the real beating heart of the ship, where one can enjoy a good cup of coffee throughout the day, perhaps accompanied by some sweet or savory snacks, as well as read a fine volume displayed in the Library, as well as ask about upcoming cruises at the special desk. The Yacht Club Café actually consists of a sequence of several rooms, including a chess playing area, two beautiful models of the Windstar Cruises fleet, and comfortable seating for reading or conversation.

Entertainment and music find their programming in the Lounge, an equally expansive venue that spreads out amidships. A bar serves the area, consisting of a series of side sofas and armchairs with center tables, all housed in a bright environment with truly elegant touches.

Closing the bow is the Amphora Restaurant, the main restaurant on board. Open for breakfast and dinner, it offers excellent international menus with wine pairings suggested by sommeliers. On one side you can enjoy the sailing panorama thanks to the large windows, while in the innermost area you are seated on circular sofas that give intimacy and a convivial context to the dinner.

Deck 5, Bridge Deck, houses precisely the forward command deck, around which it is possible to walk and observe the work of the officers. Amidships is the Wind Spa, equipped with several treatment rooms and a small but complete beauty salon. Finally, at the stern is the wonderful Compass Rose Bar, equipped with both an indoor area where live music and singing takes place in the evenings and an outdoor area. An ideal place for an aperitif at sunset or for dancing after dinner.

Two specialty restaurants are housed on the upper Star Deck: Stella Bistro, on the far bow, offers a French menu in an elegant setting played out in red and white colors. Images of ships and sails decorate the walls, and the tasting, free by reservation, is a dining experience definitely not to be missed.

The Veranda Restaurant has a small indoor area and a larger outdoor covered and uncovered area. Open for breakfast and lunch as a buffet restaurant, in the evening it transforms into The Candles, offering dinner served “under the stars,” directly on the outdoor deck and overlooking the sails.

The Terrace Bar, located aft, offers a small covered area dedicated to cigars and spirits, and some nice outdoor tables to enjoy the sunset and sailing. Also located on the Star Deck is the Fitness Center, a large and well-equipped gymnasium that also provides a splendid view of the sea.

The special features of Windstar Cruises and fleet sailboats such as Wind Surf are many. First of all, their size is able to offer a cruising experience in the utmost comfort, creating an environment of conviviality and friendship, which soon leads passengers and crew to get to know each other and share the travel experience with great pleasure. Sailing on a sailing ship naturally represents an added value: shortly after departure from each port, it soon becomes a ritual to enjoy the unfurling of the sails, carefully practiced by the officers on board and accompanied by the poignant notes of “Conquest of Paradise.”

But also of value is the presence of the Stern Marina. Whenever possible, Wind Surf opens the self-propelled platform allowing guests to indulge in the thrill of an offshore swim, rest on the inflatables provided, but also use canoes and surf.

Wind Surf gave us new emotions, confirming how small ships are able to offer a high level of service, albeit outside a context of rigid elegance and formality. For sailing enthusiasts, moreover, the experience of being on one of the world’s largest sailing ships is truly priceless, and without sacrificing the comfort of spacious, light-filled cabins and comfortable, state-of-the-art environments.

Don’t miss more information, tips and Reviews of Wind Surf on Cruising Journal, with opinions, full Photo Album , Video and cruises on offer.

Gabriele Bassi

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Windstar Wind Surf Deck Plans & Reviews

Windstar Wind Surf

Activities & entertainment

• Whirlpool (2)
• Cooking Demonstrations
• Deck Parties
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes
• Nightly Recaps & Briefings
• Watersports Platform
• Candles Grill
• Yacht Club - Cafe *
• Stella Bistro - Casual
• The Veranda - Casual
• AmphorA - International
• Sandwich & Espresso Bar - Light Fare
• The Terrace Bar - Outdoor Bar
• Compass Rose - Panoramic Bar *
• Pool Bar - Pool Bar *
• Excellent 34
• Very Good 3
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• English ( 47 )

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Duration 10 to 14 nights 15 nights or more 4 nights or less 4 to 7 nights 7 to 10 nights

Home Windstar Cruises Wind Surf

Wind Surf is Windstar Cruises flagship sailing yacht and she is certainly worthy of her position. She is three times larger than her sisters Wind Spirit and Wind Star and boasts 5 incredible sails, each at 67.5 metres in height.

Onboard guests will find a library, spa, sun deck, restaurant and so much more. Wind Surf can accommodate up to 310 guests and has an international crew of around 191. She also offers 6 passenger decks with 122 deluxe ocean view staterooms, 31 deluxe ocean-view suites and 2 deluxe ocean view bridge suites.

Wind Surf really is a superb sailing vessel and she certainly turns heads in admiration when she majestically glides into port. Inside she is just as impressive, with soft seascape colours, Egyptian cotton linens in all staterooms and suites and overall some of the best public spaces aboard any passenger vessel at sea.

A journey aboard Wind Surf shall not disappoint, in fact, you may wish to stay aboard forever!

Wind Surf Accommodation Options

All Wind Surf Accommodations Feature

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

Wind Surf Dining & Facilities

• AmphorA Restaurant
• Stella Bistro
• Yacht Club Sandwich & Espresso Bar
• Compass Rose
• Terrace Bar
• Watersports Platform
• Two Whirlpools
• Fitness Center
• Nautilus Room
• Signature Shop
• Photo Gallery
• The Bridge (with Windstar’s Open Bridge Policy)

For more information regarding Wind Surf, please call our Voyage Consultants on 0800 008 6677 or make an online enquiry for your preferred cruise.

Ship Gallery

Additional Information

Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 188 square feet of beautifully designed comfort. Your queen bed (which can be separated as twins if you prefer) is swathed in luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Before or after you enjoy an invigorating massage shower with soothing L’Occitane® bath products, wrap up in your waffle-weave robe, have a snack from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and smell the flowers.

With 376 square feet, you’ll find the perfect space for time together — and plenty of room for time to yourself. You’ll even enjoy two full separate bathrooms. All the amenities of the staterooms await you, plus a beautiful sitting area, and two flat-screen television sets with DVD players.

Officers’ Suite

For the ultimate in nautical experiences, reserve the new Officer’s Suite located close to the Bridge where our own ship’s officers have their quarters. With its unique “insider” location and 242 square feet of comfort, the nautically appointed Officer’s Suite offers an experience you won’t find on any other cruise line.

Bridge Suite

The ultimate in space and style surrounds you in 495 square feet of pure indulgence. A separate bedroom and living room with an in-suite dining area is an invitation to relaxation. And possibly best of all, your expansive bathroom features a whirlpool spa tub and a massage shower.

Bridge Deck

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Privacy overview.

Windstar Cruises

At a glance.

• Public Areas
• Reviews & Recommendations

What's Included

Open dining with no reservation fees required

Non-alcoholic beverages, including coffee, tea and soda

Beautifully appointed ocean-view staterooms and suites

Plush bathrobes and slippers

Fresh flowers and fruit in your stateroom or suite

Flat-screen TVs in every stateroom and suite

Signature onboard deck barbecue*

Onboard entertainment, including local performances in most regions

24-hour Room service

Fully equipped Watersports Platform and use of all water sports equipment*

Access to the Open Bridge

Champagne welcome reception

Signature Sail Away event from every port*

Access to WorldSpa by Windstar sauna/steam room facilities and fitness classes

*Port and weather conditions permitting

Ship Overview

Reviews and recommendations for wind surf, of 86 guests recommend.

Virtuoso Verified Traveler

All reviews are from confirmed guests sharing exclusive insights, sort reviews by, never disappoints., reviewed on: 25 jun 2014, wonderful ship, reviewed on: 04 sep 2014, awesome cruise, reviewed on: 03 feb 2015, amazing service and food, by: travelers2, reviewed on: 06 apr 2015, reviewed on: 25 aug 2015, great ship, reviewed on: 05 mar 2016, treated so well, reviewed on: 11 may 2016, personal service every minute, by: honeymoon traveler, reviewed on: 28 jun 2016, fun, relaxed sailing, reviewed on: 16 oct 2016, reviewed on: 13 feb 2017, great ship, by: windsurfer, reviewed on: 14 feb 2017, 2017 windstar cruise, reviewed on: 24 feb 2017, a cruise for noncruisers, by: jennifer s, reviewed on: 11 mar 2017, by: sandy lynn, reviewed on: 30 may 2017, by: philinfocus, reviewed on: 21 jul 2017, fantastic trip., great again, reviewed on: 25 aug 2017, great sailing, by: snowman, reviewed on: 15 nov 2017, best cruise ever, reviewed on: 26 nov 2017, caribbean cruise, reviewed on: 09 dec 2017, the best windstar ship, by: bungobooth, reviewed on: 24 dec 2017, by: michael, reviewed on: 12 feb 2018, reviewed on: 26 feb 2018, by: mkaurora, reviewed on: 14 may 2018, great itinerary, great ship, reviewed on: 19 jun 2018, south of france, reviewed on: 06 jul 2018, andalusian memories, by: d&d, reviewed on: 10 aug 2018, friendliest ship on the sea, reviewed on: 01 aug 2018, 2nd time around, by: dave h., reviewed on: 08 sep 2018, great holiday, reviewed on: 02 oct 2018, great staff, reviewed on: 13 oct 2018, very nice experience, reviewed on: 20 oct 2018, windsurf wow, reviewed on: 14 nov 2018, windsurf barcelona to lisbon, by: chinasue, reviewed on: 21 nov 2018, windsurf review, reviewed on: 14 dec 2018, reviewed on: 27 jan 2019, abolutely fantastic, reviewed on: 05 may 2019, my friends loved the trip, reviewed on: 21 jun 2019, love windstar, reviewed on: 29 oct 2019, a unique way to see italy, by: castania kid, reviewed on: 19 oct 2019, wind surf in october, by: 2retirees, reviewed on: 31 oct 2019, atlantic crossing, reviewed on: 24 dec 2019, by: craiger, reviewed on: 04 jan 2020, windsurf cruise, reviewed on: 18 jan 2020, caribbean was fabulous, by: dreamer, reviewed on: 19 jan 2020, water lovers delight., reviewed on: 14 mar 2020, both of our cruises on wind surf have been great..., by: miataheel, reviewed on: 05 oct 2021, perfect in every way, reviewed on: 01 nov 2021, sail away, sail away, sail away, reviewed on: 04 nov 2021, atlantic crossing 2021, by: kilohana, reviewed on: 19 dec 2021, above and beyond, reviewed on: 04 mar 2022, barcelona to rome, by: top2345, reviewed on: 09 may 2022, covid on board but not disclosed, reviewed on: 01 may 2022, by: pensacola florida, reviewed on: 12 jul 2022, cruise review, athens to venice, reviewed on: 22 jul 2022, venice-athens cruise, by: mirelle, reviewed on: 21 sep 2022, windstar was wonderful, reviewed on: 15 nov 2022, reviewed on: 21 jan 2023, the lesser caribbean, reviewed on: 17 feb 2023, great itinerary, by: traveller, reviewed on: 10 mar 2023, beautifuland comfortable ship with a wonderful and attentive staff, reviewed on: 24 mar 2023, reviewed on: 01 apr 2023, by: marilyn, reviewed on: 01 may 2023, spanish symphony, reviewed on: 30 apr 2023, amazing trip, by: jackie c, reviewed on: 22 may 2023, review of ship, reviewed on: 29 may 2023, windsurf much improved since christmas, by: frannie, reviewed on: 15 jun 2023, venice to athens windstar, by: windstar fan, reviewed on: 03 jul 2023, 50 and fabulous, by: oooh...gosh, reviewed on: 06 aug 2023, trip of a lifetime, by: m&j, windstar to italy and croatia, reviewed on: 05 sep 2023, by: jim larimore, reviewed on: 26 sep 2023, croatia and greece, reviewed on: 25 sep 2023, by: happy traveler, reviewed on: 25 oct 2023, by: lsugirlnola, reviewed on: 29 oct 2023, smooth sailing, by: barbara, reviewed on: 06 nov 2023, by: r. woods, reviewed on: 07 nov 2023, small ocean cruise ship, another great trip, reviewed on: 17 dec 2023, by: bill m., reviewed on: 03 feb 2024, forgot your password.

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The Roaming Boomers

Review: sailing windstar cruises wind surf.

Posted by David Porter on Thursday, December 29, 2016 · 17 Comments  

Our group of Roaming Boomers aboard the Windsurf

Our Personal Experience Sailing Aboard the Windstar Cruises Motor Sailing Yacht: Wind Surf

Note: click all photographs for larger views.

One of the missions of our website is to expose our readers and clients to off-the-beaten-path experiences. As we see it, why travel with the hordes if you can have a fabulous travel experience far from the madding crowd.

When it comes to ocean cruises, if the idea of sailing with an army of 6,000 people makes you feel icky, then thankfully, today’s evolving cruise industry is providing wonderful alternative options.

Carol and I recently sailed with Windstar Cruises on a 9-night sailing in the Caribbean and really enjoyed the experience.

Windstar Cruises offers a fabulous blend of luxury, value, and intimate small-ship cruising that deserves your rapt attention!

Carol and I, along with a group of 7 other “roaming boomers” that came with us, sailed aboard the Wind Surf which Windstar Cruises bills as the world’s largest motor sailing yacht.

I’ve been sitting here staring at my computer screen for about 20 minutes trying to figure out how to best describe our 9-day experience in an article that is informative, valuable to our readers, but yet not so large that you lose interest part-way through.  Therefore, I’ve decided to keep our review article limited to the major categories that folks would first want to know about, and create shorter deep-dive pieces in the future about our various experiences.

So that we don’t bury the lead, would we sail with Windstar Cruises again?  Yes.  Absolutely!

Now, let’s get into the good stuff…

The Ship: Windstar Cruises Wind Surf

This ship has 6 passenger decks, and holds a maximum of 310 guests with 122 deluxe ocean-view staterooms, 31 deluxe ocean-view suites, and 2 deluxe ocean-view bridge suites.

As you can see, the ship (part cruise ship, part yacht) features five massive computerized sails that reach 221 ft. above sea level. And important to me, the Wind Surf has a passenger space ratio of 47.5, which is nearly double the passenger spaces that many of the large cruise ships feature.  That means you won’t be fighting over a place to park yourself with a good book on deck.

As most of our sailing was done at night, we didn’t really get to experience the sails much.  However, each night the ship featured a “sail-away” event which resembled a Disney-like atmosphere with dramatic music playing throughout the ship as each of the sails was unfurled to the setting of the sun.

In this photograph, you can see that one of the unique features of a yacht-cruise is a marina on the back of the ship.  As the ship was generally moored at most of our locations, those who wanted to play in the warm Caribbean waters had great fun using the ship’s complimentary water sports equipment.

I snagged this photograph (below) showing one of our sunset sail-aways.  Looks fun.  Right?

Windstar Cruises Wind Surf Staterooms

Carol and I enjoyed one of the deluxe ocean-view suites (pictured above).  Our suite was 376 sq. ft. and was essentially two of the ship’s standard staterooms combined to make one suite.  As a result, we had two bathrooms, two desk areas, loads of storage space, and being able to draw the curtains when I rose in the morning before Carol was a plus she enjoyed.

Some of the folks traveling with us opted for the 188 sq. ft. deluxe ocean-view stateroom.  Inquiring about these staterooms, their comments were that they were small, but they didn’t feel squished, had ample storage, a nice desk area, and as they weren’t spending much time in their rooms anyway, they felt completely satisfied.

If you take a peek at our ocean-view suite above, you’ll notice that there is no balcony.  With rare exceptions, this is standard on a yacht cruise.  Behind each of the curtains in our stateroom were two portholes giving the illusion of two large picture windows.  There was ample natural light, and like our guests commented above, we didn’t spend much time in our stateroom anyway as there were ample common spaces above to sneak away and relax.

I know that some of you reading this will simply put yacht cruising out of your minds because there are no verandas.  But to me, the other benefits of our sailing yacht experience far outweighed the fact that we had no balcony. Keep in mind, there were only 300 of us on board.  I would happily give up a veranda to not be around 5,000 other people.

Dining Aboard the Windstar Cruises Wind Surf

I grabbed this photograph one morning and I think this pretty much says it all. Granted, these were the first people to be seated on this delightful morning, but dining on the Wind Surf is akin to dining on your own private yacht.  We enjoyed breakfast and lunch in this setting every single day, and loved it.

At night, this area is transformed into what they call Candles Restaurant where guests can enjoy steaks and fine seafood under the stars.  AmphorA, the ship’s main dining room served wonderful dining experiences each night with standard American cuisine available along with regional specials each night.  One night we enjoyed a massive BBQ under the stars on the top deck, and when we were in St. Lucia, Windstar gave us a fabulous beach BBQ.

With Windstar Cruises, all meals are complimentary in all venues at all times, including the room service menu available 24 hours.  We ordered breakfast in our room a few mornings, and several times enjoyed a simple sandwich, cookie, and cappuccino in the Yacht Club Sandwich & Espresso Bar.

Overall, our group gave the cuisine aboard ship 4.3 stars out of 5, with 5 being a Michelin-star rated restaurant.  You should also know that our group gave the staff aboard ship a 5 out of 5 rating.  They really were remarkable.  In just a few days, most of the staff that we interacted with knew our names, knew our wine preferences, and really made us feel at home.

Here’s two guys enjoying the pool one lazy afternoon in port. And I snagged the photograph below while on a fun-filled shore excursion at the world-famous frigatebird sanctuary in Barbuda.

I grabbed this photograph during one of our sunset sail-aways.  Can you picture yourself here?

Yacht Cruise or Mega-Ship

When we were moored in St. Martin, I was enjoying a good book on the back of our yacht when I spied this behemoth to the right coming into port. I was flabbergasted by its size.  I quickly grabbed my flip-flops and ran off the Wind Surf determined to get a photograph that might compare these two completely different cruising options.

The ship on the right carries 5,400 people and once they competed the docking process, people started streaming out of the belly of this thing like ants out of an ant hill.  I went to the very front of the monstrosity to capture my photograph, but from that vantage point, you could hardly see the Wind Surf.  So, I opted for a photograph that compared roughly half of said monster-ship against the elegant Wind Surf.

I don’t know.  You tell me.  Which would you rather sail the ocean blue upon?  It’s a no brainer for us.  We prefer smaller ships and no crowds. Monster-ship is very limited in where she can go.  Where our nimble sailing yacht could moor nearly anywhere in the world.  Nuff said?

It’s all about the ship.  Really?

Carol and I were meeting with the sales rep for the company that represents the ship to the right, and she made a comment that “ocean cruising is all about the ship”.  And I’ll admit, if I were 30 years old and single, or perhaps doing a multi-generational trip with my family, I would be drawn to something more like the ship on the right.  But when we’re traveling, the ship is certainly important, but for us, it’s all about the destination.  And the ship on the left is going to allow me to experience destinations far away from the crowds.

So, ask yourself, when you contemplate an ocean cruise, do you want to come home and boast about the ship you were on, or would you rather boast about the off-the-beaten-path destinations you visited?

Carol pretending to steer the ship.

Summing it all up

Carol and I really enjoyed our sailing experience aboard the Windstar Cruises Wind Surf.  When we asked our group of “roaming boomers” to rate the total experience, 0 being get me off this tub, and 5 being the most luxurious and best of the best ever, they gave the Wind Surf a 4.3.

Windstar Cruises isn’t trying to compete against the ultra-luxe yacht cruises that are now becoming available in the marketplace.  They have a unique niche in the 4+star market, we really enjoyed it, and would happily do it again.  Plus, when I share with folks that our 10-day sailing started at only $1,795/person, they are generally shocked as they expected a much higher price tag.

So.  Bottom line?  Carol and I highly recommend that you consider getting far away from the madding crowd on your next ocean cruise and try a peaceful, elegant cruise aboard the Windstar Cruises Wind Surf.

We promise, you’re going to enjoy it greatly.

And Lastly, a Shameless Commercial Plug

Now that you’re ready to book your own sailing on the Wind Surf, you can call Windstar Cruises or you can call our travel agency.  Either will get your cruise booked for the exact same price, but we have a lot of hand’s on experience that the very nice 30-something sitting in a cubicle can’t really bring you.  Plus, as we’re also affiliated with the $15 billion/year Virtuoso Travel Network, we are likely to also have some nice complimentary VIP perks for your booking as well.

Either way, we highly recommend that you experience a sailing with Windstar Cruises.  After this sailing, Carol and I have put one of their even smaller motor yachts on our bucket list.  I’m thinking that a cruise of the Greek Isles aboard one of their 200 passenger luxury motor yachts would really be the cat’s meow.  Don’t you agree?

Again, to book your Windstar Cruise, call our travel agency at (480) 550-1235, or use our convenient online information request ( click here ) and we’ll reach out to you.

Category: Barbuda , Blog , Guadeloupe , St. Lucia , Windstar Cruises · Tags: Luxury Cruises , Windstar Cruises

17 Comments on “ Review: Sailing Windstar Cruises Wind Surf ”

We do Windstar every year…truly, a one of a kind voyage with minimal “cruisers” on board – the Windstar intellect know the vast difference between large cattle boats and the intimate yachts at Windstar! A special kind of “medicine” that no doctor can prescribe – good for the soul !!!

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your love of Windstar. When we were sailing with Windstar, we met a guy named Bill who has sailed with Windstar 93 times and is looking forward to his 100th Windstar sailing soon. We’re going to put Windstar in the special part of our brains for “want to do again” and look forward to another Windstar experience, perhaps in the Med next time. Again, thanks for sharing! 😀

Hi, sounds fabulous.

Hi Rich. It was, and we’d happily go again. 🙂

Well said! Been there done that since 2004! Due number 7 on Star Pride seond on her

Doing our 9thTrans Atlantic on the Surf in November then staying aboard for the Caribbean cruise and really looking forward to another great crossing ! Twenty days of the best ! Did Barcelona -Lisbon last year and really enjoyed it however we prefer the crossing.

Is the weather rough on the Atlantic crossing? Thanks.

How was the T/A? We are booked for this April 2019 on the Surf.

Pingback: Windstar Cruises: James Beard Foundation Cruises | The Roaming Boomers

For those fans and readers of the Roaming Boomers – I must say that doing trans-Atlantic crossings and the Caribbean are great…however, as an alternative, sailing with Windstar in Tahiti / French Polynesia is tantamount to sailing on your “private” yacht in paradise on earth. Only 148 privileged guests aboard the Windspirit yacht is a true bucket list journey – that will turn your wanderlust dreams into a precious lifetime memory!

We just did that Windstar Tahiti/French Poynesia trip this summer and we loved it! We are now going to the do a 7 day on the Star Legend in the Caribbean in December. We couldn’t wait to get back on a Windstar cruise.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your love of Windstar. Have fun on your next cruise.

We just finished a cruise of the Riviera on Silver Seas. I was surprised how dressed up all the people were – we are from New England and live in blue jeans and sneakers. Of course, many of the passengers were European, not American. Do Windstar Cruises have that kind of atmosphere or are they more casual in dress and atmosphere?

Does Windstar go to Alaska?

Yes. Here’s a link: https://www.windstarcruises.com/destinations/alaska/ And when you find a cruise you like, be sure to check with u as we may well have some complimentary perks to add to your booking.

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• ITINERARIES

Welcome Aboard Wind Star

Step aboard a vessel that is "180 °  from Ordinary," the four-masted schooner, Wind Star,  provides guests with a luxury yachting experience that is as delightfully pampering as it is uniquely personal. Renovated from stem to stern with open teak decks, Wind Star is intimate and stylish with public spaces that invite conversation and relaxation among guests.

Wind Star is a romantic, four-masted sailing ship with recently updated accommodations, a casual yet elegant atmosphere, and friendly service. While her towering sails echo a bygone era of explorers, her sleek lines and computerized controls are innovative in concept and design. Teak decking, rich wood interiors, an attentive service staff, intimate surroundings, eclectic artwork, exceptional signature cuisine featuring both light and vegetarian menu selections, and complimentary wine with dinner are the elements synonymous with your ship. Staterooms (188 square feet each) offer ocean views, new LCD flatscreen TV, DVD/CD player, IPod Nano and Bose SoundDock system, safe, mini-bar/refrigerator, international direct-dial phone, bathroom with pampering toiletries, hair dryer and plush terry robes. All are equipped with one standard U.S. 110 volt and European 220 volt, 60 cycle AC electrical outlet. Wind Star exudes a private, yacht-like ambiance creating camaraderie and lasting friendships among guests, a hallmark of small ship cruising.

See for yourself what Small Ship Cruising is all about

Lounging on the deck, lounge on one of wind star's decks with accompanying views of the water..

Wind Star is intimate and stylish with public spaces that invite conversation and relaxation. Tuck away in one of cozy nooks and crannies perfect for hiding away with a good book or conversing with friends.

Life onboard

"casual elegance" defines life aboard wind star....

Teak decking, rich wood interiors, an attentive service staff and intimate surroundings are just a few reasons that showcase the Windstar Cruises' slogan, "180 from Ordinary" to the fullest.

Pool & Jacuzzi

Take a dip in the pool to cool off or relax in the connected jacuzzi..

Enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool to cool off during those hot days aboard Wind Star... or, alternatively, relax in the connecting hot tub, where you can converse with the friends you've met onboard as the jets massage your body. For those seeking a bit more adventure, a watersports platform, fitted with a variety of aquatic equipment to explore the wondrous ocean and native sea life, is yours to enjoy.

The four-masted sailing yacht, Wind Star, is designed to show guests the world with luxury in mind

Boasting beautiful teak decks, Wind Star invites you to enjoy tranquil staterooms featuring warm and contemporary color palettes and indulgent linens.

With a maximum capacity of 148 passengers, the three-masted Wind Star provides guests with a yachting experience that is as delightfully pampering, as it is uniquely personal.

Onboard, enjoy a variety of public spaces including a salt-water swimming pool, hot tub and accompanying pool bar, WindSpa, an entertainment lounge, a water sports platform and a library.

Wide open teak decks from end to end invite conversation between guests. Discover the hidden nooks in crannies throughout the ship for private moments that give guests a feeling of being on their own private veranda.

Staterooms (188-square-feet each) offer ocean views, queen-size beds, LCD flatscreen TV, DVD/CD player, Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods, safe, mini-bar/refrigerator, international direct-dial phone and private bathroom with premier toiletries, hair dryer and plush terry robes with accompanying slippers.

• Equipment available for a variety of aquatic activities including kayaking, water-skiing, windsurfing and snorkeling, weathering permitting
• A choice of onboard dining available, including the gourmet AmphorA restaurant for evening meals and the casual Veranda for breakfast and lunch
• Candles Grill, an alternate option, offers dinner by candlelight under the stars, weather permitting
• With over 90 crew members on board at any given time, attentive service is a top priority
• All staterooms are equipped with one standard U.S. 110-volt and European 220-volt, 60 cycle AC electrical outlet

Welcome Aboard

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Category AX Deluxe

Category BX Deluxe

Onboard Experience

Wake up aboard the romantic, four-masted Wind Star in your sumptuous oceanview stateroom, whose amenities include a queen-sized bed and a private bathroom with pampering premier toiletries. Breakfast tempts in the casual Veranda restaurant. After breakfast, you may venture off the ship for a morning of guided sightseeing ashore, or indulge in onboard pleasures that are the mainstay of the yachting set – because this elegant sailing ship feels very much like a private yacht. Lunch as you choose… onboard in the Veranda, or perhaps staying ashore to sample the local fare in today's port of call. Beverages, from soft drinks to house wine and spirits, complement your mood and are available onboard throughout the day. Afternoon invites more exploration ashore… or relaxation onboard, whether it's cuddling up with a good book in the library… taking a dip in the ship's pool or relaxing in the hot tub… sipping a cocktail in the lounge… attending an insightful lecture by an onboard expert… enjoying a rejuvenating treatment in the WindSpa… or going snorkeling in the ocean from the watersports platform aft. This evening, dine with new friends – or enjoy a romantic dinner for two – under the stars at Candles Grill, or in the gourmet AmphorA restaurant. Nighttime brings out the stars in the sky above… and time to watch them twinkle from the open deck with Wind Star's sails unfurled. Or, you can try your luck in the Casino, or enjoy live entertainment in the lounge. When you return to your stateroom, Windstar's signature bowls of flowers and fresh fruit will be waiting for you. And when it's time to turn in, you'll close your eyes and sleep to the rhythm of the seas aboard Windstar's classic four-masted flagship, Wind Star. Read Less

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Founded in 1984 as Windstar Sail Cruises, Windstar Cruises today is one of the world's leading operators of small luxury cruise ships. Its award-winning fleet of yachts accommodating between 148 and 310 guests sails to some 150 ports in 50 nations across the globe. Our guests have enjoyed Tauck's personalized sailing on Windstar ships for many years, including the company's classic yachts  Wind Star  and Wind Surf .

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The Best Places to Learn How to Sail, From the Greek Islands to the Florida Keys

By Hannah Towey

Sailing is one of the best ways to explore some of the most beautiful, untouched coastal destinations around the globe. But from the outside, learning how to sail might seem like an intimidating—and expensive—pursuit.

However, learning to sail isn’t as difficult as it might seem. And contrary to what some may believe, “sailing is for everyone,” Zeke Quezada, the Director of Communications at the American Sailing Association (ASA) tells Condé Nast Traveler.

“It is important to understand that anyone can sail, and it is really easy to learn,” Quezada says. “Sailing is not just for the affluent; head into a community sailing club at your local marina, and you'll have options to get out on the water for little to no cost.”

While mastering the art of sailing takes consistent practice, hopeful captains looking for a crash-course to jumpstart their journey may consider a sailing vacation . These educational charters allow you to fully immerse yourself in the nautical lifestyle —and you can earn official certifications along the way. On these types of trips, “you have a qualified skipper on board who is offering instruction, as well as advice on how to become a safe and confident sailor,” Quezada explains. “The best part is that you can have your family onboard, and everyone is having a vacation while you check off the bucket list item of learning to sail.”

When planning your first sailing trip , look for trips and schools that offer credentialed schools and instructors; organizations such as ASA, US Sailing, and the Royal Yacht Association are internationally recognized. By following these certification tracks, you can become licensed to sail a charter without a captain on board, also known as a “bareboat charter.” Though not required in some places, a bareboat certification makes it much easier (and safer) to rent your own boat .

No matter which route you take, sailing is a lifelong skill that will open doors to a community of people passionate about getting out on the water and protecting the oceans. “Most importantly, you will learn how to sit back, turn off the phone, and feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face,” says Quezada. “You might start listening to Jimmy Buffet as well.”

Below, we’ve rounded up the best places around the world for learning how to sail—including destinations in North America , Europe , Asia , and Australia —plus, the sailing courses and trips to book in 2024.

The Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands and US Virgin Islands are some of the best training grounds for novice sailors “because of their line-of-sight sailing, predictable wind, and sailor-friendly destinations,” Quezada says. “In the BVI, you can learn to sail and have a beach vacation simultaneously.”

If you’re looking to get your bareboat license, there are several ASA-certified sailing schools in the BVI and US Virgin Islands. Offshore Sailing School , one of the world's preeminent sailing institutions, offers fast track courses for all levels of sailing. Alternatively, charter a captained catamaran, one of the most popular ways to explore the Caribbean.

Florida Keys

Warm temperatures, calm turquoise waters, and consistent easterly winds make the Florida Keys one of the best places to learn to sail in the US. Stay at the Key Lime Sailing Club and cottages resort on Buttonwood Sound in Key Largo and take lessons at the American Sailing Academy , located onsite.

Alternatively, outdoor education organization Outward Bound, which offers program scholarships, is hosting a Florida Keys sailing excursion for adults in March/April 2025. Participants will live on a 30-foot open sailboat for slightly over a week learning beginner, intermediate, and advanced skills in chart and compass navigation, small boat seamanship, weather observation, and anchoring.

Greek Islands

With its calm, clear waters and warm Mediterranean climate, the Ionian sea offers ideal conditions for beginner sailors. Quezada recommends sailing down the western coast of Greece and the island of Corfu, where Fairwinds Sailing School offers “learn to sail” vacations from April to October. For a route closer to Athens, join a flotilla and hop between the Argo-Saronic Islands in the Aegean Sea, but be aware that the Meltemi winds, which are especially strong during July and August, can make for trickier sailing conditions in this region.

Sea of Cortez, Mexico

Sail through crystal clear waters between a whopping 971 uninhabited islands in the Sea of Cortez, located between the Baja peninsula and mainland Mexico. Nautilus Sailing offers liveaboard courses on catamaran and monohull ships for sailors looking to earn their ASA 101, 103, 104, and 114 certifications from January–June and October–December. The curriculum covers sailboat terminology, engine operation, docking procedures, sail trimming, navigation rules, anchoring, weather, and maritime safety, among other skills. Plus, expect to encounter some stunning marine life, including sea turtles, whale sharks, dolphins, and humpback whales.

Sarah James

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New England

There’s no better way to experience a quintessential New England summer than by sailboat. The sailing season in the Northeast runs from April to October, with ASA and US Sailing accredited schools located in major metropolitans like New York City and Boston as well as coastal enclaves like Newport and Cape Cod .

For adults seeking a basic introduction to the sport, US Sailing offers “first sail” lessons in dozens of locations up and down the Eastern seaboard. Pull on a striped sweater, pack a bottle of rosé, and you’re good to go!

Croatia’s Adriatic Coast is home to a vibrant sailing community with picture-perfect weather conditions. Beginner sailors will appreciate the gentle winds of Dubrovnik, the Split Islands, and Kornati National Park , whose sheltered coves and bays supply calm and predictable winds. Enjoy incredible natural wonders only accessible by boat, like the famous Blue Cave.

Student sailors can earn beginner, intermediate, and advanced ASA certifications aboard 8-day learn to sail vacations in July, August, and September 2024. Hosted by American Sailing partner Sailing Virgins, the catamaran and monohull ships—each a minimum of 40 feet with 3-5 cabins—visit the Croatian islands of Brac, Korčula, Šćedro, Komiža, Vis, and Hvar.

Gulf of Thailand

The Gulf of Thailand offers lovely year-round sailing conditions, making it an accessible and exciting destination for both beginner and advanced sailors. Most sailing schools and marinas in Thailand are based in Pattaya. Island Spirit Sailing Schoo l offers an eleven-day “zero to hero” course that combines crew and skipper training, including land-based and overnight sea lessons.

Whitsunday Islands, Australia

Located in Northeast Australia, the Whitsunday Islands are a year-round sailing mecca and idyllic gateway to the Great Barrier Reef . Brisk southeast trade winds blow throughout the winter season, attracting sailors from across the country to annual sailing races hosted on Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach. For beginner sailors, Mainstay Sailing offers introductory courses certified by the internationally-recognized Royal Yacht Association out of the Coral Sea Marina.

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5th Moscow Boat Show, March 20-25, 2012

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• Yacht Charter & Superyacht News >

Written by Zuzana Bednarova

The 5th edition of the International exhibition of yachts and boats –  Moscow Boat Show , held from March 20 to 25, 2012 will be hosted by the first pavilion of Crocus Expo International Exhibition Centre. This popular show is dedicated not only to the specialists of the market segment and professional sportsmen but also to those who consider sailing sport to be their hobby and well cherished dream.

The project is the result of joint efforts of the Crocus Expo International Exhibition Centre and the National Marine Industry Association. The event is supported by Aston Martin Moscow, Burevestnik Group logistics department and the Yachting specialized magazine. Moscow Boat Show is the largest project in Russia presenting all the best in the world of yachting.

The exhibition annually shows high level of attendance and has already proved as significant and noteworthy event in the world of yachts and boats. Every year new exhibitors join the list of participants, genuine “sharks” of yachting business, the quantity of visitors considerably increases and the exposition becomes more sated and diverse.

The best companies professionally involved into yachting and small navigation business – 180 exhibitors from 17 regions of the Russian Federation and 15 countries traditionally presented the best and the newest in the world of yachting at 2011 edition: from design and facilitation of vessels and up to cruising and training courses for beginning skippers. In 2011 the overall exhibit space comprised 18 000 sq m. More than 25 000 visitors came to the show.

This year the exposition space will increase up to 30 000 sq m and will be accommodated in 4 exhibition halls. The scale of the project confirms confident positions of its positive development. The organizers will try to arrange a genuine fiesta of water on land!

Quite a number of foreign exhibitors will participate in the show. Foreign companies show increasing interest to yachting business in Russia.

Moscow Boat Show provides the perfect platform from which to preview new products, evaluate market trends, and establish long-lasting and commercially profitable partnerships. Despite the dynamic changes taking place in Russia and the rapid growth of the yachting sector, the show continues to complement and reflect the industry’s demand and is a promotional opportunity not to be missed!

As its popularity and success rate has grown over the last years Moscow Boat Show 2012 has developed to incorporate more than just an exhibition. These special events serve to attract leading exhibitors and visitors and allow all participants the chance to broaden their knowledge and of course their sales potential.

Moscow Boat Show helps representatives of yachting business to get acquainted with their Russian colleagues and gradually improves national yachting market to a new level. It is obvious that for 4 years of its running the project has turned to a status event of the international exhibitions calendar. The organizers of the exhibition aim to bring together on the same platform all key national and worldwide players and to offer an excellent platform to encourage networking among specialists and visitors in order to accelerate the development in this field as well as implementing new technologies, the newest equipment, materials and components.

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "5th Moscow Boat Show, March 20-25, 2012".

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SAILING: Winds of teaching. "Charting the Sea of Darkness." Christopher Cross. Humboldt's Great Voyage‪.‬ Citizen of Heaven

• Christianity

If money, time, self-discipline, and my wife’s fear of drowning were non-factors, sailing would be the hobby for me. And so, I remain landlocked. Today we’ll discuss how to sail with Jesus instead of going with the prevailing winds; how a quest doomed to failure cost Henry Hudson his life; how the king of yacht rock still calms my spirit; and how knowing the ocean currents can help you sail into the winner’s circle. Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown, Texas. He is the host of the Citizen of Heaven podcast. You are encouraged to seek him and the Lakewoods Drive church through Facebook and other social media. Lakewoods Drive is an autonomous group of Christians dedicated to praising God, teaching the gospel to all who will hear, training Christians in righteousness, and serving our God and one another faithfully. We believe the Bible is God's word, that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, that heaven is our home, and that we have work to do here while we wait. Regular topics of discussion and conversation include: Christians, Jesus, obedience, faith, grace, baptism, New Testament, Old Testament, authority, gospel, fellowship, justice, mercy, faithfulness, forgiveness, Twenty Pages a Week, Bible reading, heaven, hell, virtues, character, denominations, submission, service, character, COVID-19, assembly, Lord's Supper, online, social media, YouTube, Facebook.   

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