{"id":52302,"date":"2025-09-04T22:49:45","date_gmt":"2025-09-04T22:49:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/2025\/09\/04\/faq-windstar-features-two-distinct-styles-of-ships-how-do-you-decide-which-fits-you\/"},"modified":"2025-09-04T22:49:46","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T22:49:46","slug":"faq-windstar-features-two-distinct-styles-of-ships-how-do-you-decide-which-fits-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/2025\/09\/04\/faq-windstar-features-two-distinct-styles-of-ships-how-do-you-decide-which-fits-you\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQ: Windstar Features Two Distinct Styles of Ships. How Do You Decide Which Fits You?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The first Windstar ship I ever skilled was Wind Star within the Caribbean, the 148-passenger crusing ship. The most up-to-date was Star Legend within the Mediterranean, the cruise line\u2019s 312-passenger yacht. These two completely completely different ships, no less than so far as the vessels are involved, share many similarities, similar to Windstar\u2019s pleasant crew, watersports marinas off the again (or aft), and the James Beard Foundation partnership during which its cooks share their recipes with the ship\u2019s culinary workforce and host culinary sailings all year long<\/a>. Most of all, each ships provide a pleasant onboard ambiance, during which well-traveled company mingle with one another \u2014 and officers and crew positively make you’re feeling such as you\u2019re a part of the household.<\/p>\n

Yet, there are clear distinctions, each in the case of the ships\u2019 designs in addition to their itineraries. One of Windstar\u2019s largest challenges \u2014 and alternatives \u2014 and one thing that makes its fleet completely distinctive<\/a>, is that there are (or somewhat, will probably be, when Star Seeker debuts in December 2025) really two distinct lessons of vessels.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re making your alternative based totally on vacation spot, you\u2019ll discover some areas, similar to Northern Europe and the Canary Islands, the place there\u2019s just one choice for the type of ship. What occurs, although, if you find yourself touring to locations like Tahiti, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, or Central America and the Panama Canal, when you’ll be able to go for both <\/em>a crusing ship or an all-suite yacht?<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s our information that will help you choose your ship \u2014 and your journey.<\/p>\n

First, let\u2019s discuss concerning the ships<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You could hear the phrase \u201cclass\u201d bandied about.\u00a0 That refers back to the kinds of vessels. We\u2019ll begin with the Wind Class<\/a>, which describes the 148-passenger Wind Star and Wind Spirit, and the 342-passenger Wind Surf. All are crusing ships (and have engines to make use of when wanted).<\/p>\n

Windstar\u2019s Star Class<\/a> ships \u2014 Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride\u2014 carry 312 company apiece. This trio, largely equivalent, provides extra of a cruise-style expertise.<\/p>\n

And, debuting in December 2025 and December 2026, will probably be two extra ships. \u00a0Star Seeker, the previous, is Windstar\u2019s first newbuild for the Star Class. The almost equivalent Star Explorer launches in December 2026. Both carry 224 company and have essentially the most state-of-the-art facilities within the fleet.<\/p>\n

Wind Star, Wind Spirit and Wind Surf<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Windstar\u2019s Wind Class collection of ships, together with Wind Star and Wind Spirit, are embarking on new refurbishment initiatives.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There\u2019s no expertise in cruising as romantic as departing from the day\u2019s port of name on considered one of Windstar\u2019s crusing ships. Sails are unfurled as Vangelis\u2019 haunting musical rating \u201c1492: Conquest of Paradise\u201d performs within the background.\u00a0 \u201cAt each sail away \u2026\u00a0 guests gather on deck to toast the opening of the sails,\u201d writes Kim Glynn on Panache Cruises\u2019 weblog<\/a>. \u201cI still get goosebumps when I think about it now. It\u2019s a proper \u2018Pirates of the Caribbean\u2019 moment!\u201d<\/p>\n

Advantages: <\/strong><\/p>\n

For small ship aficionados (or crusing lovers), these vessels provide an intimate expertise. And you\u2019ll nonetheless discover facilities similar to watersports platforms, an onboard soaking pool, a comfortable spa and fitness center, and two lounges.<\/p>\n

And what so many people love about Wind Surf is its distinctive outside areas. It\u2019s the one crusing ship within the fleet the place its pool is situated on the aft deck, providing fabulous views on three sides (motor yachts Star Seeker and Star Explorer will each have aft swimming pools after they debut).<\/p>\n

Where you\u2019ll sleep:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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A stateroom on Wind Star.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wind Star and Wind Spirit every provide one 220-square-foot suite; the remainder of the staterooms measure a comfortable 188 sq. toes. On Wind Surf, suite choices vary from 242\u00a0 to 495 sq. toes and embody The Broadmoor and Sea Island suites, impressed by sister resorts. Standard lodging are 188 sq. toes. All suites characteristic ample storage.<\/p>\n

Restaurants<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

All three ships characteristic Amphora, the primary restaurant venue, and the Veranda, with alfresco and indoor seating. Veranda transforms into Candles, the ship\u2019s seafood and steakhouse, for dinner. Befitting its bigger measurement, Wind Surf additionally provides Stella Bistro, a French-inspired restaurant. Room service is obtainable 24\/7.<\/p>\n

Where you\u2019ll go: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Typically, you\u2019ll discover Windstar\u2019s Wind Class ships in hotter climes, such because the Greek Isles in summer time, the Canary Islands in spring and fall, French Polynesia (year-round, starting in January 2027), and the Caribbean and Latin America.<\/p>\n

Good to Know:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The newly revamped Amphora on Wind Surf<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All three of Windstar\u2019s Wind Class ships are undergoing main refurbishments<\/a>. The 342-guest Wind Surf is present process its $7.5 million refurbishment in two phases and the primary was accomplished in December 2024 with the addition of three new suites (together with lovely reimaginings of lodging from sibling resorts at The Broadmoor and Sea Island). Public rooms, from the foyer to Amphora and from the pool to lounges, additionally have been accomplished. The second part of the design overhaul will deal with staterooms and can happen in December 2026.<\/p>\n

Wind Star additionally will get a phased-in improve. Already, public rooms just like the Lounge, the World Spa and fitness center, and the pool deck and adjoining bar, have been refreshed; the proprietor\u2019s suite was utterly redesigned. Next: In 2026, staterooms will probably be transformed, as will Amphora, its major restaurant, and Veranda, its ship-top caf\u00e9 (that transforms into Candles for dinner).<\/p>\n

On Wind Spirit, the phases are equivalent to Wind Star; solely the timing is completely different. Its first stage takes place in 2026 and the second in 2027.<\/p>\n

Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Star Legend at anchor.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Windstar\u2019s Star Class options Star Breeze, Star Pride and Star Legend. The ships are, by and huge, equivalent, and carry 312 vacationers.<\/p>\n

Advantages:<\/strong><\/p>\n

You desire a small ship expertise with just a few extra consolation options, like spacious suites further leisure and restaurant decisions, bigger spa, and a super-wide vary of itineraries.<\/p>\n

Where You\u2019ll Sleep:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The Sea Island Suite on Windstar\u2019s Star Class<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This trio of ships options the most important suites within the fleet, together with proprietor\u2019s suites and the Broadmoor and Sea Island, all of which have personal balconies, and separate residing and bedrooms and vary from 575 to 820 sq. toes. Even customary ocean view and French veranda lodging, measuring 277 sq. toes, have distinct residing and sleeping areas and a walk-in closet. They even have not too long ago refurbished loos with energy showers and twin sinks.<\/p>\n

Restaurants:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mainstays onboard embody the Veranda, which is open for buffet and off-the-menu dishes and has indoor and outside seating. At evening, it transforms into Candles, its steakhouse. At Amphora, open solely within the evenings, the menus mirror extra continental fare with the choice to strive dishes created by James Beard Foundation cooks. Cuadro 44, considered one of my favourite onboard eateries anyplace, has been serving up Spanish-influenced tapas (greatest lamb chops ever). It\u2019s slowly being changed by Basil + Bamboo, a brand new idea providing a mix of Mediterranean and Asian delicacies. It\u2019s at the moment on Star Breeze and will probably be added to Star Legend (beginning December 13, 2025), Star Seeker and Star Pride (debuting April 7, 2026).<\/p>\n

Also secret is 24-hour complimentary room service.<\/p>\n

Where You\u2019ll Go:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Star Legend in Iceland.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Because these are motor ships somewhat than working (no less than partially) through sail, they provide extra numerous itineraries just because they’ll transfer at a sooner pace and thus journey larger distances. In Tahiti, for one, Star Breeze can incorporate a trek to the unique Marquesas right into a 14-day itinerary that additionally consists of the favored, bucket-list-worthy Society Islands similar to Moorea and Bora Bora.<\/p>\n

As properly, these ships are good for cooler climate locations, just like the Mediterranean in winter and Iceland in summer time as a result of there\u2019s extra flexibility indoors. For occasion, if climate precludes the road\u2019s signature outside BBQ, there\u2019s the equally fascinating \u201cgalley\u201d dinner, during which a luxurious buffet is specified by Amphora\u2019s kitchen, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how the restaurant operates.<\/p>\n

Good to Know:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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This trio has further indoor house; for lots of us, the Yacht Club on the prime of the ships is a favourite onboard spot. It\u2019s a caf\u00e9 for a lightweight breakfast and lunch the place you’ll be able to put collectively a puzzle, learn a ebook, or just take pleasure in sea vistas. We additionally love the two-deck, spacious sundeck the place you’ll be able to at all times discover a chaise with a view. There are two soaking swimming pools: one is situated proper within the heart of the pool deck; the opposite, a little bit of a thriller for its outlying location, is all the way in which ahead on Deck 5 (it\u2019s a whirlpool).<\/p>\n

Like all Windstar vessels, Star Class has a well-outfitted watersports marina on the aft, for company to take pleasure in whereas the ships are at anchor. For after-dinner socializing, the Lounge provides extra structured performances whereas Compass Rose is fabulous for dancing.<\/p>\n

Also Part of the Star Class: Star Seeker, Star Explorer<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Star Seeker and Star Explorer, rendering courtesy of Windstar Cruises<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

With Star Seeker<\/a> debuting in December 2025 (and Star Explorer following a 12 months later), these are the road\u2019s first designed-for-Windstar vessels since Wind Star and \u00a0Wind Spirit debuted 40 years in the past.<\/p>\n

Advantages<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

These new ships<\/a>, which carry 224 vacationers, enable Windstar to broaden the itineraries it provides (whereas persevering with with core experiences that exist already). Among these embody southeast Asia, Alaska, and Japan. And, as with the Star Class ships, these enable flexibility, via expanded onboard choices, to sail in colder climates; Star Explorer will take over winter-in-the-Mediterranean from Star Legend in 2027.<\/p>\n

Additionally, there are new facilities being launched on this class of vessel; we\u2019re notably intrigued by its expansive spa, a super-spacious sundeck with pool, and the latest watersports marinas within the fleet. And most staterooms have balconies, a primary for Windstar (the most important Star Class suites have them, and others have step-out verandas).<\/p>\n

Where You\u2019ll Sleep:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The Owners Suite on Star Seeker will characteristic a wrap-around veranda (rendering)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

First of all, most suites, from customary to swanky, have patio doorways with full sliding glass doorways for further gentle. As properly, Star Seeker and Star Explorer characteristic Windstar\u2019s widest vary of lodging. At the high quality are Horizon Owner\u2019s Suites, which have the ships\u2019 largest balconies, wrapping across the aft and including one other 248 sq. toes. Other choices embody Star Suites and Classic Suites clocking in from 353 to 540 sq. toes, with full balconies providing added house.<\/p>\n

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[ad_1] The first Windstar ship I ever skilled was Wind Star within the Caribbean, the 148-passenger crusing ship. The most up-to-date was Star Legend within the Mediterranean, the cruise line\u2019s 312-passenger yacht. These two completely completely different ships, no less than so far as the vessels are involved, share many similarities, similar to Windstar\u2019s pleasant […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":52303,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/blog.windstarcruises.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Monemvasia_Drone_0076_edit_Blog-header-1200x380-2.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[1043,2684,2682,2611,2685,1686,1069,2683],"class_list":{"0":"post-52302","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cruise","8":"tag-decide","9":"tag-distinct","10":"tag-faq","11":"tag-features","12":"tag-fits","13":"tag-ships","14":"tag-styles","15":"tag-windstar"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52302","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=52302"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52302\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/52303"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52302"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=52302"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=52302"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}