What Windstar Cruises offers and who it serves

Windstar Cruises operates small ships that carry between 148 and 310 passengers, which is substantially smaller than mainstream cruise lines. The company focuses on destination-intensive itineraries rather than on-ship entertainment, meaning the ship itself is a means to reach ports rather than the main attraction. Windstar sails in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, and other regions, with itineraries typically lasting 7 to 14 days.

The smaller ship size means Windstar can dock in ports that larger cruise ships cannot access — places like the Greek islands, French Polynesia, and smaller Caribbean harbors. This appeals to travelers who want to spend more time in destinations and less time at sea, and who prefer a quieter atmosphere with fewer crowds than ships carrying 3,000 or more passengers.

Windstar is owned by Xanterra Travel Collection, a company that also operates land-based travel experiences. The line markets itself toward adults, with most passengers aged 55 and older, though younger travelers do book Windstar cruises.

Key Takeaways

  • Windstar ships carry 148 to 310 passengers, allowing them to visit smaller ports and provide a quieter cruising experience than larger lines.
  • All-inclusive pricing typically covers meals, drinks, gratuities, and some shore excursions, though what is included varies by cabin type and itinerary.
  • Cabins are smaller than on mainstream cruise lines, with the smallest starting around 188 square feet, and most ships have no interior cabins.
  • Windstar charges per-person pricing based on double occupancy, meaning solo travelers pay a higher per-night rate than couples in the same cabin category.
  • The onboard atmosphere is casual and adult-focused, with no kids' clubs, no formal dress codes, and limited nightlife compared to larger cruise lines.

Cabin types and what space you actually get

Windstar offers several cabin categories, and the smallest are genuinely small. Standard outside cabins (called Deluxe Suites on some ships) start at approximately 188 square feet and include a queen or twin beds, a bathroom with shower, and a small sitting area. Most Windstar ships have no interior cabins — nearly every cabin has a window or veranda.

Larger cabin options include Suites (roughly 275 to 400 square feet) and Owner's Suites (500+ square feet), which add separate living areas, larger bathrooms, and sometimes private verandas with hot tubs. The highest categories may include butler service and priority dining reservations. Cabin size and amenities vary by ship, so the specific layout of your cabin depends on which Windstar vessel you book.

All cabins include air conditioning, a flat-screen television, a safe, and a hair dryer. WiFi is available throughout the ship, though the cost and speed depend on which internet package you purchase. Windstar does not include WiFi in the base fare on most itineraries.

What is included and what costs extra

Windstar advertises an all-inclusive pricing model, but what that covers depends on your cabin category and the specific itinerary. Most fares include all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic drinks at bars and restaurants, gratuities, and some shore excursions. However, specialty dining venues (if available on your ship), spa services, casino use, and certain excursions are not included.

Shore excursions are a major variable. Some itineraries include a certain number of excursions in the base price, while others include none. When excursions are not included, they typically cost $75 to $300 per person depending on the activity and destination. Windstar also charges for items like laundry service, photo packages, and any beverages or food ordered outside the main dining venues.

Cabin category affects what is included. Suites and higher categories often include more excursions, priority dining, and other perks compared to standard cabins. Review the specific itinerary details before booking to understand what is covered under your fare.

Pricing structure and how per-person rates work

Windstar quotes prices per person based on double occupancy, meaning the rate assumes two people sharing a cabin. If you book a cabin alone, you typically pay a solo supplement — usually 150% to 200% of the per-person double-occupancy rate. This means a solo traveler pays significantly more per night than someone sharing a cabin with a partner.

Published fares vary widely based on season, destination, and how far in advance you book. Caribbean itineraries in winter (December through March) cost more than summer sailings. Mediterranean cruises in shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) are often less expensive than peak summer months. Windstar occasionally offers early-booking discounts and last-minute deals, though availability and discount amounts change frequently.

The per-person rate includes the cabin, meals, drinks, and gratuities, but does not include airfare, transfers to the port, travel insurance, or any items listed as extra charges. Some travel agents specializing in cruises can negotiate group rates or access additional discounts not advertised directly to the public.

Onboard atmosphere and daily life

Windstar ships have no kids' clubs, no Broadway-style shows, and no formal dress codes. Dinner is typically smart casual (collared shirt and slacks for men; dress or blouse and slacks for women), and some nights may be casual. This contrasts with larger cruise lines, where formal or elegant nights are standard on longer sailings.

Entertainment is limited compared to mainstream lines. Most Windstar ships offer live music, lectures about destinations, cooking demonstrations, and trivia, but not large production shows or extensive activity schedules. The focus is on relaxation, conversation, and time in port rather than on-ship activities. Many passengers spend afternoons in port and evenings on the ship.

Dining is typically open-seating, meaning you choose when and where to eat within set meal times, and you may sit with different people each night or request the same table. Some ships have specialty restaurants in addition to the main dining room. The onboard population skews toward older, affluent travelers, and the overall pace is slower and quieter than on larger ships.

How to book and what to know before you commit

You can book Windstar directly through their website, by phone, or through a travel agent. Travel agents often have access to the same fares as the public website, but some may offer additional services like itinerary planning or information if issues arise during your cruise. Windstar also works with travel agent consortiums that may negotiate group rates for certain sailings.

Before booking, confirm the cancellation policy, which varies by how far in advance you book and the specific itinerary. Windstar typically allows free cancellation up to a certain number of days before departure (often 60 to 90 days), after which you forfeit a percentage of the fare. Travel insurance is not included and is sold separately; it can cover cancellation, medical emergencies, and trip interruptions.

Verify what documents you need for your destination. Windstar sails internationally, so you may need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Some itineraries visit countries that require visas, which you must obtain before boarding. Windstar's website lists document requirements by itinerary.

Comparing Windstar to other cruise lines

Windstar differs from mainstream lines (like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney) in ship size, pricing model, and target market. Mainstream lines carry 2,000 to 6,000+ passengers, offer extensive on-ship activities and entertainment, and charge lower per-night rates. Windstar carries far fewer passengers, focuses on destinations over on-ship amenities, and charges higher per-night rates but includes more in the base price.

Windstar is more comparable to other small-ship lines like Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, and Ponant, which also target affluent, older travelers and emphasize destination immersion. Seabourn and Regent are similarly priced or slightly higher; Ponant often focuses on expedition cruising to remote regions. All three include more in their base fares than mainstream lines, but charge more per night than Windstar.

If you prioritize on-ship entertainment, family-friendly activities, and lower per-night costs, a mainstream line may suit you better. If you prefer fewer crowds, more time in ports, and a quieter atmosphere, Windstar or another small-ship line may be a better fit. The choice depends on what you value in a cruise experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need travel insurance for a Windstar cruise?

Travel insurance is not included in your fare and is optional, but it can protect you if you need to cancel before departure, face a medical emergency, or experience a trip interruption. Windstar offers insurance through a third-party provider, and you can also purchase it from other companies. Review what each policy covers before deciding whether to buy.

What happens if a port is skipped due to weather?

If weather or other circumstances force Windstar to skip a scheduled port, the cruise fare is not refunded. Instead, the ship visits an alternate port if possible, or you spend an extra day at sea. Windstar's terms of service allow the line to make these changes without compensation, so this is a risk you accept when you book.

Are children allowed on Windstar cruises?

Children are allowed, but Windstar is not designed for families. There are no kids' clubs, limited activities for children, and the onboard atmosphere is geared toward adults. Most sailings carry very few children, and some itineraries have age restrictions (such as children must be 10 or older). Check the specific sailing before booking if you are traveling with children.

Can I bring my own alcohol on board?

Windstar prohibits passengers from bringing their own alcohol on board. Alcoholic beverages are included in most fares, so you can order drinks at bars and restaurants without additional charge. Outside beverages are not permitted in cabins or public areas.

How do I get to the port if I book my own airfare?

Windstar does not include transfers from the airport to the port. You can arrange your own transportation (rental car, taxi, rideshare, or shuttle service), or you can purchase a transfer package through Windstar when you book. Transfer costs vary by port and location, typically ranging from $50 to $150 per person.