Windstar Cruises – “180 Degrees from Ordinary”

Photo courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Windstar is a very unique cruise option in that their ships are very small and intimate, and their vibe is very comfortable and casual, but still luxurious. Their ships have from 148 to 342 guests per vessel. They’re more like a yacht style of cruising since they even offer a watersports platform at the rear of the ship that enables swimming and other activities for some fun activity time in certain ports on certain itineraries in the appropriate weather.

Artist's rendering of Star Seeker courtesy of Windstar Cruises

What excited me about them very recently was their latest announcement on their newest ship called the Star Seeker. The reason why it excites me so much is that of the 112 suites on board, 76 will have balconies. Personally, my husband and I have always had a preference for sailing on a cruise ship that offers balconies for that morning coffee or evening beverage enjoyed outside our suite in the fresh air as we cruise along.

Photo courtesy of Windstar

This fabulous new option with Windstar is coming in January 2026 and will not only be doing 2 wonderful Alaska itineraries throughout the summer of ‘26, the usual Caribbean and various ocean crossings but they will also have another really exciting itinerary called “Grand Japan” that is available in September and October of 2026.

Images courtesy of Windstar

Their smaller size enables them to get into more unique ports where the larger ships are unable to go, and this is vitally important in Alaska. So many of the typical ports, during the season, in Alaska tend to be inundated with multiple, larger cruise ships and an overpopulation of tourists making it very uncomfortable there.

Photo of Amphora Restaurant courtesy of Windstar

Even with their smaller size, Windstar still offers culinary excellence with a great choice of dining options including their main dining area called Amphora, their Star Grill, the Yacht Club Café, 24-hour room service and a new specialty restaurant yet to be announced. Windstar is partnered with the James Beard Foundation to ‘bring together some of the most talented chefs on themed cruises and in their dining room’.

Photo of Veranda suite courtesy of Windstar

As mentioned previously they have balcony suites that are a total of 280 square feet including the 55 square foot veranda, but they also have triple accommodation with a separate bedroom and then a pullout sofa bed in the living room area. They also have much larger suites right up to a 796 total square foot Horizon Owner’s suite with a wrap-around deck that measures 248 square feet.

Photo of "Yacht Club" space courtesy of Windstar

Activities on board, aside from the watersport's platform, include their World Spa by Windstar, the Fitness Center & Motion Studio, a pool, 2 whirlpools, their comfortable “Yacht Club” area & their main lounge area. The other thing that’s very cool about Windstar is that they have an open Bridge so that you have the opportunity to connect with the Captain and his Crew. They also have special guests and lecturers on board to educate and entertain you while on board.

Photo of bridge area courtesy of Windstar

Windstar really does offer a unique alternative ensuring no line-ups, no wait times, no crowds and no cliches. They go where the larger ships can’t go in order to offer you a world like you’ve never seen before in a very comfortable, luxurious way where you need not pack and unpack for the duration. Their other six existing ships offer a range of itineraries in the Mediterranean, including the Greek Islands, Northern Europe, Tahiti, and so much more.

I can’t wait to get onboard with them sometime soon too! How about you?