windstar cruises

Windstar Cruises: Experience Luxury and Adventure on the Seven Seas!

Windstar Cruises is a luxury cruise brand, offering intimate and immersive sea experiences. Its small, elegant ships allow you to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden harbors, where massive vessels can't reach. With exceptional personalized service, world-class dining, and unique onboard activities, Windstar Cruises transforms ordinary sea travel into extraordinary lifelong memories.

Company Name Windstar Cruises
Type Private
Industry Tourism, Travel
Founded 1984
Parent Xanterra Travel Collection
Headquarters Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Area Served Worldwide
Key People Christopher Prelog (President)
Services Cruise line
Number of Ships 6
Destinations 50+ countries, 150+ ports
Cruise Ship Capacity 148 to 312 passengers
Amenities Restaurants, Fitness Center, Spa, Pool Deck, Entertainment, Excursions
Website www.windstarcruises.com
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    Exceptional Guest Experience

    Windstar Cruises is renowned for creating a personalized and intimate vacation experience. With a smaller guest-to-staff ratio compared to other cruise lines, you can expect attentive, high-quality service throughout your voyage. Read more

    Small Ship Advantage

    The smaller ship size allows for access to unique, secluded ports that larger liners cannot accommodate. This means you can explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, providing a unique and enriching travel experience. Read more

    Premium Accommodation

    Windstar Cruises offers luxurious, well-appointed staterooms and suites. All accommodations boast ocean views, allowing you to enjoy the stunning landscapes from the comfort of your private space. Read more

    Culinary Excellence

    Windstar Cruises partners with the James Beard Foundation to bring you exceptional cuisine. This collaboration ensures you can enjoy gourmet meals prepared by top-notch chefs, featuring locally sourced ingredients from each destination. Read more windstar cruises

    Comprehensive Cruise Packages

    Windstar offers all-inclusive cruise packages that cover accommodations, meals, and selected beverages. This allows for a hassle-free vacation where you can focus on relaxation and enjoyment. Read more

    Enrichment Programs

    Windstar Cruises offer a variety of enrichment programs, including lectures by destination experts, cooking demonstrations, and local entertainment. These programs provide an immersive experience that deepens your understanding and appreciation of the destinations visited. Read more

    Active Excursions

    With Windstar, you get the opportunity to engage in a variety of active excursions. These include water sports, hiking, biking, and more — perfect for travellers seeking adventure and physical activity. Read more

    Environmental responsibility

    Windstar Cruises is committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. They have implemented numerous initiatives to minimize their environmental footprint and promote conservation in the destinations they visit. Read more windstar cruises

    Private Events

    Exclusive to Windstar Cruises, private events are specially curated experiences designed to give you a deeper connection to the places you visit. These could include a private dinner in a castle, a beach party on a secluded island, or a concert in a world-renowned venue. Read more

    Recognition and Awards

    Windstar Cruises has received numerous accolades from the industry, including being named the World's Best Small Ship Cruise Line by Condé Nast Traveler. This recognition reflects their commitment to excellence in every aspect of their service. Read more

    Facts

    1. Unforgettable Sailing Experience: Windstar Cruises offer a unique cruising experience that is akin to sailing on your private yacht. You feel the waves lapping against the hull, hear the wind filling the sails, and see the stunning 360-degree views of the sea. It's an intimate and immersive way to travel that leaves you with unforgettable memories.
    2. Small Ship Advantage: With smaller ships that accommodate less than 350 guests, Windstar Cruises can reach the ports that larger ships cannot. This means they can take you to off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden harbours, giving you the chance to explore less crowded and more authentic places.
    3. Luxurious Amenities: Despite the smaller size of the ships, there is no compromise on luxury. You'll find spacious, beautifully appointed staterooms, top-notch dining options, fitness facilities, spa services, and even a watersports platform that can be lowered directly into the sea when the ship is at anchor.
    4. Award-Winning Service: Windstar Cruises is known for its outstanding service. With a staff-to-guest ratio of 1:1.5, every guest is treated with personal attention and care. The crew members are not just attentive but also personable, often remembering guests' names and preferences.
    5. Culinary Excellence: Food is an integral part of the Windstar Cruises experience. Partnering with world-renowned chef, Jacques Pépin, the cruise line offers a culinary program that includes cooking demonstrations, food-and-wine pairings, and special dinners with menus curated by Chef Pépin himself.
    6. Enriching Shore Excursions: The shore excursions offered by Windstar Cruises are designed to immerse guests in the local culture and history of the destinations. They range from guided city tours and nature hikes to cooking classes and wine tastings.
    7. Responsible Tourism: Windstar Cruises is committed to responsible tourism. They strive to minimise their environmental impact, support local economies, and promote cultural exchange. They also have a partnership with the Ocean Foundation to support marine conservation.
    8. Exceptional Value: With all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, and many onboard activities included in the fare, Windstar Cruises offers exceptional value for money. There are also no hidden costs for things like room service and fitness classes.
    9. Themed Cruises: For those with special interests, Windstar Cruises offers themed cruises. These include music cruises, culinary cruises, and wellness cruises, each featuring special guests, activities, and events related to the theme.
    10. Star Collector Voyages: For the truly adventurous, Windstar Cruises offers Star Collector Voyages—longer itineraries (14 days or more) that allow you to explore a region in depth. These voyages also offer additional benefits like free laundry service and special events.

    Vocabulary

    Windstar Cruises – A luxury cruise line that operates a fleet of small luxury cruise ships.

    Yacht – A recreational boat or ship; Windstar Cruise ships are often referred to as yachts due to their size.

    Cruise – A journey or voyage by a cruise ship, especially for pleasure.

    Luxury Cruise – A type of cruise with high-end accommodations, superior service, and extra amenities.

    Itinerary – The places or ports of call visited on a journey or tour.

    Stateroom – A private cabin or room on a ship.

    Onboard Activities – Programs, events, or activities offered on a cruise ship during a voyage.

    Port of Call – A stopover, where a ship stops to take on supplies or passengers.

    Shore Excursion – A guided tour or trip organized from a cruise ship for its passengers when it visits a port of call.

    Deck Plan – A layout plan of the various decks of a ship, including the locations of staterooms, dining facilities, and other amenities.

    Embarkation – The process of passengers and crew getting on board a ship.

    Disembarkation – The process of leaving or going ashore from a ship.

    All-Inclusive – A type of cruise where most or all services, food, and drinks are included in the price.

    Cruise Director – The staff member who oversees the entertainment, activities, and events on a cruise ship.

    Tender – A small boat used to transport passengers from a ship to shore when the ship cannot dock directly at a port.

    Cruise Fare – The cost of a cruise, which can include accommodations, meals, and some onboard activities.

    Single Supplement – An additional charge for single travelers occupying a double occupancy cabin.

    Dress Code – The expected attire for passengers onboard, which can vary based on the time of day or event.

    Muster Drill – A mandatory safety exercise for passengers to learn emergency procedures on a cruise ship.

    Bridge – The navigational control center of a ship.

    Galley – The kitchen of a ship.

    Starboard – The right side of a ship when facing forward.

    Port – The left side of a ship when facing forward.

    Bow – The front of a ship.

    Stern – The back of a ship.

    Midship – The middle portion of a ship.

    Gangway – The platform or ramp used for boarding or disembarking a ship.

    Gratuities – Tips given to the staff on a cruise ship.

    Dry Dock – A maintenance period when a ship is taken out of service for repairs or upgrades.

    Berth – A bed or sleeping accommodation on a ship.

    Read more

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