Quick answer
Windstar Cruises is a premium ocean cruise line based in Seattle, USA, part of Xanterra. Sail-cruise yachts and small motor yachts carrying 148–342 guests, with water-sports platforms and a relaxed yacht-club style. Best for: couples, small ships, sailing ships. Fares start from roughly US$340 per person per night (indicative).
- Cruise type
- Premium ocean cruises
- Headquarters
- Seattle, USA
- Owned by
- Xanterra
- Price level
- Luxury · from ≈ US$340 pp/night
- Fleet (selected)
- 6 ships listed
- Typical length
- 7–21 nights
- Ship size
- 600–4,300 guests
- Onboard currency
- USD
- Best for
- Couples, Small ships, Sailing ships
- Official website
- windstarcruises.com
Why choose Windstar Cruises
- Real sails on the Wind ships
- Water-sports platform at anchor
- Tahiti and Mediterranean specialists
Ships
- Wind Star
- Wind Spirit
- Wind Surf
- Star Pride
- Star Breeze
- Star Legend
Selected ships; fleets change as ships join and leave. Ask us for deck plans and cabin details.
Sailings & fares
Loading sailings…
Where Windstar Cruises sails
Mediterranean
Season: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov. Best: May, Jun, Sep, Oct.
Caribbean & Bahamas
Season: Year-round. Best: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Dec.
Tahiti, Fiji & the South Pacific
Season: Year-round. Best: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.
Alaska
Season: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. Best: Jun, Jul, Aug.
What is included
Usually included
Cabin, main dining, entertainment and enrichment talks. Some lines (Viking, Oceania, Azamara) bundle Wi-Fi, excursions or drinks — check each line.
Dress code
Smart casual most nights; one or two formal or 'evening chic' nights on longer sailings.
Food & dietary needs
Vegetarian meals are available on every sailing. Jain, vegan, halal and allergy requests are sent to the line in writing when you book — see our food guide.
Visas for Windstar Cruises itineraries
Depending on the itinerary you may need: Canada visitor visa, Schengen visa (Europe), Türkiye, US visa (B1/B2). When you book, our Visa Desk checks every port for your passport and gives you apply-by dates.
Similar cruise lines
Princess Cruises
The Alaska specialist, with its own lodges and railcars for cruise-tours, plus big Japan and Australia programmes. The MedallionClass wearable speeds…
Holland America Line
A line founded in 1873, with mid-size ships, live music venues and long voyages. Strong in Alaska, including Glacier…
Celebrity Cruises
Modern, design-led ships with excellent food and The Retreat suite class. Edge-class ships feature the Magic Carpet, a moving deck…
Oceania Cruises
'The finest cuisine at sea' is Oceania's promise, with specialty restaurants included and destination-rich itineraries on mid-size…
Azamara
Small ships focused on 'destination immersion': late nights and overnights in port, and an included evening event on many…
Viking (ocean & expedition)
Adults-only (18+) ocean ships with Scandinavian design, no casinos, and a shore excursion in every port included. Expedition ships sail Antarctica…
Frequently asked questions
Is Windstar Cruises good for families?
Windstar Cruises is better suited to couples, small ships, sailing ships than to young families. Couples, culture-focused travellers, multi-generation families and returning cruisers.
What is included in a Windstar Cruises fare?
Cabin, main dining, entertainment and enrichment talks. Some lines (Viking, Oceania, Azamara) bundle Wi-Fi, excursions or drinks — check each line.
Where does Windstar Cruises sail?
Windstar Cruises sails to Mediterranean, Caribbean & Bahamas, Tahiti, Fiji & the South Pacific, Alaska.
How much does a Windstar Cruises cruise cost?
As a guide, Windstar Cruises fares start from about US$340 per person per night, so a 7-night trip starts around US$2,380 per person before taxes and extras. Exact fares depend on ship, date and cabin.
Can I book Windstar Cruises through Xciting Cruising?
Yes. Xciting Cruising sells Windstar Cruises sailings worldwide, with prices in your currency (including INR), a free 48-hour hold, low deposits, and visa, insurance, shore excursions and forex handled in the same booking.
What is the dress code on Windstar Cruises?
Smart casual most nights; one or two formal or 'evening chic' nights on longer sailings.