Windstar Cruises: Small-Ship Luxury for Travelers Who Want to Go Deeper

In a world of mega-ships and floating cities, Windstar Cruises offers something refreshingly different. This is cruising reimagined for travelers who value authenticity over crowds, access over excess and experiences over spectacle. With elegant small ships and iconic sailing yachts carrying just 148 to 342 guests, Windstar delivers voyages that feel personal, immersive and beautifully unhurried.

Rather than rushing from port to port, Windstar designs itineraries that allow you to truly connect with each destination. Ships dock closer to historic city centers, slip into secluded harbors larger vessels can’t reach and often stay late or overnight, giving you the freedom to explore beyond the postcard moments. Whether it’s dining ashore under the stars in Greece, wandering medieval streets after the crowds fade or swimming directly from the ship in the Caribbean, Windstar brings you closer to the places you visit — literally and emotionally.

On board, the atmosphere is relaxed yet refined. There are no formal nights, no fixed dining times and no sense of being herded. Instead, you’ll find open decks, marina platforms for watersports, regionally inspired cuisine crafted in partnership with the James Beard Foundation and a crew that quickly learns your name, preferences and pace. It’s luxury without pretense — thoughtful, intimate and quietly exceptional.

Featured Windstar Cruises Itineraries

Windstar sails to destinations across the globe, but always with the same philosophy: smaller ships, deeper experiences and unforgettable access.

Mediterranean & Europe

Explore Europe the way it was meant to be seen — slowly and intimately.

Greek Isles & Turkey: Sail into postcard-perfect ports like Santorini, Mykonos and Patmos, with late departures that allow for sunset dinners ashore. Windstar’s small ships dock closer to town, making it easy to wander marble streets, dine by candlelight and experience local nightlife without rushing back to the ship.

Italy & the French Riviera: From Rome and Florence to Portofino and Monaco, Windstar itineraries blend iconic cities with lesser-known gems. Overnight stays allow you to enjoy evening performances, local wine bars and authentic dining experiences long after day-trippers depart.

Northern Europe: Cruise the fjords of Norway, the Baltic capitals or the Scottish Isles, accessing smaller ports and scenic waterways that larger ships simply bypass.

Tahiti & the South Pacific

Windstar is one of the most celebrated cruise lines in French Polynesia — and for good reason.

Sail between Bora Bora, Moorea and Tahiti aboard ships designed specifically for these waters. Enjoy overnight stays, snorkeling straight from the ship’s marina and time to truly absorb the rhythm of island life. Many travelers consider Windstar’s Tahiti voyages among the finest cruise experiences in the world.

Caribbean

Forget mega-ports and crowded beaches. Windstar’s Caribbean itineraries focus on secluded coves, lesser-visited islands and authentic local culture.

Swim directly from the ship, enjoy complimentary watersports and explore charming towns without competing with thousands of fellow passengers. It’s the Caribbean — elevated, intimate and unspoiled.

Asia, Central America & Beyond

Windstar also sails to Asia, Costa Rica, Panama and select long-haul destinations, offering culturally rich itineraries that emphasize immersion, expert-led excursions and thoughtful pacing.

Windstar vs. Large Cruise Lines: What’s the Difference?

Choosing the right cruise line can dramatically shape your vacation. Here’s how Windstar compares to traditional large-ship cruising:

Ship Size & Atmosphere: Large cruise lines often carry 3,000 to 6,000+ guests, creating a lively, resort-style environment with crowds, lines and scheduled entertainment. Windstar’s small ships foster a boutique-hotel feel, where everything is quieter, more spacious and deeply personal.

Ports & Access: Big ships are limited to major cruise ports and industrial terminals. Windstar docks in small harbors and city centers, allowing you to step directly into the destination — no long transfers required.

Time in Port: Large ships prioritize efficiency, often departing mid-afternoon. Windstar stays longer, frequently overnight, so you can explore destinations after dark, enjoy local dining and truly experience the culture.

Onboard Experience: Mega-ships focus on attractions — water parks, amusement rides and large-scale shows. Windstar focuses on enrichment, scenery, cuisine and connection, with open decks, cultural programming and immersive shore experiences.

Who It’s Best For: Windstar is ideal for travelers who value culture, cuisine, scenery and meaningful exploration. If you prefer elegance over entertainment complexes and discovery over distraction, Windstar is a perfect fit.

CHECK OUT OUR VIRGIN CRUISE SPECIAL!

Why Book Your Windstar Cruise with McNellis Travel?

Windstar Cruises pairs beautifully with the way we plan travel at McNellis Travel — thoughtfully, personally and with exceptional attention to detail.

When you book through us, we help you select the ideal itinerary, ship and stateroom based on how you like to travel. We arrange pre- and post-cruise stays, recommend the most rewarding shore excursions and secure exclusive amenities whenever available. We also act as your advocate before, during and after your voyage, so every detail feels seamless.

Our expertise ensures your Windstar cruise isn’t just booked — it’s curated. From romantic sailings and milestone celebrations to once-in-a-lifetime cultural journeys, we make sure your experience feels effortless and extraordinary.

Sail Beyond the Ordinary

Windstar Cruises isn’t about doing more — it’s about experiencing more. More connection. More authenticity. More time where it matters most.

If you’re ready to explore the world in a way that feels intimate, enriching and beautifully refined, Windstar may be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

📞 Contact McNellis Travel today to begin planning your Windstar Cruises journey and discover how small-ship luxury can take you deeper into the world.

Check out our Windstar Specials