15 Ways Windstar Cruises Stands Out From Big Cruise Lines (An Honest Review)
If you’ve ever found yourself overwhelmed by 5,000-passenger mega-ships, long lines at the buffet, or endless reservations just to get a seat at dinner, you’re not alone.
On my recent trip through French Polynesia (sailing through Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea, Taha’a, and Huahine onboard the Star Breeze), I wanted to test whether small-ship cruising delivers true boutique luxury without the eye-watering price tag.
Prefer to watch rather than read? If you’re a visual learner, watch my full YouTube video review right here!
Here are 15 key things that make Windstar Cruises completely different from big cruise lines like Celebrity, Norwegian, MSC, Carnival, Virgin Voyages, and Royal Caribbean — including the highlights, the trade-offs, and what makes the whole ship feel like a VIP experience.
1. The Signature Sailaway Moment
On Windstar’s motorized sailing ships (Wind Surf, Wind Star, Wind Spirit), sailaway is a cinematic event. Instead of a loud deck party with a DJ, you watch as 148 to 300+ feet of massive sails unfurl while the Windstar flag is raised to the dramatic sound of Vangelis’s 1492: Conquest of Paradise. It gives you instant goosebumps.
2. Small Ships That Actually Feel Spacious
Even though these ships are small (carrying between 148 and 342 guests), the public spaces are incredibly spacious. They feel comfortable and inviting—never crowded, but never empty or like a ghost town, either.
3. Every Cabin is a Suite
On many big ships, the lowest-grade entry-level option is a tiny, windowless interior room. On Windstar’s Star-Class ships, every room is an ocean-view suite. Whether you book an entry-level porthole suite or a balcony suite, the majority of the suites are the exact same size. You get double sinks, a walk-in closet, and a spacious seating area—you’re really just choosing your window view.
4. Guaranteed Specialty Dining Reservations
On big ships, specialty restaurants sell out months before you even pack your bags. On Windstar, every single guest gets to make reservations at every specialty dining venue onboard. You just call Guest Services when you get on the ship to secure your preferred times.
5. Hot, 24/7 Room Service (With No Fees)
While many big lines are starting to charge delivery fees for room service, Windstar offers complimentary 24/7 room service. Whether you want breakfast in bed or hot food after a long day in port, it’s always included. (And yes, they’ll even deliver fresh popcorn for a late-night movie in your suite).
6. Unforgettable Destination Discovery Events
Instead of generic pool games, Windstar focuses on immersive, local experiences. Depending on your itinerary, you might be treated to an exclusive Polynesian Feast & Fire Dance on a private motu in Bora Bora, or an unforgettable candlelit Evening in Ephesus while sailing through Turkey.
7. The Watersports Platform (And the Secret Hot Tub)
When anchored in calm waters, Windstar opens its retractable stern Watersports Platform so you can paddleboard, kayak, or swim right off the back of the ship. (Pro tip: Don’t expect the watersports platform to drop in Alaska unless you fancy a swim with iceberg chunks!) If you’re sailing somewhere chilly on a Star-Class ship, go find the hidden hot tub tucked at the very front of the ship, or take a dip in the small dipping pool.
8. Access to Hidden Ports Mega-Ships Can’t Reach
Because Windstar ships have a shallow draft, they can slip into small harbors, hidden fjords, and secluded islands that mega-ships simply can’t access. Instead of docking at massive, industrialized cruise terminals, Windstar takes you to places like Fakarava in French Polynesia, Portofino on the Italian Riviera, or the tiny island of Bequia in the Caribbean. You get to step right off the ship into the heart of untouched towns without fighting thousands of other tourists.
9. An Unbeatable Staff-to-Guest Ratio
On major cruise lines, you’ll typically find 2.5 to 3.5 passengers for every single crew member. Windstar’s ratio is nearly 1.5 to 1. The service is incredibly personal, and the crew will likely know your name and your favorite drink by day two.
10. Zero Schedule Stress
There are showtimes onboard, but they are very casual. Since you have 24/7 room service and open-seating dining without strict reservation slots, you eat when you want and do what you want without constantly checking an itinerary app.
11. The Open Bridge Policy
On most big ships, seeing the bridge requires booking an expensive, behind-the-scenes tour. On Windstar, you can literally just walk up to the bridge during open hours, talk with the officers, look at the navigation charts, and maybe even sit in the Captain’s chair!
Check out my 15 Second Video on the Bride
12. The Whole Ship is a VIP Zone
If you price out a Windstar cruise, you’ll find it’s often similar to the cost of booking a suite on major lines. But instead of being confined to an exclusive “suites-only” lounge while sharing the rest of the ship with 4,000 people, the entireWindstar ship feels like a private, VIP yacht club.
13. Local Ambassadors & The Epic Crew Talent Show
Forget manufactured Broadway-style productions. The daytime and evening entertainment on Windstar is intimate and authentic. You may have local ambassadors brought onboard to play regional music or teach cultural classes. However, the absolute highlight of the trip is the epic crew talent show. It brings the whole ship together and is genuinely fantastic.
14. The “All-In” Package Actually Pays Off
For $99 a day, Windstar’s “All-In” package covers your gratuities, Wi-Fi, and unlimited drinks. The bartenders onboard are real bartenders—some are even award-winning mixologists! If you have just 3 drinks a day (even on port-heavy itineraries), the package easily pays for itself.
15. The Compass Rose Coffee Lounge
If there is one trade-off, it’s that Windstar doesn’t have a massive, standalone coffee shop chain onboard. However, they do have a great small coffee setup inside the Compass Rose Lounge that serves specialty espresso, lattes, and drip coffee daily until about 6:00 PM.
Quick Comparison: Windstar vs. Big Cruise Lines
| Feature | Windstar Cruises | Big Cruise Lines (Royal, NCL, Carnival, MSC, Virgin) |
|---|---|---|
| Guest Capacity | 148 – 342 guests | 3,000 – 7,000+ guests |
| Suite Perks | The whole ship is a VIP zone | Restricted to exclusive keycard lounges |
| Crew Ratio | ~1.5 guests per 1 crew member | 2.5 to 3.5 guests per 1 crew member |
| Bridge Access | Free open bridge policy | Paid behind-the-scenes tours |
| Room Service | Hot food, 24/7, zero fees | Delivery fees often apply |
| Dining | Reservations guaranteed for all | Often sell out months in advance |
Popular Windstar Itineraries to Consider
- Dreams of Tahiti (The ultimate bucket-list French Polynesia trip – Check out our review)
- Adriatic Icons & Venetian Treasures
- Glitter & Glam of the Rivieras
- Enchanting Greece & the Amalfi Coast
- Alaska Inside Passage & Denali Cruise Tours
- Windward Islands Surf & Sunsets
- Star Collector: Grand Caribbean Adventure
Want to discuss planning your next trip on Windstar? [Contact Me Here to Book a consultation]