The two sister ships of Windstar Cruises, Wind Star and Wind Spirit are 148-passenger sailing ships. Upon introduction in 1986, the ships were the world's first commercial sailing vessels built in 60 years. The ships are long and sleek looking. A combination of yacht & cruise ship. There are ,four-masted schooners that tower 169.5 feet above the deck that are fitted with computer-controlled 21,000 sq. ft. of sails. When conditions are perfect, the engines are cut and the ships are completely wind driven. There are computer controls at the bridge that furl or unfurl the sails in two minutes. These 440-foot long schooners offers guests an extraordinary way to explore some of the most seductive destinations in the world. Escape the crowds of mega ships and find a relaxing experience with Wind Star. Windstar offers casual elegance, fine cuisine, professional service and the atmosphere is relaxed. Though both ships got a light facelift in 2001 (getting new towels, sheets, and carpeting along with some fresh coats of paint), the fact is they're each 13 and 15 years old and can't help but show some wear and tear, so don't expect flawless, spit-shined vessels, but rather hard-worked, lived-in vessels with a lot of charm.

Entertainment:
Activities and entertainment are limited. There is no set schedule of activities. Because the itineraries are port intensive the guests spend the day exploring ashore, rather than on board. Weather and conditions permitting, the ships anchor and passengers can enjoy kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, banana boat rides, and swimming from the water-sports platform lowered at the stern. For the most part, passengers entertain themselves. There is a lounge featuring live entertainment , a piano/ vocalist duo performs nightly and evening dance music is offered. Local entertainment, such as steel bands, calypso bands, and limbo dancers, are at times brought aboard at a port of call. A small casino offers slots, blackjack, and Caribbean stud poker. After dinner, passengers often go up to the pool bar for a nightcap under the stars, and sometimes after 10 or 11pm, disco/pop music is played in the lounge if guests are in a dancing mood. The library carries an extensive selection of movie videos which can be rented for a minimal fee and watched on your in-stateroom VCR.

Public Areas:
There are only a few public areas. The four main rooms include two restaurants, a library, and a vaguely nautical-looking lounge, with several cozy, somewhat private partitioned-off nooks and clusters of leather chairs surrounding a slightly sunken wooden dance floor. Here guests will find a bar and a piano. Passengers congregate in this area for port talks, pre- and post-dinner drinks, dancing, and local dance performances. Another bar is located on the pool deck, attracting passengers before and after dinner for drinks under the stars. The wood-paneled library is both nautical and collegiate and is host to the small internet center. A popular place is the Jacuzzi, where guests can watch the sunset from comfortable lounge chairs. A dip in the pool as the sun sets below the horizon is another populare choice.

Cuisine:
The Dining Room resembles an elegant shore-side restaurant and offers single open seating. Tables for 2 are a popular request, so avoid the rush hour. Cuisine is outstanding and under the control of celebrity chef Joachim Spilchal, owner of several renowned LA restaurants. Breakfast and lunch were just as good on deck at the Lido restaurant. At breakfast and lunch, meals can be ordered from a menu or selected from a buffet. Made-to-order omelets and a varied and generous spread of fruits are available at breakfast. Luncheons may feature a tasty seafood paella and a hot pasta dish of the day. Afternoon 'tea' is served on deck, with a selection of small sandwiches, hors d'hoeuvres, and sweets. A corkage fee of $10.00 is charged for those who bring their own wine into the dining room. 24-hour room service includes hot and cold breakfast items and a fulll dining room menu during meal times.

Service:
Wind Star has Filipino/Indonesian crew with European officers, most who have sailed with Windstar for years. The crew expresses real warmth and seem to love their jobs. Guests receive personal attention to detail and outstanding service.

Accomodations:
All outside staterooms are a generous 188 square feet appointed with natural fabrics and polished woods. All have twin beds which can convert to a queen bed, equipped with mini bar, safe, built-in desk, TV and VCR, 2 chairs, and ample closet and drawer space. A basket of fruit is refilled daily, and fresh flowers are presented in each stateroom. The bathrooms offer more shower room and toilet space than those of the mega ships. A hair dryer is provided along with shampoos and lotions. as Terry cloth robes are also part of each accommodation. There is just one suite – the Owners Suite – aboard the vessel and measure 220 sq. ft. Separate sitting/dining area; queen-size bed (converts to two twin beds), Deluxe Ocean view Staterooms 188 sq. ft. with small sitting area and queen-size bed (converts to two twin beds); some staterooms offer third berth capability.

Spa/Fitness:
The swimming pool is small with an adjacent hot tub. Deck Four offerrs an unobstructed wraparound deck for walkers. The gym is small and is adjacent to the coed sauna. Massages and a few other types of treatments are available out of a single massage room next to the hair salon on Deck One. These ships are geared toward those with an active lifestyle. The aft water sports platform enables guest to swim and easily partake in complimentary activities such as windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, banana boat riding, and water -skiing. Windstar is unique in that there are always two certified dive masters onboard offering extensive scuba excursions for beginners and experts. Scuba diving is at a cost of $70 per one tank dive, for certified divers. The 'Discover Scuba Diving' program is designed for non- certified divers, total cost for the course is $140, which includes all equipment, several pool sessions, and one dive.

Gratuities:
Windstar has a "No Tipping Required" policy, although most passengers extend gratuity anway.

Children's Program:
Children are not encouraged to sail with Windstar, as there are no activities planned for them.

If anything with sails makes your stomach roll, you should still consider a Wind Spirit cruise. Actually, the identical 148-passenger sisters, Wind Spirit and Wind Star are small, stable cruise ships with sails used to increase speed. These delightful vessels present a sophisticated yet casual style of cruising for those who enjoy informal attire at night, single open seating and some of the best food and service at sea. With extensive time in port, evenings are spent over a leisurely dinner, which may be followed by a stop in the tiny casino or gathering in the main lounge to hear some music. She has comfortable cabins with VCR or CD in hand, the end of a day topped off with popcorn from room service. The emphasis on board is befriending other passengers and chatting with crew. And, up to 15 hours per day was spent in port, enough time to leisurely tour the islands. In the Caribbean and Central America, the focus is on water sports and calling in tiny islands the big ships can’t visit.

Windstar's official dress code is deemed casual elegance where men never need a tie or jacket, however, no jeans, shorts, T - Shirts, or athletic shoes are allowed in the dining room. Windstar's sleek vessels defines the line's casually elegant attitude. Dinner attire is considered country club casual trousers and polo shirts for men, pantsuits or casual dresses for women.

Windstar attracts an average age between 40 - 50. These guests are generally active and well traveled. This is a great ship for couples with a younger crowd on the shorter Caribbean itineraries. This ship is not suggested for those who prefer extensive nightlife and formal evenings, families looking for children facilities, or disabled persons. There are no elevaters and only small inflatable boats are used to transport passengers between ship and shore.