A History Of Windstar Cruises

Windstar has scooped dozens of awards in recent years and is frequently hailed as one of the finest cruise lines out there.

Just last year it featured on Conde Nast Traveller's list of the world's best cruise lines and also won the WAVE award for being the cruise line with the highest client satisfaction rating.

Blast from the past

Windstar offers voyages onboard small but elegant ships and provides a great alternative for passengers who dislike large, resort-style ships.

Established in 1984, Windstar Cruises was created with the aim of giving passengers an alternative to the large ships favoured by cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival.

For those who aren't fortunate enough to own their own private yacht, sailing with Windstar is as close as it gets. Passengers taking a cruise with Windstar can enjoy the feeling of travelling beneath billowing white sails in a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.

Windstar pioneered the concept of casual elegance and guests are invited to leave their ties, jackets and cocktail dresses at home. This ships have the atmosphere of private yachts and guests are not restricted to set dining times and seating plans. Instead, passengers can strike up friendships with their fellow shipmates, eating when and with whom they want.

The cruise line's first ship, the Wind Star set sail in 1986, with a passenger capacity of just 148.

Spanning four decks, the Wind Star, which is still in service today, features a piano bar, library, saltwater pool, casino and fitness centre. The ship was later joined by the Wind Spirit, which is of a similar size.

The Wind Song made her debut in 1987 and was later joined by the larger Wind Surf, which is capable of housing 312 passengers and boasts 123 deluxe, ocean-view staterooms.

Wind Surf has two restaurants and is also home to two saltwater pools, a luxury health spa and photo gallery.

With a high crew to passenger ratio, Windstar Cruises is renowned for offering exceptional levels of service and has been made the recipient of several prestigious accolades in recent years, including Porthole Cruise Magazine's most romantic cruise line award.

Passengers sailing with Windstar can also enjoy complementary water sports, including scuba diving and the small size of its ships means that guests can access small ports and harbours including Capri and Bequia.

Windstar attracts sophisticated and adventurous travellers from a broad spectrum of professions, including authors, doctors and engineers, with the average cruiser aged 52.

Cruising into the future

Today Windstar Cruises operates sailings to almost 50 countries, making calls to 100 ports across Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas.

In addition, the cruise line also offers transatlantic crossings, as well as voyages down the Panama Canal, with most cruises lasting between six and 14 days.

A relatively young cruise line, Windstar continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of its passengers. The company recently introduced a selection of Celebration Packages, giving passengers the opportunity to get married and renew their vows onboard.

Just last month the company launched a new range of exclusive shore excursions and private tours, including underground cave trekking in Slovenia, a private tour of the Vatican and an exhilarating helicopter ride of the Prunelli Gorges in Ajaccio, Corsica.

New dining options have also been introduced this year and passengers sailing onboard the Wind Star and Wind Spirit can now enjoy alfresco dining at Candles, the poolside grill.

Guests dining at Candles can start with insalate caprese, followed by a main course selection of tender rib eye, New York steaks, fresh Swordfish skewers or assorted vegetable skewers - all grilled to perfection on deck.

Windstar is also offering a Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix cruise this year, giving passengers the chance to indulge in some rather glamorous shore excursions.

The cruise line's slogan is '180 degrees from ordinary' and that is exactly what passengers can expect – from start to finish.

Which Windstar Cruises cruise ship is right for you?

• Wind Surf

Copyright © 2010 Virgin Holidays Cruises. All rights reserved.

Virgin Holidays | Virgin Atlantic | Virgin.com | Fast Track Ski Holidays