Dreaming of something different and unique? Windstar cruises might be for you. Sailing under the banner of its appropriate catch phrase 180 degrees from ordinary, Windstar offers a luxury on-board product and superb signature cuisine by renowned L.A. chef Joachim Splichal, yet with a casual, intimate ambiance and dress code. Windstar is truly a different experience. Cruises that offer a quiet pace of a sail yacht, yet with amenities that match the freedom of the name Windstar.

This wonderful cruise line is maturing and approaching 20 years of age. The ships are new and modern and set the bar for sailing yachts of their size. Windstar's ships are officially motor-sail-yachts, but the designation belies the vessels unique rigging. Windstar's concept of sailing is leading the cruise industry in luxury small ship, casual attire, and alternative dining arenas. Pioneering and refining these concepts has earned Windstar cruise an excellent reputation and market niche, winning the allegiance of a new generation of contemporary cruise vacationers, one-third of whom are first-time cruisers.

Windstar Cruise Line is a Seattle-based company that operates the 308-passenger Wind Surf and 148- passenger Wind Star and Wind Spirit. The three ships cruise to over 47 countries worldwide. The typical Windstar Cruise ship will have just 148 to 308 guests, Windstar Cruise ships provide a yacht-like atmosphere that helps create friendships between fellow cruisers. The staff of 90 (Spirit and Star) and 190 (Surf), more than one crew member for every two guests, is on call around the clock, and the result is the level of personal service that’s recognized among cruising’s “Best.”

The Wind Star and her sister ship Wind Spirit are four-masted sail cruise ships accommodating 148 passengers in 73 all-outside, identical 188-square-foot cabins and one 220-square-feet owner's suite. In May 1998, a new generation of Windstar ship emerged. Accommodating 308 guests, the five-masted Wind Surf adds two major features to the Windstar experience. The ship has 31 deluxe suites with convertible twin/queen bed, separate living areas and his and her bathrooms. Wind Surf was refit in December 2000 to include a new gangway easing embarkation/debarkation, a new Business Center featuring a Meeting Room and Computer Center, a remodeled Lounge and Casino, and new decor and seating configurations in each of the ship's three dining rooms.

Originally built in 1990 as Club Med I, in 1998 she was purchased by Windstar Cruises, at which time several suites were added, along with a huge spa and enlarged fitness area, and an alternative dining room, the Bistro, modeled on L.A. super chef Joachim Splichal's Pinot Bistro restaurant. Though built by the same shipyard and along the same design lines as the original Windstar Cruse ships, she differs in a number of respects, most deriving from her increased size -- nearly triple the Gross Register Tonnage of her sisters Windstar and Windspirit. Wind Surf's fans tout the fact that she does feel less like a yacht and more like a ship, and point to the amenities that derive from her larger size; a much more extensive spa and fitness facility, greater passenger/space ratio (47.23 vs. 36), and better stability. Those who like more living space point to the suites, unique to Wind Surf, while others like the fact that it is possible to reach any point on the ship without having to go outside. A fun yacht type sailing adventure awaits you on any Windstar Cruise Lines.

An award-winning line, Windstar’s three sail cruse ships find the un-charted grounds, small-ship destinations, including Costa Rica, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Panama Canal, Virgin Islands, Greek and Turkish Isles, French and Italian Rivieras, Italy’s Amalfi coast, and the Windward Islands from Barbados. Windstar Cruises finished among the top three small ship lines in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Survey and has been the top cruise line for destinations the past five years. Windstar Cruises is an upscale sport cruise experience; please remember to bring your tennis shoes and the yearning for outdoor spirit and adventure.

"Casual Elegance" is the designated dress code. Guests leave their ties and formal wear at home in favor of country club casual sport wear. There are few organized activities and none of the typical cruise line Vegas-style reviews. Passengers linger over dinner sampling delicious entrees developed by renowned chef Joachim Splichal of L.A.'s Patina, Pinot Bistro and Octavio Becerra; Sail Light and Vegetarian meals were designed by health guru Jeanne Jones, developer of spa menus for Canyon Ranch spa and the Pritikin Longevity Center.

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