Windstar’s Star Pride: Small Yacht Experience
Intimate • All-Suite • Yacht-Style
I’ve always heard good things about Windstar Cruises from other cruisers and through my mother’s glowing stories of their Mediterranean voyages. They praised the intimate, all-suite, yacht-style difference, and I was eager to experience it for myself.
Yet, as a devoted cruiser who has sailed with Princess, Disney, Royal Caribbean, Margaritaville and Virgin Voyages, this was my first small-yacht experience, sailing on Star Pride for the 7-day Mind, Body & Spirit Bermuda Bliss itinerary from New York to Bermuda.
Why Star Pride Stands Out
All-Suite Accommodations
Star Pride is an intimate, all-suite yacht carrying just over 300 guests. But a smaller ship does not mean smaller rooms.
My suite felt more like a stylish apartment than a typical cruise cabin. I was skeptical about sailing without a balcony, but with the generous space and large picture window offering constant ocean views I didn't miss it. Honestly, our room was a highlight for me
- Spacious layout with a comfortable seating area
- Walk-in closet large enough to store all luggage
- Oversized bathroom with high-end touches
Windstar’s fleet also includes suites with private verandas and two dramatic Owner’s Suites at the aft, featuring wraparound balconies ideal for private dining against an endless sea backdrop. The intimate design and strong staff-to-guest ratio elevate the private-yacht atmosphere throughout the experience.
The Benefits of Small-Yacht Cruising
The beauty of sailing with Windstar is not just in what you see—it’s in how you experience it. Small ships allow for docking in historic harbors where larger ships cannot enter, flexibility to adjust course when something special appears, and onboard programming tuned to the interests of guests. Security is quick, there is always a comfortable lounge chair available on deck, and the result is a voyage shaped by both destination and traveler.
For example, I've sailed out of NYC with Princess, but because it was a large ship it was docked in Brooklyn not Manhattan, thus the skyline and experience was not the same. THIS is what I wanted and had expected.
Tip: Oh, and did I mention guests can even visit the open bridge? Very cool.
World Spa by Windstar: Relaxation and Recovery at Sea
Between sea days and active port calls, the onboard spa is a welcome reset. World Spa by Windstar offers a full menu of massages, facials, body therapies, and salon services, along with a complimentary sauna and heated loungers on Star Pride.
Appointments can be booked on board, and select services are available to pre-book before sailing, but not necessary.
Considering it's a smaller vessel, I was pleased with how large their spa area was. I also experienced the most relaxing facial ever and would highly recommend.
- Massage, facial, and body treatments designed for recovery and relaxation
- Salon services for hair and nails, including Keratin treatments
- Complimentary sauna access on Star Pride, which I took advantage of every day. The steam room, unfortunately, was out of service on our voyage, but the heated lounge chairs and sauna were in order.
- Fitness center (weight machines, yoga mats, treadmills and ellipticals can be found here).
TIP: Ask about a "manager's special" near the end of the sailing for a great deal or go for a package deal available on the first day to lock in a good value (I took advantage of both!).
Elevated Dining Experience
As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar’s culinary program blends creativity, regional influence, and fine-dining expertise. This was some of the best food I’ve enjoyed at sea.
Specialty dining is included too, so there is no additional charge to enjoy these varied experiences—rare in the cruise industry.
Dining Options
- Amphora — inventive multi-course dinners each evening with beautifully executed menus. You can do shared or private seating with no reservation needed.
- Candles — Only offered on certain nights by reservation. Here you can enjoy hand-cut steaks and market-fresh seafood, enjoyed outdoors under the stars.
- Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso — Spanish-inspired tapas and standout specialties full of flavor and flair. Reservation required. Highlights include the marinated anchovies (which was delicious) and olives, and lamb chops, fish and pork belly from their list of entrees.
- Veranda — This takes the place of the typical buffet free-for-all on other ships. This indoor/outdoor space provides a full-service and buffet-style breakfast and lunch. (FYI, breakfast ends early, so I only made it once, lol)
- Star Grill - Another lunch option, instead of the Veranda, is the Star Grill for a buffet and carving area on the deck and is conveniently located by the horseshoe-shaped Star Bar. I chose to have lunch here twice while enjoying Mid-Day Melodies being played live as we ate.
- Yacht Club — Continental bites and pastries, along with coffee and tea selections, are available here all day. This was easily my most-visited space each day. Great for views while sipping a latte and reading or working on a puzzle or playing a game.
- In-Room Dining - Room service is included and available all day. We took advantage of their breakfast options, filling out the card and putting it on our door the night before. It's not just continental either, but brioche French Toast, custom omelets, etc.
- Signature Onbord Barbecue — I absolutely LOVED this. One of the highlights of your cruise will be the spectacular onboard or beach barbecue with carving stations, a large paella skillet, fresh-cooked fish, specialty drinks and wines from the Sommelier, and a dessert bar to top it off. All paired with live music and local entertainment when applicable. This, along with the Crew Talent Show, were my favorite evenings on board.
- The Compass Rose —serves canapés before dinner; it’s an ideal stop for a pre-meal drink and a light bite while socializing or listening to live music. Psst their old-fashioned might be my favorite ever!
Cocktails and Beverages
Okay, so I already went ahead and mentioned the Old-Fashioned on board, but another highlight was having an official sommelier on board who would provide recommendations.
Better yet, he was easily accessible and not just in the specialty dining rooms, but during the barbecue and in the main dining room. By the end of the cruise, Swann (that's his name) was holding aside recommendations for me.
Even when ordering an impromptu Pina Colada from the Star Grill Bar, the bartender Aladin, fashioned a heart out of the straw for me. So sweet and photo worthy.
I'm very glad I had the beverage package too!
Service That Feels Personal
Windstar’s service is where small-yacht cruising shines brightest. The Windstar staff-to-guest ratio is 1:1.5, and it shows.
Crew members learned our names immediately, anticipated our preferences, and interacted with genuine warmth. It never felt rehearsed or formal—just authentic hospitality.
On the last day we hugged more than one team member goodbye, which says everything about the relationships formed on board.
Also, since ours was a repositioning cruise, we didn't have a full ship, giving us an even more of an intimate experience.
Thoughtful Touches
Each evening a small gift awaited us in our suite—bookmarks, chocolates, a local Bermuda soap (I had visited the store earlier while on land, so this was extra special), a cord organizer, notepads, and more.
It’s an understated detail that adds charm and personality to the experience. Plus, it makes for great souvenirs to take home.
The Yacht Club Lounge & Library
The Yacht Club is a light-filled lounge with panoramic ocean views, specialty coffees, snacks, and a quiet library area plus a guest book exchange. I spent at least an hour or two here each day. We also worked on a fun wine jigsaw puzzle one morning at sea too. They have board games here you can borrow too.
I added signed copies of my novels Don’t Start Now and Hot and Cold—I hope a fellow reader discovers them on their next sailing.
Windstar Star Pride Tips You’ll Want to Know Before You Go:
- Dress code is elegant-casual; pack layers for breezy decks and workout gear for wellness sailings. I'm used to dressing up more in the evenings when cruising, but it's not required here as there isn't a formal night like on other cruise lines. FYI my nautical Amazon striped 2 Piece Outfits Casual Sweatshirt Skirt Set Long Sleeve Skort set was a hit and perfect for embarkation day.
- Don't miss the Crew Show. This was adorable and funnier than expected. So glad we went.
- Take advantage of free drinks during the Captain's Welcome Reception and your chance to meet the main crew members.
- They hold a sail away party to kick off the cruise, which includes the raising of the Windstar flag (or the unfolding of the sails if you're on one of their sailing vessels). It's quite an epic spectacle since the Bridge plays Vangelis' 1492, Conquest of Paradise as it leaves port.
- Rooms included American and UK plugs and two USB outlets, which were appreciated. However, with two or more in a room and if you have a lot of gadgets, then I'd suggest getting a "Cruise Approved" Power Strip. This particular brand is extra compact for easy packing and travel.
- A fully stocked minibar is included in the beverage plan, which was welcomed but unexpected.
- Wi-fi is available for purchase or can be added into certain upgrade packages. I had heard complaints about the reception prior to sailing; however, I had no issues outside of having to log in again occasionally. In fact, I was able to post daily to my social channels and even take FaceTime audio calls with my family back home.
- While the in-room entertainment platform has movies to stream on the flatscreen in your cabin, the selection wasn't vast, and there weren't any sitcoms or TV shows outside of the standard live news channels. I know this might sound nitpicky of me, but I like having an entertaining show on in the background without starting a whole movie. If I had known, I would have downloaded more content to my iPad beforehand for this purpose.
Ready to Try Small-Yacht Cruising?
If you are seeking a cruise that blends comfort, culture, and calm—Windstar delivers an intimate, yacht-style experience that lingers long after the sea days end.
➡️ You can find deals and book with my link too: https://jerne.to/4qlLens 🚢
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