Windstar Cruises

From: European Cruise Guide

ABOVE: The Wind Star in Portofino, Italy. INSET BELOW:  A stateroom and an arrival by local tender on the Wind Surf.

Windstar Cruises focuses on the premium end of the cruise market with three unique "motor-sail-yachts": the 308-passenger Wind Surf (originally the Club Med I) and the more intimate Wind Star and Wind Spirit, which carry 148 guests each. Each vessel combines the atmosphere of a large sailing yacht with the comforts of a luxury cruise ship.

In 2013, Windstar's European cruise calendar runs from April to November, with each cruise lasting six to 11 days. Several transatlantic cruises are on the calendar.

Most European itineraries are in the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Greek Isles, but Windstar will also cruise to Northern Europe and the Baltic during the summer months. Itineraries often mix popular ports such as Barcelona and Lisbon with off-the-beaten-path destinations that aren't accessible by larger cruise ships.

For a firsthand report on cruising with Windstar, see the "Cruise Review" link below:

Cruise line's Web site:

Windstar Cruises

Cruise review:

Wind Surf: Marseilles-Rome

Top and 1st inset photos copyright © Windstar Cruises.