Windstar Cruise Lines

180 degrees from ordinary

Although Windstar vessels are motorboats, they can unfurl their sails and catch the wind. Small, wonderfully nautical, and able to access ports the bigger boats can only dream of, these cruises are for people who don't like cruising.

Why Go?

• Experience the luxury-yacht approach on a boat with sails
• Cruise on a smaller ship (150 to 300 passengers, not 3000)

Passenger Profile

You won't find kids on these ships, but baby boomers at the far end of the range and retirees abound. Expect your fellow cruisers to be outgoing and active.

Staterooms

There are no verandas, but the old-fashioned porthole windows make you feel like you're on a real ship, not in a hotel room. Recent upgrades to the cabins include flat panel TVs, DVD/CD players and iPod docks.

Dining

Without a seating plan or set dining time, you have complete flexibility. Chef Joachim Splichal draws upon fresh, local food for inspiration. Light and vegetarian meals are also available on the menu.

If you are on a special diet, Windstar is glad to accommodate your needs. Just let them know when you book your cruise and notify the maitre d' once onboard.

Onboard Highlights

Because Windstar is for people who wouldn't be caught dead on a regular cruise ship, you won't find the standard activities and entertainment. Think luxury yacht, not floating hotel.

• Activities - A fitness center, water sports platform and spa services are available for when you aren't exploring on shore.
• Nightlife - Two of the three ships have a casino. There are no floor shows, but after a long day on shore, you'll want to unwind with a gourmet meal and relax in the lounge, star gaze, or just retire for the night.
• Theme Cruises - You can catch the Cannes Film Festival and the Monte Carlo Grand Prix on their French Riviera cruise. Otherwise, their shore excursions make every cruise special.

Shore Excursions

The small ships give Windstar access to places standard cruise lines can't go to. With shore excursions as one of the main draws, expect a port of call almost daily and exotic adventures once you hit land. For up-to-date information, download a brochure since the website doesn't currently detail shore excursions. Once you've decided, you can book online or through a travel agent.

Need to know

• Dress Code - In keeping with the casual elegance of the sailboat atmosphere, no suits or ties are required, although jeans and t-shirts are discouraged in the dining rooms.
• Tipping - A standard fee per passenger, per day is automatically charged to your account. This can be adjusted at the end of the cruise, if you wish. A 15 percent gratuity is added to all beverage orders.
• Smoking - While there's no smoking in any of the restaurants, the policy for the casino and lounges changes depending on the ship. Smoking is allowed in the cabins.
• Internet - WiFi is available in most staterooms and public areas. Bring your own laptop or rent one onboard.