Windstar Wind Surf vs. Star Plus Class Suites: Sailing Yacht vs. All-Suite Luxury Guide
- Windstar Cruises
For discerning travelers who prefer uncrowded harbors, spontaneous tender anchorages, and casual yacht elegance over 5,000-passenger mega-resorts, Windstar Cruises represents the ultimate boutique voyage. But when booking a Windstar sailing through the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Tahiti, or Northern Europe, guests face a quintessential choice: should you sail aboard the legendary five-masted sailing flagship Wind Surf, or choose the reimagined all-suite motorized luxury of the Star Plus Class (Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride)?
Both experiences share Windstar’s intimate DNA—including fewer than 350 guests, an open-bridge policy, complimentary watersports platforms, and James Beard Foundation culinary partnerships. However, their top accommodations—specifically the Bridge Suites and Officer's Suite on Wind Surf versus the sprawling Star Owner's Suite and Star Grand Suite on the Star Plus Class—cater to distinct yachting preferences.
Quick Verdict: Wind Surf vs. Star Plus Class Suites
Choose Wind Surf Suites if: You crave the romance of authentic tall ship sailing. Standing on teak decks as Vangelis' "1492: Conquest of Paradise" plays during sailaway and 26,875 square feet of sails unfurl against the sky is an emotional maritime bucket-list experience. The Bridge Suites and Officer's Suite offer nautical heritage, generous square footage, and direct bridge proximity.
Choose Star Plus Class Suites if: You prioritize modern private walk-out verandas, expansive residential marble bathrooms with double vanities, and cutting-edge yacht design. Following Windstar's \$250-million Star Plus transformation, the Star Owner's Suite and Star Grand Suite deliver state-of-the-art all-suite luxury, paired with specialty venues like Cuadro 44 and Star Grill by Steven Raichlen.
At a Glance: Wind Surf Bridge Suites vs. Star Plus Star Owner's Suites
| Feature | Wind Surf Bridge Suites | Star Plus Class Star Owner's Suites |
|---|---|---|
| Yacht Type | 5-Masted Sailing Yacht (342 Guests) | All-Suite Motorized Yacht (312 Guests) |
| Suite Category | Bridge Suite (Deck 5 Forward) | Star Owner's Suite (Deck 6 Forward/Midship) |
| Total Living Area | 495 sq. ft. (46 m²) | 575 to 820 sq. ft. (53.4 to 76.2 m²) |
| Private Veranda | Panoramic Oceanview windows (No balcony) | Yes — Private walk-out teak balcony |
| Bathroom Configuration | Dual full bathrooms with whirlpool tub & shower | Dual full bathrooms with soaking tub, rainfall shower & double vanity |
| Unique Stateroom Feature | Panoramic forward ocean views directly over navigation bridge | Full living room salon, walk-in closet, private outdoor dining table |
| Dining Venues | Amphora, Stella Bistro, Candles, Veranda | Amphora, Cuadro 44, Star Grill, Candles, Veranda |
| Retractable Watersports Marina | Yes — Stern marina with complimentary water toys | Yes — Stern marina with complimentary water toys |
| Pool & Wellness | Saltwater pool, 2 whirlpools, World Spa by Windstar | Elevated infinity pool, whirlpool, enlarged World Spa & Fitness Center |
| Open Bridge Access | Yes — 24/7 guest access when weather permits | Yes — 24/7 guest access when weather permits |
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1. Accommodations Breakdown: Bridge Suites vs. Star Owner's Suite
Wind Surf Bridge Suites & Officer's Suite: Authentic Nautical Charm
At 495 square feet, the two Bridge Suites on Wind Surf sit proudly on Deck 5 forward, flanking the Captain's navigation bridge. These accommodations feature rich nautical woodwork, polished brass fixtures, and a private master bedroom separated from a gracious living salon with dining space for four.
A standout architectural feature of the Bridge Suites is having two full bathrooms, including a master bath with a deep whirlpool soaking tub and L'Occitane en Provence amenities. While traditional sailing yacht architecture dictates expansive oceanview picture windows rather than walk-out balconies, the forward-facing perspectives offer commanding panoramas of arriving harbors.
For true maritime purists, Wind Surf also features the exclusive Officer's Suite (242 sq. ft.) nestled directly in the officer quarters behind the bridge, adorned with authentic nautical memorabilia and direct access to navigation stations.
Star Plus Class Star Owner's Suite & Grand Suite: Residential Modern Luxury
During Windstar's historic \$250-million Star Plus initiative, sister yachts Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride were cut in half at Fincantieri shipyards, lengthened by 84 feet, and outfitted with brand-new engines and completely reimagined suite configurations.
The Star Owner's Suites represent the pinnacle of this renovation. Ranging from 575 to 820 square feet (depending on combination options), these suites showcase a modern Scandinavian-meets-coastal aesthetic: light bleached woods, custom designer lighting, an airy separate living room, dining salon, and a private walk-out veranda with teak loungers.
The ensuite master bathrooms were completely redesigned with double quartz vanities, walk-in rainfall showers, and freestanding soaking tubs. For families or friends sailing together, the suite can connect with adjoining Classic Suites to form the immense Star Grand Suite, spanning up to 1,374 square feet of indoor-outdoor private sanctuary.
2. Retractable Watersports Marina: Your Private Ocean Playground
One of Windstar's most beloved signatures is the retractable aft watersports platform, available on both Wind Surf and all three Star Plus Class motorized yachts.
When the yacht drops anchor in secluded bays—such as Gustavia in St. Barts, the coves of Lipari in Sicily, or the turquoise lagoons of Moorea—the stern marina opens directly into the sea. Guests can swim, kayak, paddleboard, snorkel, or take a spin on a water ski boat straight from the ship at no additional charge.
3. Culinary Excellence: Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation
Windstar is the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation. Across the fleet, dining is open seating with no reservations required in main venues, showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients purchased by ship chefs in destination markets.
Dining Across the Fleets:
- Amphora: The premier evening dining salon featuring rotating menus created in partnership with guest James Beard Foundation chefs, highlighting regional culinary traditions and sommelier wine pairings.
- Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso (Star Plus Class Exclusive): A 38-seat Spanish tapas and pintxos restaurant developed exclusively for the Star Plus Class by Michelin-starred chef Anthony Sasso, serving Jamón Ibérico, pulpo gallego, and churros con chocolate.
- Star Grill by Steven Raichlen (Star Plus Class Exclusive): An open-air deck restaurant helmed by global barbecue authority Steven Raichlen, featuring smoked brisket, grilled seafood, and craft beer on tap.
- Stella Bistro (Wind Surf Exclusive): An intimate French bistro on Wind Surf serving bouillabaisse, escargots à la bourguignonne, and duck breast cassoulet.
- Candles: Outdoor candlelit steak and seafood grill by starlight on the top deck.
- Signature Deck Barbecue: Once per voyage, the entire pool deck transforms into an opulent open-air culinary celebration featuring roasted suckling pig, jumbo paella pans, grilled lobster tails, and live music under the stars.
4. The Open Bridge Experience: Welcomed into the Navigation Hub
Unlike virtually all major cruise lines that maintain strict post-9/11 bridge closures, Windstar proudly preserves its Open Bridge policy.
Whether sailing through the Corinth Canal or navigating the Grenadines, guests are welcome to walk into the bridge, watch navigation officers chart courses on nautical maps, review sonar displays, and chat with the Captain. For guests staying in the Wind Surf Bridge Suites or Officer's Suite, the bridge is literally right outside your door.
5. Summary: Which Windstar Yacht Experience Suits You?
Book Wind Surf If:
- You consider yourself a true maritime romantic who wants to feel the wind in the sails and hear the sails snapping taut under the sky.
- You love social teak deck life, expansive outdoor open space, and the spectacle of entering ports under full canvas.
- You value dual full bathrooms and classic nautical teak craftsmanship in your living suite.
Book Star Plus Class (Star Breeze / Star Legend / Star Pride) If:
- A true private walk-out veranda is a mandatory requirement for your cruise vacation.
- You want the largest contemporary bathrooms with dual quartz vanities and modern walk-in rainfall showers.
- You want access to innovative specialty restaurants like Cuadro 44 and the Star Grill, along with an elevated infinity pool.
Frequently Asked Questions: Windstar Cruises
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Whether you dream of sailing into Monaco under the billowing white sails of Wind Surf or unwinding in the panoramic veranda of a Star Plus Class Star Owner's Suite, Vincent Vacations’ certified small-ship yacht advisors will ensure you secure the best suite and exclusive Signature Travel Network amenities.
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