7-Day Windstar Caribbean and Costa Rica Cruises

In late 1986, the first commercial sailing vessel built in 60 years slipped out of a French dry-dock in Le Havre. Although the towering sails echoed a bygone era of explorers, the msy Wind Star, with its sleek lines and computerized controls, was revolutionary in concept and design. Windstar’s ships are officially motored-sail-yachts (msy), but the designation belies the vessels unique rigging. Unfurling in two minutes at the push of a button, billowing white sails reach to the sky. All functions are operated from the bridge by computer microchips and navigational devices. The unusual “open-bridge" operation allows guests to drop by and acquaint themselves with the veteran captains and officers who demonstrate the ship’s intriguing capabilities to modern day explorers. A new era in luxury cruising was now being pioneered by Windstar Cruises.

At nearly three times the size of her sister ships, the Wind Surf carries just 308 pampered guests in 154 total staterooms: 31 ocean-view suites and 123 deluxe ocean-view staterooms. What that means in real terms is wide-open deck spaces; new services and lots of little extras that make a Windstar cruise remarkable. Self-improvement and life enhancement have become the new dogma, and the WindSpa is the destination of choice. With a staff of 10 massage therapists, technicians and instructors, the WindSpa’s treatments and therapies range from traditional massage and aromatherapy to comprehensive hydro and synergistic therapy, as well as yoga, fitness and wellness programs.