Some boats impress with their size. Others with their spectacular facilities or their ability to incorporate every new trend that emerges in the industry. And then there are those whose personality transcends any number. Boats that don't need to be the biggest or the most innovative to make a lasting impression. Boats that seem to possess a soul of their own. The Wind Surf belongs to that category.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 77 – June 2026
Docked in Barcelona before embarking on a voyage along the Mediterranean coast between Spain and France, its silhouette immediately stands out against the familiar landscape of terminals and large cruise ships. It's not a matter of size. In a city accustomed to receiving some of the world's largest ships, the Wind Surf could easily go unnoticed if we only considered its dimensions. However, one glance is enough to understand that we are looking at something different.
Its five masts rise above the harbor, a reminder of a time when sailing was an adventure in itself. The elegant lines of its hull, the proportions of its decks, and the presence of furled sails on the rigging evoke a maritime romanticism rarely seen in the contemporary industry.
Even before boarding, the ship conveys the premise that here the journey is just as important as the destinations. It's no coincidence that Windstar Cruises has built its entire identity around that idea.
At a time when much of the industry has shifted towards ever-larger ships and increasingly complex experiences, the American company has followed a different path. Its approach isn't about offering more of everything, but rather something different: a more intimate, personal experience, more deeply connected to the sea.
Windstar's philosophy is evident from the very first moment. Boarding is remarkably smooth. There aren't many people moving through the terminals, nor are there any queues. In just a few minutes, we're already on board, observing the port from a deck that will soon begin to transform into our floating home.
With a capacity for only 342 guests, the Wind Surf belongs to a category increasingly valued by discerning travelers: small luxury cruise ships. This segment doesn't seek to compete with large floating resorts, but rather to offer an alternative based on exclusivity, authenticity, and access to destinations that remain beyond the reach of the ocean giants.
The company's own history helps explain this positioning. For decades, Windstar has built a solid reputation among travelers who value experience over spectacle. It currently operates a fleet of three sailboats and several yachts, all characterized by their manageable size and ability to access ports and anchorages inaccessible to larger vessels.
Its clientele perfectly reflects this philosophy. On board, you'll find travelers primarily from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and various European countries. Many are repeat customers. Some have taken dozens of cruises with different companies and have chosen Windstar precisely because it offers something different. Others are drawn by the charm of sailing on a sailboat. What they all seem to share is a certain approach to travel: with curiosity, a sense of calm, and a genuine interest in the destinations.
The atmosphere on board is relaxed from the very first moment. There is no excessive formality or unnecessary protocols. Nor is there a constant search for entertainment. The feeling is that of being on an elegant private yacht where each passenger has the space and time necessary to enjoy the voyage at their own pace.
This atmosphere is enhanced by a crew that achieves one of the most difficult balances in the industry: providing exceptionally attentive service without being intrusive. Just a few hours in, many staff members already know the passengers' names. Preferences begin to be memorized naturally. A particular coffee in the morning. A favorite table at dinner. A specific wine at the end of the day. They are small details, but it is precisely these details that ultimately define the experience.
As the ship leaves Barcelona, one of the most anticipated moments of the journey arrives. Little by little, the sails begin to unfurl on the five masts. The passengers take their places on the outer decks as the characteristic soundtrack associated with Wind Surf accompanies the maneuver. For a few minutes, all conversation seems to cease. The scene has something of a collective ceremony about it, perhaps because it connects with an image deeply rooted in our imagination, or because it reminds us that for centuries sails were the only means of crossing oceans. Or perhaps simply because watching these enormous white surfaces unfurl against the Mediterranean sky remains an extraordinarily beautiful spectacle. Whatever the reason, it's difficult not to be moved. And it is precisely at that moment that Wind Surf ceases to be merely a ship and becomes an experience.
Life on board unfolds at a leisurely pace, inviting you to rediscover the pleasure of simple things. Mornings often begin in the Yacht Club, one of the ship's most inviting spaces. Located on the upper deck, it offers panoramic views and a bright atmosphere, perfect for enjoying breakfast while watching the ship approach port.
Unlike other ships where breakfast can become a logistical operation, here everything seems to flow naturally. Fresh fruit, freshly baked pastries, dishes prepared to order, and attentive service create the ideal setting to start the day.
If there's one space that symbolizes Windstar's philosophy, it's the deployable marina at the stern of the Wind Surf. Far from viewing the sea as a mere landscape to admire from the deck, the company invites its guests to become part of it. When weather and operational conditions permit, the ship deploys a spectacular floating platform that transforms the stern into a true private marina on the water.
The inflatable structure, directly connected to the boat, creates a safe and exclusive space from which passengers can access the Mediterranean Sea to swim, paddleboard, kayak, or simply enjoy a dip in the open water. The scene is hardly reminiscent of a conventional cruise. There are no docks, no beaches, no organized excursions. Just the boat anchored in a tranquil bay and dozens of passengers enjoying an experience more akin to life aboard a large private yacht.
During these days, the stern becomes one of the liveliest spots on the boat. Some choose to slide straight into the water to swim around the Wind Surf, while others prefer to explore the coastline from a paddleboard or kayak. The crew constantly supervises the activities, ensuring that the experience unfolds in complete safety.
Beyond its recreational aspect, this floating marina perfectly reflects Windstar's positioning within the industry. Instead of adding spectacular attractions or large entertainment facilities, the cruise line focuses on connecting its guests with the natural environment that surrounds them. It's a simple yet extraordinarily effective approach, because it allows passengers to experience the sea in a direct and authentic way. For many passengers, that swim in crystal-clear waters from the stern of the ship becomes one of the most memorable moments of the trip. It's no coincidence that this experience is one of the most photographed and talked-about onboard activities.
The following hours are usually dedicated to exploring the destinations. And it is precisely here that the size of the Wind Surf makes a fundamental difference. The first stop takes us to Sète, a city that perfectly represents the Mediterranean authenticity that Windstar seeks to incorporate into its itineraries.
Often called the Venice of Languedoc for its canals, Sète retains a distinctly maritime character. Fishing remains an essential part of daily life, evident in its markets, restaurants, and the city's constant connection to the sea. A stroll through its streets reveals a France quite different from the one typically seen on tourist postcards. Here, you'll find cafés frequented by locals, fishing boats unloading their catch, and a genuine atmosphere that is becoming increasingly rare.
The arrival of the Wind Surf fits perfectly into this setting. Its dimensions allow for a natural integration with the port and the city. Sète offers shopping, gastronomy, and a relaxed Mediterranean city atmosphere.
One of the most interesting aspects of Windstar is that gastronomy is not presented as a mere complement, but as an essential part of the journey. Each restaurant has its own personality and contributes to enriching the overall experience.
Amphora, the main restaurant, is the culinary heart of the ship. Its elegant décor and relaxed atmosphere allow for leisurely dinners where the focus is on the quality of the ingredients and their execution. The menu blends international dishes with nods to the destinations visited, creating an experience consistent with the company's overall philosophy.
Stella Bistro offers a different approach. Inspired by French culinary tradition, it features carefully crafted dishes that perfectly complement a journey through the western Mediterranean. The restaurant's intimate atmosphere is ideal for leisurely dinners and extended conversations.
But if there's one place that truly embodies the romantic essence of Wind Surf, it's Candles. Every evening, a section of the exterior deck transforms into an elegant open-air restaurant. The tables are softly illuminated as the sea unfolds around the ship. The Mediterranean breeze, the sound of the water, and the quality of the cuisine create an experience that's hard to match. Dining under the stars as the ship sails silently off the French or Spanish coast is one of those moments that stays with you long after you've returned home.
The next destination on the trip is Collioure. If Sète represents authenticity, Collioure embodies beauty. Few Mediterranean towns pack so much personality into such a small area. Located just a few kilometers from the Spanish border, this small town in Roussillon has captivated artists, writers, and travelers for generations.
Arriving by sea allows you to fully appreciate the harmony of its landscape. Colorful facades cluster around the bay, while the bell tower of Notre-Dame-des-Anges rises beside the water. The royal castle dominates the scene, a reminder of centuries of shared history between France and the Crown of Aragon. Walking through Collioure is like stepping into a scene seemingly designed to inspire. It's easy to understand why Henri Matisse and André Derain found some of the most influential landscapes of the Fauvist movement here.
But Collioure is not just a haven for artists and lovers of the Mediterranean. It also holds a special place in the collective memory of Spain. A short walk from the historic center lies the cemetery where the remains of Antonio Machado rest. He died in the town on February 22, 1939, just weeks after crossing the French border fleeing the Spanish Civil War. His simple grave, always adorned with flowers, letters, and messages left by visitors from all over the world, has become one of the most poignant places in the town. A visit allows one to connect not only with the figure of one of the great poets of Spanish literature but also with one of the most dramatic episodes in Spain's contemporary history. For many Spanish travelers who come to Collioure, pausing for a few minutes at his grave is an experience charged with symbolism and emotion, a reminder of how literature, memory, and exile continue to form part of the soul of this small corner of the Mediterranean.
The destination also exemplifies one of the great strengths of small boats. While large vessels are forced to concentrate in ports capable of handling large volumes, Wind Surf can access places where the tourist experience maintains a much more human scale. It's a difference that isn't always reflected in brochures, but which ultimately defines the quality of the trip profoundly.
Back on board, the afternoon invites you to enjoy another of the great luxuries of windsurfing: time. Time to read on deck, time to chat, time to watch the light change on the sea, and time to do absolutely nothing.
The last stop on the itinerary takes us to Tarragona.
For many international travelers, it's a revelation. While Barcelona often monopolizes much of the tourist attention in Catalonia, Tarragona has more than enough to claim its own spotlight. Its Roman legacy is exceptional. The city walls, the circus, the amphitheater overlooking the sea, and the archaeological site declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO make a visit a truly immersive historical experience. However, Tarragona also offers something more.
Over the past few years, the city has progressively strengthened its position within the cruise sector. Its commitment to modern infrastructure and a strategy focused on quality products has begun to attract the interest of various cruise lines, and Windstar is one of them. The city possesses many of the characteristics currently sought after by boutique cruise lines: heritage, gastronomy, accessibility, authenticity, and a scale perfectly compatible with the operating model of ships like this one.
As the journey draws to a close, it's impossible not to reflect on this ship's place within the current industry. The cruise sector is experiencing one of the fastest growth periods in its history. Orders for new ships continue to rise, and passenger numbers reach record highs year after year. However, alongside this growth, an increasingly sophisticated demand is also taking shape. Many travelers are seeking more personal, less crowded experiences, more connected to their destinations, and closer to the traditional concept of travel. It is precisely here that Windstar finds its niche.
Windsurfing doesn't compete with the industry giants because it doesn't need to. It plays a different game. A game where exclusivity isn't measured by the size of a suite, but by the quality of the experience. Where luxury isn't about accumulating options, but about having time, space, and tranquility. Where sailing is still as important as arriving. Perhaps that's why it continues to inspire admiration decades after its introduction. Because while much of the industry looks to the future, constantly searching for the next innovation, windsurfing has understood something fundamental: that some of the best travel experiences are still the simplest. Unfurling the sails at sunset, discovering a small Mediterranean port, sharing a dinner under the stars, and feeling the sea as a constant presence, not just a backdrop.
Ultimately, remember that sometimes the true destination is not the port we reach, but the way we choose to travel the path.
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