Wind Spirit Review

4.0 / 5.0
105 reviews
See all photos
Editor Rating
4.0
Very Good
Overall
Ellen Uzelac
Contributor

With its dramatic sails and yacht-like feel, the four-masted Wind Spirit is a natural fit for Tahitian waters, which it cruises year-round. There's a relaxed, feel-good vibe to this ship, in large measure due to the iconic destination and passengers who are there to chill.

Wind Spirit has a modest profile, 360 feet long at the waterline, and with just 148 passengers, the onboard experience is more river ship than ocean ship. What does that mean? You will never feel crowded, whether it's waiting for a tender to shuttle you to shore or lining up for the breakfast buffet. And with a staff-to-passenger ratio of 1 to 1.5, service across the ship is top-notch. You won't be watching movies under the stars or Broadway-style shows that are hallmarks of the large ocean ships -- but you will likely enjoy sail-away every afternoon.

Not surprisingly, these are active itineraries with an emphasis on water sports, although shore excursions and enrichment programs also highlight the culture and sacred spaces of the islands. Wind Spirit also knows how to throw a party, French Polynesian-style. Its "destination discovery" events on tiny, private islands called "motus" -- ranging from beach parties to feasts followed by fire-walking performances -- rival the best its competitors have to offer.

Polynesians use the word "mana" to refer to the spirit of their islands. The aptly named Wind Spirit does a terrific job bringing that mana to the passenger experience.

Pros

Small size and stellar service make you feel like you're on your own private yacht

Cons

No night life, with exception of a musical duo and a tiny casino

Bottom Line

A great fit for its home base of French Polynesia

About

Passengers: 148
Crew: 101
Passenger to Crew: 1.47:1
Launched: 1988
Shore Excursions: 601

Fellow Passengers

Due to the ship's active itineraries, most Wind Spirit passengers are in their 50s and early 60s. You will also find young honeymooners and retirees. Passengers are seasoned travelers, largely from the United States, New Zealand and Australia.

Windstar Wind Spirit Dress Code

Life onboard is casual -- no need for suits or fancy eveningwear. During the day, weather- and activity-appropriate clothing includes swimwear, shorts, T-shirts and tank tops. At night, jeans and shorts are not permitted in the main dining room although black or white jeans seem to get a pass. It's recommended that men don trousers with collared shirts or Polos and women wear sundresses, pants or casual cocktail attire. Also make room in your suitcase for lightweight rain gear or a travel umbrella. After all, it's the tropics.

Wind Spirit Inclusions

The cruise fare includes complimentary "discovery destination" events, nonalcoholic beverages, all meals in all venues, 24-hour room service, water sports off the marina platform, fitness classes, market tours with the chef, a Champagne welcome reception and afternoon in-cabin canapes upon request. On the 17-night itinerary, laundry is also included.

Wind Spirit charges a per-passenger gratuity of $13.50 per day. Gratuities are shared by crew members who serve you directly, such as waiters and stewards, as well as those whom you may never meet, such as galley and laundry staff. If service exceeds or fails to meet your expectations, you may adjust the amount accordingly at the conclusion of the cruise.

In addition, a 15 percent service charge is automatically added to all spa and bar charges, dining room wine purchases and beverage packages. Beverage packages, featuring wines, beers, cocktails, cordials and liqueurs, cost $32, $42 or $52 per passenger per day.

The U.S. dollar is the onboard currency.

Find a Wind Spirit Cruise from $1,999

Any Month

More about Windstar Wind Spirit

Where does Windstar Wind Spirit sail from?

Windstar Wind Spirit departs from Puerto Caldera, Barbados, Piraeus, Piraeus, Laviron, Venice, Rome, Civitavecchia, Barcelona, Lisbon, Colon, Cristobal, and St. Maarten

How much does it cost to go on Windstar Wind Spirit?

Cruises on Windstar Wind Spirit start from $1,999 per person.

Is Windstar Wind Spirit a good ship to cruise on?

Windstar Wind Spirit won 13 awards over the years.
Windstar Wind Spirit Cruiser Reviews

Trip of a lifetime

Wind Spirit is a small intimate ship that feels like your private yacht. Shout out to the hotel manager Claire, our room attendant Rashyid and Charlie who makes great coffee all day. Book it now.Read More
User Avatar
Mariancavallaro

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 50s

Fabulous Windstar

Happy travels, love to Wind Spirit…ever in our memory.Read More
User Avatar
welcometocruising

few6-10 Cruises

Age 60s

Vacation of a lifetime

I work in the food industry myself, primarily as a mixologist, so I have to give a special shoutout to Bien.I had been looking for months for a special trip for us, and I did as much research as i could before choosing Windstar.Read More
User Avatar
Kelley Adrienne

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 34s

Excellent Experience

We did tip the room attendant, waiter and bartender extra with USD because of our exceptional service.Bar service both at the meals and at the pool bar were good along with a stocked mini bar in the room.Read More
User Avatar
stephenking

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 81s

Windstar Cruises Fleet
Wind Spirit
Wind Star

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.