Review: Windstar Cruises’ Star Legend, Star Pride, and Star Breeze

Here is my review after sailing on Windstar Cruises’ Star Legend in the Mediterranean.

Before I start, here are a few foundational things you should know:

Our itinerary involved sailing roundtrip from Barcelona to Barcelona during the Mediterranean’s “slow season.” To learn about the “slow season” in the Mediterranean and why you might want to consider cruising during this period, please CLICK HERE.

Secondly, Windstar Cruises embarked on an ambitious $250 million Star Plus Initiative to transform its three all-suite yachts—Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride—by stretching each vessel by 84 feet (25.6 meters).

This complex engineering project involved cutting each ship in half and inserting a new midsection, increasing capacity from 212 to 312 guests while enhancing onboard amenities. The renovation introduced additional suites, expanded dining venues, a larger pool deck, a reimagined spa and fitness center, and improved environmental efficiency with new engines. The revitalization aimed to maintain Windstar’s signature small-ship experience while providing greater comfort, luxury, and sustainability for travelers. To watch a video about this amazing stretching process, please CLICK HERE.

Lastly, I wrote three articles to give you even more foundational information about Windstar Cruises:

• Windstar Cruises: Luxury Yachting & Culinary Excellence
• Windstar Cruises and the James Beard Foundation
• The Windstar Star Legend

Carol and I in Barcelona in front of the Barcelona Cathedral

Is a Windstar Yacht Cruise Right for You?

Windstar Cruises’ Star Legend, Star Pride, and Star Breeze cater to discerning travelers who seek an upscale yet intimate cruising experience. The typical guest is a baby boomer, often well-traveled, who appreciates the comfort and sophistication of luxury cruising without the formality of traditional large-ship lines.

Many of Windstar’s guests have previously sailed with Viking or Oceania and are drawn to Windstar’s smaller yacht-like ships, which provide a more relaxed, personalized atmosphere while maintaining high-end amenities and service. With a capacity of just 312 guests, these ships offer an uncrowded environment, allowing for deeper connections with fellow travelers and a more immersive experience in each destination.

A key attraction for Windstar’s target clientele is the ability to visit smaller, less-touristed ports that larger ships cannot access. Guests appreciate the opportunity to explore hidden gems in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and beyond, where they can dock in charming harbors and step directly into the heart of historic cities.

This appeals to seasoned travelers who have already visited major cruise ports and now seek more unique, authentic experiences. Many Windstar guests also enjoy independent exploration, taking advantage of the freedom to wander through local markets, dine at off-the-beaten-path restaurants, and experience cultures in a way that feels less commercialized.

The onboard experience is another major draw for Windstar’s clientele. Unlike larger luxury ships with multiple entertainment venues and extensive onboard programming, Windstar focuses on destination immersion, personalized service, and a relaxed yet refined ambiance.

Guests enjoy world-class dining, often influenced by regional flavors, along with engaging enrichment programs that enhance their understanding of the destinations they visit. With a casual yet elegant atmosphere, no formal nights, and a crew that quickly learns guests’ preferences, Windstar appeals to those who value understated luxury, exceptional service, and the feeling of being on a private yacht rather than a traditional cruise ship.

Windstar Cruises Is the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation

Windstar Cruises partners with the James Beard Foundation to bring a world-class culinary experience to its guests. As the foundation’s Official Cruise Line, Windstar collaborates with award-winning chefs to craft menus that highlight fresh, locally sourced ingredients and authentic regional flavors. This partnership ensures that dining aboard Windstar’s small ships is both innovative and destination-focused.

A highlight of this collaboration is the James Beard Foundation Culinary Cruise Collection, featuring guest chefs who lead cooking demonstrations, exclusive tastings, and intimate Q&A sessions. These experiences appeal to food enthusiasts who see cuisine as a key part of travel. With a focus on sustainability and regional specialties, Windstar delivers gourmet dining in an intimate, yacht-like setting, enhancing the overall journey for its guests.

Pulpo Gallego (charred octopus) from Cuadro 44

Dining Venues Aboard the Windstar Cruises Star Legend

The Star Legend offers a variety of dining venues designed to provide an intimate and high-quality culinary experience:

• Amphora – The main dining room serving elegant, multi-course dinners inspired by regional flavors.
• Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso – A specialty restaurant featuring modern Spanish cuisine with bold, tapas-style dishes.
• Candles – An outdoor steakhouse offering a romantic, open-air dining experience with premium grilled selections.
• Star Grill by Steven Raichlen – A casual venue serving barbecue-inspired fare with globally influenced flavors.
• Yacht Club Café – A relaxing space for light bites, pastries, and specialty coffee with ocean views.

Each venue emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients and aligns with Windstar’s partnership with the James Beard Foundation to deliver exceptional dining at sea.

Onboard Atmosphere & Service

Sailing on Star Legend feels more like being on a private yacht than a traditional cruise ship. The ambiance is relaxed yet refined, with no formal nights and an emphasis on personalized service. With just 312 guests, the crew quickly learns your preferences, creating a warm and welcoming experience. Whether enjoying a quiet moment on deck or engaging with fellow travelers, the intimate setting makes for a more personal and immersive journey.

Cabin & Suite Experience

All accommodations aboard Star Legend are spacious suites, offering a level of comfort not typically found on larger ships. Suites feature plush bedding, a separate seating area, a well-appointed bathroom, and plenty of storage. The attention to detail and thoughtful amenities enhance the overall sense of luxury and relaxation.

Entertainment & Enrichment

While Windstar doesn’t offer large-scale production shows, the Star Legend provides a lively and engaging entertainment experience. On our cruise, there were two bands playing a mix of classic and contemporary music, creating an inviting atmosphere for evening cocktails and dancing.

Additionally, Windstar enhances the cultural experience by bringing local performers onboard—in our case, a passionate flamenco performance featuring skilled dancers and soulful singers. These intimate performances add to the immersive nature of the voyage, allowing guests to connect more deeply with the destinations they visit.

Shore Excursions & Port Experience

One of Star Legend’s biggest advantages is its ability to access smaller, less-touristed ports that larger ships can’t reach. Windstar offers a mix of guided excursions and independent exploration options, allowing guests to experience destinations at their own pace. Whether it’s a private vineyard tour, a hands-on cooking class, or simply strolling through a charming coastal town, the focus is on authentic, immersive travel.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Book Windstar?

A Windstar yacht cruise is ideal for travelers who enjoy small-ship luxury, personalized service, and immersive destination experiences. It’s a great fit for those who appreciate high-quality dining, relaxed yet elegant surroundings, and ports that larger ships can’t visit. However, travelers who prefer big-ship entertainment, extensive onboard activities, and a fast-paced nightlife may find the experience too quiet. Windstar is best for those who see cruising as a way to deeply experience the world, rather than as a floating resort.

Carol at the bow of the Star Legend

Summing It All Up

Carol and I both really enjoyed our experience sailing with Windstar Cruises on the Star Legend.

As I look back on our journey, I can’t think of anything that would be negative. They exceeded my expectations in every way. The cuisine, the suites, the staff, and the shore excursions all combined to be a fabulous experience, leaving me longing for more. In fact, I told Carol on our last day that I didn’t want to go home. Usually, after a couple of weeks, I’m more than ready to go home.

Bravo, Windstar!

You have a unique niche in the cruise world, and you’ve created raving fans of Carol and me.

WE’VE GOT THE PERKS

How to Book Windstar Cruises and Get Our Exclusive Perks

Windstar Cruises is part of our Virtuoso Voyages program.

This means that when you book a Windstar Cruises sailing through Roaming Boomers Travel Services, you will receive exclusive complimentary amenities on select cruises that you wouldn’t get by booking directly with the company.

Additionally, you will also enjoy our hands-on expert service and care for your booking.  And, the price is exactly the same booking with us or booking with the company.

For more information or to book a fun Windstar Cruises journey, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here), and we’ll reach out to you.

Additional Links:

• Best Way to Book an Ocean or River Cruise
• Star Legend Fact Sheet
• Star Legend, Pride, and Breeze Deck Plan

If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our travel newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more.

This article was written with the aid of Perplexity AI, or ChatGPT. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an independent affiliate of Cadence and a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40

The post Review: Windstar Cruises’ Star Legend appeared first on The Roaming Boomers