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When it comes to luxury cruising, one size certainly does not fit all.
As someone who has primarily traveled aboard beautiful ships like Silversea, I deeply appreciate the refined experience of traditional luxury lines. Yet, as I sail today aboard Windstar’s Star Breeze, I’m reminded: there is something uniquely magical about traveling on a yacht-sized ship.

Windstar’s Star Breeze, Star Pride, and Star Legend each carry just 312 guests at full capacity. Originally built for Seabourn, pioneers of small-ship luxury, these vessels were later reimagined through Windstar’s ambitious Star Plus Initiative, extending their size, refreshing their interiors, and enhancing guest experiences while staying true to their boutique spirit and I can feel the difference.

There’s an ease and warmth on board: no lines, no waiting, the crew knows your name (and your favorite drink) by day two. You don’t just glimpse the sea through a distant window, you feel it all around you. The atmosphere is relaxed, polished, and refreshingly unpretentious. Dining, too, reflects this yacht-style luxury. Windstar expanded its culinary offerings during the ship renovations, including the newly introduced Basil & Bamboo, a Mediterranean-Asian fusion concept blending vibrant flavors from both regions. It joins beloved favorites like Amphora, the elegant main dining room; Candles, the romantic outdoor steakhouse under the stars; and Star Grill, the casual al fresco venue created in partnership with celebrity chef Steven Raichlen. Whether you're savoring inventive fusion dishes or enjoying a classic steak as the sun sets, Windstar’s culinary philosophy remains simple: fresh ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and an atmosphere that lets the destination shine through.

After a few days at sea, I found out something remarkable about these small yachts: they shine in places that larger ships simply cannot reach. Years ago, I sailed into Venice aboard the Radisson Diamond, another small ship. I will never forget the feeling of standing on deck, gliding silently past St. Mark’s Square, with Venice unfolding like a dream before my eyes. It remains one of the most breathtaking port arrivals I have ever experienced.

Today, ships of Windstar’s size are among the few still allowed to sail that spectacular approach into Venice, a privilege larger ships have lost. There is truly nothing like arriving or departing from Venice by sea, with the entire city rising from the water in soft light. And it’s not just Venice. Windstar’s small yachts are able to navigate places like the narrow Corinth Canal, where the limestone walls rise dramatically on either side and the passage feels almost impossibly close. It is a rare and unforgettable experience few travelers ever have. Windstar’s small ships unlock ports and hidden places that larger vessels simply can’t reach: the quiet islands of Tahiti, Croatia’s medieval walled cities, the secret harbors of the Mediterranean, and the intimate coves of the Caribbean. It’s the difference between simply seeing a place and truly being invited into it. 

For me, this voyage has been more than just an itinerary. It has been a reminder that true luxury is not found in endless options or overwhelming size, but in spaces that allow you to breathe, to connect, and to quietly marvel at the world. Sailing aboard a small yacht brings you closer to the sea, to the destinations, and perhaps most importantly, to yourself. As I watch the horizon unfold each day, I am reminded that travel is not just about covering distance. It’s about deepening the way we experience beauty, connection, and wonder, one small port, one quiet sunrise, one heartfelt moment at a time.