Azamara Cruises vs Windstar Cruises

The core difference

Azamara and Windstar both inhabit the casual, destination-focused end of the cruise spectrum — no formal nights, no mega-ship theatrics, no children overwhelming the pool deck. But the experience aboard is so different that clients who love one may find the other disappointing if they book without understanding the distinction.

Azamara is a destination-immersive ocean line. Four R-class ships at 30,277 gross tonnes, approximately 700 guests each, visiting over 70 countries with a focus on overnight port stays (over half of all port time), boutique harbour access, and AzAmazing Evenings cultural events. Drinks, gratuities, and shuttle buses are included. Under Sycamore Partners since 2021, the line has become the most port-focused premium cruise line afloat — the itinerary is designed around the destination, and the ship facilitates that engagement.

Windstar is a sailing heritage line. Three of its seven ships carry actual sails — Wind Surf (342 guests, five masts), Wind Star (148 guests, four masts), and Wind Spirit (148 guests, four masts) — with computer-controlled canvas that unfurls at every departure and deploys whenever conditions allow. The Star Plus class motor yachts (Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride, each 312 guests) and the new-build Star Seeker (224 guests, arriving 2026) complete the fleet. The watersports marina — a retractable stern platform offering complimentary kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling, sailing, and water skiing — defines the active dimension. The James Beard Foundation culinary partnership, Candles under-the-stars dining, and Yacht Casual dress code complete the picture. Windstar sells the romance of the sea itself, not just the ports it visits.

For Australian travellers, the choice depends on what draws you to cruising. If you cruise for the destinations and want the ship to maximise your time in port, Azamara delivers brilliantly. If you cruise for the feeling of the ocean, the sight of sails against the sky, and the ability to swim from the back of the ship, Windstar delivers something no other line can.

What is actually included

The inclusion models reflect different priorities.

Azamara includes: select standard spirits, beers, and wines by the glass throughout the day, gratuities, AzAmazing Evenings, shuttle buses, self-service laundry, speciality coffees, and room service. Wi-Fi available for purchase. Speciality dining surcharges at Prime C and Aqualina (waived for suite guests).

Windstar’s base fare includes: all dining across every restaurant without surcharges, 24-hour room service, non-alcoholic beverages including speciality coffees, complimentary watersports marina access, group fitness classes, and onboard enrichment. The base fare excludes alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, and crew gratuities (USD $16 per person per day). The All-In package bundles unlimited drinks, Wi-Fi for two devices, and gratuities at USD $99 per person per day before sailing.

Azamara is more inclusive at the base fare level — drinks and gratuities covered without add-ons. Windstar’s All-In package delivers comparable inclusion at an additional cost. For a 10-night voyage, the All-In package adds roughly AUD $1,600 per person. For non-drinkers, Windstar’s base fare (without the package) may represent better value since the included watersports marina adds genuine activity value that Azamara does not offer.

Dining and culinary experience

Both lines reject the formal dining model, but their culinary philosophies differ.

Azamara offers six dining venues per ship. Discoveries Restaurant uses open seating. Windows Cafe provides buffet dining. The Patio transforms from poolside grill to candlelit evening restaurant. Mosaic Cafe serves coffees and pastries. Prime C (steakhouse) and Aqualina (Italian) carry surcharges waived for suite guests. The cuisine is Mediterranean-inspired with destination-relevant dishes. The kitchen cooks for approximately 700 guests.

Windstar’s culinary programme is anchored by the James Beard Foundation partnership. Every sailing features a rotating Signature Recipe from a James Beard Foundation-affiliated chef, built around local market ingredients. Amphora serves the main dinner menu. Candles — the open-air restaurant on the Star Deck — serves steak and seafood under the stars, consistently cited as one of the most romantic dining experiences at sea. Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso served Spanish-influenced cuisine on Star Plus class ships, transitioning to Basil and Bamboo on Star Seeker. Star Seeker introduces five dining venues in total, all included. Select sailings bring James Beard Award-recognised chefs aboard for cooking demonstrations, hosted dinners, and market tours.

Azamara wins on venue count. Windstar wins on culinary distinction — the James Beard partnership, the Candles experience, and the chef-driven approach create a more memorable food programme. Candles under the stars with sails silhouetted above is a dining moment that Azamara’s enclosed restaurants simply cannot replicate.

Suites and accommodation

The accommodation reflects different ship designs and eras.

Azamara’s R-class ships offer cabins from Club Interior (158 square feet) through Club Veranda (175 square feet plus 40-square-foot balcony) to Club World Owner’s Suite (793 to 836 square feet). Butler service from suite level. The Azamara Forward refurbishment adds new suite categories from late 2026.

Windstar’s Star Plus class ships are all-suite vessels — entry-level suites start at 277 square feet. Classic Suites reach 400 square feet. Owner’s Suites span 575 to 820 square feet. The sailing yachts are more compact — Wind Surf offers deluxe suites at 376 square feet with two bathrooms, while Wind Star and Wind Spirit carry staterooms at approximately 188 square feet with portholes. Star Seeker introduces twelve suite categories, from Oceanview Suites with queen beds to Horizon Owner’s Suites at 796 square feet with wrap-around verandahs.

At comparable levels, Windstar’s Star Plus suites are larger than Azamara’s veranda cabins. The sailing yacht staterooms are comparable to or slightly larger than Azamara’s entry-level categories. Star Seeker narrows the gap with modern suite accommodation that competes directly with Azamara’s mid-tier categories and exceeds them in design modernity.

Pricing and value

The pricing comparison is closer than expected — both lines compete in the upper-premium space.

Azamara’s directional pricing for a 7-night Mediterranean voyage runs approximately US$250 to $500 per person per night for a veranda cabin, including drinks, gratuities, and AzAmazing Evenings.

Windstar’s directional pricing for a comparable Mediterranean voyage starts from approximately USD $250 to $400 per person per night for sailing yachts, with Star Plus class at a slight premium. Adding the All-In package (USD $99 per day) brings the total per-diem to approximately AUD $500 to $750. A 7-night Wind Surf Mediterranean cruise from Rome starts from approximately USD $4,450 per person.

The pricing is competitive. Azamara’s base fare includes more, which provides an advantage for non-drinkers or light drinkers. Windstar’s All-In package delivers a total per-diem comparable to Azamara’s for regular drinkers, and adds the complimentary watersports marina. For a 10-night Mediterranean comparison with the All-In package, the total cost gap between these lines is modest.

For Tahiti specifically, Windstar holds a distinct advantage — year-round deployment with deep regional expertise, often at a lower per-diem than Azamara’s occasional South Pacific offerings.

Spa and wellness

Azamara’s Sanctum Spa features Elemis products, treatment rooms, and the Sanctum Spa Terrace with thalassotherapy pool. Windstar’s spa on Star Plus class ships includes the World Spa with treatment rooms, sauna, and steam room. The standout wellness differentiator is Windstar’s watersports marina — complimentary kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling, and water skiing from the retractable stern platform. Azamara wins on traditional spa facilities; Windstar wins on active ocean wellness.

Entertainment and enrichment

Neither line sells evening entertainment as a core feature — both attract travellers who find large-ship programming excessive.

Azamara’s enrichment centres on destination immersion — over 250 Destination Speakers, AzAmazing Evenings, Stories Under the Stars, and new original shows through the RWS Global partnership. The Cabaret Lounge hosts nightly intimate performances. Quiet, social evenings.

Windstar’s enrichment is destination-focused and experiential. The James Beard Foundation culinary sailings bring guest chefs aboard. Local musicians and cultural performers come aboard in port. The signature sail-away ceremony — sails unfurling against the horizon — is genuine theatre. The deck barbecue on warm-weather itineraries adds social energy. Acoustic music in the lounges. No production shows, no casino, no formal nights.

Both lines are enrichment-focused rather than entertainment-driven. Azamara’s AzAmazing Evenings and Destination Speaker programme are the more structured offering. Windstar’s sail-away ceremony is the more emotionally powerful moment — watching enormous sails unfurl against a Mediterranean sunset while sipping a cocktail on the open deck is an experience that defines the brand.

Fleet and destination coverage

Azamara’s four ships visit over 70 countries and 318 ports with consistent global coverage. Four identical ships — no ship lottery.

Windstar’s seven ships (growing to eight) across three classes cover the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Tahiti (year-round), Alaska, Japan, Southeast Asia, Central America, and seasonally Australia and New Zealand. Over 330 ports worldwide. Wind Spirit operates permanently from Papeete. Star Seeker brings ice-strengthened hull capability for Alaska and expedition-style itineraries.

Both lines offer strong destination coverage. Windstar’s year-round Tahiti deployment and smaller-ship port access are genuine differentiators. Azamara’s overnight port stays and larger fleet provide more departure dates in conventional ocean cruising regions.

Where each line excels

Azamara excels in:

• Destination immersion. Over 51 per cent of port time during late-night or overnight stays. AzAmazing Evenings cultural programme. Destination Speakers.
• All-inclusive simplicity. Drinks, gratuities, and cultural events included without add-on packages.
• Australian-waters deployment. Established Sydney departures and regional itineraries.
• Budget certainty. For Australians budgeting in AUD, knowing the total cost before departure.

Windstar excels in:

• Sailing heritage. Computer-controlled sails on three yachts. The sail-away ceremony. The romance of wind-assisted cruising.
• Intimate scale. Never more than 342 guests, often just 148. Staff know your name by day two.
• Watersports marina. Complimentary kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling, sailing, and water skiing from the retractable stern platform.
• Culinary programme. James Beard Foundation partnership. Candles under-the-stars dining. Chef-driven menus.
• Year-round Tahiti. Wind Spirit from Papeete permanently. Direct 8-hour flight from Sydney.
• Port access. The smallest Windstar ships anchor in harbours and coves that Azamara’s 30,277 gross tonne ships cannot reach.

Standout itineraries for Australian travellers

Azamara

Melbourne to Auckland (16 nights, January departure). No international flight required. New Zealand’s intimate ports with overnight stays.

Sydney to Singapore (22 nights, February departure). Australian coastal ports, Indonesia, easy fly-home from Singapore.

Japan Cherry Blossom Season (spring sailing). Boutique Japanese ports during cherry blossom season with late-night stays.

Windstar

Wind Spirit: Tahiti and French Polynesia (7 nights, year-round, roundtrip Papeete). The 148-guest sailing yacht under sail through Moorea, Bora Bora, and the Society Islands. Direct Air Tahiti Nui flights from Sydney in 8 hours. The most accessible luxury South Pacific cruise for Australians.

Star Seeker: Alaska (7 to 12 nights, May to August 2026, Vancouver to Juneau or Seward). The new-build 224-guest vessel with ice-strengthened hull. Signature Expeditions including hiking, kayaking, and skiff outings.

Star Seeker: Grand Japan (10 nights, September to November 2026, Tokyo to Osaka). Japan’s smaller ports on the newest ship in the fleet.

Star Breeze: Australia and New Zealand (seasonal, from Sydney, Melbourne, or Cairns). Coastal voyages and trans-Tasman crossings on the 312-guest all-suite motor yacht.

Ship-by-ship recommendations

Azamara

Azamara Onward — Australian-waters workhorse. Atlas Bar exclusive. Recommended for domestic departures.

Azamara Quest — First into the Forward refurbishment late 2026. New suites and Chef’s Table restaurant. The future of the fleet.

Windstar

Wind Spirit (148 guests) — Year-round Tahiti. Four masts. Watersports marina in lagoon waters. The purest Windstar experience.

Wind Surf (342 guests) — Flagship sailing yacht. Five masts. Most spacious sailing accommodation. Choose for Mediterranean and Caribbean.

Star Breeze (312 guests) — All-suite motor yacht deployed for Australian seasons. Choose for the closest-to-home Windstar experience.

Star Seeker (224 guests, 2026) — First purpose-built Windstar vessel. Ice-strengthened hull. Twelve suite categories. Choose for Alaska and Japan.

For Australian travellers specifically

Azamara’s Australian commitment is established — Sydney departures, New Zealand itineraries, and extended seasons. Distribution through Australian travel agent networks.

Windstar’s Australian representation operates through Travel the World Group for over thirty-eight years. Star Breeze has sailed from Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns. AUD pricing via windstar.com.au. The year-round Tahiti programme — direct 8-hour flights from Sydney — makes Windstar one of the most accessible luxury options for time-constrained Australian travellers.

The loyalty question favours neither — both are standalone programmes with no cross-brand partnerships. The flight factor works differently: Azamara’s Sydney departures need no flights, while Windstar’s Tahiti needs just 8 hours of flying.

The onboard atmosphere

Azamara’s atmosphere is intimate, destination-focused, and adults-oriented. Fewer than 700 guests, resort casual throughout, no children’s facilities. The ship rewards travellers interested in where they are going. Port days are long. Sea days are quiet.

Windstar’s atmosphere is barefoot elegance. Never more than 342 guests — just 148 on the sailing yachts. Staff know your name by day two. Yacht Casual dress code. No formal nights, no casino, no pretension. Honeymooners, active couples, and travellers drawn to the sailing heritage. Evenings are intimate: cocktails watching the sails catch the last light, dinner at Candles under the stars, acoustic music in the lounge.

The distinction: Azamara feels like a boutique hotel. Windstar feels like a private yacht. Both are intimate and casual, but the scale difference — 700 versus 148 — creates a fundamentally different social dynamic.

The bottom line

Azamara and Windstar both deliver casual, destination-focused cruising without formal nights — but the experience aboard is so different that choosing correctly matters.

Choose Azamara when destinations drive your decision. Choose it for overnight port stays in Mediterranean cities, boutique harbour access, AzAmazing Evenings, and inclusive pricing with drinks and gratuities covered. Choose it for Sydney departures and Australian-waters itineraries. Accept the 25-year-old ships, the mid-size scale, and the lack of sailing heritage or watersports.

Choose Windstar when the sailing experience and the intimacy of a yacht matter as much as the destination — computer-controlled sails, the watersports marina, James Beard Foundation dining, Candles under the stars, and year-round Tahiti just 8 hours from Sydney. Accept that drinks and Wi-Fi cost extra without the All-In package, that sailing yacht staterooms are compact, and that evening entertainment is deliberately low-key.

For Australian travellers drawn to both, the combination is natural — Azamara for destination immersion and Windstar for a Tahiti sailing escape. Both deliver on their distinctive promises.