The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection vs Windstar Cruises

The core difference

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Windstar Cruises both deliver yacht-scale cruising with access to smaller harbours and no formal nights — but the resemblance fades quickly once you examine what each line actually is, what each costs, and what each offers to Australian travellers who must fly a long way to reach most embarkation ports.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is Marriott International’s purpose-built ultra-luxury fleet. Three superyachts — Evrima (149 suites, 2022), Ilma (224 suites, 2024), and Luminara (226 suites, 2025) — deliver the hushed, anticipatory service of a Ritz-Carlton hotel. There is no buffet, no public-address system, no cruise director, and no casino. Five restaurants include S.E.A., serving seven-course tasting menus conceived by Chef Sven Elverfeld of the three-Michelin-star Aqua. Ilma was named Cruise Critic’s Luxury Ship of the Year for 2024 with the highest space-per-guest ratio at sea. All dining, premium beverages, Wi-Fi, and gratuities are included. The guest profile skews younger than most ultra-luxury lines, with roughly half having never cruised before and forty per cent already loyal to the Ritz-Carlton brand.

Windstar Cruises operates seven ships across three distinct classes — growing to eight with Star Explorer in December 2026. Three sailing yachts — Wind Surf (342 guests), Wind Star (148 guests), and Wind Spirit (148 guests) — carry computer-controlled sails on four or five masts that unfurl at every departure and deploy under wind power whenever conditions allow. The Star Plus class motor yachts (Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride, 312 guests each) and the new-build Star Seeker (224 guests, December 2025, ice-strengthened hull) round out a diverse fleet never exceeding 342 guests. The James Beard Foundation culinary partnership, now spanning more than eleven years, anchors the dining programme. Windstar covers the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Tahiti year-round, Alaska, Japan, and seasonally Australian and New Zealand waters.

For Australian travellers, the practical comparison extends beyond onboard experience. Ritz-Carlton offers the more polished luxury product. Windstar offers something Ritz-Carlton cannot: Australian departures from Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns via Star Breeze, and year-round Tahiti access via Wind Spirit from Papeete — a direct eight-hour flight from Sydney. This accessibility factor is decisive for many Australian bookings.

What is actually included

Both lines offer inclusive models, but the structures differ in ways that affect total cost and the onboard spending experience.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection includes all dining across five restaurants without surcharges, premium beverages including champagne, wines, spirits, and cocktails, Wi-Fi throughout the vessel, crew gratuities, and the marina watersports platform. The fare is designed to be cashless — spa treatments and shore excursions are the only meaningful additional costs. For a couple on a seven-night voyage, the included premium beverages alone represent AUD $2,000 to $3,500 in value.

Windstar Cruises includes all dining across every restaurant without surcharges, 24-hour room service, non-alcoholic beverages, the watersport marina, group fitness, and onboard enrichment. Alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, and crew gratuities (USD $16 per person per day) are not included in the base fare. The All-In package bundles unlimited beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits, unlimited Wi-Fi, and prepaid gratuities for USD $99 per person per day (USD $109 if added onboard). The package is comprehensive and competitive — but it is a paid add-on, not a base-fare inclusion.

The net effect for a seven-night voyage: Ritz-Carlton delivers a genuinely all-inclusive experience from the published fare. Windstar’s published fare understates the all-in cost by roughly AUD $1,600 per person per week if the All-In package is purchased. When comparing fares, add Windstar’s All-In cost to achieve an apples-to-apples comparison with Ritz-Carlton. With that adjustment, Ritz-Carlton still commands a significant premium — but the premium buys a newer vessel, larger suites, more dining venues, and the Ritz-Carlton brand. Windstar’s All-In value proposition includes Wi-Fi, which Ritz-Carlton also includes, making both lines genuinely competitive on inclusion breadth for digitally connected travellers.

Dining and culinary experience

Both lines boast legitimate culinary credentials — but the programmes differ in scale, style, and partnership pedigree.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection delivers a five-venue dining programme anchored by S.E.A., serving seven-course tasting menus conceived by Chef Sven Elverfeld of the three-Michelin-star Aqua at The Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg. Additional restaurants cover Asian-inspired cuisine, poolside dining, a grill, and the main restaurant — all included without surcharges. The culinary ambition is among the highest at sea, with wine pairings and premium ingredients throughout. The five-venue variety allows guests to dine differently every evening.

Windstar Cruises anchors its culinary programme in the James Beard Foundation partnership, now spanning more than a decade. On select sailings, James Beard Award-recognised chefs come aboard for cooking demonstrations, hosted dinners, and local market tours. On every Windstar sailing, the dinner menu at Amphora features a rotating Signature Recipe from the cruise’s resident James Beard Foundation-affiliated chef. The crown jewel is Candles — the signature open-air restaurant where guests dine on steak and seafood under the stars — widely cited as one of the most romantic dining settings at sea. On Star Plus class ships, additional venues include Cuadro 44 (transitioning to Basil + Bamboo on Star Seeker), Stella Bistro, and the Veranda. Star Seeker introduces five dining venues in total, all included.

The culinary comparison favours Ritz-Carlton on ambition and Windstar on romance. Ritz-Carlton’s three-Michelin-star influence and five-venue programme deliver the more gastronomically ambitious product. Windstar’s James Beard Foundation partnership and the Candles dining experience under the stars deliver the more atmospheric product. For tasting-menu enthusiasts, Ritz-Carlton. For travellers who want to dine under billowing sails with the stars overhead and a James Beard chef’s signature on the plate, Windstar.

Suites and accommodation

The accommodation comparison reveals a gap between purpose-built ultra-luxury and a diverse fleet spanning four decades of design.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers all-suite accommodation designed by Tillberg Design. Evrima’s Terrace Suites start at approximately 300 square feet with private terraces — though these are more studio than suite, and upgrading is advisable. Ilma and Luminara offer more generous proportions, with top categories exceeding 1,000 square feet. Every suite features a private outdoor space, marble bathroom, and residential design.

Windstar Cruises accommodation varies by ship class. The sailing yachts Wind Star and Wind Spirit carry staterooms of approximately 188 square feet with portholes — compact and without balconies. Wind Surf offers deluxe ocean-view suites at 376 square feet. The Star Plus class ships (Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride) are all-suite vessels rebuilt during the USD $250 million Star Plus Initiative: entry-level suites start at 277 square feet, Classic Suites at 400 square feet, and Owner’s Suites span 820 square feet with wrap-around verandahs. Star Seeker introduces twelve suite categories from Oceanview Suites to Horizon Owner’s Suites at 796 square feet with wrap-around verandahs.

The comparison depends on which Windstar ship is chosen. Against the sailing yachts, Ritz-Carlton’s accommodation advantage is overwhelming — larger, newer, and with private terraces in every category. Against Star Seeker, the gap narrows considerably — Star Seeker’s Deluxe Suites at 380 square feet plus 110-square-foot balconies are genuinely competitive with Ritz-Carlton’s mid-range categories. The Star Plus Owner’s Suites at 820 square feet exceed even Ritz-Carlton’s generous top categories. For the most modern accommodation across both fleets, Star Seeker and Ritz-Carlton’s Ilma represent comparable standards at different price points.

Pricing and value

The pricing gap is significant but reflects genuinely different product tiers — and Windstar’s range of ship classes means the comparison varies depending on the vessel.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection prices seven-night Mediterranean voyages from approximately USD $5,000 to $8,000 per person for entry-level suites. The per-diem works out to roughly AUD $1,200 to $2,000 per person per night with all dining, premium beverages, Wi-Fi, and gratuities included. Higher categories escalate substantially.

Windstar Cruises pricing varies by ship class and destination. Wind Class sailing yachts start from approximately USD $250 to $400 per person per night for seven-night Mediterranean or Caribbean voyages. Star Plus class ships command a slight premium. Star Seeker reflects its new-build status. Adding the All-In package brings the total per-diem to roughly AUD $500 to $750 per person per night — roughly one-third to one-half of Ritz-Carlton’s rate.

For a direct seven-night Mediterranean comparison: Ritz-Carlton Evrima in a Terrace Suite costs roughly AUD $8,400 to $12,000 per person all-inclusive. Windstar Wind Surf with the All-In package costs roughly AUD $4,500 to $6,000 per person. The Ritz-Carlton premium — roughly AUD $4,000 to $6,000 per person per week — buys a newer purpose-built superyacht, private terraces, five restaurants with a three-Michelin-star culinary director, Marriott Bonvoy loyalty integration, and the Ritz-Carlton brand. Windstar’s value proposition offers sailing heritage, the James Beard Foundation partnership, Candles under the stars, and a per-diem roughly half of Ritz-Carlton’s.

For Australian travellers, Windstar’s Australian departures eliminate the AUD $2,000 to $4,000 per person flight cost entirely on domestic sailings. The year-round Tahiti programme adds roughly AUD $1,200 per person return from Sydney — a fraction of European flight costs. When accessibility from Australia is factored in, Windstar’s total-cost advantage widens further.

Spa and wellness

Both lines offer spa and active wellness, but the scale and facilities differ.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection provides full-service spas consistent with the brand’s hotel standards — treatment rooms, saunas, steam rooms, modern fitness centres. Ilma’s spa benefits from the highest space-per-guest ratio at sea. The marina watersports platform provides kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming.

Windstar Cruises spa offerings vary by ship. Star Plus class ships feature the World Spa with treatment rooms, saunas, steam rooms, heated loungers, and modern fitness equipment. Sailing yacht spas are more compact. Star Seeker elevates the spa experience with a full-service facility and modern fitness centre. The watersport marina provides kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling gear, sailing dinghies, and water skiing, with PADI-certified diving in the Caribbean, Central America, and French Polynesia.

Ritz-Carlton delivers the more polished spa experience consistently across the fleet. Windstar’s Star Plus and Star Seeker vessels approach comparable standards. Windstar’s PADI-certified diving programme gives it a meaningful edge for certified divers exploring tropical waters — a service Ritz-Carlton does not offer. Both lines’ marina platforms provide genuine active wellness beyond the treatment room.

Entertainment and enrichment

Neither line is a floating theatre, but the evening programmes differ in character.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection provides sophisticated, low-key entertainment — live musicians, pianists, and small ensembles in a luxury hotel lounge atmosphere. No casino, no cruise director, no production shows. Enrichment is destination-focused. The feel is a private members’ club.

Windstar Cruises provides a more structured enrichment programme centred on the James Beard Foundation culinary-themed sailings, local musicians in port, acoustic performers, and the signature sail-away ceremony — watching the computer-controlled sails unfurl as the ship departs, sometimes to the Vangelis “1492” score. The deck barbecue on warm-weather itineraries adds casual social energy. There is no casino, no production shows, and no formal nights. The cultural vibe is barefoot, adventurous, and romantic.

The sail-away ceremony is Windstar’s unique entertainment asset — a moment of genuine theatre that no motor-driven vessel, including Ritz-Carlton’s superyachts, can replicate. For travellers who value the spectacle of canvas against a sunset sky and the romance of a sailing departure, Windstar delivers something Ritz-Carlton simply cannot. For those who prefer polished lounge sophistication, Ritz-Carlton’s evening atmosphere is the more refined.

Fleet and destination coverage

The fleet comparison highlights a meaningful gap in scale, diversity, and Australian accessibility.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection operates three superyachts covering the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, Central America, and Alaska (new for 2026 aboard Luminara). The fleet is young, purpose-built, and growing — but limited to three vessels and five regions. Itineraries favour quieter harbours and anchorages over congested terminals.

Windstar Cruises operates seven ships across three classes — growing to eight with Star Explorer in December 2026. The fleet covers the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Tahiti and French Polynesia (year-round), Alaska, Japan, Southeast Asia, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Canada and New England, and Australia and New Zealand — visiting over 330 ports worldwide. The diversity of vessel types means Windstar offers both sailing-yacht romance and modern motor-yacht comfort within a single fleet.

For Australian travellers, Windstar’s destination breadth is decisive. Star Breeze deploys seasonally from Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns — eliminating the long-haul flight for domestic itineraries. Wind Spirit operates year-round from Papeete, accessible via a direct eight-hour flight from Sydney. Star Seeker’s Japan deployment in 2026 adds an accessible Asian option. Ritz-Carlton requires 20-plus hours of international travel from every Australian gateway to every embarkation port. When choosing between these lines, the accessibility question is straightforward: if sailing from Australia or reaching Tahiti without a 20-hour journey matters, Windstar is the only option.

Where each line excels

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection excels in:

• Modern ultra-luxury standards. Purpose-built superyachts with the highest space-per-guest ratio at sea, suites with private terraces, and residential design by Tillberg. The physical product is unmatched in yacht-category cruising.
• Culinary ambition. Five restaurants with a three-Michelin-star culinary director. The most gastronomically ambitious dining programme in the yacht category.
• All-inclusive simplicity. Dining, premium beverages, Wi-Fi, and gratuities included at the base fare. No add-on packages to consider.
• Marriott Bonvoy integration. Points, elite nights, and status recognition for travellers in the Marriott ecosystem — a loyalty pathway with no equivalent at Windstar.
• First-time cruiser appeal. Half of guests have never cruised before. The hotel-like experience converts luxury hotel loyalists into yacht enthusiasts.

Windstar Cruises excels in:

• Sailing heritage. Three masted yachts with computer-controlled sails — the only line in this comparison offering wind-powered sailing. The sail-away ceremony is unmatched in cruising.
• Destination breadth. Seven ships across a dozen regions, visiting over 330 ports. The widest destination coverage of any line in the yacht category, including Tahiti year-round and seasonal Alaska, Japan, and Australian waters.
• Australian accessibility. Star Breeze from Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns. Wind Spirit from Papeete via an eight-hour direct flight. Windstar operates an Australian website with AUD pricing. Travel the World Group has served as Australian GSA for over thirty-eight years.
• The James Beard Foundation partnership. Rotating award-winning chefs, Signature Recipes on every sailing, and the Candles open-air dining experience under the stars.
• Fleet diversity. Sailing yachts for romance, Star Plus motor yachts for modern suites, Star Seeker for new-build innovation. One fleet, multiple experiences.
• Value. Per-diem pricing at roughly half of Ritz-Carlton’s rate, with the All-In package delivering comparable inclusions.

Standout itineraries for Australian travellers

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Ilma: Mediterranean (7-10 nights, 2026) — The Cruise Critic Luxury Ship of the Year exploring the western and eastern Mediterranean with five dining venues and all-inclusive luxury. The most polished ultra-luxury Mediterranean yacht experience available. Fly from Australian gateways via Singapore, Dubai, or London.

Luminara: Alaska (2026 inaugural season) — Superyacht luxury in Alaska aboard the newest yacht. At 226 suites, intimate by Alaskan standards. A genuinely differentiated Alaskan experience. Connect via Vancouver from Australian cities.

Evrima: Caribbean (7-10 nights, winter season) — The most intimate Ritz-Carlton yacht (149 suites) in tropical waters. Marina platform in warm Caribbean anchorages. Fly via the United States.

Windstar Cruises

Wind Spirit: Tahiti and French Polynesia (7 nights, year-round, roundtrip Papeete) — The most compelling Windstar itinerary for Australian travellers and the standout of this entire comparison. The 148-guest sailing yacht under canvas through Moorea, Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora, and Huahine. Candles dining under Polynesian skies. Air Tahiti Nui operates direct Sydney to Papeete flights in approximately eight hours. Ritz-Carlton has no Pacific presence, making this Windstar’s clearest competitive advantage.

Star Breeze: Australia and New Zealand (various lengths, seasonal) — The all-suite Star Plus motor yacht from Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns. Coastal voyages and New Zealand itineraries in 277-square-foot-minimum suites. The only domestic yacht-cruising option from either line. No flights required for Australian departures.

Star Seeker: Alaska (7-12 nights, May-August 2026) — The new-build 224-guest vessel with ice-strengthened hull. Signature Expeditions including hiking, kayaking, and skiff outings. An intimate alternative to Ritz-Carlton’s Luminara Alaska programme at a lower price point. Connect via Vancouver from Australian cities.

Wind Surf: Mediterranean (7 nights, multiple departures) — The flagship sailing yacht with five masts, 342 guests, and the full Candles experience. A sailing-yacht Mediterranean alternative to Ritz-Carlton’s motor-yacht Mediterranean — the same waters, fundamentally different experiences.

Ship-by-ship recommendations

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Evrima (149 suites, 2022) — The most intimate yacht. Choose for Caribbean itineraries and the closest-to-personal Ritz-Carlton experience. Upgrade from entry-level Terrace Suites for genuine suite proportions.

Ilma (224 suites, 2024) — Cruise Critic’s Luxury Ship of the Year with the highest space-per-guest ratio at sea. Choose for Mediterranean itineraries where the larger capacity and five dining venues match port-intensive programmes.

Luminara (226 suites, 2025) — The newest yacht, debuting Alaska in 2026. Choose for the latest hardware and the inaugural Alaska season.

Windstar Cruises

Wind Spirit (148 guests, 1988) — The year-round Tahiti yacht. Four masts of computer-controlled sails, 101 crew for 148 guests. The most intimate Windstar experience and the ship that most directly competes with Ritz-Carlton on scale. Choose for French Polynesia — the most accessible luxury cruise from Australia.

Wind Surf (342 guests, 1990) — The flagship sailing yacht and the world’s largest motor-sailing vessel. Five masts, Candles dining, deluxe suites at 376 square feet. Choose for Mediterranean and Caribbean when sailing heritage matters.

Star Breeze, Star Legend, or Star Pride (312 guests each) — The all-suite motor yachts rebuilt during the Star Plus Initiative. Entry-level suites from 277 square feet, Owner’s Suites at 820 square feet. Star Breeze has been deployed for Australian and New Zealand itineraries. Choose for the closest-to-home Windstar experience and the most spacious suites in the fleet.

Star Seeker (224 guests, December 2025) — The first purpose-built Windstar vessel with ice-strengthened hull, diesel-electric hybrid propulsion, twelve suite categories, and five dining venues. Choose for Alaska, Japan, and the newest hardware in the fleet.

For Australian travellers specifically

The Australian accessibility gap is the widest in any yacht-category comparison — and it may be the deciding factor for many bookings.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection requires international flights from every Australian gateway to every embarkation port without exception. Mediterranean sailings embark from European ports requiring 20-plus hours of travel. Caribbean sailings require transiting through the United States. The Alaska programme connects via Vancouver or Seattle. Ritz-Carlton benefits from the broader Marriott infrastructure — Australian Bonvoy members earn points and elite night credits at sea, and the brand provides booking confidence. But there is no Australian representation, no domestic departure, and no short-haul embarkation port.

Windstar Cruises offers two pathways that Ritz-Carlton cannot match. First, Star Breeze deploys seasonally from Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns for Australian and New Zealand itineraries — eliminating the long-haul flight entirely. Second, Wind Spirit operates year-round from Papeete, accessible via Air Tahiti Nui’s direct eight-hour Sydney flight — making Windstar’s Tahiti programme one of the most accessible international luxury yacht experiences from Australian shores. Travel the World Group has served as Windstar’s Australian General Sales Agent for over thirty-eight years. An Australian website (windstar.com.au) offers AUD pricing and locally relevant promotions.

The loyalty pathway differs meaningfully. Ritz-Carlton’s Marriott Bonvoy integration rewards Australian hotel loyalists with points, elite nights, and status at sea — a tangible benefit for the millions of Australians with Marriott accounts from stays at The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, W Brisbane, Westin Perth, and the broader network. Windstar’s Yacht Club is a standalone four-tier programme earning points per cruise day with benefits escalating to complimentary Wi-Fi, laundry, and fare discounts at the top tier. Neither programme extends to partner brands. For Marriott-invested travellers, the Ritz-Carlton loyalty pathway is genuinely valuable. For travellers without Marriott affiliation, it is irrelevant.

The onboard atmosphere

The atmospheric comparison reveals different interpretations of casual yacht-style luxury — one polished and modern, the other romantic and barefoot.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection delivers the atmosphere of a floating five-star boutique hotel. Wide, wood-panelled corridors. Hushed public spaces. Superyacht design and anticipatory service from a near one-to-one crew ratio. The guest profile skews younger than most ultra-luxury lines — couples in their 40s and 50s — with roughly half never having cruised before and forty per cent being existing Ritz-Carlton hotel guests. The dress code is casually elegant. The social energy is sophisticated, contemporary, and deliberately understated.

Windstar Cruises delivers the atmosphere of a sailing club with resort-casual elegance. Staff know your name by the second day. The Captain is visible and approachable. The passenger mix includes couples in their late 40s to early 60s with a North American, British, European, and Australian blend. Honeymooners are drawn to the sailing yachts and the Tahiti programme. The dress code is yacht casual — sundresses, collared shirts, sandals. No formal nights, no jackets, no pretension. The cultural vibe is barefoot, adventurous, and romantically anchored in the sailing heritage. The sail-away ceremony — sails unfurling against the sky as the ship departs — creates a communal moment that bonds guests from the first evening.

The atmospheric choice is between polish and romance. Ritz-Carlton feels like the most exclusive boutique hotel you have ever stayed in, set on the water. Windstar feels like a romantic sailing adventure where the wind, the sails, and the open deck are the atmosphere. Both are excellent — and both attract travellers who have rejected conventional cruising for something more personal.

The bottom line

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Windstar Cruises are not direct competitors — they operate at different price points, with different fleet compositions, and for different primary audiences. But they share the yacht category, they share intimate guest counts, and Australian travellers evaluating both deserve an honest assessment of what each delivers.

Choose The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection for the most polished ultra-luxury yacht experience at sea. Choose it for purpose-built superyachts with the highest space-per-guest ratio afloat, suites with private terraces in every category, five restaurants with a three-Michelin-star culinary director, and a genuinely cashless all-inclusive fare. Choose it for Marriott Bonvoy loyalty that rewards Australian hotel guests with points and status at sea. Choose it for the feeling of boarding a floating Ritz-Carlton where every detail has been designed rather than inherited. Accept the ultra-luxury pricing, the absence of sailing heritage, and the fact that every embarkation port requires 20-plus hours of international travel from Australia.

Choose Windstar Cruises for sailing romance, destination breadth, and Australian accessibility. Choose it for three masted yachts with computer-controlled sails unfurling at every departure, for the James Beard Foundation culinary partnership and Candles dining under the stars, and for the widest destination coverage in yacht-category cruising — Tahiti year-round, Alaska, Japan, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and crucially, Australian waters from Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns. Choose it for a per-diem roughly half of Ritz-Carlton’s that still delivers genuine quality, for modern suites with private verandas on Star Plus and Star Seeker vessels, and for a line represented in Australia by Travel the World Group for more than thirty-eight years with AUD pricing and local expertise. Accept that the sailing yachts are decades old (though regularly refurbished), that the base fare excludes drinks and gratuities unless the All-In package is purchased, and that Windstar’s service, while excellent, does not reach the hushed, anticipatory standard of Ritz-Carlton at its best.

For Australian travellers specifically, the most honest recommendation may be both. A Windstar Tahiti for the sailing romance and the eight-hour flight from Sydney, followed by a Ritz-Carlton Mediterranean for the superyacht polish and the Michelin-level dining. The traveller who experiences both will understand that yacht-style cruising is not a single category but a spectrum — and that the best position on that spectrum is the one that matches who you are and where you want to go.