Windstar Cruises’ flagship is unquestionably the MSY Wind Surf. (If you haven’t seen the MSY prefix before, it’s not all that common. It stands for a Motor Sailing Yacht.)
Before we go deck by deck through the interiors, I wanted to provide a bit of background on the vessel and its history.
Windstar Cruises was conceived in 1984 and sailed three identical sister ships. In 1987, buoyed by a fresh infusion of capital from Holland America Line’s 50% acquisition of ‘Windstar Sail Cruises’, the line began exploring fleet expansion possibilities. Windstar returned to its original shipbuilder, France’s Société Nouvelle des Ateliers et Chantiers du Havre, with plans for two new vessels—each more than twice the size of the existing motor-sail yachts. The goal was to scale up the Windstar concept while preserving the elegance and intimacy that had defined the brand. The two ships were to be called the Wind Surf and Wind Saga. The story of these really deserves separate exploration, as it’s rather fascinating how these ships came to life as well as their unintended fate.
Nevertheless, the ships were actually finished out for Club Med (yes, that Club Med), before Windstar got its hands back on the original ship that had been intended for them and, long story short, the Wind Surf started sailing for them in 1998.
These rare photos courtesy of Shipspotting show the ship that would become Wind Surf under construction. Here she is as launched with the French name La Fayette, and then later being fitted out as Club Med 1.
As per usual, we start with the obligatory photos to give us an idea of the ship. Note the use of whites and blues in wave-like patterns.
Random hallway photo
Random carpet photo
Random Stairway landing
Stairwell Artwork
WIND SURF DECK PLANS
Deck 01 – 03
Decks 1, 2, and 3 are all cabins. However, at the stern of deck 02 is the famed Marina and water-sports platform. All Windstar ships feature this, but some itineraries make more use of it than others. It’s hidden at the very end behind several doors (and technically accessible from the deck above, deck 03 as well).
Deck 04
Deck 4, also known as the Main Deck, is truly the ‘main deck’ of the ship. This deck contains most of the public rooms on the ship. At the very front is the main restaurant called Amphora. Unfortunately, they keep the forward-facing windows closed and covered, but that’s because it would just make the room too hot and unpleasant to diners.
Right next to it is a very cozy ‘nook’ called the Amphora Wine Room.
Aft of that, continuing down the starboard side, you emerge in the Lounge. While there are two lounges onboard, this is the main lounge for the vessel and where the games, contests, and shows are held. Though on Windstar, shows are simply a musical act, such as an evening violinist or trivia and game shows.
Past that there are both an outdoor promenade that runs to the aft of the ship, and an indoor section.
Contained in the indoor section is a small reception room at the top of a stairwell.
Walking aft of that on either side you emerge at the Guest Services desk.
Adjacent to that is the Yacht Club Cafe for coffee and sweets (always all included). (And it’s where this article is being written from.)
Walking past that is the Destination Desk on starboard.
And the Future Cruise Consultant on portside.
Walking past that is the Star Boutique. The only onboard shop that’s open whenever the vessel is out to sea.
Walking around that on the portside is a clever small promenade with these neat chairs.
At the very end of the deck is the pool and pool bar.
Deck 05
This deck contains the bridge at the very front, and so long as the vessel isn’t currently maneuvering, you are free to roam around. I spent many hours out on the bridge wings.
The deck also has a teak-lined promenade that encircles the deck. Certainly the preferred deck when wanting to get your laps or steps in (just note that it is not a jogging track).
Indoors, at the aft stairwell, is the Windstar Spa.
Aft of that is the Compass Rose lounge. It’s also the Bar that’s open latest. It features both an indoor and outdoor section and they will frequently leave the glass partition open to allow the live music to float outside to a very nice sitting area.
Deck 06
Deck 6 is the highest, most complete deck. At the very front is an outdoor observation deck that overlooks the bow. Astute readers know how important forward-facing views are to me.
Inside the forward part of deck 6 is the Stella Bistro, one of the two alternate dining venues onboard. This one inside is a French themed restaurant.
Aft of that is the Veranda which during the day is the buffet breakfast as well as a luncheon grill. At night, it turns into Candles, an outdoor grill specializing in steaks and seafood in an al fresco setting.
The aft part of the deck is a fitness center indoors, and then an unused bar called Terrace that’s the smoking area.
Deck 7
Deck 7 is only aft, accessible via a single stairway, leading up to the Fly Bridge. It’s relatively unused and looks aft over the tiered decks. Or, looking forward, you have dramatic views of the sails and masts.
Cabin
Tour of the typical outside stateroom onboard.