Windstar Vs Seabourn

[robertmartha]

Looking into options for next summer - and Windstar came across my radar.

Understand that 3 former Seabourn ships are part of their fleet and are undergoing multi-million dollar renovations and lengthening.

 

Would love to hear thoughts / comparisons for those who have sailed both - 

 

Love the Seabourn vibe ... and from what I have read so far - seems that Windstar is similar?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Bob

[Redtravel]

Not like Seabourn. Seabourn still has formal or dress up nights. Windstar is casual.  

[Ski Mom 2]

We have not sailed Seabourn but have sailed on Windstar and I'm feeling bad you haven't gotten many responses. Here is what we love about Windstar in no particular order:

 

The port intensive itineraries they sail. We love waking up in a new, small port every day. We love spending hours either wandering on our own, discovering owner operated restaurants, bars, and shops, or taking a tour if needed.

 

The small number of passengers where we have always made new and lasting friendships that continue long after our cruise.

 

The lovely crew members who remember us from cruise to cruise even when there might be a year in-between. They are loving and caring and we have enjoyed them all.

 

The delicious food and the ability to be the last ones at a venue and not feel rushed to leave. The choices to dine either in the main dining room or other venues depending upon the ship without an up-charge. The helpfulness of the wine stewards, the wine sommelier, and all the waiters to make sure you have a dining experience worth remembering.

 

The sail-a-ways, especially on the sailing ships, as the music plays, the sails rise, and you enjoy the view with new friends.

 

The cabins are well laid out and the cabin stewards so nice and helpful. The upgrade fairy visited us on one cruise and we loved being in a suite on Wind Surf for 25 days!

 

The ability to play off the back of the ship (mostly in the Caribbean) and soak up the sun with other passengers. The deck bbq and the Beach BBQ in the Caribbean are a nice touch too.

 

The open bridge policy where you can wander into in the dead of night, visit with the person in charge, get an astronomy lesson and realize how big the world really is, all at the same time.

 

We love Windstar and it's all about the people - from the officers to the crew to all of our new lifelong friends.

Edited October 1, 2020 by Ski Mom 2

[Misty Morning]

I totally agree with SkiMom2. Like her, we have never been on Seabourn, but have sailed 10 times with Windstar and based on what I have seen and read, I would add that Windstar is probably a little less stuffy, with a more casual dress code and laid back vibe than Seabourn.  Yes the ships are older but they are well maintained and  much smaller than the new Seabourn ships which makes it a more intimate experience than Seabourn.  It’s for these reasons we chose Windstar over Seabourn and why we have never looked back since.

[susiesan]

Windstar is one of the two cruise lines I go on, the other is Oceania. After over 50 cruises in 50 years amongst all of the companies, I have decided Windstar is for me for warm weather itineraries. Count me in as a Windstar fan.

[OctoberKat]

I cannot make a direct comparison with Seabourn but WS is head and shoulders above Regent and Silver Sea.

[Redtravel]

It’s says it is 180 degrees different...and it is.  I like it.  However, I have met guests who were bored and unhappy.  If you like glitz,Formal nights, crowds, nightclub shows, loud music, bingo, casinos, huge buffets, etc., do not sail on Windstar. If you like uncrowded, great food and service,  Interesting small ports, and a casual Atmosphere, Windstar is it.  It’s my first choice.

[marinaro44]

I am hoping that the motor yachts will not feel crowded after the stretch, with 100 additional passengers on board.  The Yacht Club, Compass Rose and Lounge will not be increased in size. 

[Barrycat]

After 138 days on various Windstar ships and forty more booked, we are looking at Seaborn to fill a void in Windstar’s plans. The only planned Windstar cruises in Asia through mid 2022 is a Spirit round trip to Singapore for work. 
Obviously Windstar does extensive research to determine where their customers want to cruise but I think it is unfortunate that they have made the decision to deploy two ships to Northern Europe and none to Asia. With only six small ships they cannot be everywhere but with many memorable cruises on Windstar, the most memorable were Vietnam, Bangkok, and on to Dubai, Luxor and Petra.

Hopefully future Windstar plans will include Asia and the Middle East once again but in the meantime Seaborn seems like a very capable if somewhat different substitute.

[robertmartha]

Thank you all for your responses. !

 

Bob