Picture this – intimate and stylish vessels, cruising in the Mediterranean in the summer and Costa Rica and the Caribbean in the winter; a casual and relaxed on-board style with no dressing up; dining when and with whom you want, in air-conditioned comfort or on deck breathing the balmy sea air; after-dinner drinks on deck, listening to the lapping of the waves; leaving port under sail, the wind whispering in the canvas and the engines reduced to the barest hum….

This is the Windstar experience, one that, for many, is off the radar, as it is one of the cruise industry’s best kept secrets.

But this year, a string of awards suggest that Windstar is no longer hiding its light under a bushel. Following its acquisition from its Carnival parent by Ambassadors Cruise Group last year, Windstar has upped its game. A series of hardware upgrades instigated by the previous owner have increased the comfort of the three vessels, whilst initiatives such as new dining programmes have enhanced the on board experience.

Whilst never claiming to be in direct competition with the ultra-luxury lines, Windstar has amazed them by sweeping off a series of awards from under their noses – and the key is, that these awards reflect the preference of magazine readers, and the word ‘favourite’ says it all. Earlier this month was the culmination of the poll of readers of the U.K. Conde Nast Traveller magazine, who had voted for their favourite countries, cities, islands, hotels, spas, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators and villa-rental companies in the eleventh annual travel awards. The small ship Reader’s Favourite award, normally scooped by Silversea, was clinched by the magazine readers for Windstar. Meanwhile in the States it has been recognized as one of “World’s Best Small-Ship Cruise Lines” in 2008 by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine.

The recently completed multi-million dollar Degrees of Difference enhancements on all three ships – the larger 312 guest Wind Surf, and the smaller 148 guest Wind Star and Wind Spirit of the original fleet – focused on structural and technical operations along with upgrades to guest areas, remodeled bathrooms in staterooms and an expanded beauty salon and spa. Apple iPod Nanos and Bose SoundDock speakers, wireless Internet, flat screen televisions, luxury linens and mattresses as well as L’Occitane amenities were added.

After summering in the Mediterranean, the three ships return across the Atlantic. Two are positioned in the Caribbean – Wind Surf’s regular itineraries from Barbados are particularly appealing to British guests who are attracted by the easy flight, avoiding the misery of US immigration, and the opportunity to combine the two 7 night itineraries to create a butterfly 14 night programme without repeating any ports (except a return to Barbados mid way).

Meanwhile Wind Star travels through the Panama Canal to the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica,
with its lush jungles, pristine beaches and abundant wildlife. A variety of ports are offered: Playas del Coco, Quepos, Bahía Drake, Curu and Tortuga Island. The cruise also stops at San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.

Younger travelers appreciate the laid-back style, watersports, and interesting itineraries which make up the Windstar experience.