The best cruise ships with sails

Windstar Cruises' Sailing Ships

Flagship Sailing Yacht Wind Surf

Windstar's flagship 342-guest sailing yacht Wind Surf is a stunning sail-assisted cruise ship sailing predominantly in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Its extensive first phase of refurbishment revealed redesigned public spaces, a modern yacht-inspired Owner's Suite, and new Broadmoor and Sea Island suites, with restaurant Amphora now featuring ocean-inspired décor while Compass Rose offers updated seating, a chic bar, and an LED wall that shifts with the ship's itinerary. Guests will find a refreshed pool deck, a piazza-style Yacht Club and reception area, new interactive TVs in all cabins, and a new wine-tasting room. Phase two which includes complete stateroom renovations will be finished in December 2026.

Following a major refurbishment in November 2019, Wind Surf re-entered service with crisp new sails. Nearly half a football field's worth of sturdy Dacron sail-cloth measuring 21,570 square feet was hand-crafted in France by the team of maritime designers and artisans at Incidence Sails, premier designers in the offshore racing and Super Yacht sectors. Indeed the Wind Surf sail project was led by noted designers Stéphane Amiot and Maxime Paul, who sailed for France's Olympic sailing team in the 1992 Olympics.

The computerised sails are self-furling and operate remotely from the Bridge, with fore and aft guidance from the ship's Nautical Officers. Wind Surf has achieved a top speed under sail power alone of an amazing 15.6 knots during a transatlantic ocean crossing. If sailing ship cruises appeal to you, a few options are available.

Wind Star and Wind Spirit Sailing Ships

Meanwhile the smaller Wind Star (148 guests) weaves her magic on a sailing cruise in the Greek islands during the summer, the perfect area to explore under sail, and in the winter combines the iconic transit of the Panama Canal with the magical Pacific coast of Costa Rica, plus in winter 2026 you will find her in the Canary Islands. Sister ship Wind Spirit operates similar itineraries in summer and winter months, but including convenient Barbados round-trip departures in her Caribbean season.

Ponant's Sailing Yachts

The New Spirit of Ponant

The only French flagged cruise line, Ponant, offer some of the best cruise ships in the industry - they have a fleet of sleek and chic motor yachts which are extremely popular. Ponant has introduced a new luxury yachting experience in the Seychelles with the Spirit of Ponant, a 23-metre catamaran sailing yacht offering intimate, all-inclusive voyages for up to 12 guests with six cabins, a dedicated four-person crew, refined cuisine, and guest- customisable itineraries showcasing hidden Seychelles gems, with included activities such as snorkelling, hiking, and meeting giant tortoises. Ponant will expand the fleet to three catamarans including the Spirit of Ponant II by late 2026, with future routes planned in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Polynesia.

The Le Ponant Yacht

Ponant regulars remain supremely loyal to the first ship of the fleet, Le Ponant itself (the name means 'setting sun'). Having undergone a complete refit in 2021, when her already small guest numbers where reduced further from 64 to just 32, Le Ponant offers a truly private, welcoming and intimate environment. Sophisticated yet friendly, this ship gives you a little taste of France at sea, for al fresco cruising at its best. Ponant's itineraries are some of the most interesting and unique out there and on board Le Ponant you can explore Cape Verde, Croatia, Corsica, and the Caribbean.

Sea Cloud Cruises' Classic Sailing Ships

Tall ships Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II give an authentic taste of classic sailing traditions, and in 2021 they were joined by the newly built Sea Cloud Spirit, a fully rigged three-master. Teak decks, polished wood, sparkling brass and carefully stowed ropes will captivate any sailor.

On these sailing cruise ships, sailing is not just for show - it is a true craft. When the orders ring out over the deck and the crew climb the masts to hoist the sails, every single manoeuvre marks a centuries-old ritual being brought to life. Combine that with great itineraries, genial fellow guests and the best in service, and you have a winner. The vessels are often chartered, so look out for sailing cruise opportunities in Europe and the Caribbean.

Captain Arctic Expedition Sailing Vessel

Set to launch in late 2026, the 36-guest Captain Arctic is a groundbreaking new expedition vessel designed by French start-up Selar, aiming for near-zero emissions and a 90% reduction compared to conventional ships. Powered primarily by wind and solar, it features five retractable 35-metre sails layered with nearly 2,000 square meters of solar panels, ultra-efficient systems, recycled- wood pellet heating, and reverse-osmosis freshwater production. On board guests can expect a science lab, sauna, library, and polar-plunge pool, with itineraries in Norway, Svalbard, and East Greenland.

Traditional Sailing on Star Clippers

The beautiful clipper ships of Star Clippers are unique sailing cruise ships charting a new age of sail, with a passionately loyal following of sail and cruise enthusiasts alike. Royal Clipper, Star Clipper and Star Flyer are modern ships, created for people who love their creature comforts alongside the traditions and romance of the legendary era of sailing ship cruises.

On these ships, you can hide away in the nets at the bow, or even (not for the faint-hearted) climb the mast (with safety harness provided) to one of the passenger lookout crow's nests.

As always, if you have any questions or want to chat to us about anything, simply leave an enquiry or give us a call on 020 7399 7670.