Cruise lines are increasingly trying to figure out how to bring back repeat customers. Virgin Voyages has gone as far as commissioning a shrinkable ship able to navigate the narrows of the Panama Canal to bring more versatility to its itineraries. And now Miami-headquartered Windstar has launched a season of special interest sailings.
Describing the voyages as “designed to make passions come alive at sea”, Windstar is offering themes to appeal to a range of passengers, from painting workshops and art history lessons to seamanship cruises and yoga and wellness trips.
Art of the waves
Would-be grand masters can book onto the company’s “Masterpiece at Sea” itineraries, where artists from Florida’s Fountainhead art residency will assist passengers in “creating a mural or large installation in real time, transforming the ship into a floating gallery.” With instruction from the pros, guests can participate in “intimate painting workshops” and “Paint and Sip” classes, as well as cultural talks from art historians and port calls and excursions exploring world-famous artists and their work in each destination – such as Gaudí’s architecture in Barcelona or Picasso’s birthplace and development in Málaga.
The art-themed sailings are: Brushes & Tapas, 14 November 2025; Europe Winter Riviera, 20 February 2026; Mediterranean Island Mosaic, 13 August 2026; and Gems of the Leeward Islands, 28 October 2026.
A sailor’s life for me
Meanwhile, for those who dream of a life out on the ocean waves, Windstar’s “Knot Your Average Crossing” voyages, starting on 18 November from Lisbon to St Maarten, offer chances to take the helm, learning “age-old seamanship skills from the crew.”
Enrichment programs include knot-tying, chart reading, and star mapping workshops led by bridge and deck officers, while “distinguished guest speakers” promise to “bring maritime history to life.”
Serene horizons
If that all sounds a bit too much like hard work, the cruise line’s “Mind, Body, Spirit Collection” is a fusion of relaxing days at sea and “transformative experiences designed for guests to nurture their whole self.” Yoga lessons, meditation, and breathing flows led by expert Debbie Dixon can be followed up by “nutrient-rich juices” drinks at the pop-up Elixir Bar, or deeper exploration in one-on-one sessions.
A press release says it’s “the perfect balance of small-yacht intimacy, expert-led rejuvenation, and Windstar’s knack for pairing mindful moments with unforgettable destinations”, which include Bermuda, Bridgetown and Cádiz.
