Windstar Cruises

If the idea of sailing on a big ship makes you cringe, small-ship specialist Windstar is the answer. Most of its vessels carry just 150 to 300 passengers — fewer than fit on a single big-ship lifeboat — and are wonderfully intimate. Romantic types will love Windstar’s three vessels with sails — a relative rarity. Foodies can choose one of the James Beard themed cruises, which include market tours and cooking demos with a Beard Award-winning chef.