Windstar Alaska Cruisetour Review: Why This Small-Ship Experience Blew Us Away

There’s a moment on every truly transformative journey when the world seems to pause, holding its breath just for you. For me, it happened in a quiet fjord in Alaska. Our ship, the all-suite Star Breeze, had slipped into a narrow channel the mega-ships could only dream of entering. The engine was cut. The only sounds were the drip of a thousand tiny waterfalls cascading down sheer granite cliffs, the cry of a distant eagle, and the almost imperceptible groan of ancient ice. Then, with a crack that echoed like a cannon shot, a skyscraper-sized slab of the Sawyer Glacier calved into the turquoise water, birthing an iceberg before our very eyes. We weren't just watching Alaska from a distance; we were in it. Immersed. Humbled.

This is the magic of Windstar Cruises in the Last Frontier. As a travel journalist who has sailed on vessels of all shapes and sizes, I can tell you that not all Alaska cruises are created equal. Many offer a glimpse, a highlight reel viewed from a floating city. Windstar, with its intimate ships and brilliantly designed Cruisetours, offers an invitation—a deep, personal, and unforgettable immersion into the wild heart of Alaska. This isn't just a vacation; it's an expedition for the soul.

If you've ever dreamt of an Alaska that’s more about profound silence than crowded promenades, more about personal discovery than packed tour buses, then read on. We’re about to journey deep into why the Windstar Alaska Cruisetour is, quite simply, the most exceptional way to experience this magnificent land.

The Windstar Difference: Redefining the Alaska Cruise

The secret to unlocking Alaska's true majesty lies in a simple concept: scale. The grandeur of the landscape—the towering peaks of Denali, the immense ice fields, the vast wilderness—is best appreciated from an intimate perspective. This is where Windstar’s small-ship philosophy shines.

With fewer than 312 guests, a Windstar ship feels less like a cruise liner and more like a private yacht. This has profound implications for your Alaskan adventure:

• Unrivaled Access: Windstar’s nimble ships can navigate where the giants cannot. This means sailing deep into fjords like Tracy Arm, getting breathtakingly close to glacier faces, and exploring secluded coves where wildlife thrives, undisturbed by the churn of a mega-ship.
• Immersive Experiences: The journey becomes the destination. With Windstar’s signature Open Bridge policy, you can chat with the captain, study nautical charts, and get a front-row seat to the art of navigation. It fosters a genuine connection to the sea and the journey itself.
• No Crowds, No Queues: Forget waiting in long lines to disembark or for a tender. In port, you step off the ship and into the heart of the town. Onboard, the atmosphere is relaxed and spacious. You’ll always find a quiet spot on deck to watch for whales or a comfortable chair in the lounge.
• Personalized Service: The crew knows your name, your favorite drink, and your sense of adventure. The service is intuitive, warm, and unfailingly genuine. It’s a level of personal attention that transforms a great trip into an extraordinary one.

But Windstar’s brilliance in Alaska extends beyond the sea. They understand that half of Alaska's story is written on its rugged, untamed land. Their Cruisetour concept seamlessly blends a spectacular land journey to the heart of the interior with an unforgettable coastal voyage, creating one cohesive, epic adventure.

Our Journey Aboard the Star Breeze: An All-Suite Sanctuary

Our home for the sea portion of the journey was the recently reimagined Star Breeze. This vessel is a masterclass in understated luxury, a floating boutique hotel designed to complement, not distract from, the stunning scenery outside.

The Ship's Vibe: Casual Elegance Meets Adventurous Spirit

From the moment we stepped aboard, the ambiance was one of "casual elegance." There are no formal nights or strict dress codes. The focus is on comfort, connection, and the shared spirit of exploration. Fellow passengers were a fascinating mix of seasoned travelers, nature lovers, and couples celebrating milestones—all drawn by the promise of a more authentic travel experience. The common thread was a palpable sense of curiosity and wonder, making for easy and engaging conversations over cocktails in the Compass Rose lounge as we recounted the day's wildlife sightings.

Accommodations: Your Private Balcony to the Last Frontier

Every stateroom on the Star Breeze is a suite, and this is a game-changer in Alaska. Our Balcony Suite was a spacious haven of comfort, with a full living area, a marble-appointed bathroom, and a walk-in closet. But the star of the show was, without question, the private balcony. It became our personal viewing platform for the grand theater of Alaska. We’d start our mornings with coffee, wrapped in plush robes, watching mist rise from the water, and end our evenings with a glass of wine, witnessing the lingering twilight of the midnight sun paint the mountains in hues of pink and gold. Trust me, a balcony isn't a luxury in Alaska; it's an absolute necessity, and Windstar delivers it beautifully.

Culinary Delights at Sea

Windstar's partnership with the James Beard Foundation is evident in every bite. The dining experience is a world away from the mass-market buffets of larger lines. The focus is on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and exquisite preparation.

• Amphora: The main dining room offers a sophisticated, multi-course menu each evening with open seating, allowing you to dine when and with whom you please.
• Veranda: A bright and airy spot for breakfast and lunch, it transforms on select evenings into Candles, a romantic, alfresco steak and seafood experience on deck. Dining under the stars (or the midnight sun) as glacial landscapes drift by is a memory I'll cherish forever.
• Star Grill by Steven Raichlen: This casual, top-deck venue offers a modern take on barbecue and grilled favorites, perfect for a relaxed lunch while scanning the horizon for whales.

Onboard Amenities: More Than Just a Ship

While the destination is the main event, the Star Breeze provides ample opportunities for relaxation and enrichment. The World Spa by Windstar is a serene escape for a post-hike massage. The state-of-the-art fitness center offers panoramic views, making your workout anything but mundane. The Yacht Club Cafe became our go-to for specialty coffees and quiet moments with a book, its library stocked with guides on Alaskan flora and fauna.

The Cruisetour Itinerary: A Symphony of Land and Sea

This is where the Windstar experience ascends from excellent to truly epic. Our 11-day Denali & Kenai Fjords Cruisetour was a perfectly paced narrative, building from the raw power of the interior to the dramatic beauty of the coast.

Part 1: The Land Adventure - Deep into Denali

The journey began not at a port, but in the heart of Alaska's interior. After flying into Anchorage, we were whisked away on a luxury domed rail car. This is, without a doubt, the most civilized and scenic way to travel through Alaska's backcountry. We settled into plush seats, sipping local craft beers as a guide provided commentary, pointing out eagle nests and historic homesteads while stunning landscapes unfolded through the panoramic glass ceiling.

Our destination was Denali National Park and Preserve, a six-million-acre wilderness crowned by North America's tallest peak. The Tundra Wilderness Tour took us deep into this protected ecosystem. The sheer scale is difficult to comprehend. We spotted grizzly bears foraging for berries on a distant hillside, a majestic bull moose wading through a pond, and herds of caribou flowing over the tundra. The mountain itself, Denali, made a rare and breathtaking full appearance, its snow-covered mass dominating the horizon. It was a powerful reminder of nature's raw, untamed beauty.

Part 2: The Sea Voyage - Glaciers, Fjords, and Coastal Wonders

Transitioning from land to sea in Seward, we boarded the Star Breeze, ready for the next chapter. The coastal portion of the cruise is a journey through a world sculpted by ice and water.

Port Highlight: Kenai Fjords National Park (Scenic Cruising)
This wasn't a port stop, but a full day of immersive scenic cruising. The ship felt impossibly small against the backdrop of the massive Harding Icefield and its many tidewater glaciers. We saw sea otters floating on their backs, puffins zipping through the air, and seals lounging on ice floes. The captain expertly maneuvered the ship for optimal views of the Holgate and Aialik Glaciers, allowing us to hear the thunderous roar of calving ice—a sound that vibrates right through your soul.

Port Highlight: Juneau
Alaska's capital city is a hub of adventure. We opted for a whale-watching excursion and were rewarded with the incredible sight of a pod of humpback whales bubble-net feeding—a complex, cooperative behavior that is awe-inspiring to witness. Others explored the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier or took the Goldbelt Tram up Mount Roberts for stunning views. Our travel experts can help you choose from dozens of incredible shore excursions here. If you're dreaming of seeing these gentle giants up close, why not Inquire About This Sailing and let us book the perfect whale watching tour for you?

Port Highlight: Skagway
Stepping ashore in Skagway is like stepping back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush. The historic boardwalks and false-front buildings are perfectly preserved. The must-do experience here is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, a vintage train that climbs nearly 3,000 feet over 20 miles of steep grades and cliff-hanging turns. The scenery is jaw-dropping, a testament to the tenacity of the gold-seeking stampeders.

Port Highlight: Tracy Arm Fjord (Scenic Cruising)
This was the day that truly defined the small-ship advantage. While larger ships often have to turn back due to ice, the Star Breeze skillfully navigated the narrow, winding fjord, its 30-mile length flanked by 3,000-foot granite walls. Waterfalls streamed down the cliffs as we dodged diamond-like chunks of floating ice, known as "bergy bits," on our way to the twin Sawyer Glaciers at the fjord's end. The silence, the scale, the sheer, pristine beauty—it was an almost spiritual experience.

Why a Cruisetour is the *Only* Way to Truly See Alaska

After experiencing both components, I am convinced that a cruisetour is the definitive way to understand Alaska. A sea-only voyage, no matter how beautiful, only shows you the coastline—the frame of the masterpiece. The land portion takes you into the heart of the painting, to the vast, wild interior that defines the Alaskan spirit. You get the dramatic fjords and glaciers, but you also get the immense tundra and the continent's highest peak.

Windstar makes this two-in-one adventure completely seamless. All the transfers, luggage handling, and logistics are flawlessly managed. You simply relax and immerse yourself in the experience, knowing every detail is taken care of. It's the most comprehensive and rewarding way to explore the 49th state. Are you ready to see both sides of Alaska's incredible story? Get a Custom Quote and let our experts handle all the details for you.

Is a Windstar Alaska Cruisetour Right for You?

If you are a traveler who values authenticity over amusement parks, connection over crowds, and enrichment over entertainment, then the answer is a resounding yes. This experience is perfectly suited for:

• Seasoned Travelers who have "done" the mega-ships and are seeking a more refined and in-depth experience.
• Nature and Wildlife Enthusiasts who want to get as close as possible to glaciers, whales, bears, and eagles.
• Adventurous Couples looking for a romantic and unforgettable journey that blends luxury with exploration.
• Anyone Celebrating a Milestone—an anniversary, a retirement, a landmark birthday—who wants a trip that truly honors the occasion.

This is not the cruise for those seeking waterslides, rock-climbing walls, or Broadway-style shows. Windstar’s entertainment is the pod of orcas off the port bow, the expert lecture on glaciology, and the conversation with new friends under the stars. If this intimate, immersive style of travel resonates with you, our team is standing by to help you plan. Call our dedicated line at 1 (888) 883‑0460 or click the 'Chat with us' button in the lower right corner to speak with an Alaska specialist right now.

Planning Your Ultimate Alaska Adventure

An Alaskan cruisetour is a significant journey, and expert guidance can make all the difference. Our team has firsthand experience with Windstar and can help you select the perfect itinerary, choose the best suite for your needs, and arrange pre- or post-cruise stays to extend your adventure.

You can begin exploring dates and pricing right now using the intuitive Cruise Booking Toolbar at the top of this page. It's a fantastic tool for seeing what's available. However, for a trip of this magnitude, a personal touch is key. We can offer insights and value you won't find anywhere else.

The wild heart of Alaska is calling. It’s a call to witness true wilderness, to feel small in the face of immense beauty, and to return home with a renewed sense of wonder. Let us help you answer it. For a truly personalized experience crafted to your exact preferences, there is no better next step. Plan Your Alaska Cruisetour Adventure by filling out our short quote form, and one of our Windstar experts will be in touch to begin crafting the journey of a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions about Windstar Alaska Cruisetours

What is the best time of year to go to Alaska?

The Alaska cruise season runs from May to September. May and June offer longer daylight hours and typically drier weather. July and August are the warmest months but can also be the rainiest, and they are peak season for salmon runs and bear viewing. September brings cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and the chance to see autumn colors and the aurora borealis.

What should I pack for an Alaska cruisetour?

Layers are essential. The weather can change rapidly. Pack waterproof and windproof outerwear, a warm fleece or down jacket, comfortable walking/hiking shoes, gloves, a hat, and scarves. Also include casual wear for the ship, a swimsuit for the hot tub, and something slightly dressier for dinner (though no formal wear is required). Don't forget binoculars, a good camera, and sunglasses!

Is a balcony worth it in Alaska?

Absolutely, 100%. So much of the Alaskan cruise experience is scenic cruising through fjords and past glaciers. A balcony becomes your private viewing box. The great news is that on Windstar's Star Class ships like the Star Breeze, every single accommodation is a suite, and most feature a French or full balcony, so you're guaranteed this incredible amenity.

How physically demanding is the land portion?

The land tour can be tailored to your activity level. The bus tours in Denali involve a lot of sitting, with frequent stops for wildlife viewing. There are opportunities for optional, more strenuous activities like hiking or rafting, but the core components are accessible to most people with average mobility. The key is comfortable, broken-in walking shoes.

What's included in a Windstar cruise fare?

Windstar offers a fantastic, all-inclusive experience. Your fare includes all meals in all venues (including specialty dining), all non-alcoholic beverages like soda, coffee, and tea, welcome cocktails, and use of all shipboard amenities and water sports equipment (where applicable). They also offer beverage and other packages for those who wish to have a more inclusive experience covering alcohol, gratuities, and Wi-Fi.