Posted October 21, 2026
By cruise ship attorney, Joel Barnett
Windstar Cruises has built its reputation on being the opposite of a mega-ship. Its fleet of sailing yachts and all-suite motor yachts carries roughly 148 to 350 guests per ship, with no crowds, no assigned dining, and no formal nights. The line sails to more than 330 ports, including smaller harbors and secluded coves that large ships cannot reach, across Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, New England and Canada, Tahiti, and Asia.
Smaller ships offer a more personal experience. But when a passenger is hurt because something on board was not maintained or a hazard was ignored, a small luxury line is held to the same legal standard as the largest cruise companies in the world.
Accidents Happen on Small Ships, Too
Fewer passengers does not mean fewer hazards. Injuries on small-ship cruises often involve:
• Wet floors and plumbing failures. A shower that does not drain, a leaking fixture, or a raised bathroom threshold can create a serious slip-and-fall hazard inside a passenger’s own cabin.
• Tender transfers. Because Windstar visits many ports without large piers, passengers frequently board small boats to get ashore, a common source of tender boat injuries.
• Steep stairs and narrow passageways on yacht-style vessels, especially in rough seas.
• Delayed or inadequate onboard care. Small ships have limited medical facilities, which makes shipboard medical negligence a real concern.
The Same Legal Standard Applies
Under maritime law, every cruise line owes its passengers a duty of reasonable care. That includes keeping cabins and common areas in safe condition, making repairs promptly, and warning passengers about dangers they would not reasonably notice. A luxury price tag or a small passenger count does not change that duty, and it does not change a passenger’s right to hold the cruise line responsible when it falls short. Learn more about how to sue a cruise line.
Read the Fine Print in Your Passenger Contract
Like the major lines, Windstar’s passenger contract contains its own rules for injury claims, including requirements for giving written notice, time limits for filing a lawsuit, and a provision that controls where a case must be filed. These time limits are shorter than most passengers expect, and a notice letter that is incomplete or sent incorrectly can create problems later. Having a maritime attorney review your notice and evidence-preservation letter before it goes out is one of the most valuable early steps you can take.
What to Do If You Were Injured
• Report the incident to the crew and ask that it be documented.
• See the ship’s doctor and keep copies of all medical records.
• Photograph the hazard and your injuries, and write down a timeline while it is fresh.
• Keep receipts for medical care, missed excursions, and changed travel plans. These can affect what your claim is worth.
Get a Free Case Review After a Windstar Accident
If you were hurt on a Windstar cruise or any other cruise line, call Waks & Barnett, P.A. at 1-305-271-8282 or find out if you have a case. Your consultation is free and confidential. Hablamos Español.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different; contact Waks & Barnett, P.A. to discuss the specific facts of your situation.
Image credit:
Wind Star Breeze in Sarandë, Albania
Gary Bembridge
Windstar star breeze cruise ship in Saranda Albania 2016.jpg