We cruise 3 to 4 times a year on 8 or 9 different cruise lines. We often choose Wind Star for several reasons, mostly because the average passenger count is around 150 to 200 persons. No lines, off and on in ports in minutes rather than long lines, superb dining and all suite cabins with walk in closets and double sinks. The beauty of small ship sailing is visiting ports larger ships cannot, resulting in fewer crowds. The staff is engaging and remember your name and what you drink. When we visited Ephesus in Turkey, Windstar rented the entire ancient library site for an exclusive dinner for everyone on board. Once dark and lights came on, the effect was magnificent. Small ship sailing is also more convenient since these vessels can usually tie up in port rather than anchor and have to use shuttles. The Star Pride was recently refitted and is what I call "soft luxury". As a bonus, its small size allows it to rock and roll in heavy weather, which is what being at sea is all about.