| Windstar Cruises sleek masted sailing ships, with computer-directed sails, offer an intriguing balance of sophisticated pampering, exceptional service, and luxurious amenities -- all amidst an oh-so-casual atmosphere. Passenger to crew ratios are a high 1.5 to 1, and a superb level of personalized service is the result. The cruise line's debut took place in 1986, when Wind Star (the first commercial sailing ship to be built in 60 years) set out on its maiden voyage. Wind Spirit followed in 1988, Wind Song debuted in 1987 and Wind Surf, built in 1990 as Club Med I, joined the fleet in 1998. Alas, Wind Song, which was dedicated to a French Polynesia itinerary, was completely destroyed by a fire in 2002 (fortunately, there were no passenger or crew fatalities), and the ship has not been replaced. However, Windstar has been actively committed to refurbishing and upgrading its existing ships via various programs. Improvements have targeted cabins, public rooms and below-deck mechanical operations. Windstar, which operates under the Holland America umbrella, is part of the Carnival Corporation family of cruise lines. |
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| The Fleet |
| Windstar Cruises has three ships, which comprise the industry's oldest fleet (average age: 18 years). Wind Surf, at 14,745 tons and a passenger capacity of 308, is the largest, and bears another distinction in that it has five masts to each of the other ships' four. Siblings Wind Spirit and Wind Star are both 5,530 tons and 148 passengers. All three ships are undergoing both mechanical and cosmetic upgrades. New beds, pillows and down duvets have been added already, along with flat-screen televisions, DVD players and Bose iPod docks in the staterooms. A huge selection of DVD's is available to rent free of charge as are music-loaded iPods. All staterooms have been fitted with wireless Internet service. Further upgrades will include a new library/Internet cafe/meeting area and new lighting and granite countertops in stateroom baths. Below-deck work on the water systems and piping, and mechanical work on the sails are being scheduled |
Onboard
"Casual Elegance" is the designated dress code. Guests leave their ties and formal wear at home in favor of country club casual sportwear. There are few organized activities and none of the typical cruise line Vegas-style reviews. Passengers linger over dinner, sampling delicious entrees developed by renowned chef Joachim Splichal of L.A.'s Patina, Pinot Bistro and Octavio Becerra. Sail Light and Vegetarian meals were designed by health guru Jeanne Jones, developer of spa menus for Canyon Ranch spa and the Pritikin Longevity Center.
The most interesting feature on a Windstar cruise is the watersports platform located onboard each ship. A range of complimentary watersports -- snorkeling, windsailing, paddleboats, Zodiacs, and even waterskiing are available -- as is scuba diving, (fee for tanks and equipment) with licensed instructors.
Itineraries
The ships alternate between the Mediterranean and Greek Isles during the summer and Caribbean and Costa Rica/Panama Canal cruises during the winter months.
Itineraries generally encompass both marquee ports and those quite a bit off the beaten path. For instance, a Caribbean voyage would include stops at big-ship ports such as St. Thomas, St. Martin and Tortola, but also include Jost van Dyke and St. Barthelmy (St. Barts) or Ile des Saints and Pigeon Island, St. Lucia. In the Eastern Mediterranean, an itinerary may feature Rome, Dubrovnik and Venice, but also stops at Hvar (Croatia) and Amalfi, definitely not big-ship ports.
Wind Surf features alternating seven-night itineraries so guests can choose one or two week voyages without repeating (too many) ports. In the Mediterranean, these itineraries tend to be linear -- starting in one port and ending up in another down the line -- while the Caribbean routes start and end in Barbados for both voyages. An itinerary might include Barbados, St. Martin, Guadeloupe and St. Barts on one trip, and Barbados, Bequia and St. Georges, Grenada the following week.
The line offers the usual Atlantic crossing repositioning cruises which are a particular boon to folks who like lots of days at sea. That's because these ships move more slowly, at an average 14 knots as opposed to a big ship speed of 20-plus knots.
Fellow Passengers
Windstar passengers tend to be active, well-traveled, well-educated adults of all ages -- mostly North American and British -- who enjoy the more laid-back atmosphere of a smaller ship, the idea of traveling under sail, and the unique itineraries that Windstar provides. The watersports platform and available water activities are a huge draw as well.
