| Harold, you are correct about the number of activities being considerably
downscaled on small ships. Windstar ships certainly fall into that category.
There are two bars, one lounge, a veranda, restaurant, and the watersports
platform. I understand there are small boats which can be used off the platform.
Waterskiing, snorkling, and other water sports are available where permitted.
Everyone who wants to is invited to take a turn at the wheel. Of course, the
advantage of a smaller ship includes catering to the individual. The itinerary
of these ships make available small islands not regularly visited by large
ships. This should be a real treat!
Other public rooms include a small casino and a library which contains lots of
videos for your TV/VCR in your cabin. There seems to be planty of deck space for
lounging. This cruise goes to different ports each day. The main activities on
board are meals and socializing with other passengers and, of course, your
cruisemate!
There are only 148 passengers and about 90 crew members. That's a great ratio of
1.6 passengers to 1 crew member. Pampering the guests is practically guaranteed!
Just ask, and it should appear.
Harold (or any others), if you are interested in a cruise like this, now is a
great time to book this particular itinerary. The Wind Spirit was cruising in
Malaysia but got repositioned to the Caribbean for the summer. As a result, the
cabins are available at 50% off the regular rate through your cruise travel
resource -- a great deal on a beautiful and luxurious sailing ship.
(Geez, I'm beginning to sound like a travel agent!)
-Barry
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| We're back!
This cruise turned out to be as advertised, and in some ways, even
better.
Our itinerary took us from Bridgetown, Barbados to the islands of
Bequia, Isles de Saintes, St. Martin, St. Barthelomy, and St. Kitts
before returning to Bridgetown via a "fly-by" of St. Lucia.
Let me tell you a little additional info about the ship and our trip.
I already gave details of the ship from the brochure, so I'll limit this
to my commentary as I look back.
As we appoached the ship from the dock, the masts stood high and proud,
their spars and riggings thrusting out in readiness to sail - the sleek
white hull and graceful superstructure look freshly painted, no rust in
sight. She sat calmly beside the dock in the warm breezes of the tropics,
but we could see in her a static energy, waiting to be released to the sea.
As we boarded the "Wind Spirit", the Captain was stationed at the
top of the gangway to welcome us aboard. Right away, we knew this was
going to be no ordinary cruise. We were ushered through the reception
hall to the lounge where we were offered champaigne while we filled out
our cruise registration. We were then escorted to our cabin where our
luggage was waiting for us. We couldn't wait to get unpacked so we
could explore the ship and start meeting people.
The pool deck is located at the fantail (back) of the ship and consists
of a bar, a pool, whirlpool, and tables, chairs, and loungers. This is
where we relaxed with a beverage in hand greeting other passengers and
meeting the incredible hotel staff and crew who helped convince us that
this week would be one not to forget.
Our first meal on board was a buffet in the beautiful dining room
simply called "The Restaurant." I won't go into detail about what is
available other than to say that the food is fresh, delectable, and
plentiful. Breakfast and Lunch are served primarily in the Veranda
dining room topside. Dinner is served primarily in "The Restaurant."
The food is wonderful and the service matched it, although breakfast
service seemed a bit too relaxed at times.
The ship, as required by law, has two means of propulsion. Most cruise
ships have twin propellers. The "Wind Spirit" has a single propeller
and the sails. Ah, the Sails!! They are exquisite as they are unfurled
to catch the wind and magnificent to watch. My only regret is that, much
of the time, our port schedule did not allow use of the sails alone but
as a supplement to the motorized propulsion.
The ports, each unique, ranged from charming to extravagant to
primitive. They offered bustling towns with expensive shops, gorgeous
beaches, tropical rainforests, fertile farmlands, and sleepy fishing
villages. Some islands were flat, others mountainous and ragged. All
were accessible to our ship, though we used tenders to transport us.
This proved no hardship as we had only 111 passengers on board and the
tenders easily handled the traffic going to and from the ship.
I never felt as if we were an intrusion on these islanders as
I have in the past on large cruise vessels. They genuinely welcomed us
(and our business). Their islands provided us a tropical playground to
romp through and we treated it with respect.
Entertainment on board is not relective of the non-stop activity of
the big liners. A musical duo played keyboard and steel drum at
"teatime" (yes, teatime!) on the pool deck, at cocktail hour in the
lounge, and some evenings after dinner back up on the pool deck.
The casino, off the lounge, provided diversion for those so inclined,
offering Blackjack, Caribbean Stud poker, and Roulette. Friendly
conversation with the other fortunate passengers was free and easy at
cocktails and dinner. The pools were open after the first night until
the last night before disembarkation. And the sails... they were a wonder
to watch as the stars shined behind them at night and warm tropical
tradewinds pushed them forward. Each passenger had the chance to navigate
the ship under sail on the last day at sea as we headed towards St. Lucia
for a view of its gorgeous landscape. The Captain personally guided each
person on their turn at the helm. (A very humbling experience, I can
assure you!)
It was with much regret that we said goodbye to this ship and her equally
fine crew. I still remember looking back to see the ship as proud
and seaworthy as when I first saw her seven days earlier.
This was a trip to remember and savor.
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