Windstar Cruises
300 Elliott Ave.
West; Seattle, WA 98119
(800) 258-SAIL
www.windstarcruises.com
Email: info@windstarcruises.com
"180° from Ordinary" is how to best describe Windstar's small luxury sailing cruises. These are motorized elegant sailing ships with computer-directed sails. The fleet is elegantly casual and offers a relaxed atmosphere featuring no assigned-seat dining, country from embarkation, with a a warm welcome, friendly service, and served a glass of champagne. These ships visit some of the world’s most exotic and most fascinating ports. 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.
Ships accommodate between 148 to 308 pampered guests. Windstar attracts a clientele between 30 to 50 years of age. They are professionals, well-educated and well-traveled. Extremely popular with couples and honeymooners.
Greek Island cruises explore the Mediterranean Greek Islands and Turkey, Caribbean, Tahiti, Belize or Costa Rica. Enjoy the water sports and small isles that mega cruise ships can't enter. Night life on board is low-key and minimal. There is a small casino offering blackjack, Caribbean stud and slots. Easy listening and dancing music is offered in the lounge as well as outside under the sails, with more energetic dance music in the veranda-converted disco. A truly romantic experience!
Complimentary water sports are available when ships are at anchor and where conditions and local government authorities permit. Mediterranean voyages offer limited water sports activities. In the event of turbulent seas and adverse weather conditions, water sports may be cancelled for safety reasons.
Water-skiing:
Enjoy an open-water skiing adventure in an exotic lagoon, bay, or harbor. For experienced skiers only. Skiing slots are typically half an hour and take a maximum of two skiers at any one time. Sign up times are available on the sports platform during open hours.
Kayaking:
Paddle off together to enjoy the coastal sights and get some exercise. Kayaks are available for one or two people for half-an-hour and must be entered from the water.
Windsurfing:
Among the most challenging of water sports. For experienced surfers only.
Sailing:
Enjoy the wind and the sea on the Topper or Rumba Escape Sailboats. Designed for experienced sailors, sailboats accommodate one or two people.
Scenic Boat Rides:
A relaxing way to take a closer look at the surrounding coast and wildlife. Come for a ride in one of our inflatable boats along scenic coastlines. Don't forget to bring a camera!
Swimming:
If a swim is all you desire, this too is an option. Swimming pools on all ships offer an onboard place to cool down and relax. Wind Star and Wind Spirit at certain times at anchor and weather permitting may off a swim line and user-friendly ladder as well as supervision for your safety.
Snorkeling:
Best Places for snorkeling vacations Barbados, St. Thomas in Caribbean. Enjoy the underwater beauty of reefs, coral, sea life and sunken treasure in many of the ports. Complimentary snorkel gear is provided. Snorkeling excursions are available for an additional charge. Underwater cameras are also available
Discover Scuba Diving/Certified Scuba Diving Program:
Both programs are led by our dive-masters who are PADI certified. The Discover Scuba Diving program for beginners includes a simple, comprehensive classroom and pool session. After that, beginners can sign up for designated dives. Experienced divers need to bring their certification card and can accompany the dive masters on all dives offered. WindStar cruise line cruise passenger reviews for Wind Spirit, Wind Surf and Wind Star passenger ratings.
Come Aboard with Windstar Cruises! For more information and answers to your questions about casual luxury cruising, please visit our Windstar Cruise Forums.
