Windstar Cruises

 

Providing the best in sail ship cruising is Windstar Cruises.

Windstar gives passengers a laid-back, elegant atmosphere

that is perfect for the active, affluent traveler. Their ships

are packed with adventure-seekers and sun-worshippers

that are looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience in

some of the most exotic and exciting places on earth.

Windstar Cruises emerged on the world scene in 1986

with the Wind Star and a vision of offering an alternative

to the typical cruise vacation. Since then, the line has

acquired two additional ships, Wind Spirit and Wind Surf,

and keeps the number of passengers on each ship to

between 148 and 308. There are no inside cabins on these

ships.

Each stateroom is wrapped in teak decking and a rich

wood,interior that provides passengers with a

casually-elegant atmosphere.

 

Details
Windstar Cruises sails year-round to the Caribbean 

and Tahiti. In the winter, it sails to Mexico and

Costa Rica. In the spring and fall, it sails the

Mediterranean as well as some trans-canal and

transatlantic voyages.

 

Shipboard Life
Windstar's ships are lined with four large masts, each with

enormous, triangular sails as tall as a 20-story building.

These sails are part of a computerized system that

unfolds all four sails in two minutes. The romantic,

traditional feeling of sailing is married with comfort

and luxury in a concept that Windstar calls casual elegance.

Casual elegance encompasses everything from activities

and attire to itineraries and dining. It is

an unregimented, unstructured schedule that gives

passengers the freedom to choose what to do and

when to do it.

 

Dining: Evening dining begins at 7:30 pm and it is your

choice where to eat, when to eat, and with whom.

Dress: A major part of the casually-elegant atmosphere

involves the dress code. Windstar encourages its

passengers to dress in an "imaginative, yet relaxed and

stylish, comfortable" way. There are no formal nights,

costume parties, or suits and ties. The only restriction is

that no shorts, jeans, or t-shirts may be worn in the

restaurants or public rooms during the evening.

Activities: Organized activities on Windstar ships are at

a minimum. There is a piano bar, casino, lounge, spa, gym,

pool, boutique, and a library with videocassettes, CDs, and

books. There are complimentary water-sports activities in

each port that are administered from the water-sports

platform at the ship's aft. These activities include

water-skiing,windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking, and banana

boat rides.

While in port, passengers are welcome to purchase

pre-arranged shore excursions or to wander around and enjoy

the city sites at leisure.

  

Special Features

Ocean view Cabins: All staterooms in all vessels are

identical (with the exception of the owner's suite). They are

all outside staterooms and larger than those on mainstream

cruise ships. Cabins are equipped with twin portholes,

sitting area, wood cabinetwork, a foldout vanity, safe,

mini bar,TV, VCR,CD player, hair dryer, and plush,

terrycloth robes.

 

Open Bridge: Passengers are welcome to visit the bridge

at almost any time to see how everything works and meet the

captain. And, if you ask nicely, the captain may even give

you a few minutes at the helm.

 

Tipping Not Required Policy:

Windstar Cruises does not allow staff to solicit tips from

passengers and does not have set standards of tipping.

Staff members are, however, allowed to accept gratuities

when they are voluntarily offered for exceptional and

outstanding service.