Cruising the Caribbean under Sail
As a long time cruiser, I’ve always dreamt of traveling the seas under sail on a small ship. After many years, my dream was finally fulfilled when this month I took my daughter, Debi, on a 7-day cruise in the Caribbean (round trip Barbados) on the Wind Surf, Wind Star Cruise Lines largest ship, capacity 312. I was completely astounded with the incredible vacation I had on the Wind Surf. I’m here to tell you THIS is the way to cruise if you’re seeking a unique, relaxing or romantic cruise, combined with first class service food and accommodations.
We arrived in Bridgetown, Barbados the day before our cruise was to depart and spent a relaxing day and evening at the Accra Beach Resort. In my opinion it is very important to arrive at your destination rested and ready for the real adventure – in this case, my cruise on the Wind Surf.
The next morning after a relaxing breakfast we took a taxi to the cruise terminal and were surprised to see how large the Wind Surf was - for a ship that only accommodates 312 privileged guests. With less than 100 people boarding the vessel at early check-in, the process went quite smoothly. Before we knew it we had enjoyed our welcome aboard drinks, completed the check in process, and were off to our cabin where we were quite pleased to find our luggage had already been delivered.
Our week’s adventure took us to several small ports in the French West Indies (St. Martin, St. Barts, Nevis and Iles des Saintes) as well as the ultra-romantic island of beautiful St. Lucia, the Caribbean’s emerald isle. It was quite an experience and thrill for me to visit new ports in the region. It was incredible when we sailed along the rain forest-clad coastlines, through yachting playgrounds of the rich and famous and arrived into chic harbors where the Wind Surf would anchor or dock.
The lure of the Caribbean has always been its idyllic warm, crystal clearwaters where water sports aficionados can submerge themselves in a sort of liquid space. One of the adventures I enjoyed was a five hour catamaran and snorkeling adventure to Tintamare (a deserted island) while in St. Martin. How awesome to be on your own island! I have never done this in the Caribbean – only in Tahiti!
Of course, sailing along the sea with the sound of the wind snapping the sails into place evoked images in my mind of what it might have been like in the days of old when the “real” Pirates of the Caribbean played havoc on this very diverse region of islands. It was truly mesmerizing gliding along the sea with the quietness of the ocean surrounding you.
I am also a woman who loves to shop, and when we arrived in St. Barts and St. Martin I thought it was so cool, you see this is where the rich and famous people like to come and it is always fascinating to see the items for sale in these types of markets. I had so many wonderful memories on this exotic cruise but, I would have to say that one of my favorite memories of all was the thrill of leaving each port with the sails being raised to the playing of dramatic music – I got goose bumps every time.
The hallmarks of the Windstar experience are a casually elegant ambiance reserved for a small number of guests, unstructured activities, shining service and the freedom to come and go as if on one’s own private yacht. The special touches Windstar offers make a big difference - all ocean-view staterooms and suites; open-seating dining; signature cuisine by Joachim Splichal; sophisticated computer-operated sails; an open invitation to visit the Bridge throughout the cruise; course-by-course in-room dining; a Vintner’s Reserve wine list; and “Hammocks in the Breeze” for couples.
Windstar recently completed an upgrade to all three of their ships (their Degrees of Difference program) to include Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the ship, individual laptops for rent, an enhanced Fitness Center with new workout equipment, upgraded soft goods (new Sealy Euro-Top mattresses, fine linens, plush bathrobes) across the line, iPod Nanos and BOSE SoundDock systems in all staterooms, granite counter tops and sensual bath amenities from L’Occitane en Provence. There are a wide variety of DVDs and reading material for courtesy checkout by passengers while onboard which many took advantage of during the cruise. On deck there are airy new sun sails and elegant wicker furniture.
If you’re looking for a romantic and unique relaxing escape, stellar service and signature cuisine, then Windstar is the cruise experience for you. Contact pat@incrediblejourney.net NOW to take advantage of all Windstar has to offer. Or better yet ask about my upcoming cruise of the Greek Isles!
