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| Overview
Chic, trendy and sophisticated as her passengers, the two identical ships of Windstar Cruises (Wind Spirit and Wind Star) are 148-passenger cruise ships with lovely white sails on deck. The sails are computerized and not really necessary for navigation or power (although when conditions are perfect, the engines are cut and the ships are completely wind driven)... but who cares when the effect is exquisite? If the thought of anything with sails makes you queasy, try these ships first in the relatively tranquil waters of the Caribbean before casting off in the South Pacific or Mediterranean. Wind Star combines the highest levels of food and service with single, open seating and casual attire. If you're seeking a romantic escape, these ships are our pick for the most sublime vessels around. If your fantasy is making a spectacular entry into some of the best ports of the Caribbean or Eastern Mediterranean -- Topsiders and Banana Republic are de rigeur -- while sipping a glass of bubbly on deck, this may be your cruise experience. Many of Wind Star's passengers wouldn't be caught dead on a conventional cruise ship, opting for bonding with other well-traveled couples and the excellent water sports offered. | |
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| Dining
The Dining Room resembles an elegant shore-side restaurant rather than a ship's dining room. The single open seating means you can pick and choose your table companions and dine when it suits you. The cuisine was outstanding. Breakfast and lunch were equally sumptuous on deck at the Lido restaurant, with stripped umbrellas and comfortable deck chairs. In the evening, passengers also have a second dining option. The approximately 30-seat Candles is the poolside grill dressed up for dinner with a menu of steaks and skewers with a choice of sauces. There's no fee to dine here, but reservations are recommended. | |
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| Public Rooms
Windstar's identical triplets are tiny and the real attraction is the thrill of being under sail, exotic itineraries and water sports. Carrying only 150 passengers, public rooms are limited in size and designed for the very casual lifestyle of those who frequent her. The Lounge is where evening dancing and conversation take place. The library offers hardbound and paperback books, complimentary videos and some 500 CDs. Most prefer to be on deck, bonding in the Jacuzzi, watching the sunset from comfy lounge chairs or taking a dip in the pool as the sun sets below the horizon. | |
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| Cabins
While cozy at 188 square ft. (and none have verandahs), cabins, refurbished recently, feature up-to-date amenities. Queen beds convert to twins with plush Euro-top mattresses. Mini bars are restocked daily. Fresh flowers and fruit are provided to all and flat screen televisions come with DVD capabilities (flicks are available to borrow at no charge). Bose SoundDock speakers for iPods are provided (you can borrow an iPod Nano -- no charge -- that's fully loaded with music). All outside cabins have two portholes. There's a desk and a safe but no extra seating area. Bathrooms, while compact, offer shower-only (though the shower is nicely curved) and teak floors. Storage is excellent and countertops are made of granite. L'Occitane soaps, shampoos and lotions are generously provided. Egyptian cotton towels and robes are on offer. One owner's suite, 220 square ft., is available. | |
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| Entertainment
The only entertainment available is the two lounge bands. The larger combo (a quartet on our sailing) plays in the main lounge, sticking mostly to cocktail and ballroom dance music. The other solo or duo performs in the Compass Rose, and runs a little more toward rock, disco and country. Wind Star's casino is minimal, with a roulette table and two blackjack tables. There are a handful of slot and video poker machines; there is no dice table. | |
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| Fitness and Recreation
Geared toward those with an active lifestyle, the Windstar ships have an outstanding water sports program. There is a fold-down aft water sports marina for water skiing, deep-sea fishing and swimming, used when the ships are at anchor. The ship has a small fitness center. | |
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| Family
Windstar specifically "does not encourage" children to sail on these adult voyages, and no provision is made to entertain or care for youngsters. | |
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| Fellow Passengers
Passengers are sophisticated, urbane and well traveled. Many still actively employed, especially on shorter Caribbean itineraries, which attract a younger, more active crowd. Average age about 50, with half the passengers couples in the 35 - 55 age range. | |
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| Dress Code
The suggested attire is "casually elegant:" men can leave ties and jackets at home, opting instead for slacks and shirt in the evening. Women don chic skirts and slacks at night. During the day, it's the standard cruise "uniform" - shorts, T-shirts, deck shoes or sneakers and bathing suits with colorful wraps. | |
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| Gratuity
Windstar now automatically adds a hotel service charge of $11 per passenger to each guest's shipboard account on a daily basis. If service exceeds or fails to meet expectations, you may adjust this amount at the end of the cruise. In addition, a 15 percent service charge is automatically added to bar charges and dining room wine purchases. These charges are paid entirely to Windstar crewmembers -- both crewmembers who serve you directly, such as wait staff and cabin stewards, and others you may never meet, such as galley and laundry staff -- and represent an important part of their compensation. It isn't necessary to tip beyond the $11 per diem, of course, but almost everyone does. | |
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| Expert reviews are provided by CruiseCritic.com, an award-winning cruise community. This objective information can help you choose just the right ship for your next cruise vacation. |
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