Company Overview:
Windstar Cruises is
a niche, upscale cruise line owned by parent
company Holland America. The line is a favorite
of many people who know cruising well, and has a
loyal following of repeat cruisers, and is one
of the cruise lines that people who work in the
cruise industry choose to take for their own
vacations. The three ships, two sisters and a
larger cousin, with their majestic sails rising
up over four tall masts, make for an inspiring
impression, especially for people seeing the
ship from a distance. Just look at all the
people on a Carnival or Royal Caribbean ship
staring over the rails at you as you sail out of
the harbor in full dress!
These are
beautiful ships, with the grace and beauty of
their sails carried throughout the nautically
themed decor. With relatively few public rooms
except for the main restaurant, the action is
usually on deck where live music plays and lunch
is often an outdoor barbecue hosted by the chef
rather than an indoor buffet. Though the cabins
are a little tight and dark inside, due to
thorough wood paneling graced with but two
standard-sized portholes, everything about the
cabin has a delightful nautical feel, from the
shelves with ledges to keep items from rolling
off, to the the latches on the drawers to keep
them from sliding open.
Windstar can more
or less be credited with inventing the concept
of casual cruising, opting not to have any dress
code other than "no jeans or t-shirts in the
dining room" as far back as their inception.
This was one of the first "hooks" for the line
that made it popular with people who wouldn't be
caught dead on a regular cruise ship. However,
the truth is the sails are pulled in for
probably 90% of the time for every cruise, and
the motors make the speed needed to get you to
the next port in time. The itineraries are
exotic and full, with a port almost every day.
The ships are small enough to call at the
smallest islands in the Caribbean or the Aegean.
The company is known for sailing to places to
which other visitors have to arrange for private
transportation, and mainstream cruise ships are
simply not allowed.
The two older, and
beloved 150-passenger sister ships are the Wind
Spirit and the Wind Star (another sister was
unfortunately taken out of service after a fire
in the control room). In 1998, Windstar acquired
a 312-passenger motorized sail vessel from Club
Med and renamed it Wind Surf. Built in the same
French shipyard as the rest of its fleet, it has
identical cabins and similar features. Windstar
has since expanded the spa facility, and added
31 suites measuring 376 square feet. Though
owned by Holland America, part of the Carnival
Corp. group of cruise lines, this small company
staunchly maintains a distinct identity.
All three ships in the fleet received extensive
renovations in 2003, updating the fabrics to a
new burgundy and navy theme with dark wood
accents throughout. In cabin accoutrement now
includes plusher linens and flat-screen
televisions with DVD players.
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Windstar Cruises Experience:
For
many, this is as good as cruising gets ? no
worrying about formal attire, single open
seating, terrific cuisine, and personalized
service. If the sight of anything with sails
make you tremble, take comfort in the fact that
Windstar's fleet aren't real sailboats, but
small cruise ships with motorized sails used to
increase speed when the wind 's right. They're
ideal for honeymooners and those who love water
sports, especially on the new Belize itinerary.
Do note, though, that a lot of those who regard
Windstar as the best thing in cruising since
lifeboats believe Wind Surf to be too big for
the fleet, and to offer a significantly
compromised experience. And there are no
verandas.
The emphasis is on water sports
and on visiting tiny, relatively untouristed
isles for which conventional cruise ships are
too big. In some ports, there's more than enough
time to rent a car and explore at leisure.
Creature comforts are wonderful - large cabins
with enormous storage space, all with TV/VCR and
CD player (there's a free rental library for
videos and discs), outstanding service, and a
water sports platform. The staff and officers,
who freely intermingle with passengers (who
outnumber them by a ratio of only 3 to 2), are
gracious and charming.
Even as we speak,
Windstar is implementing a new initiative called
Degrees of Difference. Upgrades to dining,
accommodations, service, destinations, and
activities will be introduced in stages, with
completion expected in 2007. Staterooms will
receive upgraded soft goods, Shea Butter
bathroom amenities from L'Occitane, flat screen
TVs and DVD/CD players, and Bose SoundDocks for
use with iPods, which can be borrowed at no
charge from reception. Wireless connectivity in
public areas is promised for all three ships.
And the food will get even better. There
will be no fewer than 100 new menu devised by
Windstar chefs in collaboration with celebrity
chef Joachim Splichal; a new steak house menu in
the Bistro of Wind Surf; the addition of an
"Amuse Bouche," or "little bite" at dinner,
compliments of the chef; a new wine list
featuring more boutique labels, plus the ability
to purchase wine; a selection of cheeses served
tableside; petit-fours served with coffee at the
end of dinner, and new Riedel stemware and
Rosenthal china. Sail Health expert Jeanne
Jones, celebrated for her work for Canyon Ranch
spa and the Pritikin Longevity Center, has
designed special light and Vegetarian meals.
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Fellow Passengers
These
aren't ships for children, although occasionally
a teen will sneak aboard. What you will find are
a great many affluent baby boomers and even more
affluent retired folks. Windstar would prefer
that no one use the word "yuppie," so we
haven't.
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Taking Kids:
Windstar is not for
children; there are no supervisors or special
activities. That said, water-sport-loving teens
will have major fun in the Caribbean or Central
America.
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Shore Excursions:
In the
Caribbean and Central America, shore excursions
are active, a bit on the expensive side, but so
well executed as to make you forget having spent
a few extra bucks.
Tipping:
Windstar
company forbids any kind of solicitation of
gratuities, and offers no guidelines. Staff may
nonetheless accept tips for outstanding service.
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Repeat Passenger Programs:
Members of the
Foremast Club:, comprising past passengers
receive the Foremast Club newsletter three times
annually; membership transfers to other Carnival
lines, such as Carnival, Costa, Holland America,
Cunard. and Seabourn; a flat $250 off the early
booking discount fare on select sailings; and
the occasional 2-for-1 past passenger-only deal.
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