I LOVED my Costa Rica cruise on Wind Star in every way: the ship's size, its informality (especially casual attire), well-designed cabins with wonderfully comfortable beds, superb staff, fine cuisine -- and THE SAILS!
This trip was timed to see me through the winter doldrums and to celebrate my 72nd birthday. I traveled solo as my husband dislikes flying and this was a longer plane trip than he was willing to take. I'd had some doubts about how this kind of cruise would work for me traveling alone, as well as how my age would fit into the demographics of this ship's passengers. In all respects, it worked out beautifully. I seemed to fit into the middle of the mix age-wise, and there were a number of fellow-passengers who included me in their shipboard family, so I never felt like an orphan.
My home is Whidbey Island, north of Seattle, where we enjoy a semi-rural lifestyle. On Friday January 12 I flew from SeaTac to Dallas/Fort Worth, then on to San Jose, Costa Rica. After a late evening arrival I was met by the shuttle driver from Hotel La Riviera B&B, a small hotel near the airport which had been recommended by Fanny at Coach Costa Rica. These contacts came from suggestions on the Cruise Critic message boards -- very helpful! The hotel was charming, and my accommodations were fine and reasonably priced, and included a full breakfast and airport shuttle service.