This was our 2nd time on the WindSurf (Yachtsman of the Caribbean before) and our fourth cruise with the Windstar line (Tahiti and the Panama Canal before on the Windstar). We chose this cruise because the ship would participate in Sail Amsterdam, a once every five-year event that brings together sailing ships from all over the world. Since the Windsurf is the largest commercial sailing ship in the world, the Windstar line began three years ago working with Sail Amsterdam to allow the ship to participate. Their efforts paid off!!

We began in Oslo,which is a beautiful city and worth a visit on its own merits. We did a Hop On Hop Off tour of the city after leaving our luggage at the ship in the morning. We departed Sunday evening and enjoyed Windstar's famous "Sail Away" event. Our first port was Kristiansand on the southeast coast of Norway, a vacation spot for most Norwegians due to its relatively warm temperature and beneficiary of a large amount of North Sea oil money due to the larger number of vacation homes in the area.

We had a day at sea and the North Seas was what we expected - rain and a little rough despite the size of the ship. Still,the staff did an excellent job keeping everyone entertained and well fed. Read more