(4.0)
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 Spirit combines the highest levels of food and service with a 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 Spirit'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.
Wind Spirit Fellow Passengers
Sophisticated, urbane, 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.
Wind Spirit Dress Code
During the day, shorts and T-shirts were appropriate. At night, men wore khakis and polo shirts (a few wore suits), women wore strappy dresses or fashionable pants ensembles.
Wind Spirit 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.
Cruise was great, but started out with poor weather (rain and wind from the East). We had to change itinerary and visit two different ports because of the wind. Windstar can not control the weather, and that's the only negative thing about this ... continue |
We sailed on the Wind Spirit from 2 Feb - 9 Feb from Bridgetown to Bridgetown. The itinerary was "Jewels of the Windward Isles".
As this was our first cruise ever I have no point of reference to compare anything against. Being on a small boat we ... continue |
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October 2012 DavidandMarla
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My wife and I spent a week on the Windstar Sprit cruising from Athens (7/14/2012) to Istanbul (7/21/2012). We had a very good time (A-), but the heat was terrible with the temperature over 100 degrees most days. There are not many online reviews of ... continue |
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