I booked two back to back cruises to different areas, it wasn't until I was on the second trip that I was told the itinerary had changed and we were going back to do the same itinerary in which I had just finished, no one from the company had warned me otherwise I would have chosen something different or cancelled one of them. When I contacted the head office they apologised and offered me a free 6 day cruise to which I asked for the cost equiverlent instead as I wasn't going to be in the Caribbean again plus the wasted 6 days repeating everything again. They didn't want to do that and their response was a letter reminding me about their Small Print that says they have the right to substitute any scheduled sailings and itineraries without notice, a great cop out and an extremely bad way to treat customers. After talking to some of the other guests about it I found out I wasn't the only one unhappy with their customer service treatment from head office and they wouldn't be travelling with them again. I have travelled exstensively for many year to over 90 countries and work in tourism as a Guide and also spent 10 selling trips just like this and never had I had or heard of such bad service. Air con didn't work for a while in some of the rooms so 2 of us had to sleep in the hallway. average food , horrible coffee and undrinkable wine. There are lots of other companies out there to choose from. The ship staff were fantastic Read Less

I was on the same cruise as "huge world wide traveler" and had an entirely different experience. It was TERRIFIC !! The captain altered the itinerary to avoid rain and stormy weather. Instead of sailing north right away he headed south for 4 of the 12 days. This was an extreme amount of work and resulted in several night sails (for the crew) to travel that far south and then again backtracking that far north just of please all of the passengers. That's a good thing, who wants to sail in a storm? Even if you already have been there. We were able to enjoy more of the Caribbean islands in good weather and still did the northern islands per the published itinerary. The food was excellent and plentiful and the chefs were accommodating to individual needs. They baked all their breads and rolls and deserts were to die for ................ we're talking award winning caliber. The service was over the top, all the crew were always asking you if you needed something or a drink or whatever. The cabins were large for this type of sailing ship and cleaned/made up daily. Some people are just complainers. I have sailed with IWJ many times and they are always top notch and I always have my next sail booked!!! Read Less

A casual cruise experience with a small crew and passenger count. Our ship was 24 passenger with 9 crew. All the crew was very interactive with the passengers and made you feel completely comfortable. The food was incredible - fresh fish and produce bought at the local island markets. All crew were very knowledgeable and were happy to interact and answer questions. The small ship gave a very intimate feel with the sea. The Operations Manager had a detailed review of the following days actives and options to choose from. He was great at making accommodations and making sure everyone was ready and prepared for the day. I would recommend this to older and younger generations. I enjoyed the snorkeling and rope swing on the boat. Plenty of games to keep you occupied as you sailed from one island to the next.You can stay on the boat as little or as much as you'd like while at the different ports. So this could be made as a super relaxing cruise or plan as many activities as possible on the islands. If you get the chance , do this cruise, spectacular!! Read Less

This was perfect for our family. The grandsons were totally all about using the rope swing off the side of the ship, paddle boarding, snorkeling, kayaking, night time swimming with the underwater lights, visiting different islands, and just having fun. They felt comfortable with the crew, interacting with them, and loved the popcorn machine. Since they were so involved, the adults, could sit back, read, sun, or have a cold beverage with the blue sea as a backdrop. The crew of the Sagitta was always readily available if we needed help or had a question. The food was excellent, presentation was lovely, and served with the beverage of choice. It was good to have daily shore excursions to the different islands. Each was different and each experience was different. I would recommend this to anyone with young adolescents due to the many options available for entertainment. One important item, we have many wonderful memories to take with us. Read Less

I've been on larger cruise ships and I've also chartered monohulls and catamarans with friends in the Caribbean, Croatia and Thailand. I love sailing on smaller ships and knew for my 50th Birthday I wanted a sun, sand and sail type of vacation without having to do any of the work as a crew member. Sagitta was, in a word, perfect for us. I went with two friends and my mom. There was something for all of us whether it was simply lazing around on deck in a lounger reading a book, going on a tour during the island stops, snorkeling, going ashore to a grab lunch on a patio by the sea, walking through a peaceful botanical gardens etc. Sagitta holds 24pax; however, our trip only had 13 pax booked which likely added to that feeling of being on our own, casual, comfortable, unpretentious yacht. The information provided from Ops manager Andrew and the service crew Jason and Denis were fantastic. We were never without a drink and they have a popcorn machine if you're hungry between snack time and the main meals. The food selection was good and the quality was outstanding-everything from casual multi-salad lunches to fresh fish dinners. One of my travelling companions is a pescaterian and they gave her delicious (and different) choices each day. 2 of us shared Cabin #1 and were extremely happy with the space for all our stuff. The bathroom was a sufficient size too (porthole in bathroom and at upper bunk). Safety is first on this vessel and we felt very taken care of at all times by the Captain and crew. The Cheeseburger in paradise George and Lenny made us during our swim stop at Pigeon Beach on Antigua was the best beach burger I've had. The cold beer served to us by Denis while we sat on our towels in the sand didn't hurt either! We simply loved this trip. I knew from the start that Sagitta was a motorsailer and while I don't necessarily like the sound of the engine, you got used to it. Loved it when the sails were up though. It's magical. Thanks Island Windjammers. I'll be back! Read Less

This was my fourth experience over two years with Island Windjammers, though this was my first trip on Sagitta. My previous trips were on the Vela. I found the overall experience very similar. Common to all my experiences is that the crew is very professional and focused on passenger safety and pleasure. The company encourages a casual atmosphere, with t-shirts, shorts and bare feet expected. Cabins on Sagitta are a nice size. Though some might think them small, they are almost twice the size of the cabins on Vela. No one I have ever met on one of these cruises spends any significant time in a cabin though; they are for storing your stuff and sleeping at night. Beds are comfortable and the climate control is good. The food is excellent and served at specific times when all of the passengers, and sometimes the senior crew, sit down together. The menus tend to be similar from one trip to another, but I wish I could sail with them often enough to become tired of them. The chefs have also always been very good about accommodating specific needs. There are always beer, wine, and soft drinks available throughout the day. On this trip we visited St Kitts, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, Antigua, and Nevis. The itinerary tends to choose slightly out of the way ports to visit which has the benefit of not fighting crowds from the big tour ships. The captain often finds out of the way beaches and snorkeling locations for the guests to visit. I love these trips. I love the casual atmosphere. I love the interaction with the crew. I love the out-of-the-way places we visit. I like that I can kick back and relax and nobody is making me feel guilty for not going activities. I recommend Island Windjammers very, very highly. Read Less

I traveled alone to go on this vacation but I wasn't alone for long. Sailing on the Sagitta was the best holiday I have ever experienced. The crew are fantastic and the attention that you receive is 2nd to none. The passengers were amazing and we all are trying to stay in touch. I loved the cruise so much I booked another one already. If you are looking for a trip where you are able to go to those more remote beaches, snorkel, swim by the ship, watch dolphins swim along the bow, excellent food, excellent service, options for going ashore and having a crew that only wants to see you happy and relaxed then this is the cruise for you. The food was amazing and there was never a lack of food. I can't wait to go again. You won't regret time spent with the crew of Island Windjammers. Read Less

I travel with Island Windjammers on their Sagitta ship and had a wonderful trip. Our Capt Matt was incredible, the ops man Andrew took great care of us and the rest of the crew was tremendous. They looked after our needs and were a delight to be around. The food and service were great. Being able to eat a lot of our meals on deck was great. We also had a few meals on shore which was a nice surprise. With the small ship we were able to go into smaller ports away from the large cruise ships and had a lot of the places to ourselves. it was nice staying away from the large crowds and have beaches and towns to just us and the locals. I would highly recommend traveling with Island Windjammers and look forward to making another trip with them again in the future. This was my first cruise with them but definitely not my last. Read Less

A friend recommended it. I’d never been to these islands. I don’t like large cruise ships. An Island Windjammer cruise looked like a good idea. It was a GREAT idea. The ship: clean, comfortable, safe. I went barefoot a lot and did not get a splinter all week on the smoothly polished deck. My cabin (deluxe with a solo surcharge): perfectly designed. Comfortable beds, bigger bathroom than my last river cruise. I particularly liked the reading lights and shelves at each bed for books, water, etc. The Food: delicious with a Caribbean flair, service was always quick, courteous and dishes were served hot. The chef graciously accommodated an entree change request I made one day. Activities: so much fun! We had several choices each day, well explained and vetted by our Operations Director. Our transportation, guides and sometimes food were excellent. Even at sea. I attended “Andrews Knot-Tying Class” one day and can now proudly type a monkey fist! The crew: courteous, accommodating, fun and friendly. This is a wonderful experience for an adventuresome traveler who is out for a memorable vacation on a unique vessel with a friendly and accommodating crew led by an impeccably capable Captain. I highly recommend it and look forward to more cruises with them. Read Less

My favorite part of this cruise was the ability to bring my kids along in a safe environment and let them experience travel the way I believe travel was intended. At 7 and 9, we finally felt this was the right time to let them experience a more adult trip. I was able to show them the real world and we explored it. They got to see an active volcano. They got to tour the engine room of the ship and watch intently as the crew members put the sails up and down . They experienced language barriers and learned about different currencies and cultures. The ship size allows for you to visit ports not typically covered over with huge cruise ships and volumes of oblivious tourists. We didn't have every minute filled with electronics or events catering just to them. They even used their imaginations and performed a puppet show! I adored bringing my kids along on their very first adventure trip. We did a Disney cruise in February and it was lovely! Nothing against Disney at all. There is a time and place for everything. But this was more my speed and more what I want my kids to understand travel to be. My second favorite part was the service. I cannot tell you how pleasant it was to be waited on nonstop. Even when I was quite capable and ready to pour my own cup of coffee, I wasn't allowed. :) They worked hard to satisfy every passenger on board. They would play a Ring Toss game with the kids and you could tell they genuinely enjoyed it. It wasn't an act or chore! Some of my best memories were being the first passenger awake and the lovely conversations I had with the crew members who knew me by name and I knew them. The Operations Manager (Andrew) was on point at all times. He was patient with those of us who were chatty and eager to find on shore activities to please each of us. And there was always a suggestion that catered to the kids. I additionally appreciated his wit and humor he was able to include while remaining professional. My third favorite part of this cruise was the food. OMG the food! I like good food, whether it be street food or prepared by a James Beard award winning chef. The food did not disappoint. I was repeatedly pleasantly surprised by how good each meal was. Even down to the appetizers. And you would eat it all trying not to miss out on a wonderful new flavor and then they'd come around and offer seconds!! No way! I'm saving room for dessert! Then I mentioned my husband's birthday was occurring while we were at sea and I never thought about it again. But after dinner on his birthday a red velvet cake was brought out. The crew tried diligently (humorously so) to keep a single candle lit as they brought it out, but it was not going to happen. Other notable and awesome things about Island Windjammers: 1) The passenger capacity. We made friends with everyone on our cruise. I am getting Christmas cards from these new friends and we have a Facebook group set up to share pictures and memories. 2) The rope swing and night swimming: How cool is it that they let passengers do that? When I realized there were no more opportunities for the rope swing, I got so sad! 3) I missed this National Geographic moment, but my husband got to witness a Needlefish become a Barracuda's dinner one evening while looking over the side if the ship into the lit waters. This whole trip was just wonderful. I genuinely hope we can make it back on board one of IWJ's vessels. I would gladly do it again. Read Less