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

Great time aboard Sagitta. The crew was tremendously helpful and pleasant. Captain Matt was extremely cordial and pleasant. The cabin, although small, was comfortable and adequate. I would not hesitate to go again. Although the company has three ships, I really would find it hard not to travel with Sagitta again. Andrew, the operations manager did a wonderful job, always pleasant and cheerful. Chief mate Bryan was always pleasant and very knowledgeable. Chief Engineer Aubrey gave a tour of the engine room that made everyone appreciate the skill and hard work required to make the ship operate in an efficient manner. The food was prepared by chef Philbert and George. It was both varied and delicious. The chief deckhand was Aubrey King, known as King, was both our tender driver and the comedian of the ship. He did a one man show that was both entertaining and creative. The other deckhand was Lennox , who was both pleasant and helpful. There were two stewards Stephen and Dennis. They kept the cabins very clean and were available to help the passengers whenever asked. All in all a good time was had by all. Read Less

Like most of my vacations I put a lot of time an effort beforehand researching the how and why of whatever we are planning to do. I knew we wanted to sail and I knew we wanted a small boat and the Caribbean. I did my research and Island Windjammers consistently seemed to get great reviews. We were not disappointed. I will start by saying everything from purchasing passage to disembarking went smoothly (saying goodbye to fellow shipmates and the crew, however, was not easy..) Once you have bought your ticket to sail, Island Windjammers gives you access to a message board to chat with other would-be sailors so gearing up to go is extra fun. You can find very helpful posts, get answers to questions and chat with your soon to be shipmates! We buddied up with a couple of other travelers on our boat to share cab rides to and from the ship this way. The Sagitta is a 120 ft motorsailer. For our sail we had 20 passengers and 11 crew. There isn't a set itinerary, per say, but the days were very organized. Yes, you may do as much or as little as you like. The general course of events were--breakfast at 8, story time to follow (this is when you learn about your days options/activities) first dinghy usually left for shore around 9:30 (back and forth to the ship hourly) lunch at noon, snacks and "Sagitta-ritas" (delicious) at 5 and dinner at 7. All meals were delicious. George and Philbert prepared amazing food in that small galley. Standouts to me were the beef Burgundy, the trio of salads we had one day for lunch, the cheese burgers, all the breakfasts and all the varieties of juices offered. Our cabin was perfect. Clean with an amazing amount of storage (definitely try to pack light, I'm a notorious over packer.)We had our own bathroom, also perfect and surprisingly spacious. There were plenty of things to do (or not do!) The crew made sure paddle boards were out and available as well as floats and my favorite--the noodle. We swam off the side of the ship using these and also took them to a couple of beaches. Snorkle equipment was also available. I believe we snorkeled in at least 3 different locations. There was also a rope swing off of the ship which received plenty of use. There were optional excursions offered as well. Almost everyone on our ship took the all day tour of Dominica. In the evening I believe several passengers played dominos and dice games. I was not up this early but I do know one morning dolphins were spotted traveling along with the ship by the Captain and a couple passengers. The crew were all amazing. Always smiling, always helpful. They seemed to be having as good of time as we were just doing their jobs. Safety was taken very seriously. Captain Patricio was serious about his job and confident which made me feel very safe. Jermaine was always pleasant to see on deck first thing in thing in the morning making sure coffee was available (beer wine and rum were also not in short supply, but only after coffee for me, ha.) This is the best vacation we have ever taken. We plan on sailing with Island Windjammers again very soon. This time we would like to try the Vela or Diamanté just for variety sake. Read Less

My husband and I just returned from our sail on Sagitta. We knew beforehand that it was a motorized vessel, but it did not take away from the experience. We loved the ship, the crew, our room, the food, and the service. The island stops were gorgeous, and we enjoyed lots of beautiful snorkeling. We also hiked a little in a few areas. Our shipmates were friendly and lots of fun. One of our few regrets is a visit to a sea turtle "sanctuary" in Bequia. Having visited topnotch sea turtle facilities in the past, we recognized immediately that the Old Hegg sanctuary was really just a place that confines healthy turtles in tiny shallow tanks FOR YEARS just to attract tourists and their money. This was very disturbing as we watched the healthy turtles swim around and around empty concrete boxes with no stimulation, no sign of food, and no hope of being released. Some turtles had been there for 19-22 years, and one very large old turtle was actually desperately trying to climb out of his tiny enclosure. Even though we didn't like that particular place, we certainly don't hold Island Windjammers responsible. We just would hope they wouldn't support or promote it. We loved most everything else, and we can't wait to sail with the company again. Read Less

We chose this cruise because it was a personable size schooner with the right amount of people. We liked the islands that were on the itinerary and looked forward to the snorkeling. We arrived 2 days before embarkation, so we were able to check out Tortola before we left for the week. It was well worth arriving early, as there are many things to enjoy on the island, including the experience of driving on the left side of the road! Our whole week went smoothly, thanks to the conscientious and skilled crew. They had very positive and helpful attitudes. The crew had informative tips about the island's local 'watering holes' and the good places for snorkeling. The crew were always aware that people were safe. The spacious Owners cabin availability was worth planning our trip around. The food was delicious and perfectly prepared. We would definitely do this cruise again, next time arranging a ferry to Anegada for additional snorkeling to see coral and colorful fish. Read Less

Although it's been a year+ since we cruised on Sagitta, reading these reviews is bringing back many great memories. We decided to splurge and do something extra special for our 40th anniversary. Neither one of us care for crowds, dressing up for dinner or the general cattle call of the big ship cruising experience. Sagitta is 180 degrees from that. Sagitta's capacity is 24 passengers, and she was not full on the date we sailed. The moment you step aboard in St. Maarten, you are handed a flute of champagne and sit on deck chatting with the crew and passengers and friends. It was a treat to watch hundreds of people pass by on their way back to their huge ships docked behind us and looking with envy at us on Sagitta. We knew she was the right choice for us. Cabins are small but efficiently organized. Plenty of storage room for your t-shirts and shorts and undies, you won't need much more than that. Good water pressure in the shower. Enough counter space and outlets to charge up your devices. Double size bunk on the lower level, single size above. One porthole by the bed, one in the bathroom. Mimi - our amazing everything person - took our passports on Day One and she took them into each island ahead of time to clear us ahead of time. All we had to do was tender in and out from each island at our leisure. To me, that's luxury. We visited St Barths, St Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla The food was fantastic! Not fancy, just very well prepared and presented. All of the crew were wonderful - I noticed some familiar names in the recent reviews - Stephen and George were with us, and I'm glad to see they are still there. Bamboo and Bernard were members of our crew as well, and they were wonderful - every single one of the crew went out of their way to make it special. Access to go below deck is very steep, and more like a ladder. No grand staircase here, folks. And the access to the tender could be challenging for some. Read Less

Always a desire to take a sailing, barefoot style, cruise. Island Windjammer staff from the front office to the folks on board ship were friendly, gave excellent information and wanted the guests to have fun.\ The accommodations were clean, sized just right and the temperature kept at a constant level. I would, due to the Sagitta being a motor sailor, bring along ear plugs if a light sleeper. The Captain, crew, just could not have been any nicer or more fun. Dinners, lunch, breakfasts excellent. The activities planned for shore were always well thought out, each morning the days agenda was written on a white board and usually had options for land adventure. The activity directors had experiences many of the options suggested, they also had brochures, maps of the various islands we explored. The deck of the ship had many chairs and lounges and gave the guest the option of sitting in the shade or sun. Safety was really stressed with mandatory life jackets on excursions from the ship to shore. A system that required the guest to turn in a cabin pass worked very well so no one would be left behind. Only word of caution: if you are not in halfway decent shape this might not be the cruise for you. The sleeping cabins do require going down steep stairs. Read Less

As usual, an excellent sailing experience aboard the Sagitta, with a great itinerary and a comfortable mix of sailing and island visits. It is so nice to be able to work with a crew who are as professional, safety-conscious, attentive, courteous, friendly and helpful as those on the Sagitta. It was truly a pleasure to see old friends again, as well as meeting new members of the team. It is always great to see them all working as one - helping each other with all assignments and always there for the guests as well. Kudos to Captain Patricio and the rest of the crew. The Sagitta is a three masted schooner, with only 24 passengers. Very intimate and comfortable, with excellent service from the crew. Swimming and snorkeling on island beaches or off the ship. Adventurous hikes or lazy days or shopping on a different island every day. The food is delicious - I gain weight on every cruise. This is an annual cruise for me - two back-to-back 12 day cruises - St Maarten to Tortolla and then back to St Maarten. I will be back: already have the same cruises booked for 2018. Read Less

Family of 4 traveling with two teens. Looking into long-term sailing and just getting our feet wet in the sailboat world. This cruise was extremely relaxing with enjoyable ports of call and a stellar staff. With only 14 total passengers on our trip (not including 10 staff), the small size of the ship was great for getting to know our fellow travelers of varied ages. The smaller boat size also allowed us to moor just off-shore of our stops (St. Maarten, St. Barthelemy, Nevis, St. Kitts & Anguilla). With no wi-fi on the boat, unplugging from technology was a good thing for all of us. Even my 17 year old daughter said it was our best vacation yet, and we've literally travelled around the world. The food and service were excellent. Just about the only negative thing I can think of was that our cabin on the lower deck smelled a little musty, but I guess that's life at sea. That being said, I highly recommend, and my family and I would all definitely go sailing again with Island Windjammers. Read Less

Last year we sailed on the Sagitta and had such a good time we had to book again. We loved the casual, relaxed atmosphere. Unlike the big ships, everything is small and more personal. You will know the crew and guests by first name within a day or two. We didn't expect to see several of the same crew members. I think it says something very positive about a company to see employees stay for long periods of time. Once again, we were completely impressed by the entire crew, each one working tirelessly to ensure we all had a perfect week. Leah did a great job of providing information, offering suggestions, and setting up activities in each port. Matt, our Captain shared his extensive knowledge of all of the islands and was always ready to assist wherever needed. If you are lucky enough to sail with King, you will get to enjoy his comedy show- a highlight of each of our trips. The Sagitta is a very comfortable ship, with enough room to move around to find a quiet place for relaxation or for joining the conversation wherever a few people gather. The cabins may look small in photos, but they are very thoughtfully laid out with plenty of storage. The bathrooms are larger than you expect. The stewards do a great job of keeping everything spotlessly clean. Food on these trips has been excellent. We had George as out chef both weeks. This week we got to meet the new crew member, Erman who did beautiful food carvings and baked wonderful pastries. There is no lack of opportunity to overeat on this trip. I especially love the days they serve West Indian cuisine. We enjoyed meeting the other travelers and will remain friends with several. A few tips: take extra sunscreen and less of everything else. Take soft sided luggage. When the crew offers advice on what to see or where to visit, listen, they know these islands well. Whenever they offer to set up transport let them. They hire excellent, reliable transportation at fair prices. Read Less

My husband and I traveled on Windjammer Barefoot cruises in the 1990's and 2000's, and loved the casual atmosphere, amazing Caribbean scenery, and the thrill of sailing on a tall ship. We've been watching Island Windjammers for several years, and decided to give it a try -- and what a treat! We set sail from St. Lucia, and criss-crossed the seas connecting the islands of the French West Indies/Windward Islands for 12 nights. We were a small passenger group, with 10 staff members and 8 passengers (the Sagitta berths 24) -- all of us got along well, and we had many enjoyable days and evenings chatting and swapping tales. The snorkeling was reportedly amazing; we focused on relaxing and diving, and thoroughly enjoyed the entire trip. The greatest surprise was the quality of the food. George, the chef, ended up cooking without an assisting cook for most meals, and the cuisine was fresh, delicious, original --- in a word, outstanding. It's easy to see why Island Windjammers won 2016 Cruise Critic awards for both value and dining! We stayed in the Owners Cabin, which was spacious with (according to the ship's Captain) the most comfortable (and only King-size) bed on the ship. We had two couples and four singles, including a number of sailboat owners, and everyone was thoroughly delighted with the entire experience. This is probably not a trip for small children, as the stairs/ladders are steep and the ship rolls -- but we were told that families have traveled well, with all parties having a great time. The crew goes out of their way to ensure that all passengers feel pampered and appreciated -- and we do! Give them a try. Read Less

My husband and I are Windjammer kind of folks. The casual and relaxed atmosphere on the ship, the adventures on-board and off, and the emphasis on unpretentious enjoyment, are all reasons why we love the Island Windjammers. We have 'done' the Diamant, and the Vela on previous trips. This time, we sailed the Sagitta. It was a WONDERFUL experience! The Sagitta is larger than the Diamant, and the rooms are MUCH more spacious. We had plenty of storage and hanging space in our room, with a larger bathroom than 'normal', and it was MORE than adequate and clean. The Sagitta also has larger options for dining, inside and out, than either the Diamant or the Vela. The Sagitta may not have the pretty exterior lines of a sailing vessel, as the Vela has, but it makes up for it in substance! That ship is SOLID. No one got seasick, we all had plenty of room to move around and explore different parts of the ship, and there were numerous relaxing 'spots', inside and out. This was our second time with Capt Matt, and he is a great Captain! Matt is professional and inclusive and graciously answered all our seafaring inquiries, all week long! His leadership of the ship was also noted as the crew trusts him, and he appreciates their hard work. We visited beautiful ports (for us, the second time in the French West Indies), and both Matt and Leah had valuable insights to share. Our excursions were well planned and FUN, and we also had plenty of opportunities to do our own exploring. The crew did a great job, and Leah was also very helpful. Everyone talks about food when they mention cruises. We ate fresh and tasty food that was in season, and ate way more than we usually do! There was diversity in the menus and everything was well prepared. The only 'requests' I would suggest is having some local honey or regional syrups and jams for breakfast, along with some decaf coffee for those of us with caffeine issues. Glad to see the Sagitta has a popcorn offering, as it helps with the sodium loss we all experienced in a VERY hot Oct. Yes, we had amazing weather, which helps make a cruise great! And since we went during the slow season in the 'French West Indies', there were no tourist lines to suffer. Everyone wished they could have a few more days at Isle de Saints, as that is the prettiest of the French Islands. The ship was comfortable, the crew was skilled and professional, and our fellow shipmates were a charming group of adventurers. I do not think that Island Windjammer can take credit for our wonderful shipmates. Adventurous-minded people are drawn to each other it seems, and this week was a perfect example. Our group ranged in age from early 30's - 70, and while not all were extremely active, that was their choice. However, the rope swing into the water and swimming and jumping off the ship were enjoyed more than once! We had a great group of folks, and my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed a variety of discussions in the moonlight, and at meals. It is only our 3rd day off the ship, and I already miss the SagittaRitas and fun chats! We certainly lucked out with a great group of fellow travelers. We have seen most of the Caribbean islands by now, so we may not do another Island Windjammer for a while. When we are ready to return, I think we'll once again choose the Sagitta. We will certainly recommend Island Windjammer to our friends, for they offer an unpretentious and fun way of exploring the Islands. This company appreciates their customers and offers a wonderful escape from 'reality' of the media-obsessed world. Take a sail with Island Windjammers on the Diamant or the Sagitta. It is a delightful adventure. Read Less

When I was in my early 20's, I worked on the S/V Fantome. Those experiences formed who I am today. I wanted to return to the new experience. Gathered 13 friends and we all had the time of our lives!!! EACH ONE OF US. The food, crew, ship, islands...everything was a gift. The crew was always a joy and always sincere. The food was always amazing and fresh. When they realized there were a few of us with vegetarian diets, they were so accomodating. From then on we were always fed fabulous dishes related to all the others that were being served. From the deck , steward to Captain to Purser...all were like family. The tiny islands we visited were just what we all craved. Quiet untouched places. Free from Starbucks and American commerce. The little Sagitta was the most sweetest vessel. Cabins so much nicer and bigger then we had on the Fantome. But who is in the room ? We spend so much time outside,,,who could you not? This experience is the only kind I seek and will return again. A true peaceful place with the joy and fun wrapped up in rum, sun, night swims, laughter, quiet ....anything you choose. Read Less

I’ve started writing this review and had to start over about 10 times because the whole page was covered with !!!!!! It’s so hard to put into words an experience that will ruin you for all other cruises. After sailing with Island Windjammers you will never set foot on a monster ship ever again. I have taken 10 cruises with assorted cruise lines ranging from Carnival to Celebrity, and after this trip on Sagitta I am a changed person. My two friends and I booked our trip with Island Windjammers after talking about it forever. It was a girls’ trip to celebrate our turning 50 and we researched it extensively. At the time we booked there were basically 2 companies who offered the tall ship sailing that we were interested in. When we contacted both companies to compare them we were blown away with the customer service we received with IWJ. Our decision was made. Every question we had was answered immediately by the company and they offered answers to questions that we didn’t even know we had! The communication from decision time to disembarkation day (and beyond) was more than we could have expected. We decided on Sagitta because we had heard so many good things about her. She didn’t disappoint! If you’re reading this review then I don’t need to go into her physical description: Google Image it. She is beautiful, classic and just what we were looking for. I’ve read other reviews talking about how disappointed some people were who sailed on her to find out she was motorized and that the sails were for “show”. I’m not sure which website those people were looking at because the IWJ site has her listed as “Island Windjammers Motorsailer Sagitta” and “Rig: motorsailer”. No false advertising here! We flew to Tortola to start this cruise. It was a quick cab ride to the marina where we had a nice lunch and waited for the Sagitta operations manager (Christine) to meet up with us at the designated time. We got there early, as did she! We met the rest of the people who would be cruising with us, climbed into the dinghy and headed out to our floating home for the week. It was all so organized, which really was a great way to start things off. We climbed aboard and were greeted by Captain Matt, first mate Simon and the rest of the crew. As comfortable as they made us feel, I could already tell that this would be the best decision of my life. Our bags had already been delivered to our rooms, we had "welcome aboard" cocktails waiting for us, we introduced ourselves to our fellow cruisemates and then moved on deck for the safety demonstration. The cabins are very spacious. The 3 of us booked 2 rooms (as required: no problem!), but ended up staying in just the one room. There is a single bunk over a double bed with mattresses that feel like clouds! We were in cabin #1 and #2, both of which had more than enough drawer space, hang up space and bathroom space for the 3 of us (we used the other cabin just for showering). The A/C was more than adequate, the shower stall was large and the counter space in the bathroom was more than enough for 3 women. Enough talk about the cabins. ON TO THE CREW! These were some of the most professional, fun, efficient, talented, organized and amazing people I have ever met! It’s already a fantastic cruise when you can pack your clothes for a week and it all fits in a carryon bag. Now throw in the fact that your going to be treated like a queen and fed like a king for a WEEK! If you are lucky enough to be on the ship while Lenny is the chef, you have won the lottery. Every meal (and snack) is comparable to what you would find in a 5 star restaurant. It almost feels disrespectful to be eating it while wearing shorts and flip flops! The best part: you can ask for another helping if you want. Life is good ☺ Our itinerary was the British Virgin Islands. Some of the places I had never heard of and that was just fine with me. I didn't care that there weren't dozens of excursions to choose from on the islands. All I was looking for was blue water, sandy beaches, great company and lots of fun! We hiked each day on the islands with Chrisine (our cruise director, if you will – she’s amazing!), went snorkeling, paddle boarding (Sagitta had 2 that they brought to shore each day for us to use), jumped off of the ship to swim, relaxed on the inflatable “relaxation station” and sometimes just tanned on deck while enjoying the rocking of the ship. While on the ship the crew members were always quick to ask if we needed anything, always readily available in case we actually DID, and best yet: always smiling. These people love their jobs and the company they work for. That speaks volumes. What I liked best about this cruise is that everything is so laid back, as all vacations SHOULD be. We only wore shoes when hiking. We wore bathing suits all day, no jewelry, no makeup, no fancy hairstyles. What made that nice was that it leveled the playing field, so to speak. You couldn’t tell if your fellow cruisemates were CEOs or busboys, you just got to meet them as people who, after a week, became lifelong friends. We played games together, dined, danced and laughed together. We made memories that I will forever cherish. If you're looking for a cruise that has formal nights requiring dress and heels, if you want to stand in a long line for a substandard meal served buffet style, if you like being one of thousands on your ship: this is not the cruise for you. If you want to relax, be pampered, go to exotic destinations and have an experience of a lifetime: book with Island Windjammers. I’m hooked! 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I just recently returned from a 6 night cruise aboard the Island Windjammer Sagitta. It was everything I expected and more! I travel all of the time so my expectations were high on seeing some great islands, snorkeling, hiking and lots of adventure. I got it all! From the moment I stepped onboard I was greeted with warm welcomes and big smiles. The captain was great and Christine our cruise host was fantastic. She showed her passion of being on the water and made sure we were well taken card of. The crew was great and the food was fantastic. You don't need a big selection with the quality and taste you get onboard. I travel all the time and I am also a Travel Agent. This trip was one of the best ever!!!! If you want to experience a true Caribbean feel look no further than Island Windjammer there are several companies out there but this one sets a new standard in small ship sailing. Thank you!! I will be back soon. Read Less

I am delighted to give high marks to the company Island Windjammer, it's ship the Sagitta and the crew! Booked this trip to celebrate my birthday and was not disappointed. The entire experience was amazing! The ship was beautiful, our room was comfortable and the bathroom spacious. But the best part of the trip besides the beautiful locations, was the crew! Each and everyone of them went above and beyond to ensure we were safe, comfortable and well fed. And the food was amazing!! Each crew member was very helpful and friendly. This is a very well run ship. We are not usually the types that do group tours, but we did every excursion the Sagitta offered on this trip and loved each one! We had an amazing time on each island and while simply hanging out on the ship. A huge shout out and thank you to Island Windjammer and the Sagitta's crew! You guys (and gal) are the best! We'll definitely be back!! Read Less