These are just random thoughts - not really a cohesive trip report . . . . . .

Embarkation: We parked at EZCruise parking (just an aside - last time I used Dolphin parking, and preferred it to EZ. The only reason I preferred it was because Dolphin has actual covered parking, while EZ simply places a cover on your car.) We arrived at the terminal at 11am, went through the Skipper's check in and were on the ship within 15 minutes. Our cabin was ready! Cabin was a good-sized suite; everything was clean and looked fairly new, except for the bathroom which was almost indescribable unless you see it! These bathrooms need some serious refurb, especially the bathtubs and the very utilitarian commodes. Tiles on walls and ceilings were apparently being replaced one by one as needed - quite a melange of color! Coco, our steward, did a great job - providing us with two always-full ice buckets, extra pillows, anything we needed.

We ate lunch in the Panorama Grill and just explored the ship til muster (quick and painless) and sailaway. Dinner was late seating in the Windstar dining room. Our assistant waiter, Simone, was a delight - very efficient, quite personable, and beautiful as well ! The food on board was acceptable - presented in a typical cruise fashion. Keep in mind that it must be difficult to prepare 2000 dinners at once! (A note for those first time cruisers - on this particular ship, there were a lot of Texans from smaller towns, and I heard many people say that the food was much different than they were used to, just different pairings and ingredients. But they all enjoyed it !). The buffet stations/salad/fruit bar in the Panorama Grill always had lines, and served more familiar types of food. The Ecstasy also has the requisite Deli, 24 hour Pizzeria, and Lido Grill. My niece had room service sandwiches, wraps and salads several times, and deemed the wraps and Chicken Caesar salad to be quite good. Read more