FYIMy husband and I have never gone on a cruise in our lives. We have traveled widely, but never with a group. We have pretty high standards for food, lodging and wine, although we have experienced everything from $5 a night rooms in the Third World to Relais and Chateau lodging.  We have also done some bareboating. That said, we give a thumbs up to the Windstar.  It really is an "experience" and is probably vastly different from the large cruise ships.  

We loved the idea of the boat being under sail. That means there isn't much deck room and all of the public spaces are tiny. If there is bad weather, the options for hanging out anywhere but your cabin are extremely limited. 

The cabins are small, but we felt were efficiently designed so that nothing seemed cluttered. Staff was great and the cabins were quickly cleaned in the mornings. We got used to the port holes, but you will definitely feel the rocking of the ship, particularly in high seas. Wear a patch! Read more