Island Windjammers is an awesome experience. We sailed once before with the now-defunct Barefoot cruise line so we thought we knew what to expect, but this was so much better. The S/V Diamant is absolutely pristine and the experience of sailing with only 12 people makes it feel like a private yacht charter. The crew is professional, yet fun and flexible. The captain reviewed our options each evening and again each morning to ensure everyone got to do what he/she wanted. We were pretty much all of the same mind that we wanted deserted beaches and we found several. We spent relaxing days on the beaches with the option to go to town for tours if we wanted. We hiked, visited a turtle sanctuary, and explored the islands of Bequia and Mayreau. I opted one day just to stay on the boat and read a book. The days quickly settled into a relaxing routine of breakfast (more about the meals later), sail/beach/exploration if desired, lunch, then swimming/more beach/nap time, swizzles and snacks in the late afternoon and then dinner. One evening we all went into town for dinner and one evening there was an optional bar crawl. Most evenings, we were content to hang out on deck and get to know each other. I truly have never laughed as hard or had as good of a time as I did that week. Our group truly gelled and the crew only added to our great chemistry. The meals were much better than you would expect on a small sailboat...full breakfasts of pancakes, omelettes, scrambled eggs, bacon, eggs benedict, etc. Lunches were always inventive and intriguing...chicken roti, wraps, etc. Dinners were exquisite-grilled fish, steak, barbeque. There was not a meal served that I did not enjoy. At the end of the cruise, we all (including the crew) hugged and cried, feeling that we were leaving family. If you take only one cruise in your lifetime, make it this one.

Full disclosure-this is NOT a fancy cruise. After the first day I never even bothered drying my hair or putting on makeup. We stayed in swimsuits, t-shirts and no shoes unless we were going on shore. We did clean up for dinner, but just to change shorts and t-shirts and that was optional! If you get seasick, take medication because the water does get a little choppy when you get further out. I had dramamine and another non-drowsy medication and I was pretty much fine as was everyone else. All drinks are included in your price including beer, wine and mixers. You can bring your own liquor on board if you want something else or you can tell the cruise line and they will have it in your room and bill you. You get a refillable water bottle in your room and a large water dispenser in the galley, which was terrific and GREEN! No plastic water bottles to harm the environment! If you want fancy, this is not the cruise for you...but if you want to relax and have an adventure, do it!