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Windstar Cruises

Wind Song

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Sally Hayes
# previous cruises: 10+
Date of Trip: March 25, 2000
Itinerary: Caribbean - Eastern

The Wind Song (Windstar Cruises) is a motorized sailing vessel carrying up to 143 psgrs with computerized sails. We love the intimacy of the ship, the open bridge, open dining and casual atmosphere. Stops are often at small islands or beaches where large ships cannot go. This was our 3rd Windstar cruise and 78 of the 138 passengers were repeaters. No elevators or good handicapped accessibility.

Public areas are comfortable, albeit not large. There is a small plunge pool and jacuzzi and plenty of lounges to sit in. Small library of videos, cds, books, etc. You may walk around the ship but through people enjoying themselves. There is a small casino - 5 or 6 slot machines and 2 tables for some card game (I don't know the name of it). Also a small gym. The Wind Song is being refurbished on its voyage (sans passengers) from Barbados to Athens - it needs it in some areas after a busy winter.

Breakfast and lunch are served on deck and in an airy dining room called the Veranda; dinner in the restaurant. We love the open seating - anytime from 7:30PM - 9:30PM and you may have a romantic table for 2 or any combination up to 12. Dress is "elegantly casual" and you see everything from cocktail dresses/suit & tie to nice slacks or skirts and open polo shirts. No jeans, shorts, t-shirts etc. There is usually a deck BBQ and/or beach BBQ during the cruise and they are so much work for the crew but so great for the passengers.

All cabins are the same size and outside. Comfortable queen or twin beds and good size for a small ship. Very quiet. Bathroom was, of course, small, but well thought out and convenient - shower was good sized with lots of hot water. Plenty of cabinet, closet and drawer space in both cabin and bathroom.

The nightly entertainment consisted of a singer and musician couple and they were friendly and pleasant to listen to. Passengers most enjoying this ship do so for the sailing, size, water sports, unusual ports and are early risers and early to bed people not requiring much show-style entertainment.

The Windstar ships offer a unique cruise opportunity. Water sports are a big item and they have all kinds utilizing a sports deck at the rear of the ship in small ports with everything from diving and snorkeling to kayaks, windsurfers, banana, water skiing, etc. Our 15day cruise was the first leg of a repositioning cruise starting in Belize and ending in Barbados stopping at large and small islands along the way. The pool is a small plunge pool and there is a jacuzzi (swimming in the ocean is more fun). This is not a cruise ship for children and there are no programs for them.

As I mentioned, no children. On a ship this size, you get to meet, if not become friends, with almost everyone. The majority were 45-65 years old. A few couples younger, at least 2 couples in their 80s. With open dining we had the opportunity to dine with many different people - 3 couples with which we will probably meet again on land or another Windstar cruise.