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Windjammer Cruise Line

S/V Flying Cloud

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Reviewed by: Debbie Ball
# previous cruises: 7
Date of Trip: April 18, 1998
Itinerary: Caribbean - Eastern

Windjammer cruises are very different from the larger mega-ship cruise lines. These are smaller sailing vessels. Very relaxed atmosphere, very casual dress, all you need bring along are T-shirts, shorts, swimsuits, and sandals. That's what I like best about them...the departure from the stuffiness of other cruise lines and regimented schedules. The Flying Cloud is a great old ship and the British Virgin Islands where she sails are wonderful for snorkeling!

Windjammer ships do not have pools, casinos, etc. The public area is usually the top deck where everyone congregates and the saloon area. These are more of a "make your own fun" setting; however, WJ does provide fun events such as dancing under the stars, the PPP party night, shore excursions and the like.

There is only one dining room with no special seating. There are two serving times to accommodate all the passengers, but it's "first come first served". Always plenty of good food. Generally two entrees for dinner and passengers sign on a chalk board which entree they desire that evening. Lunch is usually served buffet style on the top deck or on shore at the beach if weather permits. The service is always wonderful! WJ crew members go out of their way to please and help their passengers!

Cabins vary in size and comfort levels. On a WJ ship, cabins are typically not very large at all, but one is never in them very long to care about this. They're basically a place to stash your clothes and sleep. Since you don't need much in the way of clothes, there is not a lot of storage space as it is not needed. Carry-on bags are best and these can be stashed beneath the bed. Each cabin generally has it's own "head", an all-in-one shower, small sink, and toilet.

The cruise staff is excellent! They always try their best to please and to get everyone involved in any activities. Yet you don't feel out of place if you choose to be alone or do something different. There is no "big name" entertainment, but rather the crew gets the passengers partying with perhaps crab races on the top deck, the PPP party, dancing, etc.

WJ is best at encouraging a relaxing atmosphere. On board, you can sit and read, watch the sails, etc. Often days are spent at one island or another. Since these ships are smaller, they can get into the small islands that larger ships cannot access. Most every day is a beach stop, although other excursions can be found such as island tours, etc. The itinerary often depends on which way the wind is blowing, but the Flying Cloud most always stops at Virgin Gorda (see The Baths rock formations!) and Jost Van Dyke, a small rural island perfect for "losing yourself" in a hammock on the beach.

Passengers range in age from 20s to 70s. Have always found them to be friendly and often with similar interests. We have made many good friends aboard WJ ships. In fact, WJ passengers almost become "cultish" in their love of these fine sailing ships. Children are certainly welcome, but not generally encouraged as the atmosphere tends to be more "adult-oriented."