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Cruise Reviews

Windstar

Mys Wind Surf

Cruising Under Sail

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Cruising under sail	2 of 2 people found this review informative

Reviewed By: MissFrances, Monmouth on 10th Feb 2010
Cruise Line: Windstar	Times cruised before: 3-5
Cruise Ship: MYS Wind Surf	Sailed: January, 2010
Destination: Caribbean	Age: 65+
Cabin: Outside

Well - this was different! The difference started when we arrived by taxi at the port, where we found one sleepy port official who waved us straight through down the quay. We trundled our bags down the quay (Wind Surf was the only ship docked) to be met half-way down the quay by two white-coated stewards, who took our bags (without any enquiry who we were!) and led us up the gangway and to Reception, where we spent two minutes registering before being taken straight to our cabin. Throughout this we did not see a single passenger - we learnt later that there were only 175 passengers on this sailing, out of a possible 280, so crew outnumbered passengers throughout - a wonderful experience! Best things about Windsurf: Cabin: the most luxurious and superbly fitted we have experienced, despite being in steerage on the lowest possible deck - earned very one of their five stars, and I could quite happily have spent the entire cruise in the cabin it was so spacious, comfortable, and well-fitted. Food: excellent. Free-seating - in any one of four superb restaurants, what luxury. Informal atmosphere - guests welcome on the Bridge at almost any time, and relaxed, friendly and informative Captain, always willing to have a chat or explain what was going on. Cruising under sail - a unique and delightful experience, aided of course by engines as well! the Captain said at the end that we had been under sail 96% of our time at sea. Satisfactory: excursions, though seemed expensive (though one needs to take the exchange rate into account). Disappointing: Price of drinks, exorbitant, exacerbated by the addition of the inevitable American 15% gratuities (though again made worse by exchange rate). Very disappointing low quality of entertainment on offer - very loud and substandard. Absence of any talks, eg on history of the West Indies, flora and fauna, geology, etc - should be fascinating to learn something of the West Indies' flamboyant and exotic history, but zilch on offer. Worrying: Following a VERY minor accident on board, the ship's doctor was more concerned to make sure I did not sue, by offering totally inappropriate treatment, than to follow good medical practice. (For full description of this, see my entry elsewhere on the Forum). However, all turned out well in the end - and we were not charged! (Neither did we sue).
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Children's Facilities	n/a

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2 of 2 people found this review informative

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Comment by williams, wolverhampton (11 Feb 10 14:55) about this REVIEW

dear missfrances; where is your other forum entry? i'll look out for it,intrigued.

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Comment by Marchant, Lydart (12 Feb 10 12:13) about a COMMENT by williams (11 Feb 10 14:55)

You've probably found it already - go to "Cruises and Cruising Forums"; then under "Forums" on the left find "Cruise Rants", then "General Grumbles", then click on the heading "Medical Centre" on the right. Thank you for being interested! Good luck.

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Question by gibb, larkhall (25 Feb 10 07:51) about a COMMENT by Marchant (12 Feb 10 12:13)

Could I be so bold as to ask how much it cost,it sounds lovely but to sail less than two thirds full I;d have thought it was lucky to break even unless it was extortianate.

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Answer by MissFrances, Monmouth (25 Feb 10 21:39) to a QUESTION by gibb (25 Feb 10 07:51)

I'm very happy to tell you! Our Windstar payment initially was $US 2348.00, for two people, which appeared as £1443.58 on our credit card. This was a week's sailing, Barbados-Barbados, and we had booked through the American travel agents Vacations To Go on line, whose discounts, especially at the last minute, are AMAZING. However, as I said in the review, the cost of drinks and excursions is high, and the initial cost does not include tips; we ended up with an on-board account of $US 1001 (£629.45), despite being as economical as we could with both excursions and drinks! Our reason for looking for a cruise starting in Barbados was because we had a British Airways Companion Voucher to use by 14th January, meaning we got our flights out free, apart from charges of £261.10. I've no idea whether or not they broke even. I do know they were trying to sell upgrades for a fairly high price on board ship, but the "steerage" cabins were so comfortable we weren't in the slightest tempted. Do let me know if you decide to go for it!

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Comment by gibb, larkhall (27 Feb 10 06:58) about an ANSWER by MissFrances (25 Feb 10 21:39)

thank you I will

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