Overall Score

BERLITZ'S RATING
	Possible	Achieved
Ship	500	382
Accommodation	200	164
Food	400	295
Service	400	300
Entertainment	0	0
Cruise	500	377

How this score is created

Wind Spirit, when built, was one of three identical vessels (a fourth, Wind Saga, was planned but never built). One of the original three sister ships, Wind Song, suffered a fire and was declared a constructive total loss in Tahiti in 2002.

Wind Spirit is a long, sleek-looking craft that is part-yacht, part-cruise ship, with four giant masts that tower 170 ft (52 meters) above the deck (they are actually 204 ft, or 62 meters) high, and fitted with computer-controlled sails; the masts, sails and rigging alone cost $5 million. The computer keeps the ship on an even keel (via the movement of a water hydraulic ballast system of 142,653 gallons/540,000 liters), so there is no heeling (rolling) over 6 degrees.

There is little open deck space when the ship is full, due to the amount of complex sail machinery. At the stern is a small water sports platform for those who enjoy all the goodies the ship offers (but only when at anchor and only in really calm sea conditions). Water sports facilities include a banana boat, kayaks, sunfish sailboats, windsurf boards, water ski boat, scuba and snorkel equipment, and four Zodiacs. You will be asked to sign a waiver if you wish to use the water sports equipment.

The ship has a finely crafted interior with pleasing, blond woods, together with soft, complementary colors and decor that is chic, even elegant, but a little cold. Note that the main lounge aboard this ship is of a slightly different design than sister ship Wind Star.

No scheduled activities help to make this a real relaxing, unregimented “get away from it all” vacation. The Windstar ships help you to cruise in very comfortable, contemporary surroundings bordering on the luxurious, yet in an un­structured environment. They provide a very relaxing, virtually un­structured cruise experience just right for seven idyllic nights in sheltered areas (but can be disturbing when a Windstar vessel is in small ports alongside several gigantic cruise ships).

This ship is ideal for couples who do not like large ships. The dress code is casual (no jackets and ties), even for dinner – the brochure states casual elegance. There are no formal nights or theme nights.

You will probably be under sail for less than 40 percent of the time (conditions and cruise area winds permitting). Gratuities are “not required” by the friendly, smiling staff, according to the brochure, but passengers find they are always accepted. The onboard currency is the US dollar.

Note that the swimming pool is really only a tiny “dip” pool. Be prepared for the “whine” of the vessel’s generators, which are needed to run the air-conditioning and lighting systems 24 hours a day. That means you will also hear it at night in your cabin (any cabin); it takes most passengers a day or two to get used to.

Beverage prices are high. The library is small, and needs more hardback fiction. The staff, though friendly, is casual and a little sloppy at times in the finer points of service.

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008