Windstar Cruises
A contemporary sail-cruise ship for smart casual cruising
The Ship. Wind Star is a long, sleek-looking craft that is part-yacht, part-cruise ship, with four masts towering 170ft (52m) above the deck, and with computer-controlled sails. The masts, sails and rigging alone cost $5 million (when the masts were lowered into position, a US silver dollar, dated 1889, was placed under the main mast). The computer keeps the ship on an even keel via the movement of a water hydraulic ballast system of 142,653 US gallons (540,000 liters), so there is no rolling over 6 degrees. You may be under sail for less than 40 percent of the time, depending on the conditions and cruise area winds. Because of the amount of sail machinery, there is little open deck space when the ship is full. A small, aft water-sports platform can be used when at anchor. Water-sports facilities include a banana boat, kayaks, sunfish sailboats, windsurf boards, water-ski boat, scuba and snorkel equipment, and four Zodiacs.
The ship has a nicely crafted interior with blond woods, together with soft, complementary colors and decor that is chic, but a little cold. Note that the main lounge aboard this ship is of a slightly different design from that aboard Wind Spirit. This ship had a complete makeover in 2012.
No scheduled activities help to make this a relaxing, unregimented ‘get away from it all’ vacation. Windstar ships offer cruising in very comfortable surroundings bordering on the luxurious, in an unstructured environment.
The dress code is casual, with no jackets and ties. Gratuities are charged to your onboard account, and 15 percent is added to bar, wine and spa accounts.
Niggles? The swimming pool is really only a tiny ‘dip’ pool. Be prepared for the whine of the vessel’s generators. You’ll hear it at night in your cabin; it takes some passengers a day or two to get used to. Beverage prices are a little high. The library is small. The staff, though friendly, is a little sloppy at times in the finer points of service.
Overall, Wind Star is suited to youthful couples and solo travelers who want contemporary facilities and some water sports in a relaxed but chic setting.
Accommodation. The cabins are nicely equipped, have crisp, inviting decor and a mini-bar/refrigerator (stocked when you embark, but all drinks cost extra), 24-hour room service, personal safe, and plenty of storage space. The TV rotates so that it is viewable from the bed and the bathroom. All cabins all have two portholes. The bathrooms are compact with a teakwood floor. There is a good amount of storage space for toiletries in two cabinets, as well as under-sink cupboard space. A wall-mounted hairdryer is also provided. The shower enclosure (no cabins have bathtubs) is circular and has both a hand-held as well as a fixed shower unit. L’Occitane toiletries are provided.
Dining. The main dining room, the ‘AmphorA’ Restaurant is chic, and has ocean views. California-style cuisine is served, with attractively presented dishes. Additionally, signature dishes created by master chefs Joachim Splichal and Jeanne Jones are offered. Open seating means you dine when and with whom you want to.
The service staff members are mostly Indonesians and Filipinos, who struggle sometimes at communicating, although their service is pleasant. The selection of breads, cheeses, and fruits could be better. There is a big push to sell wines, although the prices are extremely high, as they are for most drinks – even bottled water is the highest in the industry, at $7 per liter bottle.
There is often casual dinner on the open deck under the stars, with grilled seafood and steaks. At the bars, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres appear at cocktail times. For something quiet and romantic, a ‘Cuisine de l’Amour’ romantic dinner for two can be served to you in your cabin. The menu offers a choice of appetizer, a set soup, choice of salad, and two entrée (main) options, and a set dessert to finish.
Entertainment. There is no showlounge, so no shows, or cabaret. The main lounge, a corner of which houses a small casino, has a small dance floor, and, typically, a trio plays there. Otherwise, it’s down to more personal entertainment, such as a movie in your cabin late at night – or, much more romantic, after-dinner hours spent outside strolling or simply lounging on deck.
Spa/Fitness. A fitness room and sauna are located aft. The spa is operated by a specialist concession. Special spa packages can be pre-booked. Wellbeing massages, aromatherapy facials, manicures, pedicures, and hair treatments all cost extra.