339_BCG_2020_28ed_200

Size:	Boutique Ship
Tonnage:	5,350
Cruise Line:	Windstar Cruises
Former Names:	none
Builder:	Ateliers et Chantiers du Havre
Entered Service:	Apr 1988
Length (ft/m):	439.6/134.0
Propulsion/Propellers:	(a) diesel-electric (1,400kW)/1; (b) sails
Total Crew:	88
Passengers (lower beds):	148
Passenger Space Ratio (lower beds):	36.1
Passenger/Crew Ratio (lower beds):	1.6
Cabins (total):	74
Size Range (sq ft/m):	185.0–220.0/17.0–22.5
Cabins (for one person):	0
Cabins with balcony:	0
Cabins (wheelchair accessible):	0
Wheelchair accessibility:	None
Elevators:	0
Casino (gaming tables):	Yes
Self-Service Launderette:	No
Onboard currency:	US$

BERLITZ’S RATINGS

	Possible	Achieved
Ship	500	324
Accommodation	200	139
Food	400	240
Service	400	260
Entertainment	100	67
Cruise Experience	400	256

OVERALL SCORE 1286 points out of 2000

THE SHIP. Wind Spirit, an identical twin to Wind Star, is a sleek-looking craft that is part-yacht, part-cruise ship, with four masts that tower 170ft (52m) above the deck, and with computer-controlled sails. The masts, sails, and rigging cost $5 million, when the ship was built. A 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 prevailing.

Because of the amount of complex sail machinery, there is little open deck space. At the stern is a small water-sports platform for use when at anchor, but only in really calm sea conditions. Water-sports toys include a banana boat, kayaks, sunfish sailboats, windsurf boards, water-ski boat, scuba and snorkel equipment, and four Zodiacs. You will need to sign a waiver if you wish to use the water-sports equipment.

The ship has a finely crafted interior with pleasing blond woods, and 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 from that aboard Wind Star.

No scheduled activities help to make this a really relaxing, unregimented ‘escape-it-all’ vacation. It’s about an unstructured environment.

Niggles? The swimming pool is just a tiny ‘dip’ pool. Be prepared for the whine of the generators, which are needed to run the air conditioning and lighting systems 24 hours a day. Beverage prices are a little high. The library is small and needs more hardback fiction. Members of staff, though friendly, are generally casual and a little sloppy at times in the finer points of service.

This sail-cruise ship is ideally suited to youthful couples and solo travelers seeking contemporary facilities and some water sports in a relaxed but chic setting that’s different from ‘normal’ cruise ships.

The dress code is low-key (casual), with no jackets and ties, even for dinner. Gratuities are added to your account daily, and 15 percent is added to bar and wine accounts.

ACCOMMODATION. All cabins are nicely equipped, have a minibar/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 both bed and bathroom. All cabins have two outside-view portholes, and deadlights (steel covers that can be closed in poor weather conditions). The decor is a pleasant mix of rich woods, natural fabrics and colorful soft furnishings, and hi-tech yacht-style amenities. A basket of fruit is replenished daily.

The bathrooms are compact units, designed in a figure of eight, with a teakwood floor in the central section. There is decent 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. L’Occitane bathroom products are provided, as are a vanity kit and shower cap.

The lighting is not strong enough for make-up application – for this it’s better to use the vanity desk in the cabin, which has more powerful overhead (halogen) lighting. Bathrobes and towels are 100 percent cotton.

DINING. The elegant ‘AmphorA’ Restaurant has ocean views from large, picture windows, a lovely wood ceiling, and wood-paneled walls. California-style nouvelle cuisine is served, with attractively presented dishes. Also, signature dishes created by master chefs Joachim Splichal and Jeanne Jones are featured. It’s open seating, so you can dine when you want and with whomever you wish.

The service staff are mostly Indonesians and Filipinos, who struggle sometimes at communicating, although their service is friendly. The selection of breads, cheeses, and fruits could be better. There is a big push to sell wines, but prices are high, as they are for most alcoholic drinks – and even for bottled water.

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.

Fancy something quiet and romantic? At no extra charge, a ‘Cuisine de l’Amour’ romantic dinner for two can be served to you in your cabin, complete with candle.

ENTERTAINMENT. There is no showlounge, shows, or cabaret. However, these are not needed, because a cruise aboard this high-tech sailing ship provides an opportunity to get away from all that noise and ‘entertainment.’ The main lounge, a corner of which houses a small casino, has a small dance floor, and, typically, a trio plays there.

The main lounge is also used for social functions. Otherwise, it’s down to more personal entertainment, such as a DVD in your cabin late at night – or, much more romantic, after-dinner hours spent outside strolling or simply lounging on deck.

SPA/FITNESS. A gymnasium (with a modicum of muscle-toning equipment, treadmills, and exercycles) and sauna are located aft, adjacent to the water-sports platform. Extra-cost spa packages can be pre-booked before you arrive at the ship.