This premium, boutique sized ship spans 5 decks and can accommodate between 148 and 168 passengers to 88 crew. Its striking appearance is in part due to the beautiful 4/6 sails that combine with traditional engines for cruising. It caters for travellers who are looking for something a little different from the mainstream and enjoy relaxed, elegant surroundings. Probably best described as stylish cruising for grown ups, discerning couples and singles would enjoy this ship. The onboard experience is geared toward adults and with no facilities or entertainment for children it is probably not a good option for families with children.
There are extensive itineraries around the Mediterranean region. So whether you want to visit ever- popular destinations such as Italy, Greece, France, Portugal, Spain and Turkey or try something a little different like Croatia or Morocco the choice is yours. You can head off to the Caribbean and enjoy Barbados or try Panama, Nicaragua, Venezuela or Costa Rica.
Built in France for £17.1 million, this ship entered service back in 1986. Weighing in at 5.35k tons, it measures 134m in length and 15.8m in width. It has an effortless elegance on deck with sails, rigging and masts; however as this takes up space it inevitably compromises open deck room. There is a relaxed ambience onboard, which is helped by a casual dress code. The interior décor is stylish and contemporary and the onboard currency is the US dollar.
There are 74 cabins in total on Wind Star, ranging in size from 17 sq.m to 22.5 sq.m. All cabins come with outside view, facilitated by 2 portholes (complete with steel covers, should you wish to blackout the world altogether!) None of the cabins are single person occupancy, wheelchair accessible or have a private balcony.
All cabins feature TV, CD player, personal safe, complimentary toiletries, bathrobe and towels. There is also a hairdryer, mini-bar and stocked fridge (costs extra), along with a basket of fresh fruit.
| What are the cuisine/dining options? |
The main dining venue onboard is The Restaurant, which operates an open seating policy. All restaurants are now non-smoking. Here you will be able to enjoy a specially designed “signature” dish or tuck into Californian influenced cuisine. There is also a varied, but expensive, wine list.
Other dining experiences onboard include:
If you fancy Steakhouse, Indonesian or Italian be sure to catch one of the theme nights in Degrees.
Veranda: alfresco dining. Enjoy open-air breakfast (7.30-9.30) and Colombian coffee. You can choose from buffet style or full service. Lunch, buffet style, is also served at this venue.
A special feature of this cruise is that they offer a “Sail Light” option on menus. They are low in fat and calories so you can enjoy tasty food while keeping an eye on your waistline!
If you wish to enjoy an intimate and romantic dinner, why not take advantage of the “Cuisine de l’ Amour” option (free of charge). You will be served by candlelight in your own cabin.
24-hour room service is also available.
In choosing this cruise you are probably looking for something different from the mainstream experience. Therefore you will probably welcome the fact that Wind Star has no formal schedule for onboard entertainment. The lounge area is given over for dancing, which is helped by a live trio of musicians playing in the evening. It is also home to the casino, so if you fancy a gamble you know where to go. If you prefer a good book try the library, but be warned this is on the small side.
The same can be said of the outdoor pool, which is more for relaxing than putting in the lengths. There is also a whirlpool for you to dip your toes into. If you prefer to work up a sweat, head for the gym and then relax in the sauna. The spa offers a variety of treatments including facials, massages and manicures.
A water sports platform will please water babies. You will have free reign to participate in wind surfing, scuba diving and snorkelling and use sunfish sailboats, banana boat kayaks and water ski boats.
Your cruise fare includes onboard accommodation and meals. There is a singles supplement charge of 175 – 200%. Gratuities, to cover hotel type service, at a rate of £5.50 per person per day is automatically added to your account. You can adjust this figure at the end of the cruise.
Your cruise fare does not include airfare, departure tax (paid by passenger at airport check-in) or transfers. However you can purchase a “Home City Air” ticket with flights leaving from a selection of US and Canadian airports, transfers from airport/hotel and pier are all-inclusive. You will also be charged for shore excursions, diving resort courses, laundry services, laptop rental, medical services and treatments and all alcoholic and soft drinks. 15% is automatically added to wine and bar bills and please note that alcohol will not be served to under 21’s. If you purchase alcohol in port you will only be allowed to consume wine and champagne onboard
(free in-suite, in restaurants corkage fee of £7.50 a bottle).
Be aware that any changes made to your reservations less than 91 days prior to sailing will incur a £25 per person administration fee.
