Windstar's Simple Pleasures
I don’t think life could get better
than sitting on the deck of a masted sailing vessel, rum punch in
hand, watching the Mexican Riviera Maya slide by at sunset.
Magically, the sails from the ship's four masts unfurl and become
full in the tropical winds. The ocean wind is therapeutic, and the
experience is nothing like that of a large cruise ship, which towers
above the ocean more than it sails on it.
s/v Wind
Star
Over seven days in December, I sailed on
Windstar's flagship Wind Star along the world's second
longest barrier reef while visiting intriguing destinations in
Honduras, Belize, and Cozumel.
This 440-foot long schooner
offers guests an extraordinary way to explore some of the most
seductive destinations in the world. I found the crew's personal
attention to detail and service outstanding. If you want to get away
from the crowds and structure of bigger ships and have a totally
relaxing experience, Wind Star won't
disappoint.
Staterooms
Below deck, 148
passengers are comfortably accommodated in 74 outside cabins with
two large portholes. With the exception of one "Owner's Suite," all
cabins are alike with a queen size bed that can convert into two
twin beds. Cabin amenities are some of the best I've seen and
include comfy extras such as fresh fruit, flowers, VCR, CD player,
refrigerator, lighted vanity, and terry cloth
robes.
Casual Elegance
Wind Star was
designed with the clear vision of making a ship as comfortable as
possible. When onboard, you feel more like you are on a private
yacht rather than a cruise ship. The use of wood decor makes it
cozy, and you have free rein over the restaurants, piano bar,
library, casino, sports deck, pool, Jacuzzi, fitness room, and
sauna—even the bridge is open twenty-four hours for visits. Also,
the onboard culture and dress code is deemed "casual elegance,"
where men never need a tie or a jacket (however, no jeans, shorts,
T-shirts, or athletic shoes are allowed in the dining
room).
Those who relish the nightlife might get a little
bored though. There is no glitz or glamour aboard Wind Star
as bingo games, art auctions, and midnight buffets are absent. The
ship is better suited to those who prefer the simple pleasures of
gazing at the stars to dancing the night away. There are no big
shows, and the live entertainment is understated with just a
vocalist and pianist. My husband and I, like most passengers,
retired before midnight and checked out videos from the huge library
selection to sit back and indulge in Windstar's traditional room
service popcorn.
The ship is great for couples, but is not
recommended for families as there are no onboard facilities for
children. Disabled persons might find it challenging as there are no
elevators, and zodiacs, small inflatable boats, are often used to
transport passengers between ship and shore.
Service and
Cuisine
West Coast restaurateur Joachim Splichal designs
Windstar's outstanding cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are served in
the Veranda on the vessel's top deck, with both a buffet and menu
choices. The exception was while anchored off Roatan, when the crew
set out a terrific beach barbeque while guests enjoyed the amenities
at a beach resort.
Back onboard, traditional English tea is
served daily at the pool bar from 4:00 to 5:00. Cocktail hour is
from 6:30 to 7:30 and offers different hors d'oeuvre each evening
served personally by executive chef Zomie. Dinner is served with
open seating in the restaurant from 7:30 to 9:15. On the fifth
evening, the pool deck is transformed for "Tropical Night" into a
festive barbeque with unlimited lobster, shrimp, snow crab, roasted
pig, and more. Guests are encouraged to wear their most tropical
outfit while dining and limbo dancing under the stars. In addition
to standard dining, there's 24-hour room service that includes the
full dining room menu during meal
times.
Activities
This cruise is an
adventurers' delight. Tours include the Mayan ruins of Tulum in
Mexico, Copan in Honduras, dolphin encounters in Roatan, cave tubing
and snorkeling in Belize, and jeep tours in Cozumel. Those who
prefer more sedate beach bumming have ample opportunities with
access to two remote islands, in Belize.
The aft water sports
platform enables guests to swim and easily partake in complimentary
activities such as windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, banana boat
riding, and water-skiing. Windstar is unique in that there are
always two certified dive masters onboard offering extensive scuba
excursions for beginners and experts.
If You
Go
Wind Star is one of three sailing vessels
(Wind Surf and Wind Sprit) in
Windstar's fleet that has taken passengers on upscale sea adventures
for the past 15 years. Wind Star's Belize itinerary is
offered only from December through March. Prices range from a low of
$1,200 per person in the off-season to over $3,000 per person during
the high season. Visit Windstar's website for
more details.
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