Table Of Content
After a brief muster drill (no need to bring lifejackets) we went up to the Captain's reception - lots of champagne, and an introduction to the department heads. The signature SailAway was not possible because of wind conditions, but they eventually had 2 more. Standard amenities include two large portholes, TV/DVD and CD player, large closets, and a desk/vanity. Bathrooms have showers, hair dryers, and ample space for toiletries. Little more than two mirrored staterooms with half of the middle wall taken out, the result is surprisingly commodious. You have two of everything important; dressing areas, desks, even two bathrooms.
Wind Surf offers both formal and casual dining options for its guests.
It is amazingly crafted with 2320 m2 (25000 ft2) of computer-controlled sails and a ballast-water stabilizing technology that keeps the vessel leveled during navigation. A highlight of any Wind Surf sailing is seeing the ship's beautiful sails in action. They're stunning, and there's a genuine sense of excitement when you see them go up for the first time.
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Cruise season begins in Almeria « Euro Weekly News.
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Onboard Experience
The forward section of this deck culminated in stairs that lead up to the Bridge. At lunch there were nine different sandwiches, along with a soup of the day. We took our sandwich ashore with us one day and made our own island picnic. Each of Windstar Cruises yachts accommodates between 148 to 342 guests. This intimacy provides you with the luxuries of time, space, and freedom to immerse yourself in both the journey and the destination - in ways you may never have imagined possible.
Former name: Club Med 1
Wind Surf’s normal compliment of crew is 191 and the number of guests at full occupancy is 310. This equates to a ratio of 1.6 guests for each crewmember, a relatively high level of staffing for the industry. We called to request breakfast one morning and the order was delivered just 19 minutes later.
Shows & Entertainment
Two supersize bridge suites have living and dining areas, a bedroom, a walk-in closet, and a bathroom with a whirlpool tub and separate shower. Multimillion-dollar upgrades last took place in 2012, when each sailing ship was enhanced from bow to stern with chic decor that mimics the colors of the sky and sandy beaches. The Yacht Club is designed to be the social hub of the ship, with computer stations, a coffee bar, and an expansive feel. The yachts Windstar acquired in 2015 from Seabourn were substantially renovated before they entered the fleet.
Windstar Knows the Way to the Caribbean
Jogging was possible on the Star Deck (five-and-half laps equaled a mile), but one did need to content with diners at the Veranda Restaurant as well as sun loungers. Just above the marina was also a collection of bikes that could be rented for exploring ports. Till noon, included hot items such as eggs Benedict, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, French toast, and pancakes, all of which could be ordered with sides of sausage, bacon, ham or hash browns. Cold fare included a fruit plate, various juices, bread, rolls and pastry, and a smoked salmon and bagel feast. For entrées we like the sautéed pork tenderloin and we thought the prime rib was a good, juicy cut. The wild forest mushroom and truffle risotto was excellent, perfectly cooked, while the surf and turf one night included a small, succulent lobster tail and petite filet mignon, also nicely done.
Alas, there were some areas of our cruise that should have been better. Repairs were conducted on one top deck area during lunch, meaning loud sawing sounds and dust were inescapable for anyone dining at the Veranda (the only restaurant available for lunch). We were disappointed that non-smoking areas were not always enforced. The port side of the pool deck was a designated smoking area, but when several smokers congregated the starboard side was also usually flooded with cigarette smells. The bedroom is spacious, with a king-sized bed and walk-in wardrobe. There's a 40-inch flat-screen TV in the lounge area and a second in the bedroom.
We enjoyed these, but the cheese plate was our favorite, selected from a cheese trolly with accompaniments such as dried apricots, cashews and walnuts. We did not stay in these other cabin options, but we have summaries here provided by Windstar Cruises. Note that any photos below have been provided by the cruise line and not our reviewer.
Breakfast and lunch are limited to room service and The Veranda, which offers both a modest buffet spread and a menu. Alternately, continental breakfast and sandwiches are available in the Yacht Club. For dinner, AmphorA served as the ship’s main dining room, while Stella Bistro offered an alternative, somewhat more intimate environment. Candles Grill was the ship’s steakhouse, located on the pool deck under the stars (weather permitting).
The chicken piccata was in an egg batter, heavier than we are accustomed to, but it was satisfying. Among the standout desserts was the After Eight Surprise, a mint mousse atop chocolate sponge cake, and a scrumptious banana cream pie. The chocolate lava cake and a warm pear Tatin were unsurprising but delicious. Now almost a quarter-century old, Wind Surf is getting up in her years. Fortunately, most areas of the ship did not appear in bad shape, though the teak decks up top definitely show their age. Although service overall was very good, and we appreciate a staff that can recall names and preferences, sometimes it was a bit too informal.
There's also a large cabinet containing glassware, a Nespresso coffee machine, two chairs and small table, in addition to the three-seat sofa, armchair and coffee table. Windstar does not offer -- nor does it promote -- any fully accessible cabins onboard. If you are a wheelchair user, you will need to book one of the ship's two Bridge Suites, which provide wheelchair access with a wider door, though no roll-in showers. If you can't negotiate stairways, be careful not to book a midship room on either Deck 1 or Deck 2.
Windstar Wind Surf Itineraries: 2024 & 2025 Schedule (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
Windstar Wind Surf Itineraries: 2024 & 2025 Schedule (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.
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In fact, the line does not promote any accessible cabins on Wind Surf. There is an elevator, though we found it busy at certain times of the day. Wind Surf offers a refined small ship cruising experience, with a maximum capacity of just 310 passengers. With all new finishes and furnishings in suites and staterooms, the newly renovated Wind Surf now brings you some of the most beautiful public spaces at sea.
Guests were asked to sign up for the package by the afternoon following embarkation. The constrained selection of beers included the usual American name brands for $5.45, or $6.45 for imports—Grolsch was the most exotic label we encountered. Wines by the glass started at $6.50 for an “early muscat” from an unidentified Oregon winery or merlot from Round Hill vineyard. The dessert menu trotted out predictable but welcome standards such as tarte tatin, crepes Suzette and chocolate fondue.
Instead, Wind Surf's atmosphere is low-key, with passengers free to do as they please -- spending leisurely time onshore and on deck -- without fear of missing out or being overscheduled. On Deck 3, the 12x aft-facing suites were resized (halved) as on Club Med 1. All the 3x Bridge Deck suites were redesigned and fully renovated. The forward-starboard Bridge Suite was renamed "Officer's Suite". Windstar’s brochure calls for “casual elegance” in the evening, which means pants and skirts for women and polo shirts for men at night. Enjoy your morning coffee or an after dinner drink surrounded by the nightly entertainment (singing duo) that performs in the Compass Rose.
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