Leslie

I know this ship has a kids program in the summer months but I'm concerned about all the reports of 'adult' talk, excessive drinking, nudisim, even sex on deck after dark on these ships for my 11 and 14 year old. We want a casual, ecological experience and I do not approve of exposing children to hedonism. Would this be a mistake for us?

Pam

I imagine they tone things down a bit for the Jr. Jammer Program but you can check it out easily on the WJ BB (www.coconutelegraph).

Leslie

Thanks but I'm not getting much of a response on that website. That's why I posted my question here...this seems to be a more active board.

Paul Therault

<BR>Hi Leslie, <BR> <BR>I did not find any more adult talk on this ship than any other. <BR> <BR>It is an extremely laid back cruise and it attracts the younger, fun type passengers. Therefore more drinking and partying. <BR> <BR>The topless sunbathing should not be a concern on the Legacy since it is sailing the Caribbean and not Europe where it is prevalent. <BR> <BR>You may find one or two of the crew that will go topless just for the attention. <BR> <BR>I do not know where you heard the "sex on deck" story but the ship is really not "spring break." <BR> <BR>If you wish casual elegance along with a masted vessel and it is within your budget, sail Windstar. <BR> <BR>Paul <BR>

Bob

some of the windjammers have pretty blown out of proportion reputations. THe Polonesia is known as the party ship. We have done three and have not seen anyh of this stuff. Adult talk Yes there are timew when jokes :adult" jokes are told, but there wee kids on out trips Yankee Clipper, Flhying cloud and mandalay, and If it looked liek things were going to get to "extreme" ther parents just quietly took the kids away, Not one has a problem with the kid except the more "hardcore' jammers nuts. From what I've heard the Legacy is perfect for kids. I wouldn't could on and ecological experience tho. Thats not what these ships are about.

Bob

Reread what I had so badly typed this morning and could hardly understand it <BR> <BR>Some of the windjammers have pretty blown out of proportion reputations. The Polonesia is known as the party ship. We have done three and have not seen any of this stuff. Adult talk ,Yes there are times when jokes "adult" jokes are told, but there were kids on out trips Yankee Clipper, Flying cloud and mandalay, and If it looked like things were going to get to "extreme" their parents just quietly took the kids away, No one has a problem with the kids except the more "hardcore' jammers nuts. From what I've heard the Legacy is perfect for kids. I wouldn't cpunt on an ecological experience tho. Thats not what these ships are about. <BR>

Leslie

Thanks Bob, for running 'spell check' I actually understood what you were saying anway! The impressions I've gotten came from reading some of the banter on the windjammers board (the 'cocoanut telegraph') posted by alot of regulars who are clearly party types and these were precise examples given...even mentioned by parents who seemed to approve of their 14 year olds, 16 year olds being in on these activities. <BR> <BR>Paul - I must say, it was the reports of the captain's own morning chat being 'salty' plus your comment about a crew member going topless that makes me think twice as this would mean the company itself encourages this. The Windstar cruises do not have a childrens program to my knowledge and are quite a bit more expensive are they not? The Windjammers own site is just so inadequate, I can't even get straight info. as to the debarkation point and time for this ship and other factual information - it all seems to conflict with the 'jammmers' own reports. I guess I'll have to call them be didn't expect to get the straight story about the atmosphere on their ships since they are courting families. <BR> <BR>Thanks all for your help. Much appreciated.

Bob

Leslie, <BR>just 2 quick comments. The "coconut telegraph is a really bad advertisement for windjammer" it is "filled" by those I described as the hard cores and the main topics are booze and sex and raunchy activities. Jamming IS not all that and these peole are in fact in the minority. Once again on our 3 cruises there were "dirty" jokes and a couple of "mooning" instances, but ya know 99.9% of the people were just great. You are always gonna get the "kid" and I guess everyone is entitled to a hard won vacation. <BR>Call windjammer! don't rely on the web site. At the risk of offense it is a piece of crap. I've always had really good luck with the telephone agents. <BR> <BR>And once again I've read nothing but good repors about the legacy's/polynesia junior jammer cruises. If I had to pick one of the 2 i would take the Poly. she is a true sailing built where as the Legacy was converted to a sailing ship. They both use the motor ALOT but the Poly will do some true sailing where as I don't think the legacy can. Another thing On our trips ALL the crew members really did well with the kids.. I know I sound like an advertisement, but if I were a Kid and my Mom was thinking about this I would be the bestest little boy ever.

LAD

I would be more concerned about safety on these vessels than rowdiness. We lost the Fantome in Hurricane Mitch about two years ago. No passengers on board but these older, slower vessels have problems. Find out if they have met the new fire standards.<BR>

Pam

I recently spent two weeks on Legacy and must have totally missed the nudism and sex that has been reported. I have actually spent 13 weeks on Windjammer cruises and have never seen anyone topless, and to suggest that the crew would do so is outrageous! The crew is far to polite and professional to ever do something so crass. <BR><BR>Leslie - I was on Mandalay once when a couple brought their children, about the same ages that you mention. The kids were great, the parents were very cool and we all got along very well. The kids even dressed up for the PPP party - which can get a bit risque - and did not seem a bit shocked or upset at some of the other outfits. Adult talk? Put 100 adults together and you'll get some 'talk'. Out of hand? Never! I think you've been reading and have perhaps gotten feedback from people who target the singles cruises on Windjammer. If your kids are into swimming, snorkeling and learning about different cultures, they'll have a good time.

joe

I've sailed six times on WJ ships (Polynesia and Mandalay). Sometimes it's R rated, but I always sailed in winter when kids were in school. I'm going in April and my party includes a 12 year old girl. I don't think there will be a problem, as we can divert her from the "adult" stuff. Anyway, Legacy is the "family" ship. <BR>Just a side note- no crew member would think of going topless, or any other such behavior. I don't know how dumb rumors like that get started. That one ends here and now!