Anyone with knowledge of Windsurf?
Feb 2nd, 2000, 03:45 PM
#3
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Not to rain on anyone's parade, and I understand that there is a huge cadre of people who like Windstar,surf, etc. Benny are: smaller, more mobile ship, more experience of sailing, water sports if the time of year is right, and chances to know more people intimately. Disadvantages are (we took the Windstar) poorly managed company, monotonous food, lots of folks smoking and hard to get away from, and monotony, there is not much to do sea days, and there were a great deal of them for us. Crew was pretty unresponsive when we found the airconditioning stuck either on or off in our cabin. We had a bad experience when we applied to embarK (and had it arranged with the crew and headquarters in Seattle) in the second, rather than the first port of call. They just changed itineries, then forgot about us, so we found, and boarded the ship, after a stressful day trying to find it. Total breakdown in communications, no apology, and no reply to our letter to the head office when we returned. This, alone, would make me hesitant to try them again. They are responsible for all the people who book with them. Interesting that they seemed surprised when we got on the ship, and told them that they were supposed to pick us up as arranged in a different city. Seemed like a confused lot to me, and I would not recommend them for that reason, however, this may never happen to you. It is distressing when it does. I would have thought they would, at the very least, answer our letter and apolize. I suppose they are afraid of lawsuits and the like.
Feb 3rd, 2000, 05:51 AM
#4
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Julie, <BR> <BR>I agree that when cruising a smaller cruiseline, one takes a risk [of sorts]. It was unfortunate you did not have a good experience. Have been in touch w/folks who have been on Windsurf after their return for past 2 months and all said they would return or have already booked their next cruise. The most negative reponses have been from folks who enjoyed Windstar's smaller ships...but since we have cruised mega liners, Windsurf will be good intro to small ship experience. I think postive and negatives reviews should be posted as travelers must research as much as possible. <BR>What cruiseline would you sail in the future?
Feb 4th, 2000, 02:53 AM
#5
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Dear Rob, <BR>My husband and I cruised on the Windsurf last Feb and loved it. We cruised north from Barbados. Small cruise ships are definitly our style-no children running around and no crowds. It is true there is not much night life but there is music every night and a small casino. We enjoyed just going on the deck after dinner and watching the world sail by. We found the food to be very good and lots of variety. There are 2 restaurants so be sure to try both. The cabins were very nice with kingsize beds. <BR>I think you will love Windstar, we would sail with them again anytime. Have a great trip!
Feb 4th, 2000, 07:10 AM
#6
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My wife and I just returned from the Windsurf northbound cruise last weekend. It was mostly a very positive experience. Contrary to the above poster, there were very few smokers (I don't think it was allowed in the restaurant because there were no ashtrays) and the food was exceptionally good. The only thing I would complain about would be that the wine list was somewhat pricy for above average wines. You'll pay at least $10 more per bottle than you would here in California. I anticipated this and simply brought three of our favorites from home. Corkage was $10. Some people were buying French wine in port and bringing it aboard. Accommodations were excellent. The service from all of the crew was very professional. The crew at the marina/watersports area were very friendly and helpful and the equipment was all topnotch. I'm a scuba diver and was spoiled by these people. We spent four days prior at the Regent St. James in Barbados and would highly recommend it. On a stretch of coast where everyone else is charging $400+ a night, they were in the $140 range. For a more extensive review of the Windsurf, I found this to be invaluable: http://www.stutt.com/wheel/v-wst-wsurf.htm
Feb 4th, 2000, 11:39 AM
#8
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One other thing about the restaurants. Reservations for the Bistro fill up quickly the first couple days and by the last night, we heard that it was only half full. The food is so darned good in the regular restaurant that most don't see the need to try to top it at the Bistro. We tried it one night and found it pleasant. Make sure to reserve a spot for the galley tour. Chef Alex is very interesting and will answer nearly any question.
Feb 5th, 2000, 08:45 AM
#9
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Rick, <BR> <BR>Question: Do you recall Windsurf keeping your passports for duration of cruise? The review to which you refer claims passports are handed back to passengers at beginning of cruise. Someone just mentioned that Windsurf keeps passengers' passports. We were thinking of taking ferry to Anguilla while docked in St. Martin. We need passports to enter Anguilla.
Feb 6th, 2000, 05:59 PM
#10
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Yes, they did keep our passports for the duration. However, I would think that it would not be a problem to get it back for your shore excursion. I would agree that St. Martin isn't the best place to spend the day, although at night the restaurants around the marina area are quite good and fairly priced.
