Windjammer cruises...info please.
 

My husband and I are planning to take a great vacation this winter. We live in Wisconsin so we want to go somewhere with sunshine and warm weather. We were wondering if anyone has been on a Windjammer cruise. How did you like it? Is it strictly a "shorts and t-shirt" type of cruise? Thanks for your replies.

Shorts and T-shirts are the appropriate attire for the formal evenings. Bathing suit is considered casual and pulling a tee over the bathing suit is semi-formal attire. <BR>Did two weeks on the Fantome years ago. It was terrific but in retrospect, 1 week of total idle living would have been enough. The cabins were very small with a narrow lower and a narrower upper. Many people slept on mats on the deck as the A/C was not sufficient. (Would not recommend for a honeymoon). The food was fresh and plentiful, but not gourmet. The entertainment was the passengers themselves. We island-hopped, swam and drank. It was a very young, party hearty group.

Forgot to mention the the aft portion of the ship was clothing optional.

If you want to do something similar, but a little more "upscale," I recommend the Star Clippers. Like the Windjammers, these are beautiful sailing vessels, but newer -- built in 1991 & 1992. It's a more refined experience, but still quite casual. We've been twice in the Caribbean and loved it.

Check out the Windjammer BB on Delphi forums--it's a very active and informative BB for those interested in the WJ experience. The only thing I could add to the previous post is that when you take an island excursion via WJ, you truly get to experience the island--ie, you're with 50-100 people, not thousands as on a big cruise ship. You'll anchor in a beautiful cove and snorkel, bask in the sun, read, etc. in peaceful surroundings. I enjoyed the "laid back" atmosphere--no special wardrobe, no schedule! If you have specific questions, let me know. <BR>

To K Noel, re: your post. Star Clippers has 170 passengers max. There is one seating for dinner and you never have to dress up -- although shorts and T-shirts are inappropriate at dinner. You anchor off a beautiful beach and they deploy the water toys. Or you can just walk on the beach and snorkel, etc. One thing you will not find on Star Clippers is a lot of rowdy folks, who start drinking at breakfast and party hard all day long accompanied by loud music. Different strokes for different folks. So, Sharon, if you're attracted to the sailing experience (and Star Clippers actually sail a lot more hours than Windjammers, who mostly motor everywhere), and are looking for an alternative to Windjammers, you might look at Star Clippers. That's all I'm saying.

Oops--when I referenced the "previous post" I didn't mean the one about Star Clippers from Sandy! Apparently she thought I was comparing WJ to Star Clipper, and since I have never been on a Star Clipper ship, I couldn't compare the two, nor would I attempt to. I'd like to add that we were on Yankee Clipper and began our trip in Grenada, stopping at Bequia, Palm Island, and others. This itenerary was great, but there are others just as good depending on your interests. Whatever you do, have a wonderful time! <BR>

Casual is the name of the game! We have always found Windjammer vacations to be very relaxing partly because there is so little preparation before leaving (all you need is a duffle bag of gear)and you can dress comfortably the entire trip. It is great fun for all ages. <BR> <BR>As a Minnesota resident I can empathize with the need for sun and warmth. HAVE FUN! <BR> <BR>

Sharon, <BR>My wife and I took a Windjammer cruise for my 40th birthday. We were on the Flying Cloud in the British Virgin Islands. It was one of, if not the best, vacations we have ever enjoyed. The ship was beautiful, the crew was great and the BVI's were incredible. THere was a lot beach time and snorkeling. The cabins were small but functional and the food was good and plentiful. However, it was the atmosphere that made the trip special. It was a great week. <BR>

<BR>I've taken several "regular" cruises, and altho I enjoy getting all dressed and dancing all nite in the disco, WJ cruises are much more Fun. The entertainment comes from your shipmates, if you are social, you will love this. The itineries are very different, since these ships are much smaller, they can go to islands which are not attainable for the large ships. These ships are very "old" so if new, glitzy is more your thing, you may not be impressed. But if wood, sailing ships are your thing, you'll love them. I can rave about WJ all day, if you'ld like more info, email me direct.