Is WindStar an all-inclusive cruise in terms of wine or cocktails and tipping? I assume not, since a line would usually put such info up front and I can't seem to find any mention of it on the website.

No, it is not. Soft drinks are extra, as is wine at the table, or by the glass at the bar. Tipping is optional, although everyone agrees it is expected, and we always do tip appropriately. Service is excellent, off shore excursions vary, some are great, and others I thought were costly for what you got. The main thing about the Windstar that people like is that it is small and can get into places other big ships can't. Also, you have a more intimate experience. Children generally are not seen (there was one on the last cruise we took, and everyone was complaining). Just not suited to kids. food is great. Ship is getting tired (needs maintenance that it isn't getting.) Some said that they are discontinuting the line, as it isn't very profitable. I don't know for sure, but we sure enjoyed it for the experience it was.

Didn't care for our Wind Star cruise. The food wasn't that great, and the price of wine was high to a tiny glass.<BR><BR>The sailing is very nice. We were on the WindSong about 6 years ago. I doubt if I would go again.

we enjoyed the cruise but i hac\ve to agree w/ sweetsue. the food, while good, did not live up to the hype. also, wines were expensive.

Judia1-<BR><BR>We did the WINDSURF in the MED 2 years ago- it was FABULOUS! <BR>The food was GREAT great GREAT! <BR>It is not all inclusive- and yes, wines were steep==but unless you are a super heavy drinker, I am not an all inclusive alcohol type person as I do not drink enough to warrent the charges for such.....<BR><BR>But we did have one drink a nite in the bar and one drink with dinner--or we all shared a bottle of wine....<BR><BR>The ports are killer- the ship gets into super neat ports that a large ship cannot access.....<BR><BR>Tipping- is said to be included, but as the other post said, we did tip as the service was GREAT!!<BR><BR>Go on it again-- YES YES YES- a thousand times YES-- if it were not for the impending war in the gulf, we would probably attempt to do Barcelona to Nice ....<BR><BR>We did do Rome to Nice and it was fabulous!!!<BR><BR>The shore excursions left a lot to be desired as the director was new to the ship and not up on anything- but we had a guide book and planned prior to the cruise---so it was not a big deal.<BR><BR>Most of the people on it are very well travelled and go for the upscale CASUAL atmosphere and the open seating dining.<BR>My hubs is a true CONVERT to this ship- it is larger than the Windstar--and actually has 2 restaurants on it plus a decent size casino for such a small ship.....Feels like you have your own yacht....<BR><BR>While it could use a dose of updating, I still would HIGHLY recommend it.. we had a BLAST!!!

Windstar cruisers, we have been seriously considering a Windstar cruise but I'm becoming increasingly concerned about the condition of the ships &amp; quality of food. Can any recent cruisers please give me an update on this. Also, how much did a bottle of wine cost?

As I said, we just finished a Windstar cruise from Barbados to Costa Rica, thru the Panama canal. Had a wonderful time, met nice people, enjoyed the food and service, and it was very relaxing. Ship is getting tatty; needs maintenance badly, but I think it is mostly cosmetic. Capt. and crew seemed very capable and took pains to keep passengers informed as to what and where, etc. Rooms were nice, atmosphere was grand, with the exception of one passenger who refused to stop smoking a cigar..and was upstreparous about it. Was a blend of young and older folks, but all were physically able. Entertainment and casino were &quot;Nyet!&quot;, but I liked the smaller feeling and easier on and off, shore excursions, etc. I don't think Windstar makes money for HA, and thus, they are considering scuttling this ship. Will go on Windsurf soon, and will report back as to what I think and notice about that ship,in particular.