We are considering a cruise on Windsurf from Barbados in February of 2000. There will be approximately 6 couples in the 40-50 age group. Would like to know of other's experiences good and bad.

Wonderful, wonderful and more wonderful. Have a great time, and you will.

Kitty, <BR> <BR>Our travel agt. is holding space on Windsurf from Barbados. Which category did you find best: A or B... <BR>We have cruised on larger ships and are not fans of shows and lots of glitz. Have you been on both larger cruise ships and Windsurf? <BR>Appreciate any comparison.

Elaine, Wind Surf has two types of accommodations - suites and state rooms. We did a trans Atlantic,14 days, on Wind Spirit in Nov 98 (loved it so much we're doing the same trip this Nov but this time on Wind Surf) and the staterooms are exactly the same as those on Wind Surf. We found the room very comfortable and did not feel cramped. Personally, I would not spend the $ for a suite, you will spend so little time in it. We had 112 passengers and 92 crew on our trip! We loved every minute of it. My husband hates big cruise ships and really enjoys the Wind Star line.

Betty Ann, <BR> <BR>Thanks for your post. Wind Surf is apprently a bit larger than the other Windstar ships. The passenger capacity is approx. 325. My cabin question is not related to suites. There is deck 'A' and deck 'B'...all cabins are identical. Currently, we are booked on 'B' deck [mid ship] but 'A' deck is available. The cost is $100 p/p more for 'A' deck. My question really is which deck [if any] is better. We are really looking forward to this cruise!

Elaine, Some people like being on the lowest deck (B) because they feel it is a little more stable. Could be good if you are prone to motion sickness. Being this close to the waterline, you will see the waves moving past your cabin window though. Have visited in cabins on B deck and didn't like the feel of the water so close, but I could get used to it for $200. Spend the money on wine. Enjoy!

Betty Ann, <BR> <BR>Have booked cabin on deck three [there are 9 cabins...the rest are suites]. I did not want to spend the extra money, but we are not prone to motion sickness and my husband really hated having a cabin on deck one [do not want to feel like we are in a washing maching!]. <BR>Hope you post a trip report or just an opinion on this board,as you cruise in November and our sailing is early March. <BR>Bon Voyage!

We had a perfectly terrible experience on the Windstar on a repositioning cruise from Tel Aviv,Israel to Lisbon. Company in Seattle changed itineries without bothering to tell the captain of the ship (so it seems, although we were never able to get a straight explanation) so altho we arranged weeks ahead of time to embark on the first port (Paphos) there was no one there from the windstar, or any news of the ship after a harrowing journey. We received no explanation and no apology (for us and other folks). There was no answer at the ship to shore number provided and it was only by accident that we found the ship, just before they left without us. After a frantic taxi ride the length of Cyprus, we saw the sails above the horizon at another town... Seems they are poorly run and indiferent to customer complains.

P.S. We did write a letter of complaint when we returned to Seattle, but they never acknowledged it or replied. Also, there was simply nothing to do, no planned activities, and many days at sea left people restless. "Also, they tolerate a great deal of smoking...they part off the dining room and the lounge, but since many, many of the folks smoked, it was hard to ever escape the constant smoke.

to julie: <BR>We have sailed same ship and really enjoyed it. What did you expect of a TRANSATLANTIC repositioning cruise with approx. 150 capacity? Did you read the brochure? Did you think there would be stops in mid-Atlantic? LasVegas shows on a small sailing ship? Use your head, people, when you are planning a trip of any kind. I feel their brochure is quite obvious as to what passengers can expect and who their market is. <BR>

I don't think you need to be rude to the previous poster. Her complaints, if you really read it, were not about being bored.......Let's try and be nice.

My husband & I sailed on the Windsurf in Feb this year. It was our first cruise and we loved it. We were on deck 3(327 I think) in a stateroom and had plenty of room. Not the first sign of seasickness the whole week. The ship is beautiful and everyone was very friendly. There were a lot of repeat customers and they said we were now spoiled for other cruise lines. I think they are right. We loved the small ship and did not miss "planned activities" at all. You will have a wonderful relaxing trip. If you need more info, please email.

Kathy, <BR>I truly appreciate your post. You mention cabin 327...is that a suite? We have booked on deck three and was pleased to read you enjoyed your cruise. Am still wondering about those 40 stairs or steps to debark/embark the ship. Did you find this bothersome?

Elaine <BR>No,we were not in a suite. I looked up my info and the room # is 333 not 327. We did see the suite-which is two rooms put together and frankly I wouldn't spend the extra money. We did not spend that much time there. I did't mention the food on my last post, we thought it was very good. The buffets at lunch were great as were the breakfasts. We prefered the Bistro for dinner. It is the smaller restaurant and you do have to make reservations. <BR> The steps to get off the ship didn't really bother us, although you are a little winded when you get to the top. A good reason to go directly to the bar by the pool and get a cool drink. <BR> If you go to Iles des Saintes and feel like a good walk you should take the hike to Fort Napolean. It's a long walk, but the view from the top is beautiful. <BR> My husband & I are also 50ish, so I know you and your friends will love this trip. Very laid back and relaxing. Enjoy

Kathy, <BR> <BR>Thanks for speedy reply. We are booked in cabin 332. Did you hear any noise from above, as it appears Windsurf Lounge is located above the cabin? My husband and I are not cruising w/friends and are also '50ish'. Was the Fort Napolean hike something you 'happened upon' or did the staff on ship recommend? This sounds very interesting. <BR>Re: Bistro..have been told that we could only dine there twice during our cruise and that menu changes every other evening. Is this accurate information? <BR>Also, we are flying to Barbados one day prior. Did you do precruise? <BR>We sail early March and I thank you for answering my questions.

Elaine, <BR> Talking about our cruise makes me want to go book another. My husband decided we'd take and island vacation this year(Virgin Gorda) but I'll definitely cruise again on Windstar. Now to your questions. <BR> I was alittle worried about noise before the cruise, but we heard nothing. Not voices from other rooms or noise from above. Very quiet! <BR> About Fort Napolean-you will receive a book from Windstar about a month before you leave with all excursions in the ports. Also every day on the ship you get a listing of things to see on each island. <BR> We never heard there were restrictions on how many times you could eat at the Bistro. The menus do change every other day, so we would decide where to go from the menu. I don't think they kept records, it is very informal. <BR> I think you are very smart to go down a day early. We did not and almost missed the sailing because of the pilot strike on American. When I cruise again I will definitely do the same. <BR> Have a great trip!

Kathy - I posted original message. Unfortunately our group decided against the Windsurf because they thought we might want more activity. We are booked on the Mercury for 2-27-00. I am interested in sailing on the Windsurf at some future date. Please let me know about smokers vs non-smokers on this ship. Somewhere I read that it was difficult to get away from the smokers on this ship.

Paige, <BR> I don't recall smoking being a big problem. There are areas of restaurants that are designated smoking, as there are everywhere. You could smoke on deck, but you could not throw anything overboard-ashes or butts. We did not attend alot of nighttime entertainment,preferring to be on deck after dinner, so I can't say about that. Have a great cruise!

Kathy, <BR>Thanks for answering my questions. Am relieved 'no cabin noise' and also appreciate Bistro dining info. <BR>Am eager to read about excursions, as we are considering 'America's Cup'. <BR>Appreciate your kindnes and have a wonderful vacation on Virgin Gorda. <BR> <BR>Note to Paige: <BR>Think Kathy could answer your smoking question better than I. <BR>However, I posted this question on another board and had many replies that cigarette/cigar smoke was not a problem on Windsurf. Dining room supposedly 'smoke free'. As a former smoker am hoping this is correct.