Sail Ship Cruises

For those who love the open seas but are looking for an alternative
to the typical cruise or resort vacation, sail ship cruising may be the answer.

Sail ship cruising allow passengers to feel the salt spray off the bow of the ship, to meander through tiny islands in the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica, Tahiti, and Europe and visit small, quaint ports that larger ships cannot access. These luxurious vessels, complete with billowing, white sails, carry passengers into a bygone era of exploration and romance on the high seas.

Windstar Cruises
Providing the best in sail ship cruising is Windstar Cruises. Windstar gives passengers a laid-back, elegant atmosphere that is perfect for the active, affluent traveler. Their ships are packed with adventure-seekers and sun-worshippers who are looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience in some of the most exotic and exciting places on earth.

Windstar Cruises emerged on the world scene in 1986 with the Wind Star and a vision of offering an alternative to the typical cruise vacation. Since then, the line has acquired two additional ships, Wind Spirit and Wind Surf, and keeps the number of passengers on each ship to between 148 and 308. There are no inside cabins on these ships. Each stateroom is wrapped in teak decking and a rich wood, interior that provides passengers with a casually-elegant atmosphere.

Casual elegance encompasses everything from activities and attire to itineraries and dining. It is an unregimented, unstructured schedule that gives passengers the freedom to choose what to do and
when to do it.

Dining: Evening dining begins at 7:30pm and it is your choice where to eat, when to eat, and with whom.

Dress: A major part of the casually-elegant atmosphere involves the dress code. Windstar encourages its passengers to dress in an "imaginative, yet relaxed and stylish, comfortable" way. There are no formal nights, costume parties, or suits and ties. The only restriction is that no shorts, jeans, or t-shirts may be worn in the restaurants or public rooms during the evening.

Activities: Organized activities on Windstar ships are at a minimum. There is a piano bar, casino, lounge, spa, gym, pool, boutique, and a library with videocassettes, CDs, and books. There are complimentary water-sports activities in each port that are administered from the water-sports platform at the ship's aft. These activities include water-skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking, and banana boat rides. While in port, passengers are welcome to purchase pre-arranged shore excursions or to wander around and enjoy the city sites at leisure.

Special Features
Oceanview Cabins: All staterooms in all vessels are identical (with the exception of the owner's suite). They are all outside staterooms and larger than those on mainstream cruise ships. Cabins are equipped with twin portholes, sitting area, wood cabinetwork, a foldout vanity, safe, mini bar, TV, VCR, CD player, hair dryer, and plush, terrycloth robes.

Open Bridge: Passengers are welcome to visit the bridge at almost any time to see how everything works and meet the captain. And, if you ask nicely, the captain may even give you a few minutes at the helm.

Tipping Not Required Policy: Windstar Cruises does not allow staff to solicit tips from passengers and does not have set standards of tipping. Staff members are, however, allowed to accept gratuities when they are voluntarily offered for exceptional and outstanding service.

Details
Windstar Cruises sails year-round to the Caribbean and Tahiti. In the winter, it sails to Mexico and Costa Rica. In the spring and fall, it sails the Mediterranean as well as some trans-canal and transatlantic voyages. CLICK HERE to start planning your Windstar vacation.