The Avid Cruiser

A motor sailing yacht, Wind Surf’s sails aren’t just for show. “There’s more power in the sails than there is in the engines,” says Captain Tim Roberts. Occasionally, Captain Roberts will cut the engines and proceed under sail. But there has to be a good wind. Wind Surf can make 9 knots in good wind, and in the Caribbean the Leeward islands are famous for tradewinds, so there’s a good chance to go under sail power only. Click here to view video.

Wind Surf sails alternating seven-day northbound and southbound itineraries roundtrip from Bridgetown, Barbados. Combined, they offer an ideal opportunity to sail for 14-days visiting islands in the windward and leeward chain. The northbound itinerary visits Nevis; St. Martin; St. Barthélemy; Basse-Terre and Les Saintes, Guadeloupe; and St. Lucia. The southbound itinerary visits Bequia, Dominica, St. Lucia, The Grenadines, Grenada and Tobago. Both itineraries offer a mix of attractions - white sand beaches for sunning and swimming, tropical forests for nature hikes, quaint towns for a peek at how the locals live, and parks and historic sites to explore. On 14-day cruises, part of Windstar’s Connoisseurs’ Collection, guests receive up to 10% off the total cost of the cruise depending on date and itinerary. Click here to view video.

Wind Surf set sail in the Caribbean this winter on 41 voyages featuring six different itineraries roundtrip from St. Thomas and Barbados. Sailing through March, Wind Surf combines out-of-the-way and quaint Caribbean ports with an intimate experience akin to sailing on one’s personal mega-yacht. The company put a lot of thought into creating one week Caribbean cruises capable of being combined for a two-week vacation. The two week voyage on the Wind Surf visits popular ports such as St. Barts and St. Martin, and also gives passengers a glimpse of a quieter side of the Caribbean with less visited islands such as The Grenadines and Tobago. (Click here to view video).

With a capacity for only 312 guests, Wind Surf’s embarkation procedure was a breeze. Thirty minutes after boarding, I was in stateroom 117B. More on that in just a moment. Click here to view video.

I was traveling with a group of journalists, and we stopped off to take a look at the two new Bridge Deck Suites before the suites’ occupants arrived on board. First off, the suites are huge. With a living and dining area, separate bedroom with walk-in closet and a marble bathroom with whirlpool tub, separate shower and two sinks, these luxurious suites measure approximately 500-square foot each.

Our host was surprised when I told him that I had played Ping Pong in one of the suites two years ago. Of course, back then the areas were an internet center and a conference room (which had a Ping Pong table when not being used for conferences). The suites certainly make better use of the space.

There’s no Ping Pong table, but the suites do feature two 42-inch LG Electronics flat-screen TVS, a Bose Sound system with remote control, a WiFi-enabled laptop and more. Suite guests get extras heaped upon them: unpacking service, dinner with the Captain, laundry and pressing, evening appetizers, high tea service, complimentary bottled water, chilled champagne upon arrival and additional L’Occitane bath amenities.

Leaving the suite, I expected my standard stateroom could be a letdown. What a surprise. No, my room did not measure 500 square feet, but it was spacious and well-appointed. High quality white-on-white linens adorned the queen-sized bed (my stateroom also featured a retractable bunk bed). Lots of storage space in the many drawers, two large closets and two safes.

Before unpacking, I slipped my iPod into the Bose Sound System and launched a Barry White playlist. ‘Love’s Theme’ was the first song on the list. What a pity to be here in such a romantic setting alone. Apple iPod Nanos pre-loaded with music are available for complimentary check-out.

I then plugged in my laptop (this is a working trip after all) and found wireless internet. How convenient to be able to check e-mail from my stateroom (laptops are available for a rental fee; internet stations are also available in The Yacht Club).

I noted quite a few changes since my cruise on Wind Surf two years ago. The stateroom desk had been resurfaced with granite; full length mirrors were added, and in addition to the Bose SoundDock was a flat-panel TV and DVD player.

The bathrooms also had been remodeled with new fixtures, new cabinets, granite countertops, porcelain sinks and a magnifying mirror. There was plenty of storage space. Well, as mentioned, the stateroom was occupied only by me — and Barry White. Even so, I think two-to-a-stateroom would find sufficient room to relax and enjoy.