|
 It’s
hard to believe that in 1986 the Wind Star first entered service offering a very
exclusive and unique sailing cruise. By 1988 Windstar’s fleet consisted of
3 similar 148 passenger sailing ships and quickly became the darling of the
incentive cruising market with their unique ships and their very special
itineraries and the industry’s first Tahiti itinerary. But as times and
owners changed Windstar seemed to be stuck in a time warp.
I am happy to report times have changed for the
better at Windstar and this review is about the rebirth of a fabled brand. For
Worldwide it started in early spring, with a meeting in our offices with some
key members of senior management explaining in detail what to expect from
Windstar in the near future. The new management team has brought fresh ideas
and fresh wind to the Windstar sails. New owners have brought new money and a
renewed commitment to the success and longevity to the brand and its ships.
Amy Conover, new Director of Charter & Incentive
Sales, invited Diana and myself along with Bill Lind and his wife, owner of
Incentive Travel Consultants who has booked 15 Windstar cruises to date with
Worldwide, to experience firsthand the completely refurbished Wind Star sailing
from Istanbul to Athens. This by the way is the first of the entire
3 ship fleet to be totally redone, with the final ship to be completed this
fall.
Let’s start with what you see first, the
exterior of the ship. The ship’s hull was sandblasted down to bear metal and
entirely repainted a glossy white with a signature blue stripe. Much better and
fresher than the old flat white paint job, some that was 26 years old.
 Next you
can see the tips of new white sails, boy that had to cost some big bucks if you
have ever been around a sailing yacht. When you enter the reception area you
notice that the real teak decks have been renewed throughout the yacht. Going
from the entirely redone reception area, you’ll see the new modern wood flooring
leading to The Lounge, and a very civilized check-in with champagne of course.
The lounge has been totally redone with new
flooring, wall coverings and furniture making this important lounge area feel so
much more comfortable and brighter. I won’t go into all the details of colors
and décor as the attached first hand photos do a much job of showing you the
entire ship. The Lounge is a popular meeting spot before and after dinner and
it also available for meetings and private events
 during the day. New ceilings
and enhanced lighting make this room even more appealing at night. This room
can seat the entire ship for meetings and presentations if chartered.
More than likely your next stop will be, with
you and a cabin steward, going to your cabin. You will notice new art with art
gallery style lighting and new carpet in stairways and hall ways. Keep in mind
that the Wind Star and Wind Spirit do not have elevators but the Wind Surf
does. You will have a very pleasant surprise when your cabin door is open by
the cabin steward.
The cabins have been totally redone and have a
nice bright and airy feel to them. At 188 sq ft/18 sq meters these are the most
functional cabins you can imagine. Remember these
 are sailing yachts and you
can see that a yacht designer was behind the original design of these cabins as
every bit of space has been functionally used with much more storage space than
found in a normal cruise line stateroom. The existing woodwork has been
totally renewed or replaced, new wall coverings, new carpeting, new bedding that
is fantastic as are the bed linens, new marble counter tops in the bathroom and
new flooring as well make for an entirely new comfortable cabin. Check out the
extensive room service menu in the guest service booklet. But of course you’ll
have fresh flowers, fresh fruit and a stocked mini bar (at additional charge)
awaiting you as well. The Wind Star and Wind Spirit both only have one 220 sq
ft/21 sq meter owners suite all other cabins are exactly alike.
 Your next stop most likely will be up to Deck
Four which has the swimming pool, Jacuzzi and pool bar. The teak decking has
all been renewed, all new pool furniture with lounge pads, and a newly
redecorated pool bar area which is very popular in the evening as well. Frankly
this area is much better than the original pool bar area, with wood plantation
shutters and coach light fixtures.
At night this area becomes Candles Grill for al
fresco dining. The area is large enough to hold the entire ship for their
signature Dinner Under The Star BBQ so it has more than enough lounging space
for those days at sea. Great place obviously for those sail away parties and
late night discoing under the stars. This area is one of the
 few smoking areas
(aft corner of the deck) on the ship, no smoking inside the ship or cabins.
Going forward from the bar you will come to The
Veranda Restaurant which has both indoor and outdoor seating. Used primarily
for breakfast and lunch with both buffet and ala carte service options this room
and area also has brand new furniture, flooring and a new and improved ceiling.
This area is also available for private cocktail receptions when you have a
group on the ship.
Located forward of the reception area is the
Amphora Restaurant, which is the main single seating dining room holding the
entire capacity of the ship. This room had the most dramatic and pleasing
redesign in my opinion and is quite elegant. New chairs, carpeting, lighting,
place settings, china and silver make this room one of the
 most elegant dining
rooms at sea.
Other features of the ship include a Library
with books and DVDs and two computer stations, a spa area, Casino with blackjack
and slot machines, gift shop and gym. The ship does have a Watersports platform
that can be used when the ship is on anchor in some locations - use of the
equipment is free. One day during the cruise you will have the opportunity to
have your picture taken on the bow of the ship, think of a Titanic picture.
So what makes cruising on Windstar 180 Degrees
from Ordinary? It can rightfully be said that the ships are truly unique and
now better than new.
 But in my opinion it is the staff and the food. The crew
is truly fantastic and very friendly, many crew members have been with the
company for over a decade and up to twenty years. That says a lot about the
service to expect!
The dining experience is a high light of any
Windstar cruise. With al fresco options for breakfast, lunch and dinner there
simply is not better way to experience your yacht for a week. Whether it be the
Veranda, the main dining room or Candles - meal times are a real treat. Service
and presentation could not be better and the menus are sure to delight any
client. Of course the Dining Under the Stars BBQ dinner is a real high light of
every cruise even if you don’t like grilled lobster tails.
So what did our client who has done 15 Windstar
cruises with his group say? Absolutely better than ever! |
