blackfoot

Blackfoot,

The Windsurf was launched in 1989 so she is not 38 but rather a youngish 29 and still looks great. In putting the bar at 5.5 stars however, you may be setting your expectations a bit high as nothing is always perfect. Windstar is not luxury cruising like Regent, Silverseas, Seabourn or Crystal. First it is certainly cheaper than all these lines (I would say a 4.0 price point), second the cruises tend to be more casual with no jackets required (a big plus) and third, the Surf, while being the largest ship of the fleet is still smaller than any ship on all of the above lines. The ship is old and it does show in some spots, but it is in good shape and the service and food are excellent. It makes for a very relaxed mood onboard which is what we like. No stuffiness whatsoever. Hope you enjoy your cruise

Thanks for your reply! I understand -I have made 2 cruises on Windsurf, so I have a sense of the culture.The cruise industry rates Windstar/Windsurf 5.5 and lines you noted are all rated 6.0.

Again the only thing I have to go on whether to cruise Windsurf again are the reports from recent cruises- there are many noting the ships tired condition not to be confused with clean.

We were on the Surf in January and last May. We did not think she was tired. But we do not need chandlers, gold trim etc. The dining rooms are lovely, the Yacht Club remains terrific, we love the Compas Rose, we love the lounge we think it is a lot nicer than the motor yachts. But what we love is the open deck space eating lunch outside on the Veranda and we love Candles,. The ship is kept immaculatly clean and the service is, without doubt the best, and always has been. We love the fact that she is old, remains dignified and has lovely lines. I do not know if this is a 5.5 for you. Of our 22 cruises, 170 days, on WS all but 7 days have been on the sailing ships. We feel fortunate that we have had so much joy on these ships. I guess it is all subjective. If you decide to come back Happy Sailing.

I remember you from 10 years ago and posted a similar response! Windsurf seems ageless compared to most ships since they are usually decommissioned after 35 years!

Have tried for several days to book a cruise and the site locks up and you have to wait forever! What's the secret handshake?This can't be good for business!

I have sailed on Windsurf a couple of times about 10 years ago and enjoyed it. BUT, I am wondering if she is getting too old to provide a 5.5 star experience at a 5.5 price point. I am concerned about booking on a 38 year old ship and getting burned! Opinions are appreciated on your recent experiences.

Just returned from the "Fall Colors" cruise a couple of weeks a go( 6th cruise w/ P). The beef in my opinion tasted like range beef and would not be surprised that it graded at less than" Choice " grade that most of us purchase in our local marts. This was everyday. My wife ate fish most days and was pleased w/ just about every meal.

The breakfast buffets were substandard in my opinion. So much so that I asked to see the Food manager,he brought the Chef/Cook who had responsibility for breakfast. I walked them around and pointed out about 4 hot items that were stone cold, cold soup, greasy corned beef out of a can and several more items that escape my mind. I asked what they thought of the food I pointed out and asked them if they would eat it-no comment!

Seems to me that there was a lot of throw the food out there and they will eat it. Truth said , most did!

We as paying customers should raise hell when we see substandard food - it's an insult.

Sounds like the Queen Mary would be a better choice for you!

Because suits are stupid and that was the reason I moved my business to Oceania and Azamara.Why am I going to have cruise line tell me that I need to dress for formal night when I am a paying customer- it should be formal optional!Oceania is booked solid-guess that should an indicator of what customers want!