Chipshot from Michigan

We've sailed with Windstar twice (both times before 2000) and have not received a letter (this time of year almost everything looks like junk mail).  We had no difficulty obtaining a loyalty discount for an upcoming cruise.

A few follow-ups:

• Are cabs plentiful at Road Bay, or does one need to be arranged in advance?
• Do most drivers arrange a pick-up time for the return to the port?
• Do Straw Hat and other restaurants usually have lobster and Crayfish available, or is it worth expressing interest in them a few days prior to arrival?

That's what we expected.  This will be our second time on the Wind Surf (the first was in 1998).  She's on her way to the Caribbean from Europe, so apparently her renovations are complete.

https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/shipid:369798/zoom:10

Thanks, Strenz.  We have excursions/plans every day but never all day.  The kids are accomplished at carving out study time.  Most of our cruising has been expedition/adventure, with limited post-dinner activity, so they may be inclined to use evenings.  Hopefully they'll still have energy.

Our two children will need to spend some time studying during our cruise.  Other than our cabins, what quiet space options exist on the Wind Surf?  Some ships have libraries and other spaces where passengers are usually less vocal.  I don't see anything like that on the deck plan.  Outdoors appears to be an option, depending on conditions and materials being studied.  Thanks in advance for your assistance.

https://windstarcruises-media.s3.amazonaws.com/media/yachts/deck_plans/Wind_Surf_Renovation_deck_plan.7.18.19.pdf

Please share your decision when you make it.

We went with the Orion but could still switch.

Hope you get a terrific cabin mate.

Here's a review I wrote a few years ago.  I actually prefer Intercontinental's older Moana resort over the Thalasso.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g311415-d596139-r149968719-InterContinental_Bora_Bora_Resort_Thalasso_Spa-Bora_Bora_Society_Islands.html

Another thought if you're game for a pre- or post-cruise extension; skip Bora Bora.  You've already seen it during your cruise, so venture further afield to a less-visited island.  There are many choices.  Maybe start by investigating Vahine, Tikehau, Fakarava, and Manihi.  My two cents.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/six-slices-of-paradise-in-the-tuamotus

If time and funds permit, I suggest a pre- or post-cruise extension to Bora Bora.  See the main island during the Spirit's call there, and then ensconce yourself on a motu during your separate visit.

Are cabins available on all of them?

W* must have heard me.  Looking forward to seeing some pictures of the Surf's interior.

https://www.facebook.com/62437291716/posts/10156805795556717?d=n&sfns=mo

Any word on whether the refit is proceeding as scheduled, with no surprise delays a la the Wind Star?

20 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

I didn't mean shakedown cruise in the sense of sea trials.  They wouldn't take any passengers on this cruise – why?  I was wondering if they weren't sure it would be able to make it.

Another reason would be sailing across the Atlantic at all possible haste without regard to passenger comfort.

Hope the Wind Surf refurb goes smoothly.

2 hours ago, dandee2 said:

They have the Aranui 5 now and are working an a new one.
https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/21461-deal-signed-for-new-aranui-6-as-details-emerge.html

Thanks for the update.  An interesting departure from historic.  I wonder whether there will be sufficient passenger volume to support a luxury vessel on a similar itinerary.

9 hours ago, put me on a ship said:

We're doing a B2B, so some islands are repeats:

So no land time?  On our honeymoon we stayed on Moorea before the cruise and Bora Bora after it.

I don't know whether we'd cruise if we went again, thought the Aranui 3 looks interesting.  Our last visit was land-only (Moorea and Bora Bora again) and very pleasant.  I'd like to try the Tuamotus and and spend some time exploring Tahiti beyond Papeete.

3 hours ago, put me on a ship said:

We're flying in a couple days early. We'll be there a total of 3 weeks. 😃

So you've enjoyed plenty of non-W* research.  🤓  May I ask which Islands?

5 hours ago, ridethetide said:

We have taken the WS bus to Colon three times.  The ride was moderated and interesting, but it did not stop at the museum.

I enjoyed the observation deck's perspective.

1 hour ago, milepig said:

It’s the itin that ship was build for. Fantastic. 

The Wind Song pioneered it.

1 hour ago, Strenz said:

The Tahiti trip that WS has is beyond incredible and beautiful. If I went to the  islands and stayed in a hotel I would have felt I missed out and i would have. Sailing In the lagoon was so exceptional. You have every right to be excited. Happy Sailing

I recommend doing both.  Best of all worlds.  Stay a while after flying all that way.

Does Windstar's bus stop at the locks/museum?  Learning about the canal and seeing ships going through a lock as a prelude to experiencing it onboard would be a nice touch.

If time and budget allows, spend a couple of nights all-the-way into the park.  We stayed at the Kantishna Lodge and were treated to, among other things, stunning sunrise views of the mountains (not just Denali).  The bus rides were a highlight; where else can you get stuck in a traffic jam behind a pack of wolves?

7 hours ago, Misty Morning said:

Beach BBQ will be in Virgin Gorda

W*'s fave Caribbean place for BBBQs?

3 hours ago, O2B@Cagain said:

Spanky My: I just read our travel documents for Panama-Costa Rica. There is a picture of the Zodiac filled with people. There is a warning that you will get wet and to protect cameras, etc.They also have pictures of water shoes and basically say you must have them due to the nature of the possible landing site.

A dry bag is a small investment that has uses beyond wet landings.

There were benches wherever we went to put on socks and shoes, and the cruise line provided towels.  All part of the adventure.

Nice Monkey shot, RemPuck.  Where was it taken?  This one is from Golfito.

Coming attraction.  The canal is very cool.  We enjoyed the stops on Costa Rica's and Panama's west coast.