r&rd

Apparently the Winter in the Mediterranean cruises sold so well they are sending the Pride back to the Mediterranean for the 2024-2025 winter season instead of the Caribbean.

You're good. Cruises in Canada are still on - we shifted our Boston to San Juan cruise to the October 7 Montreal to Boston cruise.

When I called to change my booking this morning I asked the agent where the ship was going. He said, “not a clue”. The ship will be heading to South America so my guess is they are just changing how the ship gets there.

I just got off a back to back cruise on Wind Star. I had a lot of Windstar OBC - all given by Windstar for various perks and loyalty benefits. It was definitely applied to the gratuities - although that has never happened before on any other sailing I have done.

We are on the Wind Star. The new furniture on deck, in the lounge and in the veranda after the dry dock is lovely but it takes up a bit more space so gives the impression of a more crowded ship. Also, when there are large family groups (we had four groups of 10-14 people) it can feel more crowded.

We have never done a Christmas sailing but do new Years almost every year. The one difference is that there are sometimes more kids on board than is usual for a Windstar sailing. This past New Years there were 17 children on board. A lot of energy but not necessarily the quiet atmosphere that is usually Windstar.

If it is outside the120 days they will almost always adjust the price. If you are between the 120 and 90 day period we have had them give onboard credit or adjust the price. One cruise we had almost $2000 of non refundable OBC. We hit a storm, were not able to reach any of the ports and did not want a massage while the ship was rocking. We essentially ended up buying a lot of stuff in the gift shop and drinks for most of the passengers.

Yes, they are two different places about a 10 minute drive apart, they dock at one and tender to the other. Port Fuerte amador is the tender dock. Fuerte amador Cruise terminal is where they actually dock the ship. Port Balboa is not a cruise port - it is a dry dock terminal. I agree with Jazzbeau - the tour company will know.

Look at your itinerary. If it says docked tell them the terminal. If it says anchored it’s the dock - tell them you will be arriving by tender. While the construction was going on at the new terminal the meeting place for all transportation was at the small shopping center a short walk from the tenders. But all the taxis and shore excursions knew where to go. Fuerte Amador is not a large place.

It’s the same place - Fuerte Amador is a short drive to Balboa. Fuerte Amador has a new cruise terminal that isn’t quite finished so sometimes the ships dock at the terminal and sometimes the ship anchors and tenders to a small dock. I think embarkation/debarkation are done at the terminal and when the ship is just making a stop before or after transiting the canal it anchors.

We are on that cruise and have done the New Year's cruise 8 other times . They have a New Year's party with all the crew and guests. The oldest crew member rings out the old year and the youngest crew member rings in the new. It's not real glitzy but some people do dress up more. Since we will either be docked at Fuerte Amador or at anchor, we will see all the fireworks from Panama City.

Sodas and specialty coffee are included (except those with alcohol) all the time. Specialty dining is included. The all inclusive package is more about convenience if you don’t drink a lot. Sounds like you might be on the border as to whether you save or not. Windstar sends you a document for boarding but I have never been asked for it. Luggage tags are put on at the pier and yes, you put your bags out in the morning and they are whisked off the ship. you will love Windstar. Communication may not be their strength but service certainly is worth the price.

Yes, pre cruise packages include porterage, breakfast and transfers to the ship

I have also used the chat feature to ask for what cabins are available in a certain category

All the balcony doors are the same - whether newer suites or old. The pictures online of the “older” balcony suites are “old” pictures that do not show the newer doors, I don’t have a photo but if you look at pictures of the stretched yachts you can see that all balcony doors are the same style.

We were on the Breeze last year in an "old balcony" but it had the "new" balcony doors.

We prefer the older suites as we would rather have the beds close to the bathroom but some prefer the new layout which puts the beds by the window. If you like to sit and look out the window the balcony suites have limited window space as the dividers for the balcony break up the view. But if you like the fresh air and having the balcony open the balcony is nice.

You’re right - it was the following cruise that they were held outdoors (they were scheduled to be outdoors but weather forced them indoors). We have been on near capacity cruises before and it was more crowded because staffing was down and service was slower. When the main dining room is not open for breakfast or lunch the veranda is much busier especially when it is too cold to eat outside.

Our Iceland trip in September was at capacity. They did open the main dining room for breakfast and lunch so that helped with meals. It was a bit crowded in the indoor spaces. If you are sailing in warmer climates I don’t think it is as much a problem since there are outdoor venues to replace crowded indoor events. The Captains welcome and farewell were both held out on open decks. I anticipated it being far worse than it actually was.

The last two Windstar cruises we had cancelled (after the 10 Covid cruises that were cancelled) were both cancelled within days of sailing with offers of “refunding all monies paid to Windstar.” No FCC, no OBC, no offer to reimburse non refundable expenses. Very different from the way cancellations were managed in the past.

The main difference is that the new cabins have beds by the window and the old cabins have beds by the bathroom. Depends on your preference.

I was also on the Greenland cruise and the northern lights were spectacular!

Windstar website states that benefits apply after you have completed the entire Star collector cruise.

Perks start after your first cruise. But you will love Windstar!

I did sleep on the couch when my husband had Covid. Not a sofa bed and not the most comfortable but it worked for me. When I have wanted to travel with a friend I was told there was no way to have two separate beds in the owners suite.