r&rd

I’ve used those for getting back into the US - but Windstar is currently requiring a PCR test. The Binax tests are antigen not PCR

My husband’s postcard came on his birthday, too. Coincidence?

Worksite labs at SFO (long term parking) will do free 24 hour results with insurance or 12 hour results for a fee - $150). Www.worksitelabs.com

I don't know if there are any "tricks" - we've been 333 days on all the Windstar ships and find the best way to enjoy the ship is simply to let yourself be surprised. Get to know the crew and let them know what you like and what you don't. Talk to fellow passengers - share tables when you feel social and have a table for two when you don't. Go to "events" you might have avoided on the larger ships: vegetable carving, trivia, liar's club, towel folding. On the larger ships check out the main dining room menu early in the day to see if you want to eat there or at an alternate restaurant (make candles reservations your first day - we like late departure or overnight days for smoother meals) You can always see if there is a cancellation somewhere else if the menu isn't to your liking. Don't miss the yacht club for great coffee or a sandwich before going ashore.  Don't miss the on deck barbecue. Go to one of the lounges before the port talks for hot and cold hors dourves.  Relax, enjoy and just have a good time!

Called to make a payment and ask some questions. They were able to see the number of cabins still available.

The tenders drop you off below the town of Sorrento (there is a shuttle that will take you to the top). I think they leave a little wiggle room for traffic and windy roads. You can also, take the shuttle up the hill, walk through the small town and take the train to Pompeii. Faster and cheaper but more logistics and walking involved.

Don’t know about recent sailings but we have two sailings booked on the Breeze in April and May and as of yesterday both were only about 45% full. We were on the Wind Star in January with only 60 passengers. There is a fine line between having more space and better service and having so few people that services are cut back.

We were on the Wind Star last month when all the crew got off in Panama to get their boosters.

We’ve been on 40+ Windstar cruises and only not had a deck barbecue once. We were told it can sometimes depend on weather or itinerary but the norm is to have a deck barbecue.

It’s been a while since we were there but the town is up a hill from the tenders. It is very walkable but in the past there has been a little shuttle taking people up and down. We ate at a lovely little cafe (on the right a little past the main gate) that had a view of the water and the ship anchored in the distance. Don’t know how covid has affected shops and cafes. It is a small, quaint village but one of my favorite Windstar ports.

Testing is somewhat determined by the countries you are visiting. We were on the Wind Star at New Year’s and were tested at the pier and on day three we were “invited to a mandatory covid test”. Both were antigen but they are supposedly moving to PCR tests.

Foo foo drinks are included!

Yes, not a problem.

My understanding is that gratuities are added to separate drink packages but not the all inclusive package

My understanding is that the lifeboats no longer block the view.

Here is a link to a YouTube video that shows the view from the balcony. The video is old and the room has been updated but it is the same view.  

Our February cruise on the Legend in Costa Rica was cancelled last week and taken off the website. We had booked this cruise after a January Costa Rica cruise had been cancelled. We were also supposed to be on the transpacific cruise to Tahiti which was cancelled. Not to mention the 8 other cruises that were cancelled due to COVID in one way or another. Hard to trust that any cruise we book now will actually sail.

United airlines from Papeete to SFO will accept any molecular or antigen test. Their  timing and testing requirements are different from Air Tahiti Nui flights.  Check your flight for specific testing requirements

Don’t know about getting on but was told yesterday I can’t disembark in a different port due to regulations. I wanted to get off a day early in order to get a flight home. It may depend on the country.. 

No time - you can order now. 

If you are flying home within the three days of disembarking the test on board should work fine. If you need to get tested beyond that be aware that Air Tahiti Nui specifically excludes the Abbott kits you bring with you. They do, however, work for United.

A few questions on recent sailings:

Are you allowed to eat with others or are you restricted to your traveling companions?

With so few passengers are they doing any upgrades?

Are there activities like Trivia or Liars Club?

I second that!

Yes, they sometimes do that - usually a few weeks out. I’ve also shown up at the pier and found I had an upgraded cabin.

You can order a pcr test ($89) or antigen test ($49) before your cruise by using the Windstar Gift Order Form