Windspirit St Thomas-BVI or Windsurf Barbados-Northbound?

[B_and_B]

We are looking at a first time cruise in late February or early March, and would like to hear your feedback. We are a couple in our late 50's who enjoy snorkeling, good food and drink. We are interested in Windstar or perhaps the Star Clipper line. Which do you recommend of the two?

 

We are intrigued by the Windspirit out of St. Thomas cruising the BVIs and the Windsurf out of Barbados northbound (St. Kitts/Nevis, St. Martin, St. Barts, Guadeloupe, Iles de Santes, St. Lucia). How do the ships compare? Which is your favorite route and why? What were your favorite shore excursions and why? Is there another itinerary or cruise line you would recommend?

[Xoe]

I've been on 4 Windstar cruises: Wind Star Costa Rica; Wind Spirit St. Thomas; Wind Surf Barbados/Southern Caribbean; and Wind Spirit Barcelona to Lisbon. I loved them all. Windstar is my personal favorite of all the companies I've cruised with (16 cruises).

 

I prefer Windstar's two smaller ships, Wind Star and Wind Spirit, with 140 passengers. Wind Surf's capacity is about 320, and there is a different dynamic with more passengers (although all three of them are TINY compared to most cruise ships). Of the two you are considering, I'd choose Wind Spirit out of St. Thomas. That was a great trip in countless ways. In the future you might consider the Costa Rica journey, which was also marvelous. I should think any of the Windstar Mediterranean itineraries would be splendid. Although I've enjoyed only the one, Barcelona to Lisbon, that was one of my favorite travel adventures anywhere ever.

 

I had a conversation on Wind Spirit (in the Med.) with fellow travelers who had tried Star Clipper and not liked it, to the point they left the ship mid-cruise. Our conversation started because I'd been considering Star Clipper as a possibility for next year. Since these new friends and I seemed to share a lot of interests, I listened to their advice and have not pursued Star Clipper. That's not first-hand experience, but for me it was a precautionary "heads up".

 

For a "travelogue" of my Windstar adventures, go to http://fredasphotos1.shutterfly.com and drop down to the 10th album, "Caribbean on Wind Spirit". Lots of photos for your consideration. Above that (#5) is "Spain/Portugal on Wind Spirit" -- more photos and stories.

 

I wish you well and hope you try Windstar and enjoy it as much as I have.

[B_and_B]

Thanks so much for your reply. I loved looking at your beautiful pictures. We have booked a cruise on the Windspirit leaving St. Martin on March 6th for a similar itinerary to the one you went on. We go to St. Kitts, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, St. Barts. We plan to stay on St. Martin a couple of days after the cruise.

 

Did you do a shore excursion every day in port? What do you consider the must dos vs. the don't bothers?

 

Any tips for us as first time cruisers?

 

Thanks.

 

Betty

[tomstur]

We cruised on the Windstar in Costa Rica in febuary 09 and on Windsurf's southern Barbados. We really enjoyed both. You really can't lose whichever one you decide on. We didn't feel crowded on either ship. Food and service was all we could have asked for. Tip.....if you drink, buy the all inclusive drink package. I must have saved a grand!

[JS_PL]

See you there, Betty. We just booked last week! :)

[JS_PL]

Great pics! How do we get to the "Devil's Bay Trail" on BVI? Excursion, shuttle, or taxi?

[B_and_B]

We cruised on the Windstar in Costa Rica in febuary 09 and on Windsurf's southern Barbados. We really enjoyed both. You really can't lose whichever one you decide on. We didn't feel crowded on either ship. Food and service was all we could have asked for. Tip.....if you drink, buy the all inclusive drink package. I must have saved a grand!

 

Re: the all inclusive drink package - how do I find out more about that? Such as What does it cover? Is it something you do directly with Windstar or one's travel agent? Do you need to buy it in advance or is it something you can do on board?

 

Thanks for that tip. Any others? As first timers, we have a lot to learn.

[hipgirl]

My husband and I have done both itineries a couple of times. We are 40 something years of age. Cruised the large ships some 10 years ago but we are now hooked on Windstar and would never turn back to a large ship (yuck!).

 

We loved both itineries so you can't go wrong. Either the smaller or the larger ship, the windsurf, it does not matter. Both fabulous.

 

We were planning to book the March 6th, St. Maarten on the Windspirit but changed our minds due to flights. There were only two flights out of St. Maarten on our depart date, 8:15 and 4:30. Due to arrival at port only being at 8:00 we were told there is no way to make this flight. Windstar might consider a disembarktion change to make the 8:15 flight b/c we may have not of booked at all if Barbados, March 7th did not work out for us. When we disembark, we are ready to go home! The thought of doing an excursion, figuring out what to do with our luggage, going to the beach, or sitting in a hotel or airport all day is not something that appeals to us. So... we are doing the Barbados trip on March 7th. This will be our second time. Can't wait. It is just as special as the St. Maarten trip!

 

One thing we always do on St. Maarten is grab our passports from the pursers desk, go to customs right there at the pier, and hop a ferry to Anguilla. Once docked, grab a cab to the beach Ernies Barbecue is on. Pay the 10 bucks for a chair and umbrella and enjoy your day sitting at one of the most beautiful uncrowded beach in the world. Drinks are delivered to you or you can go up to Ernies. We eat a delicious chicken barbecue at Ernies for lunch. To die for. A walk on the unspoiled powdery white beach that goes forever you will allow you to grab magnificent photos. This is a really special day and plenty of time in Marigot to get there and back. After doing Orient Beach a couple of times...this is no comparison at all!

 

At Basse Terre, St. Kitts - walking around the pretty town is nice. If I am not mistaken we go to Nevis for part of the day too. This was fun. Grab a cab to Pinneys beach and go to Sunshines for the Killer BEE!

 

At St. Barts we go right to Eden Rock and pay for chairs on beach where we are waited on all day. It is 40$ for 2 but well worth it. Walk the beach both ways, visit the boutiques, come back to your chair. Swim to the raft and get your picture taken from ashore. Eventually everyone from the ship ends up here and wishes they spent the day like you! If you have time you can walk to Shell Beach from the boat. It is worth the walk, you see the sites of the town, and a pretty place and bar/restaurant once you arrive. The crows is generally very interesting. Where sneakers or comfortable shoes though because it is a little hike, maybe 15-20 minutes or so. Get the walking directions before you leave.

 

On Yost Van Dyke we grab the best seats on the beach in front of the soggy dollar and enjoy painkillers and the beach all day. Whatever you do, I would not take an excursion this day. You will miss the best of everything. Go over to Foxy's for a bit and what a perfect day. We go back to the ship for a nice lunch and then back to Soggy Dollar. We always wish we could stay longer here.

 

On Tortola we never leave Sopers Wharf anymore (unless you do a snorkel excursion). Nothing prettier than this place, small boutiques, pretty yachts, and Pussers is fabulous for the painkillers again. We used the sports deck for a swim. The closest beach is Sess (?sp) pool, can't remember the name, very far, and extremely crowded with the big ships. Going into town was also far and a nightmare for most who did.

 

Virgin Gorda is great. Be sure to be on deck coming and going here. Arrival and departure is beautiful! We did The Baths one time and that was gorgeous...but once is enough. Instead we opt get the best seats on the beach there and enjoy the last day barbecue, view, and watersports while everyone else is rushing back to join us. The Baths are far away and it is a long day but well worth it if you have never done it. Do this at least once and get it out of your system.

[6rugrats]

Re: the all inclusive drink package - how do I find out more about that? Such as What does it cover? Is it something you do directly with Windstar or one's travel agent? Do you need to buy it in advance or is it something you can do on board?

 

Thanks for that tip. Any others? As first timers, we have a lot to learn.

 

A thread discussing this package. I have never seen it offered on any Windstar cruise I've been on, so no idea how it's ordered.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=885023&highlight=windstar+all+inclusive+drink+package&page=2

[B_and_B]

A thread discussing this package. I have never seen it offered on any Windstar cruise I've been on, so no idea how it's ordered.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=885023&highlight=windstar+all+inclusive+drink+package&page=2

 

Our travel agent ordered the beverage package from Windstar for us.

[6rugrats]

My husband and I have done both itineries a couple of times. We are 40 something years of age. Cruised the large ships some 10 years ago but we are now hooked on Windstar and would never turn back to a large ship (yuck!).

 

We loved both itineries so you can't go wrong. Either the smaller or the larger ship, the windsurf, it does not matter. Both fabulous.

 

 

Thank you so much for your detailed post. As our cruise was chartered, we must choose another one, and have the choice of St. Martin on the Windspirit or Barbados on the Windsurf. Windsurf is not my favorite ship, I prefer the smaller ones, but I like the itinerary. However, air travel is a problem, as we already booked our flights on one carrier for St. Martin, and when we cancel, we'll have to pay a penalty and end up with a voucher for a future flight. Our carrier does not fly to Barbados, so we'd have to purchase with another airline!

 

So, I'm really looking for information that will help me make up my mind which cruise to choose, and posts such as yours are tremendously helpful.

[panam22]

Drink packages can be ordered at the "purser's desk" on the first day of your cruise. I suggest this as you have an opportunity to look at what is available (most important if you drink wine) on the different "levels" of the package. We did not go with the package, but one couple we met made sure to get there money's worth! They also realized that one of the wines she preferred was available by the bottle but not by the glass, so she ordered that way with no problem.

[Steven G]

We are looking at a first time cruise in late February or early March, and would like to hear your feedback. We are a couple in our late 50's who enjoy snorkeling, good food and drink. We are interested in Windstar or perhaps the Star Clipper line. Which do you recommend of the two?

 

We are intrigued by the Windspirit out of St. Thomas cruising the BVIs and the Windsurf out of Barbados northbound (St. Kitts/Nevis, St. Martin, St. Barts, Guadeloupe, Iles de Santes, St. Lucia). How do the ships compare? Which is your favorite route and why? What were your favorite shore excursions and why? Is there another itinerary or cruise line you would recommend?

 

Hi-We are a family of 4 who have been on 6 Windstar cruises. We started cruising with this line 8 years ago when out daughters were 14 and 17.

We would not go on any other cruise line and just love everything that Winstar has to offer.

 

We have been on both St Thomas-St Thomas and Barbados Northbound cruises. We just came back from St Martin-St Martin on the Wind Spirit over New Years and was the best cruise to date. The advantage of the WindSpirit is that there are only 150 guests verses 300 on the Windsurf. We met so many nice people because the setting was much more intimate with fewer people. It was like you were on your very own private yacht. The Wind Surf however offers a larger more spacious environment, larger casino, dinning room etc. We usually choose the itinerary over the ship. What islands we would be visiting and also the airfare from different ports are easier and more economical than others. As far as the excursions, everyone has their own plan whether to wing it or join shore excursions. We tend to just wing it. Im a runner and every port I was on the first tender to shore. Did my 5 or 6 miles and met my family back on the ship. Did a lot of reading, relaxed on the deck or went to a local beach and just chilled. St Barts is one of our favorite spots although the Euro tends to be a little pricy. We have done the snorkel / catamaran which is always fun. My older daughter and I are certified divers and have taken the certified dive excursion which is also very good. If you never have experienced diving and would like to try it, they have Discover Scuba which teaches you all the necessary essentials and they take you on a dive at 30 feet which is a wonderful experience that both my wife and younger daughter have enjoyed.

My girls have become face book friends with some of the staff as well as becoming friends with many people that we have gotten to know over the years. The smaller ship might offer a little more intimacy but all in all the Windstar Cruises are the best. I hope i have given you some insight and if you would like more information I would be happy to talk to you more.

[B_and_B]

My husband and I have done both itineries a couple of times. ... So we are doing the Barbados trip on March 7th. This will be our second time. Can't wait. It is just as special as the St. Maarten trip!

 

One thing we always do on St. Maarten is grab our passports from the pursers desk, go to customs right there at the pier, and hop a ferry to Anguilla. Once docked, grab a cab to the beach Ernies Barbecue is on. Pay the 10 bucks for a chair and umbrella and enjoy your day sitting at one of the most beautiful uncrowded beach in the world. Drinks are delivered to you or you can go up to Ernies. We eat a delicious chicken barbecue at Ernies for lunch. To die for. A walk on the unspoiled powdery white beach that goes forever you will allow you to grab magnificent photos. This is a really special day and plenty of time in Marigot to get there and back. After doing Orient Beach a couple of times...this is no comparison at all!

 

At Basse Terre, St. Kitts - walking around the pretty town is nice. If I am not mistaken we go to Nevis for part of the day too. This was fun. Grab a cab to Pinneys beach and go to Sunshines for the Killer BEE!

 

At St. Barts we go right to Eden Rock and pay for chairs on beach where we are waited on all day. It is 40$ for 2 but well worth it. Walk the beach both ways, visit the boutiques, come back to your chair. Swim to the raft and get your picture taken from ashore. Eventually everyone from the ship ends up here and wishes they spent the day like you! If you have time you can walk to Shell Beach from the boat. It is worth the walk, you see the sites of the town, and a pretty place and bar/restaurant once you arrive. The crows is generally very interesting. Where sneakers or comfortable shoes though because it is a little hike, maybe 15-20 minutes or so. Get the walking directions before you leave.

 

On Yost Van Dyke we grab the best seats on the beach in front of the soggy dollar and enjoy painkillers and the beach all day. Whatever you do, I would not take an excursion this day. You will miss the best of everything. Go over to Foxy's for a bit and what a perfect day. We go back to the ship for a nice lunch and then back to Soggy Dollar. We always wish we could stay longer here.

 

On Tortola we never leave Sopers Wharf anymore (unless you do a snorkel excursion). Nothing prettier than this place, small boutiques, pretty yachts, and Pussers is fabulous for the painkillers again. We used the sports deck for a swim. The closest beach is Sess (?sp) pool, can't remember the name, very far, and extremely crowded with the big ships. Going into town was also far and a nightmare for most who did.

 

Virgin Gorda is great. Be sure to be on deck coming and going here. Arrival and departure is beautiful! We did The Baths one time and that was gorgeous...but once is enough. Instead we opt get the best seats on the beach there and enjoy the last day barbecue, view, and watersports while everyone else is rushing back to join us. The Baths are far away and it is a long day but well worth it if you have never done it. Do this at least once and get it out of your system.

 

Thanks so much for the info you provided. We are booked on the Windspirit out of St. Martin on March 6th. We love to snorkel so thought we might do a couple of excursions for that - any idea which ones would be best?

 

Also we want to go to The Baths on Virgin Gorda, and have read that it is difficult to book your own trip because the ship won't be in the main port, but instead will be off Bitter End Yacht Club. Any advice on that, anyone?

[panam22]

Take the ships excursion to the Bath's - they will drop you at the beach BBQ when you return. On our January cruise this excursion was dropped do to the "surge" (water was to high to make it through the caves). It was the only excursion we had booked, in the ports we caught cabs to the beach.

[B_and_B]

Did you pre-book the Bath's excursion or is it something you can do once on board?

[Riverroad]

We were on the same cruise as panam22 in January. You can book the excursion to the Baths on board. We were told it's the one excursion where there is room for all who want to go. Unfortunately, this excursion was cancelled on our cruise. If you have a lot of onboard credit, wait until you're on the ship to book it as you can use your credit for it. If you book in advance, it will be charged to your credit card. The ship is anchored in North Sound opposite the Bitter End Yacht Club. The tenders operate in a triangle pattern all day-ship to BEYC, BEYC to Prickly Pear Island for the barbecue, then back to the ship. Even without the Baths, it was a great day.