1st time Windstar ?'s-Christmas cruise

[Cairo]

Hi all,

I have spent hours reading the boards and the information is so helpful. Thanks to all of you.

I have a few questions.

 

We will be on the upcoming Christmas cruise. Do they do anything onboard to celebrate Christmas?

 

Has anyone ever purchased the Windspa Stateroom upgrade? Additionally, I didn't see much about the spa treatments. Any feedback would be welcomed. The facial prices seemed a bit high, but may be worth it?

 

What do they stock in the minibar? Is there room for your own wine/water/soft drinks? Are the prices reasonable (as compared to minibar prices :))

 

Thank you!

[ships08]

Hi Cairo,

 

Below is information on Wind Surf's Spa Suites from a press release @ windstarcruises.com.

 

Spa Suites

Each oceanview spa suite features a queen-size bed with fine, luxurious microfiber bed linens, lush spa robes, an elegant orchid flower arrangement, a spacious sitting area, two bathrooms, a flat-screen TV with DVD player, and Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods. In addition to the four plush fiber-fill pillows that come standard in each spa suite, guests will be able to choose specialty pillows from a pillow menu. Menu selections include a feather down firm support pillow, a gusseted hypoallergenic medium support pillow, an organic buckwheat hull and lavender pillow and a “snore-no-more” hypoallergenic foam core pillow.

 

In addition to Windstar’s L’Occitane bath amenities, rich emollient WindSpa products from O SPA London will be offered in each spa suite along with an aromatherapy essence which will be refreshed daily. Guests will also receive a nightly turn down gift such as organic lavender hand night cream, eye gel, or body cream from WindSpa.

 

Three unique tea collections by Tea Forté will be presented to guests to choose from for in-suite tea service. Collections include: sanctuary—teas for well-being; herbals—soothing artisan herbal teas; or exotics—adventurous blends. Each collection comes in an elegant ribbon box containing 20 silken tea infusers. Brewing service features contemporary, porcelain teaware and is available 24 hours a day through room service. Guests will also be able to indulge in a sumptuous platter of fresh fruit delivered daily to each spa suite.

 

Spa Suite Spa Services

To welcome spa suite guests, a festive cocktail party will be held in their honor in WindSpa’s reception area. They will also receive an invitation to Windstar’s signature “Spa Under the Stars” evening event which showcases a sampling of spa experiences with complimentary refreshments on deck under the stars.

 

For the ultimate in pampering, an array of decadent WindSpa treatments are included in the spa suites program featuring The OnboardSpa Company and their certified organic O SPA London products and services. Spa suite guests will also have the service of a private spa concierge in WindSpa.

 

Spa services that spa suite guests receive during their seven-day cruise include two 60-minute facials which are designed to soothe, nourish and restore skin utilizing the purest ingredients from nature. Guests can relax and rejuvenate during two 60-minute massages of their choice selecting from Balinese, Swedish, classic, or sports massage. Two grooming treatments of choice—manicure, pedicure or shave—are also included in the package. In addition, spa suite guests receive unlimited fitness, Pilates and Yoga classes.

 

For rates for Wind Surf’s spa suites, please contact a travel professional or Windstar Cruises at 1-800-258-7245.

 

Wind Surf’s spa suites are part of Windstar’s previously announced Degrees of Difference initiative which adds amenities and enhancements to the fleet in the areas of dining, accommodations, entertainment, spa, fitness and shore excursions.

[Cairo]

Thanks so much for the information. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

[chicagogal]

Hi Cairo,

 

We have been on several holiday sailings on Windstar vessels and they are very festive - they always decorate and celebrate the holidays. There is a special Christmas dinner and caroling on Christmas Eve. You get a treat in your cabin. The ship looks beautiful. I believe I also recall Santa giving gifts to kids on board at least once, too (not positive that was Windstar but I think so)

 

One year another woman and I decided to hold a non denominational service in the card room on Christmas morning. The cruise director announced it and about 50 people showed up. We did some traditional Christmas readings from the Bible (found in the drawers in the cabins) and another passenger led us in singing hymms and Christmas carols. It was quite touching and people thanked us later for doing it.

 

Another favorite memory is captain John (no longer with Windstar) wearing a Santa hat as we went through the Panama Canal on Christmas Day in 2005.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

 

Patty