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July 10th Star Breeze from St. Maarten. Loving it.

caymancouple

By caymancouple,
in Windstar Cruises

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caymancouple

caymancouple

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Windstar – Star Breeze – July 10, 2021

Saturday - Departure day.

Our paperwork told us to be at the dock at 11:30. We arrived at 10:30.  Second couple there.  The first had been on the Celebrity sailing the week before and just got off and walked over.  They did not start processing us until right at 11:30 as that is when the St. Maarten covid testers arrived.  Once they began it moved smoothly.  The machine does 10 tests at a time, and we had to wait till 10 people had been processed and then for the test to run.  Took about 35 minutes from the time we were tested.  Then on to check in.  Woo Hoo….  Once checked in they take you to the ship in a golf cart.  Once onboard, wow, was everyone so happy to see us.  Just about as happy as I was.  I stopped and hugged the ship as we came on.  Escorted to our room, dropped our stuff and headed upstairs for lunch.  Had the Sole.  Excellent, and I am not a big fish eater. 

We did receive a letter from the Captain explaining changes in our itinerary.  It seems that Covid is exploding in the British Virgin Islands which was our stops.  The ship destination director and Windstar had done a great job lining up new ports and port activities.  Departure day afternoon at 3, the Destination Director he gave a presentation on the new ports and options. 

Dinner we dined at the new venue Cuadro 44.  Small location, but they were doing a good job of social distancing.  I highly recommend the Classic Sangria.  I really enjoyed the tapas.  Especially the paella rice balls.  So much so I ordered another plate of them for my entrée.  Oh, and the mushrooms were to die for. 

Masks.  Yes, we are being asked to wear them unless we are eating, drinking or outside.  I hope overtime Windstar will be able to back off of that requirement since everyone onboard is vaccinated. 

 

Sunday – Sea Day

What can I say.  Love being back at sea.  Went to the spa and had a haircut.  I normally get one every 5 weeks and it was almost 9.  I was ready to cut it myself with a dull knife.  Was nervous as I am very particular about my hair.  Saw Oleg from Odessa.  (Not the Texas one..LOL).  I loved what he did.  Because it was longer than normal, he did some tweaking on my layers and I loved it.  Told him I would let it grow till I am back on the Sea Breeze in September and let him have another go at it.  Rest of the day was relaxing and enjoying the sea.  Captains Welcome Party was held in 2 different venues to allow for social distancing.  Everyone, I mean EVERYONE is so happy.  Crew to see us, passengers to be back cruising.  Dinner was in the main dining room.  It is only going to be open 2 nights this cruise due to only 127 on board.  Husband loved the lobster bisque.

Monday – Barbados. 

We are currently not planning on doing any shore excursions.  Been to all these ports so many times as well as we are still careful being around folks.  Looks like maybe half the ship is on one.

Ship is so bright and clean.  Love the cabin.  Feels decadent to have a walk-in closet, 2 sinks, and a shower I can turn around in (and I am a small person).  We normally just book Oceanview cabins as we would rather take 3 cruises for the price of one in a suite.  We are willing to pay for a nicer cruise line and wow does WINDSTAR hit that sweet spot.    

 

That is all for now.  Happy  Trails…..Make that Happy Cruising.

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Pudgesmom

Pudgesmom

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That is great news! Thank you for the detailed description. We don’t have a booking until 2022, but we can’t wait to get back onboard.


I hope the rest of the cruise goes just as well as the beginning.

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themutis

themutis

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Thanks for post and so happy you are having a good time.

 

Question:  If the main dining room is only going to be serving dinner for two night, where will you eat the other days?  I do not believe that the menu at Candles or Cuadro 44 changes (not really worried about us going hungry or there being a lack of selection), just curious

 

Thanks, Eileen

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caymancouple

caymancouple

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17 minutes ago, themutis said:

Thanks for post and so happy you are having a good time.

 

Question:  If the main dining room is only going to be serving dinner for two night, where will you eat the other days?  I do not believe that the menu at Candles or Cuadro 44 changes (not really worried about us going hungry or there being a lack of selection), just curious

 

Thanks, Eileen

Star Grill is also a possibility.  That is our plan tonight.  I also "think" one night will be a deck bbq.

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caymancouple

caymancouple

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2 hours ago, MindyJohn said:

Thanks for the update!  Glad you're having such a wonderful time.  Did you order your WS departure Covid test ahead of time?

 

Yes we did.  No word on when yet.  Another covid test was also required for entrance into Barbados.  Everyone got another test yesterday compliments of WindStar.

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FLbeachbaby

FLbeachbaby

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3 hours ago, caymancouple said:

Windstar – Star Breeze – July 10, 2021

Saturday - Departure day.

Our paperwork told us to be at the dock at 11:30. We arrived at 10:30.  Second couple there.  The first had been on the Celebrity sailing the week before and just got off and walked over.  They did not start processing us until right at 11:30 as that is when the St. Maarten covid testers arrived.  Once they began it moved smoothly.  The machine does 10 tests at a time, and we had to wait till 10 people had been processed and then for the test to run.  Took about 35 minutes from the time we were tested.  Then on to check in.  Woo Hoo….  Once checked in they take you to the ship in a golf cart.  Once onboard, wow, was everyone so happy to see us.  Just about as happy as I was.  I stopped and hugged the ship as we came on.  Escorted to our room, dropped our stuff and headed upstairs for lunch.  Had the Sole.  Excellent, and I am not a big fish eater. 

We did receive a letter from the Captain explaining changes in our itinerary.  It seems that Covid is exploding in the British Virgin Islands which was our stops.  The ship destination director and Windstar had done a great job lining up new ports and port activities.  Departure day afternoon at 3, the Destination Director he gave a presentation on the new ports and options. 

Dinner we dined at the new venue Cuadro 44.  Small location, but they were doing a good job of social distancing.  I highly recommend the Classic Sangria.  I really enjoyed the tapas.  Especially the paella rice balls.  So much so I ordered another plate of them for my entrée.  Oh, and the mushrooms were to die for. 

Masks.  Yes, we are being asked to wear them unless we are eating, drinking or outside.  I hope overtime Windstar will be able to back off of that requirement since everyone onboard is vaccinated. 

 

Sunday – Sea Day

What can I say.  Love being back at sea.  Went to the spa and had a haircut.  I normally get one every 5 weeks and it was almost 9.  I was ready to cut it myself with a dull knife.  Was nervous as I am very particular about my hair.  Saw Oleg from Odessa.  (Not the Texas one..LOL).  I loved what he did.  Because it was longer than normal, he did some tweaking on my layers and I loved it.  Told him I would let it grow till I am back on the Sea Breeze in September and let him have another go at it.  Rest of the day was relaxing and enjoying the sea.  Captains Welcome Party was held in 2 different venues to allow for social distancing.  Everyone, I mean EVERYONE is so happy.  Crew to see us, passengers to be back cruising.  Dinner was in the main dining room.  It is only going to be open 2 nights this cruise due to only 127 on board.  Husband loved the lobster bisque.

Monday – Barbados. 

We are currently not planning on doing any shore excursions.  Been to all these ports so many times as well as we are still careful being around folks.  Looks like maybe half the ship is on one.

Ship is so bright and clean.  Love the cabin.  Feels decadent to have a walk-in closet, 2 sinks, and a shower I can turn around in (and I am a small person).  We normally just book Oceanview cabins as we would rather take 3 cruises for the price of one in a suite.  We are willing to pay for a nicer cruise line and wow does WINDSTAR hit that sweet spot.    

 

That is all for now.  Happy  Trails…..Make that Happy Cruising.

So happy to hear you are having a great time. Happy cruising and thank you yet again for the details.

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caymancouple

caymancouple

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July 10th Sailing – The Beautiful Star Breeze.  Days 3 and 4

 

First let me answer some questions I have been asked. 

 

Sorry, no idea on the coffee bar, neither of us drink it.  I can say they use Twinings Tea which I love.

 

Antigen test for going home.  I have pre-ordered it, but I have not been contacted about when, where, or how.  Will keep you posted.  We are not flying back to the US till Sunday, so I am aware it needs to be late in the cruise to make the timing work.

 

Ports and Excursions Our ports were changed to: Day 2, Barbados (Bridgetown), Tours, Beautiful Barbados, Five Star Catamaran and Barbados Beach Break.  Day 3, St. Lucia, Pigeon Island, Rainforest Canopy Zipline adventure, Panoramic St. Lucia, Full day Private Car and Guide, and Half Day Private Car and Guide.  Day 4, St. Lucia, Castries,  Coastal Cruise to Pitons, Let’s Make Chocolate, and Half Day Private car and guide.  Day 5, Antigua, St. John’s, Beach Escape, Spectacular Antigua Island Tour, Open Course Canopy Challenge, Swim with Stingrays and Segway Fort Conqueror.  Day 6, Gustavia, St. Barthelemy, Explorer by Car, Intimate Island Tour, Sailing Catamaran Adventure, St. Bart Luxury Resort and Beach, Walk and Shop, Intimate Island Tour.

 

Day 2 sail away and dinner.  We left Barbados at 5pm.  Everyone was invited up on deck to listen to the new Sail Away song and a performance by the crew.  The song was moving, but I do think it will go better on the Sailing ships watching the sails flap in the wind as the song soars.  We dined at the Star Grill last night.  The coffee crusted brisket was fabulous.  Somewhat of a limited menu there, but when the dish you choose is great who cares.

 

Day 3.  St. Lucia, Pigeon Island.  We are anchored off the port.  The view is beautiful and so peaceful.  Hubby is already wanting to come spend some time here.  We did have to have another Covid Antigen test today.  We were told a test must be done prior to Antigua.  No big deal and it takes all of 2 minutes. 

 

The Sports deck has been open today.  Water is a great temperature, but with a pretty good current flowing by.  I was extremely impressed with all the ships safety measures.  If the water had been calmer I think it would have been even better.  Fingers crossed that before the end of the cruise we have a really calm anchor.  They have lots of water toys down there.

 

Yacht Club welcome party last night before dinner.  Lots of bubbly and canapes.  Enjoyed the duo “Mardi Gras”. 

 

Dinner at Candles.  Today was my Birthday… woo hooo.  Dinner was great.  Really great.  The crew all day long kept wishing me Happy Birthday.  Loved it.

 

Day 4 St. Lucia, Castries – Mid morning

Been raining off and on today.  Just a beautiful sky and then it rains for 5 minutes, then clears off and hour later, rains again.  Sign off for now.

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RlyLvn

RlyLvn

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Thank you for all of the information.  Happy Birthday!  It must be extra special being on the newly refurbed ship at such a low capacity.  We are scheduled to do a 14 day down there on the 31st of this month from St. Marteen to Barbados.  Our Itinerary has or had a lot of BVI too  It will intersting to see the changes to the itinerary for that sailing.

 

Have you heard any word on additional restrictions on other islands/ports similar to the BVI shutdown?

 

How do you like the "new" ship as a whole?

 

Enjoy the rest of your cruise!  All the best from San Diego!

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HuliHuli

HuliHuli

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55 minutes ago, RlyLvn said:

Thank you for all of the information.  Happy Birthday!  It must be extra special being on the newly refurbed ship at such a low capacity.  We are scheduled to do a 14 day down there on the 31st of this month from St. Marteen to Barbados.  Our Itinerary has or had a lot of BVI too  It will intersting to see the changes to the itinerary for that sailing.

 

Have you heard any word on additional restrictions on other islands/ports similar to the BVI shutdown?

 

How do you like the "new" ship as a whole?

 

Enjoy the rest of your cruise!  All the best from San Diego!

@RlyLvn I haven't seen you log into our July 31st Roll Call.  Do join us if you are interested.

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Strenz

Strenz

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We heard the new " sail away song " in  January  2020 " on the Surf, the old CEO of WS  was onboard. I think the entire ship was shocked and doubly shocked on how bad it was. Horrid. It was a rendition of 1492 by the Seattle  Symphony and a male voice. I love 1492, I know the human voice, this was grim. I wrote a letter to the CEO,  he thought it was wonderful! He also hid on the ship probably due to rendition.  Everyone knew he was onboard for  a few days, he did not even say a welcome at the lounge especially after first hearing this song. Truly not the WS way, the song is certainly not WS. Happy Sailing

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Rotterdam

Rotterdam

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1 hour ago, marinaro44 said:

Sorry, but I think the song business is pretentious.  Just put up the sails.  Or do it the first time the sails go up on a cruise, and leave it at that.  No reason for it on the motor yachts.

I totally agree...when one is on a beautiful ship sailing the ocean what else do you need...there are some on another cruise line here that everyone they sail Louis Armstrong is played singing "what a wonderful world"...after the first time its like they drank too much or have alzheimers. Kitch sells i guess or there's no accounting for bad taste.

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