Barefoot Cruising

[rarescrambler]

Because job and financial situations have put a cruise out of the question for us (as for many people), I must admit I've been away from the CC board for quite some time. (It just hurt too much to read about all the wonderful times people are having on a cruise, feeling that it was out of our reach for our foreseeable future.)

 

But, I can't stay away forever, so this morning, I was lurking, and somehow got to thinking about barefoot cruises. My husband has always wanted to try one, so I looked on the Windjammer site, and, if I understand it correctly that the snorkeling, kayaks, etc., are all included in the price of $950pp, that's actually quite reasonable.

 

My husband is actually being forced into retirement in a couple of months, and I'm toying with the idea of surprising him with a barefoot cruise, even though we're really watching our $$ right now. (He's going to have to find some kind of employment, and that's a little scary right now.)

 

I realize this is a very different type of cruise than the mass market lines: No balcony, no formal nights, no casino, no entertainment, etc., but this more down-to-earth type of cruise has a different kind of appeal (we think).

 

I may "come to my senses", and my practical side will resurface and I'll decide that we shouldn't spend the money, but just in case . . . I'm looking for feedback from those who have done barefoot cruises, and specifically used Windjammer's Liberty fleet.

 

Thanks in advance.

[LHT28]

I believe Windjammer is defunct!

 

I am sure someone will post the answer for sure

[rarescrambler]

Well, I seem to recall that being mentioned several months ago when I was surfing this board more frequently. But I emailed a request to them this morning asking for more info and rec'd a response immediately indicating someone would be in touch. I guess we'll see what happens.

 

If they Windjammer is not a good choice, are there other barefoot cruise lines out that that folks would recommend?

[LHT28]

OK Maybe not the Windjammer cruise line that went belly up

It looks like a different line.

 

Good luck they look interesting

[Travelcat2]

The Windjammer that most of us know went out of business many months ago. However, "Maine Windjammer" is very much alive. Here is a link. http://www.mainewindjammercruises.com/

[LHT28]

Is this the one you mean?

http://www.libertyfleet.com/sailing/index.htm

[rarescrambler]

The Liberty Fleet is the one I was looking at this morning.

[doctordi]

That looks like so much fun!

[livyordrem]

Windjammer Barefoot Cruises is gone. Sadly. They were fun. They had quite a few tall sailing ships and went all over the Caribbean. Looks like that Liberty fleet includes all of one ship, the Liberty Clipper. Looks cool but I don't think it is any way related to the now defunct line.

 

Sally

[eggypann]

Try Windstarcruisesdotcom

[gaylebd]

The Liberty Fleet is the one I was looking at this morning.

 

 

Looks interesting!! I am from Boston - love the Tea Party Cruise!!

 

One of the best vacations I ever had was on a 40' sailboat - just me and my boyfriend at the time - sailing all around the Virgin Islands for about 10 days.

 

I can't even describe it - it was awe-inspiring.

 

The website you are referring to reminds me so much of that trip!!

 

Sailing is incredible - totally different than a Cruise though.

 

(and I agree - look at Windstar as well as Star Clippers)

[Treven]

Is this the one you mean?

http://www.libertyfleet.com/sailing/index.htm

This sure does sound enticing!!

[tamsam07]

LOL.....Barefoot cruising. Would that be with Rednceck Cruiseline?

 

Sorry I couldn't resist.

[G'ma]

Well, I seem to recall that being mentioned several months ago when I was surfing this board more frequently. But I emailed a request to them this morning asking for more info and rec'd a response immediately indicating someone would be in touch. I guess we'll see what happens.

 

If they Windjammer is not a good choice, are there other barefoot cruise lines out that that folks would recommend?

 

Windjammer Barefoot Cruises went out of business.

 

There is a company of Windjammers who operate the Liberty Fleet..it's not the same company. They do mostly New England and Chesapeake with a program out of Nassau at certain times of the year. They are expensive. You could actually do a regular cruise for less than what they charge.

 

I sailed many times on the now-defunct Windjammers and always had a great time. Too bad they folded. Great, historic ships and really interesting itineraries.......

[kicker]

Liberty Fleet looks interesting. I've been looking for a weekday cruise in the Northeast area - its fits my schedule. However, some drawbacks:

 

1). Price: definitely higher than a RCCL (or other major lines) cruise

 

2). Cabins: I can live with bunk beds and no window if necessary (cruised with inside cabins before). However, looking at the ship layout, it accommodates only 28 cruisers (2 to a cabin,14 cabins), and has a total of 4 bathroom/shower combos. I'm not sure my wife would appreciate sharing bathroom areas with strangers!

 

Rarescrambler: have you found any Liberty Fleet reviews? I can't seem to find any (except for one day trips). I'd like to see what others say.

[rarescrambler]

That's why I was hoping to find someone on the CC board that may have done something like this before. Feedback is always helpful.

[Sailor Andy]

The Liberty Fleet now has customer reviews posted on their website under testimonials.