 In
a business where the race is on to build bigger and bigger ships, Windstar
Cruises maintains a course 180 degrees opposite. With three motor sailing
yachts carrying from 148 to 312 passengers, the Seattle-based company
provides an intimate experience both at sea and in port. Sailing into
harbors where the big ships simply cannot get into, Windstar functions
much more like a private yacht than a cruise ship.
To up the ante on its exclusive status, Windstar’s “yachts”
recently received significant upgrades through an initiative, “Degrees
of Difference.” One by one, the company’s three ships are
emerging from drydock with all of the initiative’s enhancements
in place.
Wind Surf came out of drydock in December to debut practically as a new
ship. Two new suites, measuring around 500 square feet each, were added.
The Bridge Suites (on Bridge Deck) feature a living room, bedroom, walk-closet
and a marble bathroom with a whirlpool tub, separate shower and two porcelain
sinks embedded in a marble countertop. These top-of-the-line suites also
feature two 42-inch flat-panel TVs (the TVs mirror one other with one
in the living room and the other in the bedroom).
 Wind
Surf also has 31 additional suites, measuring just under 400 square feet,
as well as two decks of standard staterooms, measuring 188 square feet
(some with third berths). Stateroom and suite bathrooms were remodeled
for a more contemporary look, with new fixtures, open glass shelves, new
cabinets, granite countertops, porcelain sinks and a magnifying mirror.
Refinished teak floors retain the popular nautical style. The ships reflect
an understated elegance.
One of the biggest additions from the December drydock was The Yacht
Club, which is the social hub of Wind Surf. An espresso bar/library/lounge
all wrapped up in one attractive room, The Yacht Club features comfortable
seating, as well as iPod listening stations. Books, DVDs and CDs are displayed
and available for check out, and a large flat panel television was added
for watching news, movies or sporting events. WiFi-enabled, The Yacht
Club features eight computers for email and browsing the Internet for
those who do not carry their laptops on vacation.
 Wind
Surf features three dining venues: The Restaurant, Degrees and The Veranda.
Degrees serves a steak house menu four nights a week and offers rotating
menus from Northern Italy, France and Indonesia other nights. There is
no charge to dine at Degrees, but reservations are required. About those
sails. “The sails actually have more power than the engines,”
says Captain Tim Roberts.
“We can do about 9 knots in a good wind.” And when the wind
is just right, Captain Roberts cuts the motor power altogether. For curious
sailors and wannabes, Wind Surf has an open-bridge policy. Wind Surf offers
the perfect cruise for those willing to allow the wind to steer them. |
