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As I stood on the top deck watching the sails unfurl, the ship pointing towards the sunset, a glass of perfectly chilled Sauvignon Blanc in my hand, I was overwhelmed.
Oh yes! This is one of those `aaah` moments we got into travel for. I had almost forgotten! Whether from the effects of the wine, the dramatic music, or the orange sky, I was transported. Thankfully, the guests were engrossed in their conversation and no one noticed the weepy Canadian lady in the corner.
This was hour three of day one on the Wind Spirit sailing from Rome to Barcelona this past fall. All 3 Windstar ships are now undergoing an $18 million refurbishment – so you can rest assured these beauties will be ship shape for the next Med season.
Windstar’s motto is `180° from Ordinary.` Indeed -- Windstar is far from ordinary. Nor is it for everyone. With its small, intimate ships, Windstar is not a mass cruising product. If your clients are into sprawling buffets, Broadway shows, discos and spinning classes of the big boats, this is not the product to offer them.
Boarding the Wind Spirit felt like stepping onto my private yacht, along with 100 new friends. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. The captain personally greeted each guest as we boarded the ship, exclaiming "Hi! I’m Tony your captain." By the end of the week, everyone was best friends with Tony the Captain.
One of Windstar’s most important aspects is its service. Every crew member responds to a request – any request -- as though it were the most natural thing in the world to desire that particular item at that time. “A couple of slices of fresh ginger this morning? Certainly Madam.” Said slices were produced in less than 5 minutes without any fuss. “There you are Madam.” Madam likes that.
I spent some time grilling Hotel Manager Jason Parker on the service training and guidelines. Although this is a comparatively small ship, no issue goes unreported – both verbally and electronically. ‘Difficult’ passengers are brought to the attention of staff for extra care and handling (hopefully I didn’t make the list despite my ginger cravings). When there was a problem with the tender one morning, a bottle of wine and a letter awaited us in the stateroom on our return.
But the true stars of Windstar ships are the soaring computer-operated sails. They play the leading role in creating a uniquely luxurious experience. To my great joy, on day 3 we were sailing -- operating solely on wind power. Well-heeled explorers on the open sea, spoiled by courteous service, gentle rocking, sunshine and a perfect breeze. Are there problems in the world? I wouldn’t know. Not today.
There’s nothing formal about Windstar. The ship is designed for relaxation. The only wardrobe requirement for men is a collared shirt at dinner. Otherwise, ‘country club casual’ is the thing. For those of us who do not belong to a country club, that can pose a challenge. But it’s nothing the sportswear section of your closet can’t handle. Khakis, light shirts, slacks, vests and windbreakers will do the job.
I confess I took to being served hand and foot rather well. So fair warning to those of you who feel the call for a truly wonderful cruise experience: disembarking is painful. Especially for the deck hands who had to pry me loose of the railing.
