windjammers cruises

[bixxx]

ok new plan, we are looking into t a windjammer cruise next march the legacy, which skirts the BVI's has anyone been on one? any advice on the cabins?

[KeyLimin]

I went on a windjammer in the BVIs and loved every minute of it. However, that was over a decade ago. If I remember correctly, ZeroDuval has done a lot of windjammer cruises maybe he will chime in here.

The cabins...are a lot like sleeping in a cedar closet. Take collapsible luggage (like duffle bags) if you can because there isn't much room to store large items. The bathrooms/heads are unique. You can literally sit on the toilet, wash your hands in the sink, and hit a button on the wall to take a shower ALL AT THE SAME TIME.....quite a time saver! LOL Really though, you don't spend much time in the cabin except for a quick shower or a few hours sleeping off the latest barrel of rum punch.

The BVI cruise is more secluded beach and snorkel oriented than some of the others. If you like spending time in the water (I do), you will love it. If you like larger ports of call and shopping, one of the others might suit better.

Bon Voyage!

[The Lost Manatee]

I've done the BVI's on the Yankee Clipper about 15 years ago and the Grenadines about 2 years ago on the Polynesia. I admit I preferred the Yankee Clipper since it was a smaller ship and we had more influence on where we sailed. We were originally supposed to sail into Saba but the majority of passengers opted for St. Barths instead.

In one travel review I read Windjammers were compared to roughing it vs. other cruises. Having said that the review went on to point out that Windjammer ships went to more less crowded destinations and allows one to get a more realistic feel for the island life.

On both of my trips the ships were clean, cabins are small, the crew is very helpful and friendly. The food is plentiful and good but not necessarily what I would call fancy. We had curry a couple of nights, a pig roast on the beach by Foxy's and a lamb dinner the last night. Sticky buns every morning as we watched the sunrise.

To me the appeal is the fact that you do visit islands that the larger ships bypass and that things are more casual. Dressing up consists of putting on a tee-shirt and shoes. It's very relaxed.

Evening entertainment isn't like the megas cruise ships, it tends to be more home grown and much more interactive then sitting and watching a show. I've seen everything from a steel drum band performing for hours while we danced the evening away to crab races. And of course there are the themed costume parties where one gets to use what's on hand to create something wonderful.

Personally, I will take a Windjammer Cruise over just about any other cruise down island way. I've been on an average of 1 cruise every three years and Windjammer is the only one I've done a repeat on.

Go forth and enjoy!

[bixxx]

what are the top cabins like? the wife wants the nicest room as it is her 40th

[KeyLimin]

The top cabins have a little more room with hatches and door that open to the outside. If it's the lady's 40th and that is what she wants, by all means. However, on a windjammer you will still likely spend WAY more time off-ship or on-deck partying with your other shipmates than you will in the room. If that is not the intent of the trip, then your money might be better spent on a really nice room at a resort 'on island' somewhere. In fact, the 'on deck' rooms are usually closer to the partying and not neccesarily a quiet place.

I have not been onboard the Legacy (I sailed on the Flying Cloud) but I did see it anchored about 100-200 yards away from the trimaran I was staying on for a dolphin trip in Bimini a couple summers ago. It does look like a REALLY NICE, classic sailing ship. I made a point of asking our captain what ship it was. It was lit up like a christmas tree and everyone was dancing on-deck having a ball.

[bixxx]

Thanks KL the partying wouldn't bother us, as it woul dbe my wife who is the last to bed it's more of "It's my birthday and I want the best room" who am i to argue? We aren't in to luxury and pampering we wanted snorkeling, beach bars some sailing hopping off the boat when we wanted hitting hot spots on the islands we considered bare boating, but do not want any responsibility

[KeyLimin]

bixxx....here are a couple message boards that are specific to the windjammer cruises and the folks that go.

I expect would would find a lot of first-hand info here and may even meet some people that will be on your cruise. Worth checking out a few times (or posting questions) between now and when you go.

http://pub108.ezboard.com/bwindjammerflotilla

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/Open ... =528097554