Unique Itinerary: Windstar’s Southern Caribbean

I have lots of favorite cruise experiences, but I always get a little wistful when I think about my week aboard Windstar Cruises’ gorgeous motor-sailing yacht, the 148-guest Wind Spirit. With four masts of billowing white sails and sailaways set to the Vangelis-composed theme for the movie 1492: Conquest of Paradise, my week spent sailing (literally) from Stockholm, Sweden to Oslo, Norway was one to remember.

The sunset is reflected in the windows of the Officer’s quarters aboard the sleek Wind Spirit. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

While we spent more time motoring from port to port than sailing, our friendly Captain told me that the Caribbean is where Windstar can really shine, thanks to favorable trade winds that allow them to shut off the diesels and spend more time under-sail than on other itineraries. Even when under diesel propulsion, the sails are still deployed, and provide a magical experience regardless. But Cruise Experts Travel has a great deal on Wind Spirit’s February 9^th Southern Caribbean voyage.

There’s nothing like an early morning arrival into port, particularly aboard a ship like the Wind Spirit, with her gleaming white superstructure and abundance of rich woods. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

Departing from the veritable paradise that is Bridgetown, Barbados, the recently-refurbished Wind Spirit sails for some of the most authentic and out-of-the-way Caribbean islands that simply remain out of reach for larger cruise ships.

The adventure begins when Wind Spirit arrives in Pigeon Island, St. Lucia. Located off the northern section of the island, Pigeon Island was artificially joined to the mainland in the early 1970’s. Larger cruise ships dock in the more southerly port town of Castries, but aboard Wind Spirit, you won’t have to battle local traffic to experience the quintessential Caribbean beach getaway.

Bliss: one of many beaches in Barbados. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

Other notable ports of call include calls on three separate ports in the Grenadines: Tobago Cays, Mayreau, and gorgeous Bequia (pronounced beck-way). Think of these as the untouched, unspoiled Caribbean. You won’t find Diamonds International or hordes of duty-free shoppers here; just the natural beauty and friendliness of these islands. Of course, that you get to return to the yacht-like Wind Spirit doesn’t hurt either. My recommendation: have as many meals as you can up on deck. Wind Spirit has ample outdoor seating, and is perhaps better designed for outdoor dining than even larger vessels. You’ll never feel crowded; you’ll feel like you own the ship.

Dinner settings sparkle aboard the Wind Spirit as she prepares to sail from Warnemunde, Germany. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

Wind Spirit recently underwent a stem-to-stern refurbishment that saw all of her public areas substantially altered to give them a new, sleek, modern look that still pays homage to the line’s sailing roots and maritime heritage.

The Pool Bar aboard Wind Spirit recently underwent a radical change, offering elegant dining, new lighting, and enhanced decor. Rendering courtesy of Windstar Cruises

It will take you no time at all to fall in love with the Windstar experience. For me, the second we left Stockholm, I was hooked. I dined outdoors as we sailed through the Stockholm Archipelago, under the majesty of Wind Spirit’s unfurled sails. There is a wonderful amount of open-deck space aboard this intimate ship, and even an open-bridge policy that allows guests to visit the navigation bridge when navigational requirements allow (usually when at sea.)

From start to finish, it was more than I expected, and everything I had hoped for.

Paradise has a name, and it is Bequia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

What makes this sailing, offered through Cruise Experts Travel, so impressive is that it includes a $200 onboard spending credit – and that can go a long way when it comes to shore excursions or other onboard expenses.  And that means you can spend more time relaxing on the beaches of the Southern Caribbean and less time worrying about your onboard account!

From the Deck Chair will return tomorrow!  More information on this special Windstar Cruises’ Wind Spirit sailing can be found by visiting the Cruise Experts Travel website!