<p>We’re sailing to the BVIs from St. Maarten in March and I am wondering if anyone here has ever sailed with Windstar. Having been on bigger ships, I’m just curious about your experiences with a line like Windstar. </p>
<p>Yes, maybe 5 - 6 years ago in the Mediterranean and loved it. Was first and only cruise so I can’t compare to anything else. Large cruises have zero appeal for me. I would do windstar again but for lack of time and money. No reservations about recommending it, but don’t know what your expectations are. </p>
<p>Just looking to relax and not feel like I’m in a herd of cattle as on some of the large/mega ships. Not interested in bingo, pool contests or excursions with thousands. This itinerary has the ship anchored in port for 3 of the 7 nights, so it’s mostly a hang out on different beaches kind of vacation. Sounds, from your comment, like I picked the right line. Thanks.</p>
<p>I imagine the Caribbean cruise is very different, but it was low key, no forced anything, good dining options and you set your own pace. Sounds like you’ll have a great time. Don’t forget to report back!</p>
<p>Will definitely report back. We are are so looking forward to escaping the effects of the polar vortex…this winter seems like Groundhog Day…snow, snow and more snow. Oh, today we had ice 
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<p>I find the mid-sized ships as on Crystal or Oceania very nice. Nearly all adults so peaceful with wider choices of food and and entertainments on board. Very relaxing too… </p>
<p>Thanks, we’ll look at those for a future trip. For this we wanted something very low key, don’t care about entertainment etc.This line is something that always intrigued me, so we decided based on itinerary, snagged a cancellation, and did a very last minute booking…like two days ago for March 1!</p>
<p>We were on Windstar between Athens and Istanbul several years ago. I’ve been on 10 cruises from 97 people in the Galapagos to 2800 people in the Caribbean so I can make some comparisons. I liked Windstar a great deal The cabins are pretty small but they are efficiently laid out. The food was very good. Breakfast and lunch was up in a small dining room with lots of outdoor space and dinner was in a formal dining room. Everything was open seating. There was ample deck space for lounging. The pool was small but adequate. I don’t remember the other amenities - can’t remember if there was a casino or shows or that kind of thing. What I do remember was that it was very relaxing. On this cruise, the itinerary was the key attraction. I think we only had 1 sea day. I’m sure you’ll have a great time. At this point, if it’s warm and sunny, anyone would be happy!</p>
<p>My sentiments exactly! Thanks for the details, it sounds like exactly what we are looking for in a vacation. </p>
<p>I have not been on a cruise but have been to every island on that itinerary. You will probably go to the Baths on Virgin Gorda, and I would recommend walking through them to Spring Bay which is just north of the Baths. Great snorkeling from the beach and was never crowded when I’ve been there. Check out the pics: <a href=“https://www.google.com/search?q=spring+bay+virgin+gorda&safe=off&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=pOzyUuioG-iMyAG9wYG4CQ&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAg&biw=1920&bih=916”>https://www.google.com/search?q=spring+bay+virgin+gorda&safe=off&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=pOzyUuioG-iMyAG9wYG4CQ&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAg&biw=1920&bih=916</a></p>
<p>Beautiful, thanks. Any other recommendations are very welcome! </p>
<p>I have also been on Windstar Athens to Istanbul but it has been many years. It was fantastic, so many crew member to guests, something like 90 staff to 140 guests, great service, I can’t believe how good the food was. And nice and low key. I did some water sports off the back deck. but like mentioned above, the ports of call were a big draw so I wasn’t hanging out on the ship much.</p>
<p>Reporting back, as requested! We had an amazing time on the Wind Surf. As advertised, it was low key, laid back and a lot of fun. The smaller ship is definitely for us and we look forward to sailing on Windstar’s other itineraries. This cruise was for r & r, specifically, so we were content to get off the ship, head to a beach and enjoy a few adult beverages! Next time we’ll try one of the more port-intensive sightseeing trips. We loved the open seating dining and had no problem with the smaller (no balcony) cabin. It was very well-designed and to be honest, we spent little time in the cabin other than changing and sleeping. We met wonderful people and came back more relaxed, as hoped! </p>
<p>Question for you, runnersmom, or anyone else who has been on Windstar. Is smoking an issue? I read a couple of reviews saying that smoking was allowed by the pool, and the fumes took over a large part of the boat. Anyone else find that a problem? That would really ruin a cruise for me.</p>