|
Create Your Own Windstar
Caribbean Adventure!
Welcome to the land of a thousand dances,
a dozen curious dialects, a smorgasbord of landscapes. The
Virgin Islands quite literally offer you the world – a world
once inhabited by West Indians, European explorers, and pirates.
Today each island offers you its own distinctive blend of natural
wonders and laid-back charm. Here music runs the scale from salsa
and merengue to zouk, calypso, soca and reggae. Even the beaches
are a study in diversity, where secluded hideaways and glamorous
resorts vie for your attention with sheltered coves and idyllic
bays. Tired of celebrity-spotting in St. Bart’s? The quiet
beauty of Nevis is an easy sail away. Weary of French culture? Simply
walk across the border from French St. Martin to the island’s
Dutch Sint Maarten. No matter which island currently has you under
its awe-inspiring spell, at the end of the day each can claim to
have one amazing thing in common: the pleasure of your company enjoying
another radiant Caribbean sunset.
 |
|
|
Dreams Begin
Close your eyes. Can you hear it? The rustle of trade
winds in the palm trees. The echo of the surf. The cry of a
parrot. Toto, I don’t think we’re in… No, this
is Virgin Gorda, I believe. (Or Tortola? St. Thomas?) But let’s
not get ahead of ourselves. Here’s how the dream always
begins: a ship lies anchored in the colorful harbor, clearly
not one of the common boats dancing on water; she is sleeker,
sportive, more yacht-like and refined. It’s a thrilling
feeling walking up that gangway, knowing this one is yours.
What first? Exploring! Aren’t you curious? Drop everything
and go see all the fascinating places on board. The wood-paneled
Library lined with books, videos, and CDs ... the airy, light-.filled
Veranda for breakfast and lunch…a sunny upper deck with
its pool and hot tub; the intimate salon. Poke your head into
the Bridge and meet the Captain. Say good-bye to land and hello
to the person you’re with. Feel your sense of time, freedom,
and space expand. When was the last time the choices before
you stretched to the horizon? (And there: I’ve just given
away a few of the things that make Windstar 180º from ordinary.
But don’t worry, there are a lot more surprises waiting
for you this week.) |
|
Looking
Ahead
First morning, 6:00 a.m. It’s so peaceful to be
up this early at sea. I noticed you found a cup of coffee and
a quiet place on deck to watch the sun rise. The air already
has a hint of the sun’s heat in it, and the rain forests
ashore are tuning up – buzzing, squawking, swooping, chattering.
The first officer says we passed Punta Anocito in the early
hours, and we’re on course for our first port of call later
this morning. During the night the wind came up, so the ship’s
been under sail power since midnight, with the ship’s computer
sensors constantly monitoring minute angles and shifts of wind.
Can you hear it? The sound of the sails reaching for wind, the
faint chimes of pulleys and lines in the breeze? Soon more people
will rise, drifting into the Veranda, eager for omelettes, fresh
berries and star fruit, croissants baked at dawn, and the day
ahead. What’s next? Look out from the shade of a palm tree
at the lush coastline. Wow, it’s so green against the ocean.
There are ancient Mayan temples in the rain forest there, I’ve
heard. You can cool off afterwards in a kayak, paddling right
from the ship. No hurry. Plenty of time to gather up your book,
hat, and beach bag for the day. The forecast: peaceful, calm,
80 degrees, aqua blue. |
|
|
|
|
Taking Time Out
See you later, then. Time to trade salt water and sunscreen
for fresh water, a cool shower, crisp clothes. I like this time
of evening. The solid thump of the stateroom door, shutting
out the “outside world” and opening up a smaller one,
the private one: intimate and serene. The ice bucket is full,
the minibar’s stocked with goodies, soft music is playing
from the CD by the bed. It’s especially romantic and peaceful,
a purely relaxing escape. Later, after dinner, you might retreat
again to your room with a video – I saw a great new release
in the ship’s Library, one I’ve been wanting to watch.
Or you might soak in the hot tub; enjoy a cigar up on deck.
Your bed has been turned down by your steward while you were
out gazing at the stars. (Amazing weren’t they? Did you
see the Southern Cross?) All night long the sea shimmers as
the moon shifts, and at daybreak you can peek out your portholes
and see what island, beach, rain forest or reef is on the horizon.
Have you discovered the pull-out table inside your bureau? Room
service is available 24/7, so at least once you owe it to yourself
to dine in your room, in that soft terry robe you found hanging
in the closet. Maybe tomorrow. A bowl of fresh fruit and breakfast
in bed. |
|
Wind Surf 7–Day Caribbean St. Thomas to Barbados or
Wind Surf 14–Day Combined St. Thomas to St. Thomas
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
This tiny Caribbean island welcomes you with beautiful yacht-lined
bays, clear blue skies, the Danish charm of the bustling waterfront
and extraordinary beaches. Some of the best duty-free shopping
in the Caribbean is here: emeralds, diamonds and sapphires
are yours for a song, as well as .ne perfume and delightful
liqueurs.
Isla Culebra, Puerto Rico.
Much of the island is a protected nature reserve, making it
one of two nesting sites in the U.S. for giant sea turtles.
In the 18th century pirates used the cays as hideaways. Today,
snorkelers can swim through coral kingdoms with reefs considered
to be among the Caribbean’s nest.
St. Martin, French Antilles.
St. Martin is a shoppers’ paradise. Small and chic boutiques
offer the latest fashions and French perfumes. This island
also boasts 37 lovely sun-drenched beaches.
Iles des Saintes, French Antilles.
With one of the nicest bays in the world, the crystal-clear
waters and technicolor reefs have attracted deep-sea divers
as renowned as Jacques Cousteau. Walkers will enjoy a stroll
that takes them down bougainvillea-shaded lanes lined with
tiny, brightly painted houses and past centuries-old cemeteries
where names on the headstones reveal the island’s Breton
and Norman ancestry.
At Sea. Visit the Captain
up on the Bridge or enjoy music in the Compass Rose outdoor
bar.
Pigeon Island, St. Lucia.
Spend an evening on this fabled island dreaming of the exploits
of French pirates, slave uprisings and World War II heroes.
In the morning walk the local nature trail, complete with
medicinal garden and lovely little zoo.
St. George’s, Grenada.
Grenada’s capital is a colorful mix of 18th-century French
and Georgian English architecture. Set against a backdrop
of steep hills and winding roads, there are breathtaking views
of the harbor, town or coastline from just about any angle.
Be sure to visit Market Square on Halifax Street with its
bustling Saturday market.
Bridgetown, Barbados.
Spend the day on the waterfront studying boats of every size
and color. Buy gifts from one of the many shops along Broad
Street or stay on the Wind Surf for a 14-day cruise and head
back to St. Thomas with new ports to explore.
Wind Surf 7–Day Caribbean Barbados
to St. Thomas or
Wind Surf 14–Day Combined Barbados to Barbados
Bridgetown, Barbados.
Peek into an antique shop to see the beautiful furnishings
made of Barbados mahogany. Wander over to the Careenage to
photograph yachts and fishing boats of every size and color.
Then prepare to set sail at midnight!
Bequia, Grenadines. This
hilly island strikes a nice balance between colonial charm
and modern maritime activity. Stake your claim on a golden-sand
beach and enjoy .ne swimming and superb windsurfing.
Mayreau, Grenadines. This
small Grenadine island boasts some of the best diving and
snorkeling in the Caribbean. Hiking trails are scattered throughout
the island with spectacular views of the neighboring Grenadines.
Be sure to take in a domino tournament at one of the colorful
local rum shops!
At Sea. Work off last
night’s meal in the Fitness Room.
Roseau, Dominica. A charming
port, Roseau’s Old Market Plaza is filled with fascinating
shops. The Botanical Gardens are a 40-acre paradise. Admire
orchids and perhaps spot parrots in the bird sanctuary.
Cabrits Peninsula, Dominica.
This national park is a nesting area for herons and doves
along with a variety of migrant bird species. An easy walk
around Fort Shirley reveals hermit crabs and colorful tree
lizards hidden among a spectacular botanical paradise.
St. Barthélemy, French Antilles.
32 pristine white sand beaches surrounded by cliff, reef and
lush volcanic hillsides make up this increasingly chic and
luxurious little island. Spend the day diving or swimming
in St.Bart’s sapphire waters or try on the latest European
fashions at a trendy boutique.
Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands.
Once known as a rich area for gold and silver mining, Virgin
Gorda is now more renowned for its geological curiosity known
as The Baths, where house-sized boulders form a natural swimming
pool and underwater caverns. Scuba dive or snorkel through
this fascinating natural wonder.
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
An early morning arrival allows you plenty of time to pick
up a duty-free gem (emeralds, diamonds or sapphires) before
heading home. Or stay on the Wind Surf for a 14-day cruise
and head back to Barbados with new ports of call to explore! |
Stateroom
Suite
Barbados to St. Thomas
(see
map)
St. Thomas to Barbados
(see
map)
|
|
|
|
Island Time
Fewer clothes and more freedom. You’re on island
time now! Or rather, “Windstar time,” which is even
better: there’s no need for scheduling when you can do
whatever you please. (That makes for a delicious kind of freedom,
and you might call that another trade secret of Windstar: all
things are here for the taking; the staff ’s always ready
to say, “Yes.”) If you want to go to shore, just walk
down and meet the tender; it’s waiting and ready to go.
If you want to stay “home,” I’ve heard the sports
platform will be lowered this afternoon, and you can windsurf
right from the ship. Go visit the sports team – they’ll
set you up with all the gear. What day is it? Tuesday? Today’s
shore excursions include an aerial tram ride through the lush
rain forest canopy – you might see a howler monkey or a
three-toed sloth. There’s a diving expedition leaving,
too, and a tour of the batik market in town. An afternoon soaking
in the salon sounds good – we can meet later for a martini
in the Lounge. And dinner, of course, is wide open, no reservations
needed, no formal dress code; a table for two or twelve. It’s
up to you. Total freedom. Great service. Fascinating things
to do. These are the ingredients for a perfect day, don’t
you think? |
|
Tasting Perfection
What is it about fresh air — being outside surrounded
by nature – that makes everything look, smell, and taste
more delicious than ever? Even simple things – like sliced
tomatoes and local island cheeses – seem more ripe and
delicious. I saw the chef in port at the market this morning,
looking for inspiration. Remember the little store in town where
half the island seemed to congregate? It sells fruit the local
farmers bring in from the fields at dawn. Right now, apricots,
pineapples and kiwis are in season it seems, so no doubt the
chef will turn them into something amazing for dessert. That’s
one of the remarkable things about sailing into the smaller
ports where Windstar calls: the chefs develop relationships
with local vendors and can let the day’s bounty inform
the menus on board. Tonight in The Restaurant: chilled beet
soup with citrus crème frâiche… grilled ahi
in pink peppercorn sauce…chocolate croissant pudding…that’s
just one option; there are dozens more. Since 1997 Joachim Splichal,
one of the country’s master chefs and restaurateurs (Patina?
In L.A.? That’s his), has created recipes exclusively for
Windstar. I hope you’re hungry. You won’t find cuisine
like this anywhere else. |
|
|
|
|
Create
Your Own
Windstar Adventure
For those of you who wish to create your own Windstar
adventure, we have great news. Cruise combining, shore excursions,
air/land packages and special cruise offers help you customize
your cruise experience. You may decide a 7-day cruise isn’t
long enough. Many of our cruises can be combined on board the
same ship for two or more segments (in either direction). For
example, head south on the 7-day Barbados to St. Thomas cruise.
Sail northbound back to Barbados (stopping in new ports) creating
a total of 14 days of sun and relaxation. (Receive additional
discounts for cruise-combining. (Call for further details.)
Dreaming of more adventure? After booking your cruise, you’ll
receive information about our add-on shore excursions –
such as riding an aerial tram in Costa Rica or sailing an America’s
Cup racing yacht, to name a few. Or perhaps you’re hoping
to make planning your cruise easier by finding an air/land package
or specials on select cruises. Windstar’s intimate size
and unforgettable experience is perfect for an incentive group
or full-ship charter. Whether you’d like to extend your
journey – or simply make the most of it – no one makes
it easier for you than Windstar. |
|
CALL CAMPBELL CRUISES
1-800-586-SAIL (7245)!
*Fares listed are per person in U.S. dollars, based on double occupancy
in category B and include all non-discountable amounts and taxes
of $215. Airport PFC's of $3 pp - $18 pp and Immigration/Customs/Federal
Security fees and taxes are additional. For Inclusive/Discounted
Air offers, airfare is roundtrip coach class. Offer is valid on
specific departures and is capacity controlled and may by withdrawn
at any time with or without notice. Other promotional offers do
NOT apply. Offer is combinable with the 2003 alumni discount program.
Discounted rates for Suites, Thirds and Singles are available. Cancellation
penalties apply. Refer to a Windstar Cruises brochure for details.
Certain restrictions apply.
Ships’ Registry: Bahamas.
Click
here for Hawaii Cruises
|
