Reviewed by: Jane Burrows

Date: 1 July 2018 – Rome to Nice

Cruise line and ship: Windstar Cruises – Wind Surf

Size of ship: 188 metres in length – 14,745 tons

Passenger capacity: 310 (200 crew)

Year built: 1990 (2016 latest refurbishment)

Currency onboard: USD

Total inside cabins: Zero

            

Most suited to:

This is for you if you are after the small ship experience with amazing personalized service, where the staff remember your name and certain things that you like. The age on board ranged from 21 through to 80, groups as well as singles, with clients from all over the world.  There were approximately 10 other Australians on board. They were all very impressed with the ship, saying they would definitely travel with Windstar again in the future.

Embarkation/De-embarkation Process:

Embarkation was seamless and the staff very friendly. I was escorted to my stateroom by a crew member and shown around my cabin.  The crew member even got down my life jacket for me and explained where and when I needed to attend the briefing. The champagne welcome reception was a nice touch.

De-embarkation was also very smooth. Instructions were given the night prior, delivered to our stateroom and were very clear. As we departed, Captain Gerry was waiting for us at the bottom of the gangway to wish everyone well which was a special touch.

  

Staterooms:

The staterooms were lovely and immaculately clean, quite large and well laid out. The bathroom, especially the shower was a decent size. It had all of the amenities that I required including a hairdryer. A lovely basket of fresh fruit was placed in every cabin, with L’occitaine products placed in the bathrooms.

Dining & Service:

The food was 6 star. The daily menu change in AmphorA, the main restaurant, gave passengers a great deal of choice throughout the cruise. The specials also changed in the Veranda (alfresco dining) every day, and it was made to order which made it very fresh. The burger grill at Veranda at lunch-time was also a very popular and delicious option.

The dining outlets to choose from included the Veranda, Stella Bistro, Candles (Veranda by day), AmphorA, Deck BBQ and Dining Under the Stars. Windstar restrict dining in Stella Bistro and Candles to one night only per restaurant per sailing to ensure that all guest on board are able to experience both of these amazing restaurants. Stella Bistro and the Deck BBQ were my standouts.

The menu in Stella Bistro was exceptional. The flexibility to order different options for courses (ie: 2 entrees or 2 mains) is a great idea and just when we thought something was exceptional, they surpassed it and surprised us with even more.

The menu options in all restaurants catered for all palates including seafood, steak and a great range of vegetarian options. If you requested something different they would do their very best to accommodate your request.

The service on most occasions was exceptional.  The bar staff in the Lounge and the duo Compass Rose were wonderful, as was the Beverage Manager.

  

Shore Excursions:

Cinque Terre by Boat – excellent value for money, although the stop in Monterosso was quite short and we would have like a little extra time there to look around. We were also served wine and focaccia on the return boat ride.

Wine Tasting at the Domaine de l’Aurmerade – excellent value for money with the chance to see the countryside. We were given insight into the history of the Chateau and enjoyed a tour of the barrel room before heading into the store-house to sample several of their wines.

Nice highlights and airport transfer – Nice is a large city and with only minimal time before our flights, it was great value to see as much as we could in a short time, with the bonus extra of being transferred to the airport. Highlights included the Negresco Hotel, the Old Town, and the flower market.

Onboard Activities:

The water sports platform was a highlight, so much fun. Unfortunately, the conditions didn’t permit us to use all of the equipment,  jumping off the back of the ship was still so much fun. There were 2 lifeguards on the platform at all times and the equipment was very safe.

There was also a salon/spa, 3 bars/lounges, a swimming pool, 2 hot tubs, a well-equipped gym with a personal trainer and classes run every day. A library with a selection of books and DVD’s (all cabins included a DVD player).

There is a terrific ‘Open Bridge’ policy when at sea so passengers can watch the Captain and his officers in action.

 

Favourite Experiences on the Ship:

To many to say, but listening to Vangelis “Conquest of Paradise” whilst watching the sails being hoisted, was a truly unique, goose-bump experience. 

Compass Rose – the duo would play easy listening music so that you could sit and chat within the group either inside or out on the deck and watch the beautiful surrounding go by. The deck is also where we would have the sail away parties.

Laundry:

No self-use laundry facilities on board but there was a special 40% offer off pressing for the first day of sailing which I believe the majority of the guests on board took full advantage of. It was returned back to your cabin by 5pm the following day.

Other:

This ship is not designed for young families,  there were no facilities for children.

Under the correct conditions, the sails can aid the speed of the ship, however, most of the time they are for show only.

A Credit Card hold of $450 USD is taken at check-in.

15% gratuities are not included in the Windstar cruise holiday prices you see advertised (which is standard for most cruise lines). Some sailings have an additional 22% charge on the fare and drinks packages so check these details with your Cruise Express Travel Specialist when booking.