Windjammer/tallship cruising

I feel the need to share. I first cruised on a sailing ship in 2000, and my husband and I have been hooked ever since! We've sailed many a tall-ship, and now love the smaller windjammer-style ships best (60 passengers or less).

This is casual cruising, but it's hardly "basic" or "rustic" cruising. These tall ships are gorgeous and beautifully maintained, have very nice cabins (cozy yes, but well appointed) with their own bathrooms and A/C controls, the crews are professional but loads of fun, the food is excellent, and the islands are varied: from mostly flora and fauna to more metropolitan. Lots of opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, beaching, hiking, exploring, bar-hopping—and on some islands, shopping and touring. The ships offer free use of snorkeling gear and some have kayaks, sailboards and even personal sailboats available for passenger use at no fee.

Tall Sailing ships Arabella, Diamant and Mandalay are sails up whenever they are on the move, and that just can't be beat for anyone who really wants/loves a sailing adventure! And best of all, you need only pack shorts, tops/tees, swimwear, sandals, and you're good to go! And no, no one is expected to work, other than the crew.

I'd like to share some websites for anyone who might want more information about any of these windjammer-style ships sailing ships and their companies:

http://www.arabellavacations.com

Tall ship Arabella, (40 passengers) now owned by Manhattan Yacht Club and offering public cruises from Dec-April each year.

http://islandwindjammers.com

Island Windjammers has tall ships Diamant (12 passengers) and Sagitta (24 passengers). The latter is more of a motor sailing ship.

http://myseashanty.com/index.php

Island Windjammers' chat site

scroll down to the Pieces of Eight General Discussion section

http://sailwindjammer.com

Sail Windjammer has the tall ship Mandalay (60 passengers), formerly a Windjammer Barefoot Cruises ship.

http://www.jammerbabe.com/

Website for tall-ship sailors. At the bottom of the Index page is a list of forums for each of the tall-ships.

While the granddaddy of them all, Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, went out of business in 2007, there are plenty of great opportunities to cruise on a sailing ship. Singles, couples, groups, all ages. Some also offer family cruises.

Think on it!! Go for it!!

Glad the Tall Ships are back ! I also cruised the OceanBreeze & Seabreeze on the Dolphin cruise line. Small ships but the passengers & crew was very friendly. I think they had a ship named Dolphin 4, a third ship, sailed on her too.

Thank you for posting this information SailorJM. We were interesting in knowing what else was out there similar to the Arabella and these links were very helpful

Sail tall!

We'll be on Diamant again come Nov. 17, for one of the nine-night wanderer cruises--St. Lucia to Grenada. And Arabella next March. It IS the life for us!

Thank you for sharing this information; it is most fortunate for everyone. I have recently become more intrigued by this style of vacation. Your compilation will be most helpful.

Glad to be of help. This is cruising for those who don't like cruising, or think they won't. Or for those tired of big crowds, long lines, and having to put on shoes to eat a meal.

Two weeks, and I'll be sailing again....whoohoo!