sb44

We use our Verizon worldwide plan for $10 a day per phone. They slow down the data after xxx usage per day which I hate.  Sometimes we buy a wifi package but under the new excursion rules I think I would just buy the unlimited and not spend your time worrying about usage.  Wifi is usually good in public areas but sometimes not so great in cabins, dependant on ship positioning. And we've had both devices on at once several times without getting bumped off. Just depends! Enjoy

6 hours ago, CindiSueP37 said:

Hi! Sailing on Windstar's Surf ship and wondering what the boxes and spaces in between the rooms are on the deck plan. Currently have room 246 but wondering if there's a better room in AX category. Thank you for your help

The spaces are inside cabins for higher level crew, offices, storage for supplies,  etc.  They separate port and starboard cabins. 246 is quiet and convenient to the elevator should you choose to use it, and the stairs. The ship is not that big so anywhere is good. Enjoy!

We cancelled a cruise for October because we were not ready to commit to flights. Our deposit was credited back to our credit card in about 12 days. We were told up to 60 days so were pleasantly surprised. They had to cancel several cruises because of the crew needing vaccinations. This is a small company with a small staff authorized to handle credit card refunds. You will get it.

As far as I know the airline will check for the test. I'd check with them and the CDC website.  And then keep checking as rules change on a regular basis.

Not on this cruise but FYI the SXM airport has generally not allowed check in prior to two hours before flight time last two times we've been there. If you have several hours before your flight either day pass at a hotel or do a tour.  The waiting area for flights is always mobbed on cruise days.

We book all of our travel using our Chase Sapphire card which automatically includes excellent insurance coverage. Then we buy an emergency medical and repatriation policy. We have bought one that is annual for many years as it covers all trips in a 12 month period. We had to use Chase policy once and they were great.  So did other friends. Our card is $95 a year and we get points which we've used for our airfare to get us to and from cruise ports. All around it's been a great deal for us.  I've also used Steve Dasseos and Squaremouth. Different trips sometimes require different solutions. 

On 5/30/2021 at 11:57 AM, Essiesmom said:

Am I correct in that no one has had the opportunity to sail in the stretched ships yet?  We are in a cabin in the new section, and are wondering if there are more outlets and any USB ports...  Also, are there nightlights in the bathrooms?  Or an outlet to plug one in?  EM

There are no outlets or nightlight in the bathroom unless they were added during the stretch. I buy battery operated tea lights in the grocery store. Generally a dozen for a few dollars and use them on the ship and in hotels. I always bring extra to give to friends. And because you can place them and use more than one, sometimes I outline a particular area that might cause a trip during the night.

Travel is not one dimensional. I believe in science and vaccines and must rely on being vaccinated to offer a much higher level of protection for me but I have to assume that many people I come into contact with are not vaccinated and never will be. Flying and staying in hotels just about negates the vaccination rule for cruise ships as one has already been exposed to every virus in circulation at time of travel, including our old friend the norovirus. And although  I have a vaccination card now, if I book a cruise in late 2021 or 2022, my vaccination may no longer work as I was in first group January 2021. The immunity decreases over time but there is still no booster or concensus for recommendations for one. The idea of a fully vaccinated cruise after flying, hotels, time, etc. is totally flawed and is just a false sense of security.  Either go or don't go but don't expect any type of bubble. You may already be infected upon arrival. Same for excursions. The idea of paying to put my feet on land is ludicrous.  Who is the tour guide, when vaccinated, when tested, and on and on. The adage of you pay your money and take your chances, that's the decision.  The rest is just noise.

I've seen excursion prices raised over the years, generally $20 to $50 pp as the cruise date nears.  Unless it's a place without  lot of private tour options we generally do our own thing which works for us. The new policy of only doing ship excursions will likely keep us from going on our Greece and Turkey booking this year. We have a friend who teaches tourism at university in Turkey and have looked forward to having him as our guide. The Greek Islands we've been to before and the tours cover things we've already done. I hope the policy changes before we have to book airfare.

I think the CDC doesn't want another documentary that follows The Last Cruise. If they approve cruising from US ports they are on the hook for anything bad that happens.  They're actually pretty smart letting it all play out somewhere else to see how it goes. As for our Florida governor, if I say what I think I shall be forever banned from this forum. Suffice to say I believe in vaccine "passports " aka also known as proof of being vaccinated.

8 hours ago, SailMaine said:

 

I agree that in Europe you really need to be able to explore on your own, so much to see and culture, art and food to sample on your own. We do a couple excursions with WS but mostly choose to explore each port on our own. I hope your trip is a go. 

 

Too bad we will just miss you on the Surf in December. It would have been nice to meet up for a cocktail. A question...we will probably fly out a day or two before,  in case of stormy weather on the day of. Are you familiar with a nice hotel on the beach in SM? Not one of our favorite islands at all, but figured we’d make the best of it.

 

If you're only going a a couple of days ahead agree with Strenz that the Divi is nice. Ask for a room close to main building.  Large property with condos and lots of walking if at the end. If you can go earlier, French side Le Petite has been completely rebuilt and fabulous but for more than just a couple of nights. Best restaurant on the island on French side, Bistro Caribe. Amazing food.

On 4/22/2021 at 10:34 PM, Host Jazzbeau said:

Do the math:  holding the ship for an hour because a bus with 60 people is late vs holding it because your private car with 2 people is late.  Somebody has to pay...

We have always used private excursions and NEVER been late getting back to the ship. Not getting off on our own is a deal breaker for us. We've been to most if the countries and ports that Windstar visits and have made friends with guides, locals, have favorite restaurants m, etc. We're just not interested in group tours.

On 3/15/2021 at 5:52 PM, minidonuts85 said:

We are following all of their protocols including a 4-day quarantine in our bungalow at the Perfect Pineapple behind Gertrudes. Very large covered and furnished patio to sit on and a yard with a view to enjoy. Soggy, Gertrudes and Coco Locos will all deliver hot food and drinks to us with a phone call and the fridge will be full with provisions upon arrival; not too shabby!

 

We usually go twice a year for two weeks in Spring and for Old Years. Old Years cancelled last year so here we are in March. They are struggling; physically healthy but mentally its been tough...white bay is "days of old" peaceful right now so it will be great to experience that, but a quiet beach doesnt help on the revenue side of things. Most of our luggage packed is gifts for our friends there-guitar strings, hair products, arts and craft kits for the kids, chocolate, a dog house and steaks (yes steaks).

Gertrude and Olga are two of our very favorite people.  Lots of great memories.  You're doing a great thing packing those extra bits. After the hurricane we traveled on the Surf with Strenz and both brought school supplies, feminine needs, dental hygiene items, and more to the smaller islands including seeds to Barbuda for planting. We also went on a shopping "spree" in Barbados to buy loads of toilet paper and heavier items in addition to what we brought from the states! Had to explain to customs that we were not setting up a commercial store! Good on you and enjoy your stay!

My assumption is that all of the cruise lines will be doing this for a while. Countries will have their own criteria for entry and they will be able to set policies for groups coming on shore much more easily than hundreds or thousands of individuals.  At some point maybe vaccination passports or something similar but at the start of resumed sailings, I believe they will all be controlled groups only. We'll all have to make our personal decisions about what we are willing to do to travel. 

We just keep moving on to the next! Actually the letter we received says the Breeze will start sailing the Caribbean in May. If that happens and we have received the vaccine we will be on board!

I spent several years as head of a software development team and if I had allowed this to be released to the public before proper quality control testing, I would have lost my job! The design is sloppy, it is not at all intuitive,  and is buggy. That's just for starters. I would put the old site back up until I had a product that actually reflected my company and product. Frustrating customers with any type of online product is not a good strategy. 

Agree 110%. The playing of 1492 Conquest of Paradise during the sail away has become the thing we most look forward to when leaving port on one of the sailing ships. For many of us it is an emotional experience of thankfulness to once again be on board one of these majestic ships and anticipation of what is yet to come. The music is magnificent and has become a tradition for those of us lucky enough to sail these ships often. We were onboard when the version by the Seattle Symphony was substituted and everyone was stunned. It was truly horrible and we all sent that message loud and clear to the officers to pass on to Delaney.  Even the crew thought it was horrible. Please don't mess with tradition! Especially now! We've all been through a tough year, looking forward to our next sailings whenever they will be, and need the comfort of familiar!

3 hours ago, minidonuts85 said:

Some potential ship swapping may also be in the works...saw this today for the Breeze 10/25/2021 but the Breeze currently shows to be on the West Coast 10/2021 before she sails to Tahiti.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Windstar just corrected this on FB. It will be the Legend.

21 minutes ago, Petoonya said:

I say this with all due respect and hope you'll understand. Your reminder is well intended for certain.

 

I'm not stressing over getting a cabin that pleases me. I started this thread simply asking if anyone knew of a website where cabin availability was shown. I didn't ask based on my stress level. Yes this world has a ton of pain and suffering. And yes,  I'm guilty of expressing frustration in trying to explain why I asked if anyone knew of a magic website.

 

Getting the cabin that pleases me isn't important related to what we all agonize over happening in the world. I'm grateful I have the choice of cruising at all. But finding a website that would make it easier to watch for cancellations and possible available cabins isn't stressing over it. It does distract me from watching the world's pain for a little while. You may have thought I was working myself into a fever over it, but I feel like the most fortunate woman in the world after reading the NYT or WaPo evaryday.

 

Sorry if you took my answer the wrong way. It was only meant to assure you that things will work out. Just give it some time. Be well.

9 hours ago, Petoonya said:

Susanne one last thing.

I think you may not be aware of my circumstances that I related in a different thread. Less than a week ago I was told my sailing was chartered- me and several others here were thrown off. On that cruise I had an excellent cabin.

I grabbed another sailing that was similar to mine but with no choices of cabins. There was one A left (240) and that's what I got. No BX's and the few B's left were all the worst forwards. So I'm left with hoping for a cancellation, which is doubtful as this was such a well priced cruise.

 

If I had any choices at all I'd have picked from my fav A's, BXs or B's. But it was take 240 or don't do the cruise. Dh's 75th and he'd be very disappointed if we weren't cruising in May (He may be disappointed anyway with COVID!)

I'll be OK with 240- there's that banging door to the stairs to live with but I can wear earplugs.

I still wish I had a way of watching for availability without upsetting my TA!

There will be cancellations when final payment is due. You are still pretty far out from your sailing date so don't get all worried. Have never been in a "bad" cabin on a Windstar ship. My first sailing was on the Spirit before it went to Tahiti permanently. We had last cabin next to the door crew uses to enter and exit. It was still quiet. The beds are not anywhere near the door on this ship and you will be out on deck or on excursions most of the time. There are other things to stress over right now. This is not one of them. P.S. You can fire your TA and deal directly with WS.

Thanks. Come sail with us. SJU good airport and nice itinerary. 

Many of us saw ships and crew moving around over the last few months. Here's the story! An organization with class!

https://www.windstarcruises.com/blog/crew-repatriation/

What was cancelled on the Breeze for January? We are SJU to SJU 1/9/21.

32 minutes ago, ducklite said:

On April 15th The CDC published an extension of the no-sail order in the Federal Register. A clearer version is on the CDC web site: https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/cruise/index.html  It affects all cruise lines operating in US waters, which would include Windstar.  It is in place through July 24th. 

I'm confused as to why Windstar isn't cancelling cruises beginning before that date.  My cruise is scheduled for July 20th, we have flights booked July 17th.  It's pretty obvious we aren't going anywhere, and at this point I'd like to get this sorted with the insurance.  

Anyone have any idea why they haven't cancelled cruises up to that date and are still saying they'll be cruising again in early July?

Assume your cruise is not in US waters so this would not apply.  But are the ports in Europe going to be open? And will the airlines be flying internationally? Lots of questions.

15 minutes ago, Misty Morning said:

I think the Wind Surf and Wind Star will stay in Panama until the end of October, post hurricane season, and only start sailing in Caribbean after that. Why would they send most of their staff on the Pride back to Lisbon if they intended to go to Europe later this summer.  Also if they intended to sail to Europe, they would have chosen another port to berth that is closer to Europe and yet outside hurricane zone. 

 

I am sorry for all the posters who have cruises booked and have to go through this hassle, but as I have said in many posts, I have never seen the point of booking a Windstar cruise too long in advance (mostly for pricing).  With the aggravation some posters have had to go through for their refunds highlighted on this forum, it just confirms that I'll continue booking our cruises the same way.   

I've never had any issues with booking in advance until now and nobody could have predicted this.  Windstar was always fair with us in adjusting for price drops and the few times that we missed a last minute one by a couple of hundred dollars, we more than made up for it with better hotel and airline pricing plus OBC's so I have no gripes. They're processing refunds as fast as they can and I just received a FCC for an October cancellation but am waiting for the one from our June cancellation.  I did send an email to remind them in case that one fell through the cracks.

I think you're correct on keeping the ships in Panama until the Caribbean season but only time will tell there.  I would hate to be the CEO, acting or otherwise, right now and can only imagine what angst they are going through as they can only react to what governmental authorities are doing.  They have my admiration as it can't be easy.  On the other hand, I'd like them to be as transparent with all of us as possible so we don't have the need to imagine what "might" be happening instead of what "is" happening. We're all grownups and it would be nice as Windstar "family" as we're referred to, to be in the loop instead of fantasizing about what might be happening.  It also helps keep down the rumor mill!