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The Fleet Report and Daily for Saturday March 16th, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to kazu's topic in Holland America Line
Rich, I will further the history a bit. I started the Where’s the Fleet in 2005 or 2006, I had just started doing the Web Cam Wave from the Oosterdam out of San Diego. Because we frequented that ship became good friends with the Hotel Manager James Deering who actually encouraged me to start the Where’s The Fleet, he provided me with a pdf file for the fleet, he and other HAL Officers assisted in getting me this for several years. what is nice is that Tom and I are still good friends with James Deering and were able to sail with him last week where he is the Hotel General Manager on Windstar Wind Surf. Just over 30% of Officers and Crew on that ship are former HAL employees including the Captain. It really felt like being on HAL 18 years ago.- 155 replies
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LAFFNVEGAS Live from Windstar Wind Surf March 2, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to LAFFNVEGAS's topic in Windstar Cruises
Let me try to answer your question, 1. I cannot compare Barbados airport to SXM since I have never flown into Barbados, But over all the St Maarten airport is a bit disorganized I think. We flew American airlines and there were no signs to where the American Airlines check in counter was till about 2 hours prior to checking in and no sign priority but it ended up there was but no signage of having it. 2. I agree I have never ever been able to use our TSA check in when coming in from another country with the exception of flying in from Canada. Although I have heard you also can do it in Ireland but the MIA airport was crazy busy with lots of delays. After claiming our luggage from the St Maarten to MIA flight we dropped off our luggage to check back in, that was easy but then we have to go through TSA and no there is no TSA Precheck but the lines was so long that it appeared was taking well over an hour and one of the TSA people came up to the people just in front of us and said the rest of you go through this other gate 4 into the main terminal and go through TSA through the main terminal. So we did, we went down to TSA Precheck 1 near all the American Priority check in counters and totally by passed the very long line of regular TSA. We got very lucky. 3. We have not sailed on Star Pride so I cannot compare but we are suite cruisers, . On Holland America we usually have a Neptune Suite or a Signature Suite, Or we sail NCL in the Haven, for this cruise we were in a category AX forward deck 2. No balcony but oddly we did not miss not having a balcony and the stateroom was actually roomy with so much space we did not use it all. The bathroom also was nicely laid out. The shower was fantastic with instant hot water, great shower head and the most water pressure I have ever felt on a ship. Possibly more than my home shower. We booked again to cruise on Wind Surf for September 2025 for same category. -
LAFFNVEGAS Live from Windstar Wind Surf March 2, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to LAFFNVEGAS's topic in Windstar Cruises
Well the cruise has ended and we are traveling home. SXM St Maarten airport was as I expected confusion with little to no signage. Flight did leave on time and we got in on time, but the MIA airport was extra busy and lots of wrong information as to which luggage carousel then the need to recheck bags and long lines of TSA , the lines were so long they sent a bunch of us into the main terminal but since had TSA pre check we left caked out not doing it like they normally do. Normally coming in from an International location you do not get to use your TSA Precheck. The down side now is our out going flight was to leave at 7:10 it’s now not leaving till 9:10. Its been a long exhausting day much like how our journey started. We had a wonderful week on Wind Surf, definitely would do again. We booked Surf for September 2025 out of Venice while on board . We heard many say they would now only sail small ship, while I love the small ship I still love all cruising and look forward for our next cruise in 5 weeks on the NCL Joy. We loved everything about Wind Surf, thought the ship was in great ship for her age, food and service were excellent. I think the only flight down side is no sea days on this itinerary and way too much tendering. That was a bit exhausting. But everything thing else was great!!!- 133 replies
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LAFFNVEGAS Live from Windstar Wind Surf March 2, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to LAFFNVEGAS's topic in Windstar Cruises
A late what’s for dinner but a combination, we ate in Stella with James but could order off with Amphora or Stella so we had a little of both What a great way to end the week. It was so great great to be with James Deering who we have known for over 18 years. James had the Duck Salad , I had the Roquefort Salad and Tom had the Caesar Salad, James had Scallops dish , I also had scallops but added on the Lobster from Amphora and Tom had the Prime Rib from Amphora with Lobster , we all had Creme Brulee and a lot of Champagne and wine 😉😁😂 It was an amazing end to a wonderful week on the Windstar Wind Surf.- 133 replies
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LAFFNVEGAS Live from Windstar Wind Surf March 2, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to LAFFNVEGAS's topic in Windstar Cruises
Got off the ship and tendered into St. Barths, very hot and humid today. Lots of very high end stores. Tom did find a T-shirt he liked but not in his size so we just passed on spending any money they stated the were $39 euros, yes it’s also very expensive here. Lots and lots of fancy ships and sail boats. -
LAFFNVEGAS Live from Windstar Wind Surf March 2, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to LAFFNVEGAS's topic in Windstar Cruises
Sadly we end tomorrow in St Maarten, there is a stateroom we could get last minute to stay on another week but logically will not work especially with the first class air we upgraded to . We cruise in 5 weeks on NCL Joy in the Haven to Bermuda so it not like we do not have a cruise coming soon. -
LAFFNVEGAS Live from Windstar Wind Surf March 2, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to LAFFNVEGAS's topic in Windstar Cruises
Kind of good news bad news story with that, they removed the lobsters totally from both due to the rising cost of lobsters, but there was a big uproar that they were removed so they will be returning just unsure when. -
LAFFNVEGAS Live from Windstar Wind Surf March 2, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to LAFFNVEGAS's topic in Windstar Cruises
Today we are in St Barthes, I have spa appointments this morning,massage and facial then we will head into town since we are here till 10 but will go to Captains Farewell, then we are having dinner with James. -
LAFFNVEGAS Live from Windstar Wind Surf March 2, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to LAFFNVEGAS's topic in Windstar Cruises
Oh yes definitely way better, I would rate it up there with Wynn or Caesar’s in LasVegas. Very high quality -
LAFFNVEGAS Live from Windstar Wind Surf March 2, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to LAFFNVEGAS's topic in Windstar Cruises
Nancy most definitely, the excellent band was playing then the crew started dancing then they clear away part of the buffet tables to do line dancing. It was another fun party. -
LAFFNVEGAS Live from Windstar Wind Surf March 2, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to LAFFNVEGAS's topic in Windstar Cruises
No, What’s for Dinner tonight since it was the Deck BBQ and all the restaurants are closed. The entertainment is about to start but here is some of the beginning part.- 133 replies
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LAFFNVEGAS Live from Windstar Wind Surf March 2, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to LAFFNVEGAS's topic in Windstar Cruises
Hi Jacqui. We actually bought the All In package that includes the Beverages, Gratuities and WiFi. We figured 3 drinks may 4 if you drink cheap drinks per day is a break even. For the bottom line we will be break even but it just makes it easier. -
LAFFNVEGAS Live from Windstar Wind Surf March 2, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to LAFFNVEGAS's topic in Windstar Cruises
Good Morning from Basseterre St Kitts, we are enjoying breakfast at the Veranda, Tom had pancakes and usual breakfast meats, I just had some lighter items from the buffet, in about an hour we will be doing a Sugar Cane train around the island.- 133 replies
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LAFFNVEGAS Live from Windstar Wind Surf March 2, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to LAFFNVEGAS's topic in Windstar Cruises
Tonight on the Wind Surf was the Crew Show, I honestly do not think I have enjoyed a crew show on a ship better. It was truly one of the funniest and most talented group I have ever seen. Then I added in our very different pillow candy this evening. One thing nice on Windstar is you still have cabin steward service your stateroom twice a day and evening turn down. -
LAFFNVEGAS Live from Windstar Wind Surf March 2, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to LAFFNVEGAS's topic in Windstar Cruises
Very good dinner this evening, as well as it was a packed dining room. Tom and I both ordered the Caesar Salad, me with Anchovies and none for Tom. Then we shared Calamari. Then we both had the Osso Bucco except Tom had them hold the Polenta and got baked Potato. Then Tom had Vanilla Ice Cream with Chocolate sauce and I had the Blueberry Apple Cobbler. Everything was excellent!! Tomorrow night is the Deck BBQ so all the Restaurants will be closed . -
LAFFNVEGAS Live from Windstar Wind Surf March 2, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to LAFFNVEGAS's topic in Windstar Cruises
It’s that time of night… What’s for Dinner? What would you order. We are in the Amphora Dining Room. -
LAFFNVEGAS Live from Windstar Wind Surf March 2, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to LAFFNVEGAS's topic in Windstar Cruises
Had lunch this afternoon at the Veranda restaurant, nice chat with the Captain Coll Ryan we discovered we definitely sailed with him several times we confirmed it with specific things that happen on those Holland America sailings on The older Statendam and the Veendam, those ships are no longer part of the fleet. I ate the buffet and Tom ordered a Meat Lovers pizza. The views from the ship have been stunning, Captain has Ben slowly turning the ship so our dining view has been amazing.- 133 replies
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LAFFNVEGAS Live from Windstar Wind Surf March 2, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to LAFFNVEGAS's topic in Windstar Cruises
That is act what Tom and I discussed this morning. Our cabin is extremely quiet, we normally wake coming into port from noise and vibrations, this was so quiet and smooth. We are close to the bow and forward elevator and the ride is smoother than most large ships. It is definitely quiet. -
LAFFNVEGAS Live from Windstar Wind Surf March 2, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to LAFFNVEGAS's topic in Windstar Cruises
Good morning from Les Saintes Guadeloupe, it’s a very muggy humid overcast day so we may just stay on board the ship. We had not planned a tour today and the tender ride in is a bit longer than most. There are no sea days on this itinerary and we love sea days. we are sitting near the Yacht Club but closer to the front desk on port side. We had breakfast up at the Veranda I like having made to order eggs every morning Tom had pancakes this morning and said they were good, he also really likes their bacon. He is now sipping on hot chocolate and I have an iced sugar free vanilla cappuccino with almond milk. I like they have the extra some of us prefer. I am amazed at all the plant based Vegan options they also have. For the Wind Surf probably being the oldest ship we have sailed on she really is in great shape. She is going through an extensive Dry Dock in November. The stateroom do not feel small and have far more space and drawers than any of the new ships . Closet space and number of hangers are plentiful. I had thought from pictures before we sailed that the bathroom would feel small but it too is actually better than some of our recent cruises on new ships. We are enjoying the much smaller ship and the sailing yacht feel. The last picture is the Amphora Dining Room.- 133 replies
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LAFFNVEGAS Live from Windstar Wind Surf March 2, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to LAFFNVEGAS's topic in Windstar Cruises
Hi Roy, yes most definitely. They love passengers stopping by. -
LAFFNVEGAS Live from Windstar Wind Surf March 2, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to LAFFNVEGAS's topic in Windstar Cruises
Tonight Tom ordered the Cesar Salad, the Sirloin Steak with Baked Potato and Candice cream and chocolate sauce. I had the French Onion Soup, the Seared Tuna which was very good, and the chocolate Cremeux. Everything was very good. When we got back to our cabin besides the Chicopee get every single night there was a little turtle made out of shells as a gift. -
LAFFNVEGAS Live from Windstar Wind Surf March 2, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to LAFFNVEGAS's topic in Windstar Cruises
Cherie, The food taste has been very good, I have to admit over all better than HAL for most of the items. The one thing HAL has better is Explorations Coffee Bar and coffee in the main dining room. The coffee in the main d r here and breakfast is not good at all real oily acidity, they have a coffee bar like Explorations called Yacht Club but it is kind of hit or miss and the coffee is just slightly better than the other venues. But they do have good bakery items there. as for missing a balcony, I was concerned we would but actually not at all. No cabins even the few big suites have no balcony. There are plenty of outside deck space areas. The one thing Tom and I talked about over dinner was how much bigger the ship feels on the inside. We watched numerous YouTube videos before the cruise and none do this ship justice. It feels a lot bigger. And Amphora Main Dining room is extremely big and actually quite elegant. There are two sides to the main Dining Room. -
LAFFNVEGAS Live from Windstar Wind Surf March 2, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to LAFFNVEGAS's topic in Windstar Cruises
It’s almost that time of night for What’s for Dinner? What would you order? We will be heading upstairs to dinner in about 30 minutes. -
LAFFNVEGAS Live from Windstar Wind Surf March 2, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to LAFFNVEGAS's topic in Windstar Cruises
Had our picture taken out on the Bow Sprit while sailing out of St Lucia also Pics of sail away raising the sails video with music was too long to upload.- 133 replies
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LAFFNVEGAS Live from Windstar Wind Surf March 2, 2024
LAFFNVEGAS replied to LAFFNVEGAS's topic in Windstar Cruises
Definitely much better, the food was excellent.