Windstar Cruises
Wind Song Cruise Review
Southern Caribbean

Ernest Jones t

I was to a great extent disappointed! But first the itinerary and then the good news:

Bridgetown, Barbados 
Isla Margarita, Venezuela 
Los Roques, Venezuela 
Bonaire, Dutch Antilles 
Curacao, Dutch Antilles 
Aruba, Dutch Antilles 
San Blas Island, Panama 
Panama Canal 
Contadora Island, Panama 
Coiba Island, Panama 
Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica 

The good news first: The food was outstanding, the best we have ever had on a cruise, and that includes the Paul Gauguin and Radisson Diamond! The on deck open air buffets we had on 2 occasions were quite unique too. The canal was spectacular, a must on any cruise! The canal company guide was excellent, and the open bridge policy was very pleasant, different , informal, and informative. The captain, a young Dutchman on loan from Holland-America, was very helpful and congenial 

The disappointments: While the cabin was not too small, 170sq. ft., the fact that there were only 2 portholes made it kind of gloomy with all the wood and dark colors and inadequate lighting. To get into the far side of the bed one had to duck under the suspended TV set! The stereo CD player was unusual with the speakers above either side of the bed. Definitely take some of your favorite CDs. They have a good VHS selection on board! In the bathroom I found the shower and toilet modules too confining, admittedly I am 6'2" and 240 lbs. so this may not be a problem for others! 

The real disappointment was the sailing! We just didn't! During the whole 15 days we may have sailed for a total of 12 hours with the engines off! Furthermore the aft sail could not be raised having had its hydraulics damaged in a storm some months before. In effect the sails are more for cosmetic rather than practical purposes. Thus we chugged along at about 10kts most of the way! In this aspect we felt defrauded!

In most of the islands going ashore was by Zodiac with wet landings, not to my taste being 70! However this is personal and many were delighted ! The general air of informality was the great attraction and brought the return business. Several couples we met had been 5+ times. We would strongly recommend a cabin on deck 2, not the bottom deck , to avoid wave slap; also amidships close to the stairs. This is what we had and the stairs were not a problem. 

Embarkation/disembarkation: Not surprisingly for a ship with only 148 passengers embarkation & disembarkation were a breeze. From Puerto Caldera we transferred by bus to San Jose the capital city of Costa Rica where we spent 2 nights/3 days at the Camino Real Hotel. The highlight of this stay was a visit to the rain forest and a cable car trip at 2 levels back and forth over the jungle canopy! Not to be missed!

We are glad we took the cruise, but would not do it again! 

If you have any questions please feel free.

Ernest Jones

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