Windstar Cruises
Wind Song Cruise Review
New Zealand

Ian Fitch

Age: 37
Occupation: Network Administrator
Number of Cruises: 5

The Windstar experience is unique, and certainly not for the cruiser looking for a "party ship". But we were looking for quality food & service, interesting ports, and a relaxed atmosphere, and it more than lived up to our expectations.

Our fellow passengers were mainly older, wealthier Americans (with a scattering of Australians on this 10 day New Zealand itinerary). Many friendly, some nothing more than polite, and more than a few down right rude (it's sad what too many years of good living can do to some people). It's the same as any cruise (after all, you're never going to get on with everyone), but the beauty of Windstar is it doesn't matter - you only mix as much as you want, and with whom you want.

The public areas, like the ship as a whole, were comfortable rather than plush - but it rather suited the laid back atmosphere. The decor of the main lounge could probably do with a bit of updating - all fabrics and furnishings were in good order, but it was a bit plain (although having seen what owners Carnival have done to some of the Costa ships, maybe it's better to leave well enough alone and not let them try and interpret "casual elegance"). The gym was more than adequate for the number of passengers, the video and CD library very well stocked, and the dining room fittingly yacht like. There was also a small beauty salon and massage room, and although I can't speak from personal experience, those who used it seemed happy with the services.

There were no big budget shows, no bingo and no art auctions (thank goodness). We had one very talented vocalist (Kathy) who sang before and after dinner, a great keyboard player (Si) who performed both with her and solo on deck in the afternoons, the very occasional local act whilst in port, and that was it. Despite being still under 40, most nights we went to bed to read or watch a video after dinner, but I believe the whole ship had just about closed down by 10.30pm. That was what we expected, and it suited us just fine - but if you're looking to party all night (or want to take the children), you'll be sorely disappointed.

With the very occasional exception, the dining experience was exceptional. Breakfast and lunch (weather permitting) were in the Verandah – casual setting, lots of windows, and full table service if required. Buffets were varied and constantly replenished, and accompanied by a varying a la carte selection. Dinner in the restaurant was always an event - great choices, excellent presentation and delicious! The executive chef Stephan was always around speaking to passengers and listening to feedback. And all meals were open seating - when and with whom you ate was always up to you. The only low spot was room service - good menu, but the only time we ordered, it all arrived cold (and we heard a couple of similar comments from other passengers).

The service lived up to the standards set by the food - all the crew were very attentive and efficient, and most added a great friendly, smiling personality to the experience as well. This also applied to the reception staff, who ensured everything ran smoothly from the moment we stepped aboard (embarkation formalities took place onboard in the main lounge, over a very civilised glass of champagne), up until we disembarked (which was also a completely painless procedure).

The most outstanding thing about our cabin (category B - standard cabin on the lower of two accommodation decks) was how quiet it was - we never heard another sound (not even plumbing), despite all the cabins being fitted with TVs (and decent sized ones, at that) and CD stereos. The decor was pleasantly yacht like - lots of polished woods, and there was a tonne of storage space. Our mattress was getting near the end of it's life, the chairs were comfortable but hardly luxurious, and it was hard to get past the wall mounted TV to the far side of the bed, but that's about the only complaints. And the bathroom was very smart and efficiently laid out. The only thing that was a bit off-putting till we got used to it was the constant breaking of waves over the portholes - if you think this might bother you then the surcharge to move up one deck (to an otherwise identical cabin) is not excessive.

This was a port intensive itinerary, and it was great! New Zealand scenery was stunning and the people very friendly. The weather was a bit cold, and most times prevented the use of the ship's water sports facilities (usually accessed from an aft platform), which was disappointing - if Windstar do New Zealand again, I'd recommend people go a month or two earlier (Dec/Jan/Feb), as one of the beauties of a Windstar ship is it's water sports facilities. The shore excursions were also very well organised and received by most passengers - the only real criticism was that the meal hours on board sometimes should have been more flexible to fit in with tour departures/returns. And the ship's open bridge policy was fascinating - being able to wander into the bridge and observe at any time was most interesting.

Overall, this was definitely a holiday that lived up to the claims in the brochure! Truly first class food & service, and a great relaxed atmosphere. It's not for those wanting to party non-stop, but if you need to completely unwind and be well and truly looked after, then the Wind Song is for you. (If I was rating the ship, I'd give it 4.5 stars, losing half a point mainly because it misses some of the more modern features people expect from a luxury vessel, like a full spa facility or internet centre - neither of which I personally missed).

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