On January 17, guests on board Windstar’s Yachtsman’s Caribbean itinerary, 
were able to mix and mingle with Olympic swimming legend Mark Spitz. Spitz is best known for his astonishing win of seven gold medals in swimming at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. As part of Windstar’s new Private Event series, Spitz served as host at the inaugural Island Experience on Prickly Pear Beach, a secluded and uninhabited nature refuge in the British Virgin Islands.
The Island Experience offered guests the opportunity to play volleyball and bocce ball, as well as enjoy a lunch of barbeque dishes including lobster and shrimp mac cheese, “surfs up” tequila lobster tacos, Cajun jambalaya, more. A Selfie Station was also on the scene, allowing guests to pose for selfies and tag pictures on social media with the hashtag #WindstarCruises.
As the host of the event, Spitz taught a master swimming lesson in the clear blue waters, assisting guests with the finer points of their swimming technique. Over 45 people were in attendance, and the event cumulated in a swimming relay race…of course with Spitz as the winner (though several other guests held their own!). Spitz also took full advantage of the selfie station, taking photos against the clear blue waters.
During the voyage Spitz gave a 60 minute lecture to 150 guests on his swimming career. Guests were able to ask questions, and Spitz answered them all. He also signed photos and took photos on the Bridge with the crew.
Other notable Private Events debuting around the world in 2015 include private dining under the stars at the Celsus Library of Ephesus; wine tasting and tour in Italy with traditional Sicilian lunch; tapas and folk dance lessons; and an equestrian ballet and sherry tasting in Spain. Look for more news on celebrity hosts at other Private Events in 2015 soon. We hope you can join us!
Questions? Reach out to a VACATION PLANNER at 1-866-788-2194.
Had a great time chatting with Mark on the Wind Surf. His 90 minute group discussion was riveting, and the Master Swim Class on the Prickly Pear Island beach was also terrific. Although Mark was bombarded with questions from fellow passengers, he was very patient and responsive, and manage to actually do some swim instruction. Bravo to Windstar for bringing him on board, and hopefully we will see him again on future cruises.