Ashley Kessler, Windstar’s Vacation Planner Supervisor, shares the top 5 questions that Windstar’s Vacation Planners answer every day.
1. Can I visit the Bridge to see how it all works?
Yes! Windstar Cruises is one of the only cruise lines with an Open Bridge Policy where you can catch an inside look into how your yacht operates. Guests can watch the Captain and his officers sail the yacht from the Bridge. Want to know more? Don’t hesitate to ask – at Windstar, the crew is friendly and eager to educate you on the intricate workings of your yacht.
Insider Tip: Stop by at night for some stargazing on the Bridge. The officer on watch can point out some of the different constellations.
2. What can I do on the Water Sports Marina and how often is it open?
The Water Sports Marina is available fleet wide and offers a wide range of complimentary water activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, wind surfing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, and large water rafts. Wind Surf also offers a water trampoline island. The Water Sports Marina is open when the yacht is anchored. Weather permitting we try to have it down at least twice during each voyage.
Insider Tip: The mornings are the best time to use the Marina as most guests are out on shore excursions.
3. What types of activities are offered on board?
Windstar Cruises entertainment is relaxed, welcoming, and intimate. You will never find a barrage of unwanted activities from an overeager cruise staff. Instead, you will discover a list of activities in your daily schedule delivered to your stateroom each day. Daytime events can range from relaxing in WindSpa, cooking class with the Executive Chef, golf in the Lounge, card games with new-found friends, and the list goes on. Evenings give way to local entertainment performing in the Lounge, Windstar’s famous Deck Barbecue, a guest entertainer performance two times per cruise, or simply dancing the night away to live music.
Insider Tip: Be sure to stop by the Lounge before dinner for a cocktail, a small bite to eat and your nightly briefing with your Destination Manager about the next day’s port.
4. How do shore excursions work?
Windstar Cruises shore excursions are handpicked by tour experts in order to bring you the best onshore experience possible. To ensure that the intimate yacht feel follows you throughout your vacation, the average tour group is 20 guests or less to every tour guide. Tour operators, who are English speaking, represent their regions with pride as you immerse yourself in the culture and lifestyle of each port. I always recommend signing up for shore excursions before you board your yacht – it is a no hassle way to plan your vacation. With Windstar you can change your shore excursion or cancel it completely with no charge up until 24 hours prior to the shore excursion date.
Insider Tip: Windstar offers a variety of cuisine related shore excursions. These tours are a great way to savor the port!
5. What is included in the price of my Windstar Cruise?
Windstar offers all the luxuries you expect, at a price you don’t. All of our 5-star dining venues are included in your cruise cost, including: AmphorA Restaurant, dining under the stars with Candles Grill, Wind Surf’s Stella Bistro, and 24-hour Room Service. Nonalcoholic beverages such as soda, juice, bottled water, tea, and coffee are complimentary. Enjoy other amenities such as unlimited use of the Water Sports Marina, expansive DVD collection, and entertainment.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the Market Tour with the Executive Chef; it’s a great way to see and taste the port, and is complimentary.
