vegasdriven

Thanks for the replies!

Strenz, that was my assumption that it would be calmer in port, but good to know it is usually pleasant. We had a very windy night on our Italian cruise, both for Candles and the barbecue night, so hoping this will be better. Really do like dining al fresco.

Ski mom, I do understand the policy to make sure everyone has a chance to dine at least once in all venues, but if they are not taking advantage- for instance more people wanting to eat at Amphora, while there are lots of tables available in Stella, it just seems like they might accept walking to spread things out a little.

Wondering if any past cruisers of this trip would have any suggestions as to which nights would be best for our Candles reservation? Or does it matter- is it pretty much calm sailing between these islands?

Re Stella, has anyone shown up without a reservation, and been accommodated? For instance if Amphora is really crowded, is it worth trying to go upstairs?

The first cruise we did with Windstar (classic Italy), we were able to dine twice at Stella by dining with another couple that had reservations. That night it was very quiet there, and we had a really lovely experience.

No complaints with Amphora, other than some nights it does have that noisier atmosphere, and you sometimes have to accept a less than ideal table, and service which is a little less relaxing.

We loved Windsurf the first time, and looking forward to sailing on her again!

Atlanta it is!

Good info so far! Flyer talker- thanks for confirming my thoughts re hotels and booking on Priceline etc.

Water bug- Yes, I realize there are many things that can go wrong concerning flight delays- just like to be as prepared as possible. At least we have 2 nights before our cruise in St Martin.

6rugrats- yuk, not looking forward to the trip home.

Sorry about the double post- couldn't figure out how to delete it.

We have to fly through one of these airports on our way to St Maarten for our Jan 14 cruise.

We will be overnighting either way, before flying out at 9:45ish am.

What would your pref. Be and why?

We have to go via jfk for the return, but not so concerned about that. I am just thinking that Atlanta would have less chance of encountering a snowstorm on our way to St Maarten.

We are taking Windsurf out of St Martin Jan 14. We have option to go through Atlanta or JFK. We would be spending the night before our outgoing flight in either place.

What would be your pref., and why?

I am thinking Atlanta, as it might be slightly less likely to get stuck in a snowstorm?

Coming home we have to go through jfk, but not so concerned about that one!

Lorraine, looking forward to meeting you as well. We booked back in Nov., so the price was not bad at that time, but unfortunately we are Canadian:eek: sticker shock!

But, can't think about that-just have to enjoy the trip-30% more:)

Debra and Chris

Thank you for a quick reply, and lovely report-definitely the best I've read yet. We will be on the Windsurf, so should be a somewhat different experience, but getting very excited as it is coming up fast.

Words on wings, I would love to read your review as we are going on the same itinerary on the 25th of Sept. However I can't seem to get that address to work for me- I keep getting a message that it does not exist- any ideas?

Hill skis, thank you, thank you for the link to your blog. I am gaining so much useful, and exciting information. This is really helping with planning.

A question about the cruise between Dubrovnik and Kotor- does it really only take 2 hrs to reach the entrance from Dubrovnik, and if so will we anchor off Dubrovnik over night, as our departure is at 10 pm from Dubrovnik, and arrival is supposed to be 8am in Kotor? I realize you would probably not know for sure what the ship's plan of attack is, but that you might have some insight?

I am one of those people that likes to plan everything to death with the proviso to have a backup plan or two, so love to have as many details and opinions as possible.

Thank you, all!Now I have a few good options for Candles. I wish there were more trip reports from Windstar cruises.

I hope to do one myself, I think it will be a great way to relive what should be a wonderful experience!

Water tower- what time would you suggest- I was planning to be up, and was planning on 6, 6:30?

Hill skies- thanks for the info. That sounds like a great suggestion for Candles leaving Kotor.

What time of year did you cruise that itinerary?

Sorry , I am a little late with a reply, we were away for the weekend visiting friends on a beautiful island off Vancouver Island called Hornby.

We will be on Windsurf Sept. 25. Anyone have any idea if they have the watersports platform out at any of these stops?

I am thinking about booking our Candles night for the night we leave Messina. Thinking that might be one of the calmer nights for outdoor dining? Any comments?

Also, would be interested to hear from someone who has done this trip, and how the comp excursion on that island was? How did you get to and from, and what time did you leave for said excursion?

We will be on the Windsurf Sept 25 with stops in Rovinj, Split, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Messina, and Capri, ending in Rome. Can anyone give me an idea which if any of these stops they have the watersports platform out?

I am thinking that booking our Candles night between Messina and Capri(thinking it might be one of the calmer nights for eating outside?). Any comments or suggestions about this?

Also, if anyone has been on the complimentary wine tasting excursion in Taormina, how was it? Can you give us an idea of the approximate location, and how you get there?

I know I am limited to how many answers I can expect from people who have done this cruise is limited, but if anyone else has any suggestions, I would appreciate hearing from them as well!

So, if we have leftover Kuna from our Croatian stops would it be a good idea to tip some of our extra tips with that?

I certainly don't want to leave something that would make it difficult for staff to use, but it would be a good way to use up leftover funds!

We are in Rome for 2 nights after our cruise. We will be there Oct. 3 and 4, Sat and Sun. I am thinking about the night tour on the Sat., as I think it might be a less crowded way to see the Colusseum, as well as being a lovely way to see it.

Has anyone done this tour?

Debra

I would be interested in advice on visiting Colusseum on the first Sun of the month, as we will be there on the first Sat and Sun of Oct. I am worried because it is free that day, that it will just be too crowded, and crazy. Would make sense to get there as soon as open in morning?