Simonthesailor

We are on this cruise too. Happy if we stay aboard throughout. Regardless some warmth will be nice anyway.. I have just worked out they have swapped Gran Canaria for La Palma. Pity, we wanted to see the volcano(while having every sympathy for those affected by it it would be a dramatic sight and they are appealing for paying visitors.)

On a recent cruise out of Malaga while many ladies appeared to dress to impress, many men (strangely) did not! In a jacket and tie I felt overdressed. Certainly no one seen in a black tie outfit. 

Thanks everyone. In the event no problem on this occasion as there are about 500 or less passengers! But we did book first time and could have Surf and Turf every night if we wished.

Food otherwise pretty good anyway and entertainment excellent.

Just done test for MX2. Instructions form Chromatic slightly unclear at the point where you have to enter barcode - there is no bar code but there is a serial number. That worked. The approval email comes back almost by return- minimal delay. The late night test = loads of tired people next day!

Some folk were unable to download proof at check in at the cruise terminal but were able to have another test done locally (in Malaga cruise terminal) for about £18, so no need to panic

4 hours ago, Brummijam said:

Try this.

https://www.marellacruisecontrol.tui.co.uk/login?mode=0

Unfortunately all this has ever said is: we will let you know when you can book the restaurants. They never did! And now 48 hours before the cruise start that part of of cruise control has ceased to be active. We will just have to move swiftly once aboard and keep our fingers crossed! We will not starve anyway …!

We are about to cruise in Marella EX2. Can anyone advise on how we might succeed in booking a speciality meal? In a recent P&O cruise despite the much hyped speciality dining opportunities we were unable to get a booking until we pleaded (it was a significant wedding anniversary) and just got into one restaurant albeit very early in the evening.

So we were wondering how we could improve our chances about MX2!
Any suggestions?

Looks similar in most respects to our ‘ordinary’ 5 deck balcony cabin. Our bed (not the sofa) was by the balcony. Possibly our cabin was wider! Seems like the same design/module has been used throughout.

Hi

Reserecting an old post here ...

Can anyone kindly update me with present charges etc for Wi-fi onboard?

We are about do a Transat for the fifth time from the Canaries to Barbados aboard Star Flyer this time and in previous years we have ignored the availability of Wi-fi which in any case used to become unavailable a few days out. Then last year while crossing in Royal Clipper for the first time we signed up for the last few days and much to our surprise this was at a good rate with a good service.  This may be because a new satellite to cover the Atlantic crossing area was positioned a year or so ago.

If the service has indeed generally improved then we might sign up from the outset if the price is reasonable.

Ional - sorry to hear it is chilly in NF! Here in Ile De Saintes, Guadeloupe it is very warm and quite empty. Locals report a reduction in visitors, they think, following severe hurricane damage nearby.

Yesterday we crossed paths with RC - motoring once more - but were able exchange friendly greetings over the VHF with Vivek, the personable 3rd officer who we had got to know. Our suspicion is that RC does little sailing and is very slow when she does. The few sails that generally appear are for appearance not effect! But the atmosphere is good.

Not seen much written on RC and/or RC lately so I will try a brief report - it may be a bit scrappy as I am writing aboard my small sailboat at anchor in Deshaies, Guadeloupe!

Background - we like to travel by sea in a cruise ship to the Caribbbean each winter to join our little boat waiting there, in preference to flying and have thus far been with Star Clipper 3 times, Wind Star 3 times and now RC (plus a couple of times in large unmentionable vessels!)

We joined RC in Lisbon. She had been in dry dock for bottom painting and other overhaul/repair work for 3 weeks in Lisbon until the day before we joined. A hectic period for the ship and all was not quite ready so we waited for some time (and got a bit annoyed!) in the building ashore not knowing fully the cause of the delay - but had a few good guesses, confirmed when we smelt fresh paint etc when on board! Dinner on the first night was very slow presumably as the team battled with problems in th galley post work!

Our trip took us to two Moroccan ports and some (not us) went on lengthy tours to Marrakech or similar. We took local taxi rides and had to go through amusing (?) negotiations on price with the drivers, always discovering later that locals paid a fraction of our ‘good deal’ price. At least we got preferential no line(queues) service. Once you have seen one souk ( sp?) we feel you have seen them all ...However the experience of seeing fresh fruit and veg, all manner of herbs fresh chickens - dispatched while you wait, should not be missed!

Then on to Tenerife. There we just walked around the fine city although arriving mid day, with many places shut during siesta until 4pm-ish is always annoying.

Thereafter it was the voyage to Barbados. For the first 5 days there was very little wind which was odd (in my experience, after 24 crossings in various vessels ranging from 34 ft to 90000 tons) as the trade winds should have set in. When the (lighter but better) wind zone was entered we sailed a little by day time but only at around 6 knots - not good when a passage speed of about 11 knots was neeeded overall!

Then mid way things changed. An urgent need for assistance was passed on by MRCC Martinique which had us motoring at max speed (about 14 knots) chasing up a 30 meter 3 masted schooner with young folk aboard to then take onboard a girl with severe, life threatening appendicitis. After 2 days we caught up with the vessel transferred the girl and her doctor and sped off towards a RV close to Martinique for a helo transfer of the patient. All this was safely done and the girl operated on and she recovered.

This left us in RC with 12 hours to sail to Barbados which we did - so not much sailing on this trip by necessity!

How did we amuse ourselves. Well the €300 credit for early booking helped at the bar! With passable house wine at €16 a bottle and even cheaper by the glass, we stayed happy! Monica the Cruise Director is marvelous - she has a wonderful manner and is welcoming and understanding to all guests with a very good attitude. We were able to arrange sea chanty singing on a daily basis which kept up to 40 of us amused before lunch and gave us a slot in the talent show. It proved a good way of meeting more people and making friends. This was something arranged for us on Star Clipper crossings but which we set up with great help from the Serbian musician Alexandro this time.

There was also a pirates evening - prior warning enabled us to get some kit from a $ store in Tenerife. Plus other minor games and competions were run by the sports team. Anyway as ever with books, plenty of folk to talk to and regular good meals the time flew!

The food. Nicely presented, good choices except sometimes all our favorites appeared at the same time!

Generally the staff attitude at all levels was amazing. Very friendly and helpful with all working as a team. This applied everywhere and a great compliment to the management.

Our cabin 103 was miniature. Good bathroom but minimal storage space for clothes etc. Not enough space to unpack and restore - we lived out of our bags! We have more space in our small boat and of all our crossings this was the cabin with least space. Small improvements could easily be made by adding stylish shelving and some hooks with out spoiling the look/ambiance. On paper the cabin was of adequate area but this included a kind of acces passage from the door which was entirely wasted space but was obviously included in the so called measured area. So, beware the cabins 103 and 104 and no doubt 101 and 102. Ok perhaps for singles. Beds were ok though!

Well we look forward to seeing RC in the Caribbean and if you read this and then go aboard, wave back to a couple in small yacht who will be waving madly and inexplicably to RC.

And we have booked for Star Flyer for next year so we must enjoy it!!

Not much written about Wind Star (the ship) lately so I will write a few words about our recent crossing from Lisbon to Barbados.

The vessel was 'full' with 127 PAX - that is all rooms occupied as some had single occupancy.

Easy to board at Lisbon as pier close to subway station. And a nearby convenience store where one can pick up excellent Portuguese wines (3, supposedly, for a double room for 13 days - but who checks?!)

Ship did not feel crowded. Phillipe (French) the Voyage Leader was amusing and good company. Several activities organized each day. Quizzes were popular with us and we won with Canadian team member's huge help several times - cocktails, a bottle of wine etc. much appreciated. Pirates of Caribbean movies were shown in the lounge 3 times - with pop corn. Otherwise good on board dvd library and flat screen tv in rooms worked well.

All soft drinks free including coke, iced tea etc. Room service excellent with good menu although little used by us. Others had breakfast daily in their room for example.

Food was always good and seemed individually prepared and much better than banqueting style food in big ships.

one special mid voyage dinner was put on with free wine which as appreciated as was dinner with Chief Officer (in our case) as returning cruisers also with copious wine. To Europeans from UK bar prices were high but probably normal to those majority from North America who were onboard.

The outside BBq was outstanding with a range of excellent choices - plentiful lobster, ribs, fish & so on. Eating under the stars magnificent!

The ship itself looks a bit tied externally but fine inside. The talk decks before the bridge are in very poor condition and painted surfaces do not look too good. Probably not something to concern most people.

Bridge team always friendly and welcoming during our frequent visits and one of many highlights of our time onboard.

The crew otherwise were excellent and the high crew/passenger ratio results in amazing attention to almost every need.

Nicola from the Pursers Office organized a challenging Scavenger hunt which lasted daily through the cruise/crossing with a very good prize.

The vessel arrive a few hours early enabling us to enjoy landfall in day light rather than while asleep at 0500!

The actual amount of sailing was very little with sails rarely unfurled very much although they must have slightly reduced fuel use and reduced rolling (a little!)

Wine tasting was fun and of he 7!of us attending 2 won free bottles of wine as well! Once again is add to the feeling of generosity in terms of gifts and prizes for passengers.

So, overall a very enjoyable experience, much better food than we have had in Star Clipper for example but much more expensive drinks. I believe the bar would make them more profit if they reduced price somewhat and thereby increase turnover considerably. As for sailing, frankly the sails are more for decorative and ambiance material than anything else. You do get mor sailing in Star Clippers! Wind Star has even 'stolen' the sail way music from Star Vlippers as well as the crew song for the ships concert - "Sailing".

As we sail around the Caribbean we will be waving to Wind Star and having happy recollections!

(Apologies for typos - writing this on a rocking boat with poor wifi!)

Hi everyone

We are about to set forth to cross the Atlantic from Lisbon to Barbados aboard Wind Star in 3 weeks, not having been in a WS ship since 2008 - our recent crossings (to get back to our little sailboat in Antigua) have been with Star Clipper. So we are wondering if anyone has cruised in Wind Star of late and can provide any tips or comment as we are a bit out of date with the WS experience espcially as the company ownership has changed a few times in the interim. We have not seen any remarks recently relating to this particular vessel.

Thanks in anticipation.

Simon

Thank you for the satellite Internet information. It's pretty sad that I'm stressing about being disconnected from the world seven months out, isn't it? Am sure I'll rediscover the joy of curling up with good books without being interrupted by beeps and dings :)

 

One more question, what was your weather like? Not sure if we need to prepare for mostly cold weather or mostly warm.

 

Paula

From the Canaries the daytime weather will be mid 70s and getting warmer by the day! Lovely. A little chillier in the evenings to start with & in the air con in the dining room most of the time! T shirt weather anyway, but not necessarily sun all day every day during the Transit.

The leg before the Canaries is more changeable and strong winds have caused diversions in the past. Probably temperatures of mid 60s. Maybe similar to weather where you live in October thinking back to gong down the ICW at that sort of time.

But it will be good fun.

We are having to go on Wind Star this time as Star Clipper will not be doing the crossing having moved to Thailand & your trip is too early for us.

A very wise question!

On our first Wind Star crossing, 4 years ago, wifi failed on day 3.

Wifi was maintained throughout on last 2 voyages we did, but with very slow data transfer rate.

The route taken is not generally used by many vessels so satellite coverage with weak demand is poor. However apparently further satellites are to be or have been positioned recently which could improve the situation.

TV from satellite incidentally generally fails after 3 days and is not restored until reaching the Caribbean.

Given the expense, slow speed and in our view unreliability, we to not bother wifi during these voyages. It is well to be prepared for loss of wifi!

Hope his helps.

I posted this in the ports but thought I'd ask here as well.

 

We are on a WS cruise on 30 January stopping in Barbuda. Our only option for tours through the ship is the frigate bird sanctuary which looks interesting. We will have a few extra hours and we would like to check out the pink sand and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Well, Barbuda is a very empty place hence no tours available to you apart from seeing the Frigate Bird colony which is quite amazing and a must see.

The beaches are wonderful. Empty soft and sandy. You need to watch the waves breaking on the beach (one adjacent to the very small landing dock) and you will see the change in hue of the colour of the sand as the water flows up and then down the beach. It changes from pink to yellow as the tiny former shell particles flip in unison from one way up to another. Quite a subtle sight but lovely to see.

The beaches are of course unkempt but empty - no one to take them and clear any debris.

Having just spent 4 days in Barbuda, it is a definite must see.

Thanks very much. I looked a few days and found nothing!

Simon

It is a few years since we have done any Westbound Transatalantic crossings with Windstar (we have been with Star Clipper a few times in the meantime) but would like to go with Windstar again. However nothing seems to be advertised - are we too early or are they not taking passengers for these trips? Any comment on recent experiences would be very welcome.

Simon

We arrived in St Martin a week ago on SC after a fantastic crossing - our third.

SC is in great shape, looking good and with an enthusiastic team although a few crew left around the same time as us - such as Igor the Bar man on routine changeovers.

Sergei the Captain tried very hard to sail with full sail at every opportunity - in the event 40% was under sail alone which was good.

Peter Kissner as Cruise Director was in his usual good form with a multitude of talks and lots of written information on sailing ships and related matters was released. There wer plenty of talks, quizzes, deck games, shanty singing, etc - unlike when Monja was in charge!

We were amazed to see one of the sports team re employed & aboard once more An extremely idle young man with little interest in anything but himself. Very disappointing.

The crew attitude was otherwise excellent. Good in the dining room and polite and chatty deck crew.

Food seemed to have picked up a little although the hors doeuvres were frankly not very exciting (but probably not needed anyway!)

The bar prices remain excellent value with good house wines starting at €15.50 and beer at €3.00. About half big cuise ship prices. This is quit an attraction!

There were 131 passengers with most cabins occupied as there were many singles.

Sadly this is SC's last Caribbean season before relocating to Thailand. This means only two Flipper ships to make the crossing in next Nov and both already nearly booked up ....Windstar here we come!

I have rather poor internet on my sailboat in Antigua right now but if there are any queries I will do my best to answer.

Good sailing.

Simon

Monja was the CD on our Westerly Transat aboard Star Clipper in 2013. What a disappointment! While personally charming she appeared to do little and certainly did nothing to get the two young assistants off their backsides. They were late or 'forgot' most of their tasks. There some hints of a love triangle /scandal!

The excuse for her poor performance was said to be that she had extended her time aboard to allow Peter to be on Star Flyer while initiating the Cuba cruises and that her mother was ill. She wanted 'off'.

Her multi lingual skills which resulted in long repetitive announcements in many European languages was extremely tiresome and unnecessary.

Peter had 'made' our previous trip the year before but he is a 'one off' - no one can possibly do all the things he does so well.

We are doing the Transat again next week in SC but have no idea who the CD will be. Or Captain, come to that. Hopefully the regulars will be there - passengers and crew!!

Anyone know the CD and Captain disposition?

Hi Ed and Sue

Good to hear you will be on the trip. You should have an interesting cruise from Malaga and we will see you in Gran Canaria.

My sister and another good lady friend will be with us too plus, coincidentally, another couple who we know from our small village in UK. Also there will be other friends from the last time we did the voyage two years ago (by then) who encouraged us to do it with them a third time! It did not take much persuasion.

It was very multinational last time, plenty like us with a sailing background; a biggish group from Sweden, then others from USA, Canada, Germany and France. The multi language announcements get a bit tiresome but we can live with that.

It is unlikely that we will stop for a mid ocean swim (as we did before, to our amazement) but we can dream.

So, see you in a few months ....

Simon & Hilda

I have done the trip many times - including twice in Star Clipper, once in Windsurf, a couple in massive ships and twice in my much smaller sailboat. The key feature is leaving the Canaries at the right time of the year for a good Tradewind (ie wind astern) crossing. November onwards is the right time for the best conditions. The weather in the Canaries then is mid 70s then and it just gets warmer. Last crossing in SC we had calms (and a swim in the sea!) followed by strong winds for a day or two. The vessels ride well and it is good to truly sail, noting that most nights they motor!

There are always ocean swells of some sort coming from storms 1000s of miles away. This is mid Atlantic stuff as winter approaches.

SC is relatively small so you are always aware you are at sea but the 'ride' is good. There is always some movement. So if you are sensitive to movement such a crossing is not ideal. I have seen some people upset by almost negligible movement in large 130,000 ton ships - much to my surprise. The eastbound trip by contrast is a much tougher affair - mostly motoring into head seas which is not nearly so nice with lots of pitching.

You have to decide on your personal threshold of seagoing comfort. All the passengers on crossings I have done have been happy - some have used 'patches' as a precaution. Most enjoy the motion that there is.

Hi

Just wondering if anyone else reading this will be joining us for the trip. This will be our 3rd in last four years.

Happy to try to answer queries based on our experience but the response may not be prompt as Hilda & I are currently cruising in the Caribbean in our own small boat. WIFI can be difficult! We see SC from time to time in various locations and she of course looks great.

Simon

After 35 years at sea in a professional capacity I was a little surprised to get NV for the first time in Celebrity Eclipse a few years ago. However the ship was generally quite grubby and public area were not as well cleaned as they should have been. (That said by someone with a long experience of checking out ships) The worst feature was the smell of a public sewer misbehaving along the cabin areas of a couple of decks. The Doctor to whom I pointed this out was not interested in that feature.

I am now due to join AOS next week and have concerns noting that reports from that vessel suggest there are unfortunate smells in some accommodation areas.

My suspicion is that the prime cause is most likely the crew plus occasionally mechanical failure of sanitary systems. The crew live very close together and in many cases come aboard during a frequent & continuous cycle of changeovers arriving from distant tropical countries some possibly near to third world in nature where cleanliness standards are not universally high. I have the feeling that the standard of cleanliness amongst passengers is probably almost by definition higher in most cases than that of the crew when you consider the kind of background and life experience of those who have acquired or earned the money to spend on cruises. Visits behind the scenes to crew quarters, very rare of course, reveal a quite different standard to passenger areas. Crew are confined to small areas and do not get much if any fresh air and rarely see daylight! Frequently one sees crew members not obeying basic hand cleaning rules. Not a healthy situation.

If the problem continues then one has to suspect that there is a high probability that the crew are the carriers of the virus.

Hopefully we will get some feedback during the next week on how things are then.

Just back from the Norway cruise, I know it may seem a bit pedantic but what stuck out like a sore thumb was the British union flag hoisted high upside down. Not only is it an insult to the country you are visiting but it is also a recognized maritime signal for a ship in distress. I pointed this mistake out to one of the officers though I did have to explain the difference as he did not know there was a right and a wrong way. He then rang the bridge and it was taken down never to return.

Apart from being hoisted upside down, they had hoisted the wrong flag! As a non British registered vessel the ship should have flown a so called 'courtesy flag' while in British waters (in this case) and the appropriate flag then is a Red Ensign not the Union Flag. The latter is only ever hoisted at sea in a warship and then at the bow. The red ensign is the marine flag of UK; unusually UK is one of only a few countries whose marine national flag/ensign is not the same as the national flag. This should be well known to any deck officer who has been trained to an acceptable standard. In a Norwegian waters a Norwegian courted flag should be hoisted, for example.