Accessibility at tendered and docked ports

Looking forward to our first experience on the Wind Star in December.

Could anyone tell me if we are able to freely travel between the boat and the island during the scheduled ports of call? I am guessing that at docked ports, we can leave the ship and come back whenever we want. Is it the same with tendering? Or does the Wind Star have only set times to transport passengers?

Also, if we have an excursion purchased through Windstar, and the excursion ends well ahead of the scheduled departure from the port, can we just stay on the island, rather than going back to the boat?

Forgive me if these are elementary, cruises are a new adventure for us.

The answer to all your questions is yes. In docked ports the ship is really your hotel where you can come and go as you wish. You must be on board ahead of the deadline so you won't be left behind. At tender ports it's the same thing except you need to plan more carefully so you don't miss the last tender back to the ship.