Embarkation question for Windstar lovers

[mjthecruiser]

i've cruised alot but never on Windstar. My husband and I will be on the Wind Surf in January. What is embarkation like? When do you like to board?

[ducklite]

We took a transfer from our hotel and I think we boarded around 2:00. As we walked up the gangway we had our photo taken. We were asked to sign a health form and then were handed a glass of sparkling wine and a clipboard with a form to open our shipboard account. We were directed into The Lounge to do so. Once finished we took the paperwork to a table set up in front of the stage, had our photos taken for ID's, and I think at that point were told our cabin was ready, so we went downstairs to drop off our carry on's.

 

We then went up to The Verandah for a late lunch, which was very unimpressive. I wanted to cry, thinking that the food we were served that meal would be representative of all meals. Fortunately it wasn't, although I think lunch is the place that Windstar could really improve in the food department.

[themutis]

If you have traveled on larger ships, then you are in for a real treat....

 

Upon arrival to the pier, there is a Windstar table set up (never a line). They check your name off, offer to take you bags and direct you to the ship (or a shuttle if you prefer).

 

Once at the ship, you walk up to gangplank, and are greeted by smiling staff and directed to the lounge. In the lounge you are given a welcome drink, asked to fill out a couple of forms, provide a card for onboard charges, and have your picture taken for your Windstar ID. The whole process takes about 5 minutes.

 

Our room has always been available upon boarding, and our bags have always arrived with in minutes of us boarding. So we usually go change and then head upstairs for a beverage and a late lunch. Lunch is 1:00-4:00 I believe and room service starts at 5:00 on embarkment day. We thought the lunch buffet was more than adequate on this first day.

 

We always enjoyed lunch on Windstar, there is a buffet with a nice selection, plus an A La Carte menu that you can order from. If you don't see what you want, just ask... if they can, they will accommodate you.

 

We have loved both of our Windstar cruises (Caribbean and Athens -Istanbul).

 

Here is our review of Athens-Istanbul http://mutiwindstar.shutterfly.com/

 

If you have any other questions, please let me know

[kathy16]

I was not impressed either by the Windstar lunch upon embarkation a few years ago. First impressions are so important and Windstar needs to upgrade their offerings on the first day. Luckily, that wasn't indicative of the quality of the food on the rest of the cruise. I am scheduled to embark on the Jan 10, 2013 Panama cruise and am looking forward to what I hope will be a wonderful experience...

Kathy

[Capt. Mike]

20 minutes tops, and because we cruise with them and know the staff we actually plan our trips around the crew's vacation so as not to miss them. We are all friends on Facebook so we know when they go on vacation now. I am not talking about bridge staff but the little people.

We booked the Windsurf this fall just because our favorite bar guy is transferring over to the Windsurf from the Windspirit.

 

PS Food is to die for.

[Kathy816]

Hi, total newbie here (never cruised before) so sorry for the stupid question. Our Windstar itinerary for Yachtsman's Caribbean says "Depart St Maarten 7 PM (embarkation begins)" but it sounds from previous comments on other cruises that people get on the boat earlier. How early can you get on the boat/arrive at the pier to drop off your luggage? We will probably arrive a day early and stay at a hotel, but I wasn't sure what time we should plan to arrive at the pier; it doesn't mention that on the itinerary.

 

Thanks!

[PirateWife]

We just returned from a cruise on the Windsurf. We arrived a day early in Philipsburg as we were traveling from the West Coast. Took a taxi to the port at about 12:30 pm on the day of embarkation. There were lots of people there already as were water, ice tea, and cookies and a tent to shade us. One couple had 6 bottles of beer and my husband snagged one of them. What a great way to open conversations. People from Windstar arrived before 1 and started checking us in. All we needed was our ticket and passport. They will give you tags to put on your luggage with your room number if you don't already have them. (We did.) We walked from there to the port entry, had our passports checked, and boarded. As described by others, the check in on the ship was quick and painless. We went to our room and then to the Veranda for a late lunch. The buffet was more than adequate and the waitstaff is great. Went back to our room and the suitcases were there. We sailed at 7 pm. Best place to be is at the Compass Rose Bar as the sails unfurl and they play "Conquest of Paradise" over the sound system. There will be a mandatory evacuation drill before sailing. They check to make sure you are there and also give out important information. Have fun.

[Kathy816]

Thanks PirateWife, great info. We're coming from the west coast also, so are planning to get to the island a day ahead. We will have to get up early to get all the activities on our list done before heading to port! (paddleboard/snorkel Pinel Island is top of the list)

[dandee2]

Last Dec., we tried to go to the ship, pass the security guard, with our luggage. We didn't know better as this was also our first ever cruise. We got turn around and back we went near the taxi stand were the Windstar Tent was there with a few Windstar people with cookies and water, etc. This is were you drop-off your luggage. Now we know.

 

Like us, you're in for a real treat.

 

ENJOY!

 

danduc

[Traval]

Last July we walked into the cruise terminal in Pireas(Athens) and were immediately approached by a Windstar employee.She ushered us to security,our bags having been whisked away by a porter.Once scanned we walked straight out and on to the ship.I was the first person to board.

This was around 1pm for a 5pm sailing.

After all the paperwork was completed in the lounge we were shown to our cabin and our cases arrived almost straight after.

I do admit,the lunch was somewhat limited but we were just glad to be aboard .At least you can get something to tide you over until dinnertime.

[sealord]

Last July we walked into the cruise terminal in Pireas(Athens) and were immediately approached by a Windstar employee.She ushered us to security,our bags having been whisked away by a porter.Once scanned we walked straight out and on to the ship.I was the first person to board.

This was around 1pm for a 5pm sailing.

After all the paperwork was completed in the lounge we were shown to our cabin and our cases arrived almost straight after.

I do admit,the lunch was somewhat limited but we were just glad to be aboard .At least you can get something to tide you over until dinnertime.

 

Yup I thought the welcome was a nice touch. On the big ships you are left to your own devices to go find your cabin. On Windstar, and Celebrity Xpedition, they escort you to your cabin, show you how everything works, ask if you need anything or have any questions ... nice touch. I am starting to get a bit excited ... two weeks from today we will have dropped off the dog and headed for the airport. :D Early departure so we will be doing the park, sleep, fly thing.

[Love.II.Cruise]

We are getting so excited! We fly tomorrow and are boarding this Saturday. Can't wait! :D

 

Thanks for the info from all the posters.

[sealord]

We are getting so excited! We fly tomorrow and are boarding this Saturday. Can't wait! :D

 

Thanks for the info from all the posters.

 

When you disembark, we will be at the Sonesta Maho Beach preparing to board.

Take good care of our boat. ;)

[sealord]

Does anyone know if they sell the Tilley hats with logo in the signature store on board? I did not order one early enough to get it delivered before we depart.

[Redtravel]

I appreciate your comments. I will be on the 1/26 cruise after spending a few days on St. Martin.