 |
 |
|
Name: Pat M.
Email: webmaster@cruiseopinion.com
Age: 28
Occupation: Cruise Travel Agent
NumberOfCruises: 12
TravelAgent: Yes
Ship: Windstar-WindSong
SailingDate: 05/13/95
Itinerary: 7 Day Tahiti
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector:
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 85
CabinAmenities: 98
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 98
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 85
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: 78
GoodForHoneymoon: 80
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 60
LoungeService: 90
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 80
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 80
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 70
EntertShowLounge:
OverallPortsofCall: 80
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 75
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 98
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 85
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 70
SpaceRatio: 80
OverallCruiseValue: 70
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 25 Aug 1996
Time: 17:14:50
Remote Name: 206.173.98.48
Remote User:
Normally, I really try to keep my comments short, but this one is going to require some explanation. First, this cruise was part of our honeymoon (the other week was spent at a Fijian island resort called Vatulele). Second, from everything we’d heard and everyone we had spoken to, we had very high expectations for this cruise (maybe we shouldn’t start with high expectations, and we won’t be disappointed).
First, I’ll mention all the positive aspects of the cruise, because there were quite a few. Our dining room service was fantastic. Our waiter, Piet from Indonesia, was fantastic. Next, the cabin was beautifully appointed, quiet, and comfortable. We participated in one of the most unusual - and unforgettable - shore excursions ever: shark feeding. Yes, they were only "small" (5-7ft.) sharks, but one swam right next to my leg while they were being fed. The boat captain assured us they do this every day, and the sharks are much more interested in the food than in the cruise passengers. Also, on the way back to the ship, we struck a great deal with the shark feeding guy on a beautiful black pearl, which has since become the centerpiece of an exquisite slide necklace. The scenery in Tahiti was beautiful (and yes, the water is as green as in the photos), but we felt certain areas of the Caribbean (like Antigua), and Hawaii, are just as beautiful and much less expensive to reach.
Now come the negatives. Let me preface this by saying much of this is based on our contact with the Tahitians during three days prior to boarding the cruise. It is entirely possible that you could enjoy this cruise with much less direct contact with unpleasant Tahitians than we experienced. Also, note that this same family of ships cruise the Caribbean and Mediterranean, so you can enjoy this type of ship in an atmosphere other than Tahiti. First, the Tahitian people, overall, were how shall I say - rude. There is an overwhelming "French" felling throughout the islands, where we felt that as Americans we were distinctly unwelcome in most places. It also seemed like many of the native French and Polynesian people on the islands didn’t even like each other. The accommodations, food, transportation - everything - was so overpriced it was ridiculous. For example, how’s $22.00 (for one person) for an "American-style" breakfast of eggs, toast, bacon, and coffee? Or $3.00 for a can of Diet Coke? At every corner, we felt we were being gouged (to put it mildly). Now that we’ve got you here, you’re gonna pay! Again, you can sail on the ship and not have nearly as much direct interaction with Tahiti as we did. Also, we are dog lovers. We saw many, many stray dogs running wild around the islands - including running through crowded streets with cars whizzing by, all the while the natives seemed to pay no attention.
The ship itself did have many good aspects, though. It was a very pleasant and unique experience to be able to cruise under sail power. The small number of passengers (148) made entering and leaving the ship a breeze - by the 2nd day, the guard knows you by name. Deck space, though, was not overly plentiful despite the small number of passengers. There was an outdoor B-B-Q that was out-of-this world that featured fresh fish and steaks, along with a Polynesian dance show. The interior and public rooms were clean, but looked dated and in need of a refurbishment. I understand that is going to be done sometime this year.
Overall, the ship was nice but we felt that: a). Tahiti was a place we never want to return to - Antigua and Hawaii have just as much natural beauty, cost 1/3 of the price, and the people are much more friendly. b). The cruise overall was not nearly as good a value as others we’ve been on. We paid substantially more for this cruise than most, and therefore had higher expectations. But many other cruises that were less expensive provided just as good, if not a better, vacation experience. c). Windstar is promoted as a big honeymoon ship, but we found that we were one of only about four honeymoon couples on the ship. The average passenger age was about 50. There are very few activities on board (like casinos, shows, etc.), and this is part of why it’s supposed to be a "honeymoon ship". After all, who needs more than natural beauty and some good food (and a comfortable bed!) on your honeymoon? But we felt that after about the 3rd day, the lack of activities was noticeable. There did not seem to be a huge advantage to the "small ship" experience for us. And, this is definitely not a first-time cruise.
These comments, though, do not reflect the feelings of most passengers on board. Both travel agents and non-agents expressed that they loved the cruise and many said it was their favorite overall. We’d be willing to give it a try again - but only in the Caribbean!
Want to book your cruise at a great rate?
Click here.
Questions or comments? Mail to webmaster@cruiseopinion.com.
Copyright ©1996-2001 CruiseOpinion.com. Last modified: March 22, 2000.