FAQ
Do I have to work on Board?
No! Just relax on deck and let the professional crew do all the work. If you want to, you can take your turn at the helm or help hoist sails.
What does my cruise fare include?
In addition to your berth, all meals, entertainment onboard the ship, and select drinks are included: (early morning Bloody Mary's, Rum Swizzles, wine with dinner, coffee and tea.). Windjammer's well-stocked bars provide your favorite libations at great prices.
Can i rent Scuba gear & Snorkel gear?
You bet! Fins, mask and snorkel plus a handy tote bag to carry it all are available for only $25.00 a week ($30.00 for two weeks).
Dive Gear?
Scuba diving is offered through independent tour operators. Prices include equipment rental but don't forget your certification cards.
What should I bring?
Toss out the tux and trash the ball gown. Windjammin' means kicking back n' dressing down. Some of our regular shipmates say, "If you have to check a bag at the airport, you¿ve packed too much." They're pretty close to the mark.
All you really need are swim suits, shorts, t-shirts and a beach towel. We have just about all the beachcomber gear you'll need at shipwreck prices in our ship's SeaChest. You can also pick up suntan/screen products, film and postcards and souvenirs for Aunt Betsy and Uncle Joe back home. And, since we're informal, don't bother with expensive jewelry. There's really no place to wear it so why risk having it lost or stolen. And leave the flip-flops at home. Thong sandals are dangerous on a moving ship.
Here's a mini-packing list you may find helpful:
Swim suits
T-shirts* & Shorts*
Undies
Beach towel*
Tennis/walking/hiking shoes
Personal toiletries
Camera*
Hat and sunglasses*
Sun tan/sunscreen lotion*
Long pants or a sundress for a night on the town
A light jacket or sweatshirt for night breezes on deck
If you're planning to check luggage, it's best to make sure the following items are in your carry-on bag. Airlines occasionally lose luggage. It's better safe than sorry...
Any personal medicines
Boarding passes/Airline tickets
Passports/I.D.
Traveler's Checks
A credit card or two
Personal toiletries
Toothbrush/paste
Change of clothes
Bathing suit
Do not pack travel documents in your checked luggage!
I never leave home without my blow dryer- Any problems?
As they say in the islands, "No problem mon!" Electricity onboard is standard U.S. 110 volts. No adapters needed.
Should I bring the crown Jewels?
We checked with fashion consultants, and they are vehemently opposed to the t-shirt and diamonds look. We suggest you leave your valuables at home, as there are no safes in the cabins. However, if you bring any valuables aboard, be sure to read the limitations of liability and responsibility in the contract of passage.
Will I get seasick?
Seasickness is seldom a problem aboard large sailing ships. The wind prevents much of the rolling motion that is usually the cause of "Mal de Mer." If you are extra sensitive, consult your physician about the patch, or buy one of the many over-the-counter products. And remember, it does take a few hours to a few days to get your "sea legs."
How much time will I have ashore?
Unlike many cruise lines, our passengers get the opportunity to spend most of the day exploring the islands. We do most of our sailing at night. But don't fret, we'll be sure to get in some day sailing also.
What about money?
No need to stock up on local currency. The ol' Yankee dollar is as good as gold in the Caribbean. We suggest small denomination travelers checks, they are easy to cash into EC (Eastern Caribbean) Dollars and French Francs.
How do I pay for shipboard Purchases?
No need to lug around cash while sailing on a Windjammer. You can charge bar doubloons, SeaChest purchases, and shore excursions to your cabin account. Windjammer accepts VISA, MasterCard, Discover, cash and travelers checks.
What is a Typical Day on a WindJammer?
6:30 am
Sunrise Breakfast:
Pastries, Bloody Mary's and coffee are available for early birds. Find a comfortable spot on the top deck and watch the sunrise. Dawn is the best time for viewing marine and bird life. What a way to start the day!
7:30 - 8:30 am
Sit-Down Breakfast:
Full service with the works.
8:45 am
Story Time:
"Good Morning, Captain Sir!" This is how shipmates greet their Captain each day as he delivers an entertaining overview of the islands and region. A hearty selection of jokes, tall tales, local lore and history round-out the Captain's program. Not to miss!
9:30ish AM
Carpe Diem (seize the day):
If we're spending the day at a deserted island, that's what you'll get: deserted island! Otherwise, choose from 3-5 island excursions each day. Some tours last a few hours; other may last all day & include lunch ashore. Then again, you could do nothing at all except relax on deck with a book and refreshing drink. You decide-it's your vacation. Almost every island we visit offers beach and water sports activities. At times, you may even swim & snorkel right from the ship!
12:30 - 2:00 PM
Lunch on the Topdeck:
A buffet lunch is served daily on the topdeck (wind & weather permitting). If you prefer to check out the local eateries ashore, we'll recommend lunch options and the best shop(s) for picnic supplies (when available).
5:00 Pm
Swizzle Time:
A beloved tradition. It's Windjammer's nautical version of Happy Hour. And hear this! Rum Swizzles are free-flowing and on-the-house. Passengers come out of the teakwork for their daily dose of complimentary grog and scrumptious Caribbean appetizers.
5:30 pm
Deck Games:
Hey, if you're a ham, you'll love our late afternoon deck and nautical games. But, if you'd rather chill out and watch the sunset, that's cool too.
6:30 - 8:00 pm
Dinner:
Choose from two delicious entrees served by the friendliest and most charming staff in the West Indies. Red and white table wines are complimentary.
9:00 - Night
Nocturnal Behavior:
Its a starry, starry night and you're on a tall ship in the tropics. Whatta ya do? You can always go ashore and mingle with the locals. If you decide to stay onboard, take your pick of dancing, chatting at the rail, relaxing with your preferred beverage on the aft deck. Or, call it a day and retire to your cabin.