Cruise Ship Cavalcade

0 Comments | Insight on the News, May 22, 2000 | by Marcia Levin

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In a time when casual-Friday attire is widely accepted even in banks and law offices, it's no surprise that a cruise line pleases passengers by eliminating formal nights and assigned seatings and tables. If the concept appeals to you, forget the ties, leave your formal gowns at home and head to sea on Windstar Cruises.

The Seattle-based cruise line has made "casually elegant" the watchwords for atmosphere and attire at sea with its four vessels: the Wind Star, Wind Song, Wind Spirit and Wind Surf. "We try to take an element of stress out of vacationing," says Rick Meadows, Windstar's vice president of sales and marketing.

Wind Surf, a yachtlike vessel with fully computerized controls, has some of the best-designed cabins in the industry. All Wind Surf staterooms and suites offer ocean views, twin beds or a queen-size bed, a comfortable sitting area, television, VCR, CD player, safe, minibar, hair dryer, terrycloth robes and plenty of closet space.

You won't find glitz, flashing neon or Las Vegas-type musical productions, but you will find a library of more than 500 classic videos. Teak decking and rich wood interiors add to the ship's ambience. A full-service spa features pampering treatments and health-and-fitness programs. The main dining has open seating, and there's an alternative dining room, the Bistro, modeled after Joachim Splichal's trendy California restaurants.

Consider a recent sailing on the Wind Surf from Venice to Rome, on to Nice, and back to Venice. The seven-day journey covered 1,091 miles, with 3 percent of the distance under engine only, 86 percent with engines and sails up and 11 percent solely under sail, according to Capt. Richard Bridge. The sails provide shade and keep the ship stable -- and look grand.

All Windstar ships offer a water marina deck open at the stern of the ship when at dock or anchor, with complimentary water-skiing, sail-boarding, snorkeling, kayaking and banana-boat rides. The line offers off-the-beaten-track itineraries. (Wind Surf was one of the first ships to reschedule ports of call in Croatia after the fighting in Kosovo.) For more information, visit the line's home page (www.windstarcruises.com).