WINDJAMMER CRUISING
THE CARIBBEAN
by Justin Wizard, freelance writer, public speaker and travel
adventurer.
juswiz@hotmail.com
My heart was pounding. I just arrived by Limo-taxi in front of the ship. Quiet exhilaration. I'm really here. The feeling of a long awaited adventure was about to begin. The ship was beautiful and majestic, dazzling under the tropical sun. I walked up the gangplank onto the deck and was immediately greeted by members of the crew offering an ice cold drink. Following their direction went to the purser for cabin assignment. No hurry. No waiting in lines. My cabin was available immediately, I felt like I owned the boat and they were just waiting for me. Some cruise lines have up to 2500 passengers, we had only fifty or so. My immediate impression of the cruise was professional, well organized, with an intimate feeling. I get all the excitement, the crew does all the work. Listening to island music in the background, I was free to explore, relax or meet other fellow passengers that were coming aboard.
I can tell you in advance, you have two choices for your first stowaway night before the ship departs. You will be tired when you arrive. You and your shipmates probably will discuss who had the worst travel connections. The most sensible thing to do is to eat lightly, and go to bed early. The second choice is to listen to the three piece band of local musicians (on board for tonight only) that will play irresistible songs until well past eleven p.m. There is a cool breeze and incredible stars, food and drinks are flowing freely. Ah, what an enticement! The definition I was looking for was that which leads an individual into a place or situation from which it is difficult to escape. Every time went I back to my cabin to try to sleep, my curiosity and excitement got the better of me and compelled me to go back up and explore what was happening. The other passengers on the ship were easygoing and pleasant to be with.
The air conditioned cabin was comfortable, with plenty of room to stow away my clothes and necessities. Some rooms even have little refrigerators, as if you couldn't get enough to eat and had to stockpile food. The polished teakwood in the cabin was tasteful and elegant. You can tell they put a great deal of money into creating choice accommodations. The bathroom had 110v power, so I could use any electrical appliance. I had a minor mishap when my battery powered electric shaver apparently got turned on en route. It was just barely humming its last buzz as I unpacked it, and I didn't bring my recharging cord. I figured I was really going to look really relaxed and fuzzy by the end of the trip,
After only a short time a group of brand new buddies gathered to compare notes and share escapades. A fellow passenger took pity on my fuzzy face and found a razor and shaving cream for me. I packed way too much stuff! When they say "barefoot cruising" they mean just that! The crew can tell who's coming on for the first time with their big suitcases filled with fancy clothes. It's just not needed. No shoes, no keys, no locks. Leave your diamonds and gold at home. Forget everything formal. Once you get onboard, you don't need much more than comfy sandals for going to town. When you getup in the morning, just put on some shorts and a T-shirt or a swim suit, and you're ready for the day.
Two bells and 8:45 am means it's story time with Captain Stuart. He always outlines the days possibilities with a wonderful sense of humor. Sometimes we got sailing lessons or heard an exciting pirate story.
Usually each morning, a launch will come and go every half hour to some little island paradise. Swim, snorkel, read a book, relax, explore for conch shells or pirate ruins. You may want to take a walk through villages that were so small, that even if they were twice as big, they'd still be called small. At noon, they send a launch filled with food for an informal beach buffet. Have you ever snorkeled for a couple hours on a wonderful deserted beach, then enjoyed some just-out-of-the-oven roast turkey slices with all the fresh crab salad you can eat? They also make their own bread fresh daily. I could get to like this.
When they raise the huge sails, they play an awesome, emotional, spine tingling get-all-choked-up but you-can't-help-it version of Amazing Grace on bag pipes. You can feel the power and majesty of the experience. Dingys from other yachts come alongside to watch the sails go up. It's a sight to behold.
For the history buffs, the name of our 282 foot magnificent ship is the Fantome, which is French for Ghost. She was built in 1927 as a floating palace for the Duke of Westminister. Down the line, Aristotle Onassis purchased her as a wedding gift for Princess Grace and Prince Rainier, but since he didn't receive an invitation to the wedding, his gift was never delivered.
A cruise just wouldn't be a cruise without the food. To wake you up in the morning, hot coffee and tea are always waiting. The ample food was irresistible, delectable and delightful. From a pair of huge baked red snappers, to all the shrimp and tangy sauce you could eat. Crab salad. The best BBQ ribs and chicken. The farewell dinner climaxes with succulent lobster, the most tender prime rib, peach flambe and ice cream. They definitely knew what they were doing in the kitchen. You are pampered daily by the cheerful, mellow and gracious stewards. If you want something, they’ll make sure you get it.
Don't resist temptation, you might not get another chance. You are tested daily with choices of discipline or temptation. They serve meals on the deck, on the beach, and in the dining stateroom. The stateroom has recently been refurbished in polished teak, with plush upholstery in tasteful colors. I found it a great place to hide away and read a book from their library or jot down notes on my trip. I asked folks why they decided on a Windjammer Barefoot Cruise. Many people, including myself, have always dreamed of going to explore uninhabited islands in the Caribbean. Some came to write or just relax. I was surprised that over forty percent have sailed with them before. They said after you have gone once, waiting in lines with crowds just isn't very appealing any more. Everyone that returns to sail with them again receives an "old salt" T-shirt. After this first trip, they'll need to save one for me.
This is an ideal setting for romance. Music, stars, great food, and feeling like you're a million miles from home. Three couples even got married on board. The multiple ceremony was delayed for an hour while a very exciting wind and rain storm blew through. I might add, it wasn't unpleasant, it was thrilling. All turned out fine. Barefoot weddings create an atmosphere and recollections that no bride could ever complain about.
As the days pass, people become more relaxed and outgoing. They become more adventurous, trying things like calypso dancing, snorkeling, maybe even a beer drinking contest. You learn to seize the moment. Live a little, take a chance, give yourself a great memory.
Friendships grow daily as you meet some very special people Some instinctively care for your sunburn backs, some make you laugh, some are great listeners, some make you think. Some I hope to stay in contact with for a long time,
Finally, the ship pulls into Nassau and it's time to get back to reality and having to wear shoes again.
For further information call
Windjammer Barefoot Cruises
(800) 327-2601