Wind Surf

The 1989-built (as "Club Med 1") cruise ship Wind Surf is the last of the three Windstar sailing yachts, together with the fleetmates Wind Spirit and Wind Star. These cruise ships are 4-masted schooners, uniquely designed for tall sailing cruises.

The vessel (IMO number 8700785) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 309242000) and registered in Nassau.

History - construction and ownership

Windstar Cruises is a luxury brand operating a fleet of smaller-sized ships (mega-yachts) with capacity up to 310 passengers. The company calls at 150 ports throughout the Caribbean, Central America, South Pacific, Asia, and Europe. Currently, Windstar is a subsidiary of Xanterra Parks and Resorts (USA's largest national and state park concession management company).

The 310-passenger ship Wind Surf was built as "Club Med I" and served as a "motor sailing yacht" alternative for the French resort company. She is impressively crafted with 2320 m2 (25000 ft2) of computer-controlled sails and ballast-water stabilizing technology that keeps the vessel level during navigation.

When Windstar Cruises acquired the ship in 1998, her passenger capacity was reduced to 78 to make room for new onboard facilities, such as a large spa and an alternative dining venue. These additions are not available on the company's smaller ships Wind Star and Wind Spirit.

The following YouTube drone video shows the ship approaching Portrush Northern Ireland on June 26, 2017. Unfortunately, the sails are down.

Decks and Cabins

Wind Surf staterooms (171 total, in 7 grades) include 21x Suites and 150x Oceanview Deluxe cabins. All staterooms have modern amenities, including fully stocked minibars, Wi-Fi Internet, smart HDTVs (infotainment system), spacious wardrobe (with electronic safe box), phone (direct dial), large bathroom (single-sink granite countertop vanity, WC-toilet, L'Occitane bath products, rain showerheads, luxury towels), premium bedding sets (top-quality pillows and linens), fresh fruits and flowers.

The boat has 6 decks, all of which are passenger-accessible and 4 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The specialty restaurant on Wind Surf was transformed into an elegant French Bistro. During the day, dress on board is casual. In the evenings, expect "country-club casual" attire, with men wearing collared shirts and women in pantsuits. There are no formal nights onboard Windstar Cruises ships. No tank tops or bathing suits are allowed at dinner.

Follows the complete list of Wind Surf restaurants and food bars.

• AmphorA Restaurant (ship’s dining room, open-seating; offers a 5-course gourmet dinner menu that changes daily; along with onboard-made bread, in all ports of call the executive chef goes to the local markets to shop for fresh ingredients)
• Candles Cafe & Veranda (a smaller “dining room” offering buffet-style breakfast and lunch, as well as a la carte menu through the wait staff; its indoor area is called “Candles Cafe” and features floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows; the outdoor seating area is called “Veranda” - in the evenings, it transforms into “Candles Grill” al-fresco steakhouse).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

One would think that a "motor sailing yacht", complete with 5 masts and 7 sails, and with a guest capacity of only 308, would be a small and comfortable little cruise vessel. But Windstar Cruises' Wind Surf cruise ship is surprisingly large, feeling much bigger inside than any passenger would expect. To make finding a way around simple, all entertainment and dining areas are on the top three decks.

Restaurants are located forward, while indoor and outdoor bars face aft. The casino and main lounge are midship on the Main Deck – there is the famous Yacht Club, functioning as a coffee bar, library and Internet cafe. The Surf ship’s fitness center is a deck higher. Most public areas feature expansive sea views, though the spa, which is an exception, is tucked away on Deck 2 aft.

Follows the complete list of Wind Surf lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• The Marina (retractable water sports platform for water skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking; the ship provides a banana boat, waterski boat, sea kayaks, Sunfish sailboats, wakeboards, boards for windsurfing, paddleboards, scuba diving and snorkeling equipment, plus Zodiacs; the steel cage forms a swimming pool in the sea)
• Lounge (ship’s theatre/main show lounge for live evening entertainment); Library
• Stella Bistro; Compass Rose Bar; Terrace Bar; Nautilus Room
• Yacht Club Sandwich & Espresso Bar
• The Signature Shop/Boutique Shop (sells duty-free luxury fashion clothing and accessories)
• The Casino (with blackjack/roulette gambling tables, slot machines)
• WindSpa (operated by Steiner; has a treatment room, Sauna and Beauty Salon. “Spa Under the Stars” program offers spa treatments out on the deck)
• The Fitness Center (with free weights, exercycles and treadmills; offers complimentary exercise classes)
• Pool Area (with one swimming pool, two whirlpools, the sunbathing area served by the Pool Bar).

Itineraries

Wind Surf itinerary program is based on Caribbean cruises leaving roundtrip from St Maarten Island (Port Philipsburg) and Mediterranean and Baltic Sea cruises, with Transatlantic repositioning crossings between Europe and the Caribbean Sea.