Well, Windjammer Barefoot Cruise vessels are the TALL
SHIPS like those of the past. They sail year round in the Caribbean visiting
many of the ports that early adventurers as well as pirates sailed.
To cruise aboard a tall ship is not anywhere close to
cruising aboard the mega cruise vessels. The only similarity is that you
may visit the same islands and that you are on the water. You become a shipmate
when you step upon the teakwood decks of a Windjammer cruise ship. You become
a part of it all, the casual atmosphere and the feeling of being a free-spirit.
By taking advantage of the Stowaway Night (boarding the ship one day in
advance of the sailing) you have time to unwind and get you bearings set
and get the lay of the land ' so to speak. From your sunrise breakfasts
that include 'Bloody Mary's, to Story Time (where your Captain delivers
an entertaining overview of the island and the region), to Carpe Diem (seize
the day) where you are settling down on a deserted island, taking part in
an island excursion or do nothing at all while relaxing aboard the ship,
it's your vacation, you decide. Have lunch on top deck or go ashore and
sample the local cuisine, just make sure your back in time for Swizzle Time
(a nautical version of Happy Hour). Late afternoon deck games will lead
the way to dinner where you choose from two entr's and white and red table
wines are complimentary. In the evenings you can hang out and watch the
stars or go ashore and mingle with the locals. Maybe you would want to call
it a night to rest up for your next days adventure.
Windjammer Cruises offers many itineraries aboard her
four tall ships as well as stowaway voyages 13 or 28 days) aboard the 'Amazing
Grace' which is a supply ship that carries the goods from the mainland to
all the other ships. The 6 Night US & Virgin Islands cruise sailing round
trip St. Thomas is a most popular itinerary as it offers something for everyone,
i.e., scuba diving, white sandy beaches, day sailing, snorkeling, and secluded
hideaways. The highlights include, Underwater Monument, Buck Island, Pirates
Bight, Honeymoon Beach (nude ) if you are so inclined, and St. John.
When you arrive in St. Thomas and you may want to take
a tour of this notorious pirates' den during Age of Exploration, these days
it is better known for its great shopping, open air cafes, restaurants and
nightclubs. This magnificent Danish harbor is full of things to do and see.
The sea conditions are among the best for fishing, sailing, diving, and
windsurfing.
St. John is the least developed of the US Virgin Islands.
Everything is picture perfect from the beach to the forest. You can snorkel
and dive in the calm, clear waters or hang out on one of the mellow beaches.
Tortola is also a laid-back island. You will find many of the yachties hanging
around. The waters are filled with yachts and sailing vessels. The largest
of the British Virgin Islands you will see why it was a favorite of the
pirates back in the day, with it's sheltered bays that are ideal for sunbathing
and evading the enemy ships.
Virgin Gorda is well known for The Baths one of the Caribbean's
natural wonders. A spectacular natural formation where the gigantic boulders
form grottos and caves that you can explore on foot. The Baths has it's
own unique eco-system of funky plants and animals, not to mention the pretty
beach for sunbathing. On to the little island of Jost Van Dyke. named after
a Dutch pirate this island has a sleepy Caribbean air and is less developed
than the others in the BVI. It is known world wide for it's annual New Year's
eve bash where hundreds of boats and yachties flock. Last but certainly
not least is Norman Island. It is said that this island may have inspired
Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Treasure Island.' Legend has it that pirate loot
is buried at a natural formation called the Indians, which are half submerged
rocks that form an underwater labyrinth for divers and snorkelers. The island
is deserted but for a few seabirds, several footpaths and a bar called 'Pirates
Bight.'
Windjammer Barefoot Cruises offers many other Caribbean
itineraries as well and the onboard experience is what makes each port even
more exciting and adventurous. If you want that special vacation that lives
in your head for the rest of you life, you may want to consider a tall ship
cruise.
