One of my favorite ways to vacation is on a cruise. There’s just something about unpacking once, waking up somewhere new and having the ocean outside your window that never gets old. I’ve sailed with several cruise lines over the years, including Celebrity, Norwegian, Carnival, MSC and, most recently, Princess, so when I was invited to experience Windstar Cruises, I was immediately intrigued. This March I’ll be stepping aboard Windstar’s Wind Surf, and I have a feeling this is going to be a very different kind of cruise experience.

Windstar Headquarters –  Dora, Florida

Windstar Headquarters – Dora, Florida

Wind Surf is a yacht-style sailing experience, and with just 342 guests, it’s a far cry from the mega-ships I’ve been on. The ship has a much more intimate, relaxed feel, and it actually features working sails, which is going to make the experience feel a little more like sailing on a private yacht than being on a traditional cruise ship. The ship has also recently been refreshed, including updates to the pool deck, lobby, spa and staterooms. I’m excited to try out the dining options on board, including Amphora, the main dining room, as well as specialty restaurants with menus created with James Beard Foundation chefs.

Wind Surf

And then there’s the itinerary, which is another reason I’m really looking forward to this trip. We’ll sail round-trip from St. Maarten on a seven-night Caribbean journey beginning March 6, 2027, with stops in Nevis, Dominica, Mayreau, St. Kitts and St. Barts. It’s a pretty incredible lineup of islands.

Trafalgar Falls, Dominica – ID 437764321
© Ember Stefano
| Dreamstime.com

Saint Kitts and Nevis – ID 139106276
© Nancy Pauwels
| Dreamstime.com

St. Barts – ID 146757657
© Nancy Pauwels
| Dreamstime.com

I’m especially excited about Dominica and seeing some of its waterfalls and natural beauty. Windstar will also host its Signature Beach Barbecue there, with Caribbean-inspired food, drinks and live music. In St. Kitts I’m looking forward to exploring some of the island’s history and beautiful scenery. And in St. Barts, the gorgeous beaches and French-Caribbean charm are at the top of my list. And, of course, we’ll have time in St. Maarten before heading home.

But here’s the part I’m most excited about: Windstar has invited me to bring whoever I want along for the sailing, and I’d love to have some of our Global Traveler readers, friends and fellow travelers join me.

If you’ve ever wanted to try a smaller, more intimate cruise, this could be a really fun way to experience it. I’ll be on board throughout the sailing, so instead of simply telling you about the experience afterward, we can actually experience it together! We’ll be exploring the islands, enjoying the ship and hopefully making some great memories along the way.

And Windstar is making it a little easier to come along. Anyone booking this sailing can receive 10 percent off the best available price with the code GTSURF. So if a Caribbean getaway is calling your name, maybe this is the year we finally get to sail together.

I’ll see you on Wind Surf!

— Darla Mossotti, account executive