|
| |
Wind Surf Cruise Review
Page 2
Continued from page 1
 |
LEFT: The
Wind Surf's sails aren't just for decoration--they add speed and
save fuel. |
The ship
The Wind Surf is a small ship by today's standards, with
a rated capacity of 308 passengers. Its nominal size is 14,745 gross registered
tons, or about one-tenth the tonnage of the Queen Mary 2. (However,
Wind Surf is large for a motorsailing vessel; Windstar's other ships,
Wind Star and Wind Spirit, carry 148 passengers each and are rated at
only 5,350 grt.)
 Layout.
In profile, the Wind Surf is reminiscent of ocean vessels from an era
when sail was giving way to steam. Most of the ship's volume is inside the
hull, with the superstructure being overshadowed by the five masts and seven
triangular sails. And what the Wind Surf lacks in balconies, it makes up
for in open deck space: Even on our nearly sold-out voyage, it was always
possible to find lounge chairs and stretches of railing away from other
passengers.
Sails. The sails are what make Wind Surf different
from most cruise ships, and for that matter, from conventional motorsailing
yachts. The 26,881 square feet or 2,600 m² of
Dacron sails are deployed and furled under computer control from the bridge,
with massive steel booms swinging out to the port or starboard according to wind
conditions. (In a stiff wind, the sails add a good three knots to the Wind
Surf's maximum speed, and the ship can travel under sail alone when wind
conditions and the itinerary make it practical to shut down the propellers.)
Overall ambience. The Wind Surf will never be
mistaken for a Marriott, a Hyatt, or the Mall of America. It looks like a ship,
feels like a ship, and cruises like a ship (albeit a modern ship with
stabilizers). It also has a casual atmosphere: Men needn't bring neckties or
jackets, and women can leave their cocktail dresses at home.
Next page:
Wind Surf staterooms
|
Search for more information
on our site: |
|
|
Photos copyright © Windstar Cruises. | |
|
Top Cruise Topics:
General Information
In-Depth Cruise Reviews
For Venice Cruisers
(from Venice for Visitors)
|
|
|
Durant
& Cheryl Imboden's
