Seven short blasts of the horn followed by one long blast at 6:30 p.m. on our first night aboard we were directed to our point of muster by crew and informed which life boat we would be on. In addition, we had to bring our life vests that are stored in our staterooms. Late arrivals had to makeup this mandatory session the next evening. They take safety very seriously.
Last night was the Captain's cocktail party. At the end of the receiving line of major management we were were handed a glass of champagne. A short presentation on Morocco followed. We were warned to be on alert for pickpockets and told how to say "no thank you" in Arabic.
The bridge is open for visitors except when in port. Also closed during that time is the gift shop.
Have not checked out the Spa or the gym yet. With three wooden decks to walk around and several sets of stairs to reach the main deck I have yet to feel the urge to exercise. 16 stairs between decks.
Crew members seem to be constantly engaged in the upkeep of the yacht: painting, cleaning. It is registered in the Bahamas as msy WindSurf. Crew members are friendly and helpful. Some learn your name rather quickly if you are served by them a couple of times. No one nation seems to be the majority.
There are 5 sails and they raise them each time they sail out of a port. Captain says they use both the diesel power and the sails. The sails can add up to 10 knots and helps with fuel efficiency.
There is a lounge on the main deck with a small stage and another area called the yacht club where sandwiches and Continental breakfast can be had. Three restaurants feed the passengers. Two require reservations as they are smaller and fill up very fast. I was able to secure a reservation for the Stella Bistro for the night we are docked in Ibiza. Other than that both are full.
With 300 passengers on board you may not see the same people all the time. Yet it does not seem crowded. The largest gathering I have seen was the Captain's cocktail party and the main dining room.
Food is excellent, although they would benefit from a new pastry chef. The fruit is exceptionally good. Beef is tender. And I can enjoy the salmon. It seems so strange to order coffee and sandwiches without paying. Same with tips as they will be part of the final bill (alcohol, laundry, internet, and spa).
Laundry but not dry cleaning service is available. I signed up for unlimited for $62 and have already used $29 so that was a wise decision on my part. Also I signed up for unlimited internet which was significantly more but the other options would have only served to make me frustrated.
Many of the passengers are repeaters of the Wind Star Cruise line. At one point I recall something near 50% of this group.
Most people are friendly. I can dine alone, or be seated where others will be seated for dining.
Does the boat rock? I am on the very lowest of decks and I can at times feel a swaying but it is much like you would rock a cradle to put an infant to sleep. The loudest noise is when they leave port. Almost sounds like some jets overhead.
Photos to follow when I am able to get everything synched.
Last night was the Captain's cocktail party. At the end of the receiving line of major management we were were handed a glass of champagne. A short presentation on Morocco followed. We were warned to be on alert for pickpockets and told how to say "no thank you" in Arabic.
Have not checked out the Spa or the gym yet. With three wooden decks to walk around and several sets of stairs to reach the main deck I have yet to feel the urge to exercise. 16 stairs between decks.
Crew members seem to be constantly engaged in the upkeep of the yacht: painting, cleaning. It is registered in the Bahamas as msy WindSurf. Crew members are friendly and helpful. Some learn your name rather quickly if you are served by them a couple of times. No one nation seems to be the majority.
There are 5 sails and they raise them each time they sail out of a port. Captain says they use both the diesel power and the sails. The sails can add up to 10 knots and helps with fuel efficiency.
There is a lounge on the main deck with a small stage and another area called the yacht club where sandwiches and Continental breakfast can be had. Three restaurants feed the passengers. Two require reservations as they are smaller and fill up very fast. I was able to secure a reservation for the Stella Bistro for the night we are docked in Ibiza. Other than that both are full.
With 300 passengers on board you may not see the same people all the time. Yet it does not seem crowded. The largest gathering I have seen was the Captain's cocktail party and the main dining room.
Food is excellent, although they would benefit from a new pastry chef. The fruit is exceptionally good. Beef is tender. And I can enjoy the salmon. It seems so strange to order coffee and sandwiches without paying. Same with tips as they will be part of the final bill (alcohol, laundry, internet, and spa).
Laundry but not dry cleaning service is available. I signed up for unlimited for $62 and have already used $29 so that was a wise decision on my part. Also I signed up for unlimited internet which was significantly more but the other options would have only served to make me frustrated.
Many of the passengers are repeaters of the Wind Star Cruise line. At one point I recall something near 50% of this group.
Most people are friendly. I can dine alone, or be seated where others will be seated for dining.
Does the boat rock? I am on the very lowest of decks and I can at times feel a swaying but it is much like you would rock a cradle to put an infant to sleep. The loudest noise is when they leave port. Almost sounds like some jets overhead.
Photos to follow when I am able to get everything synched.
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