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Weather changes require layers that you will peel off and reapply throughout the day. You might be interested in a cruise with multi-generational opportunities. Check with the boat of your choice to make sure children are permitted. Check to make sure you have reviewed the activities included. For example, active travelers may want to have options for exercise, while other travelers may want more passive pursuits.
How Long Are Maine Windjammer Cruises?
And there are plenty of comforts of home, including insanely delicious meals. "Dress code? We don't need no stinkin' dress code." The barefoot philosophy espoused by the original Windjammers still lives on Diamant. Swimsuits, cover-ups and T-shirts are typical daytime attire, and dressing for dinner usually means nothing more than putting on a clean shirt. For the Captain's dinner on the last night, several women put on sundresses, while polo shirts were about as fancy as it got for the men.
Marriott’s St. Kitts Beach Club, Frigate Bay
Originally built between 1870 and 1985, the current members of the Maine windjammer fleet lie between 60 and 100 feet (with some exceptions) and can support between 15 and 40 guests per cruise. Although “windjammer” could easily pass as a slang term used only by serious boaters, the word has a technical meaning that belies its casual first impression. It’s also wise to bring sunscreen and other toiletry items, but the boat also has plenty of these on board, so if you forget about an item, don’t worry. The remainder of the time, let the sea be your natural cleanser! You can also pack some essentials like dry shampoo and baby wipes—more on that later. Aside from the accommodations, there are a few other unique features of schooner life to adapt to.
The Food Is Ultra-Local
Vela sails from St. Lucia and Grenada, in both cases from marinas that are far away from the mainstream cruise docks. Some of the islands you'll experience, such as Iles des Saintes or Carriacou, might be well known by the yachtie set, but they're undiscovered by cruisers. If your idea of bliss is a sandy beach with no crowds and no agenda, Vela could be your perfect fit.
Find My Trip
When there was a strong wind, we sailed around 9 miles per hour, or 8 knots, which was a thrill. This cruise is an excellent introduction to the world of windjamming. Board Sunday or Wednesday evening, meet your new shipmates and have dinner on your own in Camden. You will sleep aboard, and after a hearty breakfast the following morning, you’ll be underway for your adventure exploring the islands of Maine.
We understand that personal circumstances sometimes change, and you may find it necessary to cancel your trip. Seven Corners Insurance specializes in sailing vacation coverage. Simply put, I could sail on every schooner throughout the Eastern seaboard and not enjoy food as delicious as that served by Captain Annie. From an activities perspective (more on that later), the sailing vacations Maine offers and traditional backpacking trips are very similar. But, since we got a couple questions about how much windjammer cruise vacations cost, we thought we’d cover this. You can expect to see a lot of the Maine coast and the Penobscot Bay on a schooner trip on the J&E Riggin.
Island Windjammers offers 6, 10, and 12 night Caribbean and Mediterranean sailing cruises out of Grenada and St. Maarten. Our sought-after 12 night Explorations cruises, extended Wanderer Cruises, and other featured trips such as our annual Rum Cruise are also offered periodically throughout the year. Our destinations include the Grenadines, a chain of islands in the Caribbean’s Windward Islands, as well as the Leeward Islands.
Jon is the ship’s captain while his wife Annie prepares the gourmet meals down in the galley. They are both aided by a crew of young, energetic people who were such fun and kind souls. This is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the windjammer cruise. Every day will include some sailing as you make your way to your next stop. The Penobscot Bay, where the J&E Riggin sails, is breathtaking. During the trip we were constantly passing islands of all sizes and descriptions.
Island Windjammers St. Maarten Cruise Reviews
I liked the prospect of sleeping on a boat, especially under the stars, and brought a sleeping bag to try it. The Riggin is 90 feet long on deck, 120 feet overall, and 23 feet wide with a large galley. There are two bathrooms on deck, and one has a shower.
5 New Cruise Itineraries You Have to Try in 2024 - Cruise Critic
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It’s a smaller vessel and usually accommodates 24 passengers, but for our sail, we had 14. The crew kept it spick-and-span, shining the brass and swabbing the deck. It truly is an elegant form of camping as the ship is an antique. The berths are cozy and include a small sink and window. The room allows for rest and storage, and you are meant to spend your time up top admiring the gorgeous scenery. Relaxing pursuits such as reading, sketching, crafting, using binoculars to scope out ospreys or eagles, or watching the waves for porpoises and seals take up the day.
Originally intended as a luxury yacht, she was launched in 1983 after nearly twenty years of love and dedication to build her. We can also provide a trip appropriate for a funeral service or memorial gathering. We look forward to helping you or your organization plan your special event. Cancellations made less than 8 weeks ahead of your trip can not be refunded unless we are able to rebook your cabin(s).
Our season begins June 2 and runs through early October. Diamant is a handsome vessel, a brigantine schooner made in 1978 of fiberglass with a wood interior. As with many ships this size, there are some steep stairs down to the cabins that people with limited mobility may find challenging, if not impossible. Port tenders are done by dinghy, and the crew does an excellent job at helping even the most uncoordinated passengers get in and out of the boat. Ted & Heidi are long-time travel writers with a penchant for small ship cruising. Between them they've traveled all over the world aboard hundreds and hundreds of small cruise ships of all kinds, from river boats to expedition vessels and sailing ships.
Island Windjammers Diamant Dining: Restaurants & Food on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
Island Windjammers Diamant Dining: Restaurants & Food on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Sun, 16 Jul 2023 01:40:44 GMT [source]
The whole group heads ashore to cook up some fresh-as-can-be Maine lobster. The result is both delicious and visually beautiful! Along with corn on the cob, paella, fresh fruit, and s’mores for dessert, it’s the perfect summer meal.
People with mobility issues may find it challenging to navigate a sailboat. Steep ladders and tight spaces make it difficult to get up and down to sleeping cabins, or on and off the boat for excursions. Windjammers offer the chance to unplug and leave electronics behind. There’s electricity on the schooners and Wi-Fi in port, but cell service is spotty, especially when sailing.
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