I can't say enough good things about the people on Wind Star. On day one, when the housekeeping manager found out that my wife had broken some toes just before our trip, she immediately moved us to a more convenient cabin that involved less walking & climbing to reach frequently accessed locations. That made a huge difference to us! From other cruise lines, we're used to cabin attendants and dining room staff that are pleasant and hard-working, but the admin staff and management (front desk, housekeeping, hotel) on Wind Star were actually interested in helping us out with questions and issues, not just moving us along with platitudes. I've never experienced anything like that on another ship.

Now, as for the cabin attendant & dining staff: each and every one was beyond the best we'd seen in our fifteen cruises. They were not just good at their jobs (friendly, courteous, efficient), they really wanted to make sure this was the best vacation we'd ever had. Anytime we had a special request, it made them happy because they could fulfill it. They are proud of their ship and their reputation for superior service. That comes from the leadership. Abdul, the maitre d', has an impeccable sense of customer service, and his staff works in unison and harmony. Captain Bennett made herself available to the passengers on a regular basis, visiting with us and answering questions. By the second day, pretty much everyone we interacted with not only knew us by name, they knew what we liked for breakfast, what condiments we preferred, and whether or not we wanted ice in our beverages.

In writing this review, Wind Star cannot be compared to a typical 5000-guest megaship; it's a completely different experience. Everything is individual, not mass-produced. There's no 3-story theatre with Vegas-style revues. There aren't sixteen different activities planned for each and every hour throughout the day. It's a more intimate, relaxed pace, visiting smaller ports off the beaten path, and getting to know your fellow guests. Read more