Smooth Sailing Barbados

January 18 – 25, 2009
Wind Star Cruises msy Wind Surf

Join us as we glide through the turquoise waters and emerald hills of Barbados on the breath-taking motorized Wind Surf sail ship.

Your Experience

We'll visit the beautiful beaches and festive landscapes of Nevis and the half-Dutch, half-French island of Saint Maarten/St. Martin, whose gingerbread West Indian buildings house excellent duty-free shopping. On the tiny, picture-perfect St. Barts, the haunt of the very rich who come for privacy, you'll visit gorgeous beaches, and experience exquisite French cuisine.

Your Activities

As you stroll through Basse Terre, Guadaloupe, you'll take in the main square, the cathedral, quaint restored houses, and stop at the local market. You'll be "blown away" by the twin towers of the Pitons of St. Lucia, two volcanic peaks rising to more than 2,400 feet, surrounded by lush green valleys, banana plantations, and bubbling sulfur springs. Enjoy it all aboard Windstar's luxurious 312-passenger, Wind Surf, an awe-inspiring sailboat featuring state-of-the art amenities and ocean views in every cabin.

Bridgetown, Barbados
An infectiously happy island, with beautiful beaches, balmy weather, and a delightful British flair. As a result of its successful sugar economy in the 17th- to 19th-centuries, you'll find large manor estates full of fine Barbados mahogany and antiques, along with gaily painted wooden frame houses-the essence of the festive Caribbean. Rum rules in Barbados, and, over the centuries, cane plantations have divided the Bajan landscape into a pretty patchwork of fields, coconut and royal palms, breadfruit, oleander, and citrus trees.

Basseterre, St. Kitts
Basseterre, set against the irresistible backdrop of St. Kitts' emerald green hills and punctuated by elegant Georgian architecture, is one of the best of the Caribbean's small capitals.

Charlestown, Nevis
This 36-square-mile island lies near the top of the Lesser Antilles archipelago, about 200 miles south of Puerto Rico, and just west of Antigua. This island jewel is approximately 7 miles long and 5 miles wide, with natural vegetation that is unparalleled. Green and serene, Nevis is truly one of the remaining unspoiled places and proudly carries the name, "Queen of the Caribees." From the top of the 3,232-foot Nevis Peak to the depths of the clear waters offshore, there is a world of flora and fauna to be explored. In the hills, the comical green vervet monkeys chatter and scamper; in the sea, the whales cruise by. Stroll around and see the architecture of eras gone by: churches, windmills, and refurbished Great Houses. Its 10,000 residents are friendly and helpful, ready to make new friends and welcome back regular visitors.

Marigot, St. Martin
Half-Dutch, half-French, the island of Saint Maarten/St. Martin is considered the smallest territory in the world shared by two sovereign states. Only a small welcome sign on the road indicates you have passed from one country to another, but the contrasts are marked. Marigot, on the French side, is small and chic ? a kind of St. Tropez of the Caribbean, lined with shops, bistros, and charming cafés. Philipsburg on the Dutch side features Front Street, whose gingerbread West Indian buildings house excellent duty-free shopping. St. Martin has 37 white sand beaches, each with its own unique feel.

Gustavia, St. Barthelemy
Tiny, picture-perfect St. Barts has long been the haunt of the very rich who come for privacy, gorgeous beaches, and exquisite French cuisine. It has 20 or more magnificent beaches, linked by hilly narrow roads you can explore in open-air Jeeps or "mini-mokes." In Gustavia, the island's Lilliputian port, quaint streets lead past small markets and bakeries, and dozens of small shops selling French perfumes, sportswear, watches, and crystal.

Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe
Another perfect day for photography. Visit the enchanting Deshaies Botanical Gardens and produce a masterpiece.

Les Saintes, Guadeloupe
This island paradise offers miles of sandy beaches and turquoise waters-picture postcard material-and it's yours for the day. The quiet and friendly locals may offer you a good deal on a shell necklace or a delicious piece of tropical fruit!

Pigeon Island, St. Lucia
The twin towers of the Pitons, two volcanic peaks rising to more than 2,400 feet, mark St. Lucia, an island of lush green valleys, acres of banana plantations, and bubbling sulfur springs. 24 miles of vibrant reef make St. Lucia a haven for divers and snorkelers. Pigeon Island National Park, a 40-acre island connected to the mainland by a causeway, was once a pirates' hideaway. Today, impressive ruins of old English forts, archaeological relics of Arawak Indians, and splendid beaches make this a fascinating place to explore.

Your Ship - Wind Surf
The smooth-sailing motorized Wind Surf features gorgeous wooden decks, ocean views in every cabin, an espresso bar, and new yacht club. Cabins include updated cabinetry, granite countertops, make-up mirror, custom showerheads, Euro-top mattresses, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, a Bose Sounddock ipod station, personal safe, minibar, L'Occitane amenities, hairdryer, and plush robes.

Your Entertainment

Olivia always provides a unique and exciting line-up of artists and speakers on our Ultimate Escapes. Check back for announcements regarding our special Olivia music performances, enlightening talks, films, television, and comedy shows.