Windstar Wind Surf Review: A Better Way to Cruise the Caribbean?
What is it really like to cruise the Caribbean aboard Windstar’s legendary five-masted sailing yacht, Wind Surf? Chris and Tracy Archer of Good Life Travel Group have cruised the Caribbean aboard both traditional cruise ships and Wind Surf — and they say the experience is completely different. With just 342 guests, Wind Surf can slip into smaller Caribbean islands and quiet bays that create an experience that feels much closer to sailing aboard a private yacht than cruising aboard a conventional cruise ship. In this episode of RTE–Travel Talk — Ask A Real Travel Expert, Chris and Tracy join Ken Lawrence to share what it’s really like aboard Wind Surf. We talk about: • What immediately feels different when you step aboard • Why Wind Surf works so well in the Caribbean • Smaller islands, quiet bays and fewer crowds • What the cabins are really like — including the lack of balconies • Wind Surf’s four dining experiences • Candles, Stella Bistro and Amphora • The open-bridge policy and personalized service • The swim platform, kayaking and paddleboarding • Entertainment and evenings aboard • Who Wind Surf is best suited for • Potential considerations for travelers with mobility limitations • Why Chris and Tracy are returning for another two weeks aboard Wind Surf And perhaps the biggest question of all: Could cruising the Caribbean aboard a small sailing yacht change the way you think about cruising? ABOUT CHRIS & TRACY ARCHER Good Life Travel Group Email: [info@goodlifetravelgroup.com](mailto:info@goodlifetravelgroup.com) Phone: 404-392-7609 Chris and Tracy can also help travelers plan a Windstar cruise and share their firsthand recommendations for getting the most out of Wind Surf and the Caribbean destinations she visits. Real Travel Experts: questions@realtravelexperts.com https://realtravelexperts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/RealTravelExperts/ https://www.instagram.com/realtravelexperts/ TRAVEL PRODUCTS & SERVICES WE LOVE: Some of the products and services featured below are offered through affiliate partnerships. If you choose to make a purchase using our links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us continue creating travel content and resources. ✈️ Stay connected wherever you travel with Holafly eSIMs and save 5% https://holafly.sjv.io/R02q22 🛒 Shop All LEVEL8 Products Enter RTE10 at checkout for 10% Discount https://realtravelexperts.com/go/level8-all-products 🧳 LEVEL8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On Enter RTE10 at checkout for 10% Discount https://realtravelexperts.com/go/level8-gibraltar-20-carry-on 🧳 LEVEL8 Lightweight Luminous 20 in Carry-on Enter RTE10 at checkout for 10% Discount https://realtravelexperts.com/go/level8-luminous-20-carry-on 🎒 LEVEL8 Atlas Laptop Backpack Enter RTE10 at checkout for 10% Discount https://realtravelexperts.com/go/level8-atlas-backpack 🧳 LEVEL8 Lightweight Voyager 28 in Checked https://realtravelexperts.com/go/level8-voyageur-28-checked Image & Video Credits: Clips courtesy of Windstar RTE Travel Talk does not endorse any of their guests' products or services. The opinions of the guests may or may not reflect those of the host and RTE Travel Talk. RTE–Travel Talk — Ask A Real Travel Expert Real Experts. Better Travel. #Windstar #WindSurf #CaribbeanCruise #SmallShipCruising #WindstarCruises Timestamps: 00:00 – Is There a Better Way to Cruise the Caribbean? 00:41 – First Impressions of Wind Surf 03:12 – What Makes a 342-Guest Ship Different? 04:54 – Why Wind Surf Works So Well in the Caribbean 06:26 – Service & the Open Bridge 07:05 – Luxury Without the Formality 08:35 – Sailing the British Virgin Islands 09:00 – Swim Platform, Watersports & Life Outdoors 09:33 – No Balconies: Does It Matter? 11:29 – Dining Aboard Wind Surf 12:59 – Cabins, Suites & Value 14:01 – A Typical Day Aboard Wind Surf 15:22 – Entertainment, BBQs & Evenings 16:12 – Who Is Wind Surf Best For? 17:12 – Mobility Considerations 18:10 – Would Chris & Tracy Sail Wind Surf Again? 19:53 – Is This the Caribbean Cruise for You?