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About Windjammer Barefoot Cruises |
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Cruising's most casual, free-spirited option, the eccentric Windjammer (they really do mean it about going barefoot) consists of a fleet of four vintage tall ships. One of the industry's last remaining family-run companies, Windjammer was founded in 1947 by Captain Mike Burke. He took a dilapidated 70-foot ketch and began offering ultra-informal trips to the Bahamas.
In recent years, some of the funkiest eccentricities of the Miami-based company have disappeared. Passengers are no longer permitted to climb the riggings and howl at the moon. Still, some traditions remain. Captains, crew and passengers continue to walk around barefoot. Rum swizzles are still complimentary at cocktail hour (as are Bloody Marys at breakfast). And overall, Windjammer's unique, easy-does-it, almost-anything-goes atmosphere still permeates. |
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Life Onboard |
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There is little regimentation onboard these ships, beyond the day-beginning "Story Time" with the Captain, who provides info on the port-of-the-day. The atmosphere is so relaxed, in fact, that ports are subject to change upon whim or wind (though the ships all have motors to help power them along). The other major highlight of the day is cocktail hour, where passengers gather for the traditional free rum swizzles.
Cabins are compact and comfortable but by no means luxurious. (In this case, when they call a bathroom the "head," they mean it in the traditional way; they are, however, private.) Some of the Windjammer ships have added a suite or two, with televisions and mini-refrigerators, but for the most part no in-cabin entertainment exists. Some ships have dormitory-style cabins.
The top-deck bar, usually covered so it's shady, is a major gathering point at all times of the day. No cash exchanges hands onboard; instead, passengers purchase "doubloons" that are used to pay for the reasonably priced drinks. There's also a sun deck with mats for sunbathing. Windjammer typically offers unique, off-beat destinations, and ships tend to sail between ports at night so passengers have full days to explore or laze about on the beach, though captains do try to spend at least part of a morning at sail per voyage. Activities mates provide information on ports and are generally more forthcoming than typical cruise line shore excursion staff. They also arrange a couple of adventures per port.
As far as dress goes, anything fancier than a T-shirt and bathing suit, any time of the day, would be considered as overdressing. Meals are served in a single saloon, where cheap red and white wine flows at dinner and the cuisine is just fine (though it won't fool any gourmands). Evening entertainment tends to revolve around the quaint and wacky, such as betting on horseshoe crab races or dressing in pajamas for themed parties. Occasionally ships will spend evening in ports that have an interesting nightlife, providing tender service late into the night.
Windjammer targets kids age 6–12 but only in the summer. The Junior Jammers' Program has a basic format and structure (but no dedicated kids' facilities), but trained counselors adapt it during each voyage to specifically fit the needs of junior passengers. On all cruises, counselors supervise the children from 9 AM–9 PM (parents are welcome to visit and take their children with them any time during the day). In addition, a babysitting service is available after 9 PM. The ships also have counselors for teenagers ages 13–17. |
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Fellow Passengers |
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The type of passengers to be found onboard really depends upon the cruise itself, since Windjammer’s theme cruises attract very specific types, from singles to spa lovers. Typically, it’s a wonderfully eclectic mix, from 20-something honeymooners to well-educated, well-traveled retirees; summers and holidays increase the number of families onboard. The ship Legacy tends to attract the most "first time Windjammers" and is a good bet for that experience. |
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Explore the Ships |
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See the Windjammer cruise calendar
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Booking Information |
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Though we sell a full complement of Windjammer cruises, customers are unable to book these cruises online at this time. To book a Windjammer cruise, or to learn more about Windjammer's ships and itineraries, please call one of our friendly and knowledgeable Cruise Specialists at 1-888-249-3978.
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Cruise line reviews are provided by CruiseCritic.com, an award-winning cruise community, giving you objective, unbiased information to help you choose the right cruise.
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