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Many people have taken a cruise on large ocean liners. We prefer smaller ships such as the ones in the Wind Star fleet. The Wind Surf, the larger of the three ships, can accommodate about 300 persons, thus providing a good way to make new friends and yet have some of the luxuries common to cruising at sea. N.B. This is not a promotional series of pictures by Wind Star. It is just our way of sharing experiences from a memorable trip in 2006. (click here to return to our Mediterranean excursions) |
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| The ship has five masts with sails rigged like jibs that will be used whenever the wind is blowing from a favorable direction; otherwise she will use diesel engines. She has two pools on deck and two hot-tubs; however, when the sea gets a bit bouncy so does the pool water. |  |
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On sunny days the deck is usually covered with lazy bodies in bathing suits that have become a bit too tight from all the good food served on board. For example, one day we had barbequed lobster tails for lunch. Jay had his share; Sharon counted eleven empty shells on his plate. "But they were kinda small," was his response. |
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To work off all this rich food, Sharon would take a long walk around the bridge deck (5.5 laps to a mile). Jay could be found floating in the hot-tub. |
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Breakfast and lunch were served in the "Veranda". You could help yourself or place an order with one of the helpful staff. There was an omelet station and an outdoor grill for pancakes in the morning or hamburgers at lunch time. |
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One evening we had a buffet dinner inside. Roast pork and other delectable dishes were to be admired and devoured. |
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A tour of the galley (kitchen, for those who are not nautically inclined) introduced us to some of the crew responsible for our weight gains. |
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One evening the crew (which is predominantly Indonesian and Philippino) put on quite a talent show. We had a wonderful singer, Artie, who is part of the security staff and has a voice like Frank Sinatra, a rock-and-roll group, and the ladies from "reception" performing a candle dance with their male escorts. The Bali dancer in his scary costume reminded us of our experiences in his native country. (click here to go to Bali) |
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So, how can you go wrong with all of that while making some wonderful new friendships such as this great British foursome Susan, Steve, Stuart and Emma, a well as Larry and Jenny from Dallas? |
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After a relaxing day at sea our next stop was Ponza, a small Italian island west off the coast of Naples.
Click here to continue our trip
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