Don't want to break any rules...but I know several LCT'ers have been on Wind Song or Wind Spirit. We saw one of these as we were pulling out of port in San Juan. Looked like a beautiful ship. Would like to see her with her sails unfurled. Anyway...am thinking about a 2005 cruise on a Wind ship with friends. And would like to know how it would compare to RSSC. Thanks!
:rolleyes:

I think everything is allowed?

thanks Andi. I figure who better to comment on another line - and compare it to RSSC - than someone who's cruised on both.

I have sailed on both lines. In my opinion it is difficult to compare them. They are so different. Here are just a few observations.

Windstar
Pros - small ship, great service, good food, and the sails unfurled at sailaway is a sight to see...very romantic, tips included.
Cons - you pay/sign for everything...pop, juice, alcohol, ships are (when I was on them) starting to show wear. Although the food is very good, it doesn't touch the quality on Radisson.

Radisson
Pros - great service, great food, included alcohol with dinner, cocktail parties and en suite is a major plus, tips included, beautiful, well-maintained ships...and many other positives.
Cons - Hmmmm...let me think...this is a difficult one...at the risk of starting this debate again, I would say that the only negative, as far as I am concerned, is that they aren't ALL inclusive.

All that said, if you haven't tried Windstar yet, I would recommend it, I think it is a wonderful cruise experience.

Just my opinions...
Sheri

Whats "Pop" :D :D

Yeah, yeah, yeah...yadda, yadda, yadda...blah, blah, blah :D :D :D

Andi:
Comparing these two cruise lines is a bit like comparing two Chardonnays. Both Windstar and RSSC cater to passengers who appreciate the special advantages of being on smaller ships.

We have sailed on over twenty Windstar Cruises and keep going back primarily because there isn't a cruise line at Windstar's price-point that offers the combination of access to the water, romance of sail combined with good food and service. But we tend to like warm water destinations that capitalize on water and beach activities where one can capitalize on Windstar ships water sports activities.

Overall, Windstar passengers may be slightly younger than you will find on RSSC, depending on the itinerary. The Windsurf is the only ship in the Windstar fleet that has elevators and suites with two bathrooms as well a large, fully equipped fitness facility, and a multiple room treatment spa. About sixty percent of the repeaters seem to prefer the two smaller ships- Wind Sprit and Wind Star because of the smaller scale and slightly better food. None of the Windstar cabins have verandas.

Radisson is great too. For both cabin as well bathroom amenities and space RSSC is clearly superior. If it matters to you, RSSC includes complimentary wines with meals and a few other complimentary liquor amentias that Windstar does not. But then again, RSSC’s price –point is generally higher.

You are likely to feel more pampered on the RSSC ships; The RSSC ships are more spacious, the entertainment is superior and we enjoy the on board lecturers on RSSC not found on Windstar. On the cruises we have taken, we find the passengers generally older and more sedentary on RSSC.

Deciding on which of the two cruise lines to take depends probably would be influenced on the itinerary, price and ports of call. For the Med and Northern Europe we might first consider RSSC, whereas if we were choosing an itinerary with islands, beaches and warm water we would go on Windstar. Both cruise lines have a loyal following and in either case you will quickly make new friends or run into old friends you didn't expected to see. Hope this helps.

gymswim: On Windstar can you help the crew out with raising the sails if you have the requisite experience?

It is all computerized...I think on Windjammer you can though.

gymswim: thanks for the info. I know Sheri has raved about her experiences on Windstar in the past (that's who's posts I know remember reading!) We, too, are more beach-oriented travellers. As would the couple we would be cruising with. It just sounds like a totally different kind of crusing experience. One I would like to try.
I think it's time to get some brochures!

IMO, I wouldn't see any problem asking most ANY question; regarding another cruiseline or most any other topic...go for it! There is a wealth of knowledge right here amongst us. Interesting people from all parts of the USA. all various backgrounds, and all contributors. Afterall, these are the helpful folks that helped me purchase both my digital camera and my big screen TV.

Why thank you Andi!!!! :D