Hi all! Been away for a while (Club Med-ing, etc). Anyway...I know a few of you have tried Windstar - and liked it. My question is this....we will be cruising with a first-time-cruising couple in Feb. And are choosing between the 2/15 Diamond/Caribbean or the 2/12 Windspirit/Caribbean. The prices are almost the same. But when I add in the "freebies" with the Diamond - it's a much better deal. Anyone have an opinion - not based on the price?
Also - for everyone who's been on the Diamond - is the policy the same at dinner - free wine OR drinks????
Hope everyone has been well in my absence.

We loved the Diamond - been on the ship twice - wine is freely poured at dinner along with cocktails before and after dinner while you are sitting at your table - we were just on the Voyager and going on Mariner in Nov - I am afraid to try anything else - Radisson is perfect for us - I am sure the Windspirit is great too I just have no info on it - Joanna

Bobbie, welcome back! Seems like a slam-dunk for me, especially if they prefer a balcony cabin, which I don't think the Windspirit has. I have been on cruises in the same ports with them, and the pool area was small from my vantage point. Then again, most of those areas on the Diamond are not visible! I would just go with the Diamond because of reading these boards for several years with posters comparing them. Yes, I think RSSC has a company-wide policy of allowing drinks (and wine) with dinner in the dining room. The cabins are going to be much smaller on Windstar from what I have read on previous postings.

Definitely get a balcony on the Diamond - they are wonderful! - J

thanks so much! Your comments/insights will definitely make the decision easier!

We were on Windstar many years ago in the Caribbean and enjoyed it very much. The experience of sitting on the deck at sunset with the sails unfurled ....a drink in your hand ...the music playing....it's unique. I had always wanted to go to Tahiti on the Windstar and was sad when they left. However, soon after, PG arrived and we were there in a minute. We love the small ships.
maggie

OOPS,
Bobbi,
Sorry...there was a double post on this topic, and I answered the other one... :D
I agree, though, the balcony WAS very nice on the Diamond.
Still, as Maggie said, the sails are really a neat experience.
Sheri

Bobbi:
Don't know anything about the Diamond but wanted you to know that we have 4 couples signed up for the 02/15/05 cruise.
Might as well join us.

03/22/80 MS Caribe
02/15/03 Paul Gauguin
02/22/04 Norwegian Dream
11/12/04 Mariner "MINT"
02/15/05 Diamond "ADRIFT"

Hey Jim - we just might be doing that! We are meeting our friends in Hilton Head for a week in September - at which time we'll decide which cruise we'll take. (Personally - I'll be happy with either!)

Now...if I only knew what the ADRIFT means.....

Bobbi, We were on the Diamond (twice) in the Caribbean, and loved it.

We were on the Windsurf (not Windspirit, and not the Caribbean).

I agree, when those sails are up, it is a beau-i-ful sight, and we felt that the food and service was very good, although more casual (less polished) than RSSC. Also, no formal nights. (The guys liked that, no jackets) People were very nicely dressed, though casual.

The Diamond is also a lovely vessel....free wine, balcony and more things to do ship-board.

I hope this all helps, and I am sure whichever one you choose, you will have a wonderful time.
:) Happy crusin' :)

Betty

once again, thanks! You're all so knowledgeable!!!!

Ok Bobbi
Here is what "ADRIFT" stands for.

Aboard Diamond Rendezvous In February Together. <img border="0" alt="[vhappy]" title="" src="graemlins/icon_vhappy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[bounce]" title="" src="graemlins/ubbbounce2.gif" />

Love it!!!!!!!!!