As retired seasoned travelers who like a variety of experiences, we do not cruise a lot, but, when we do, we select our cruises based first on itinerary and secondly by cruise line. We have 4-5 companies that we will cruise with and then select our ship based on the itineraries that match the interests and schedule of my wife and I. Windstar has long been on our list of cruise lines to try, but our "Best of ABC Caribbean" voyage is the first to work out for us, and it has been very pleasant.

With only about 155 passengers on board and approximately the same number of staff, service has obviously not been a problem. It is my understanding that the Legend is a smaller ship recently purchased and refurbished by Windstar’s parent company Xanterra (also the concessioner for the U.S. National Park service). Our cabin (222) was very spacious with a large bath, a walk-in closet, and sleeping and living areas that can be separated by a pull curtain. The room does not have a balcony large enough to sit on (usually a requirement for us), but it does have a double sliding glass door that can be fully opened to create a fully private balcony experience. Very nice.

As an older, smaller ship everything is, of course, smaller than one will find on the newer mega-floating hotels. Instead of ten shops, there is one, instead of Olympic-size swimming pools there are 2-3 nice spas, etc. Instead of open buffet dinners, you order from the menu, and instead of nightly musical theater there is a duo performing at the bar. Missing, however, are also curtain climbers running to and fro with their balloon floaties, and the crowds of drunken revelers. Read more