This is the third Island Windjammer we have been on and the experience keeps getting better. Last year we were also on the Vela around Christmas time during a near-inaugural cruise and enjoyed it, despite the rough edges. This year, the rough edges were gone, and it was nothing but enjoyable throughout.

The Vela is a small-ship experience: there were about 20 passengers during our cruise week. Passengers in our week ranged in age from 20s to 70, with most being in the 30-50 range. Two kids.

Passengers all met at a small cafe in Marigot Bay where the paperwork was handled in a matter of minutes. We all then boarded and within 30 minutes we were headed down the coast for an hour or two of snorkeling in a hard-to-get-to cove. That set the tone for the week: most days began with us anchored outside a town, where hourly launches took passengers to shore for shopping or beaches or snorkeling. Those who chose not to go ashore then scattered about the ship to read or relax. Passengers came and went throughout the day as their whims drove them. Often there was a special launch in the afternoon to a cove or otherwise good swimming/snorkeling area. A couple of sites had organized tours for sign-up. Read more