Bridal Guide
May 1, 2004
Caribbean: Sail Away

Love the idea of a cruise, but not the crowds, casinos and formal nights? Everyone knows about the big mega ships that carry thousands of passengers, but there are smaller, more casual ships plying these warm waters, too. Book a cruise on one of these three fleets of sailing yachts and you'll not only escape the crowds onboard, you'll get to visit some of the Caribbean's more out-of-the-way islands, many of which are barely more than a band of sand and some palm trees. And back on deck? These 'love boats' are romantic without even trying.

Luxury at Sea
The poshest of the three lines, Windstar Cruises, has two ships in the Caribbean: the 148-passenger Wind Spirit and 308-passenger Wind Surf. Cabins are unusually roomy for such small vessels, and come stocked with all the standard hotel amenities, including TVs, CD players, robes, fresh flowers and (most importantly for honeymooners) twin beds that can be converted to queens. Dining onboard is equally luxurious: all cabins have 24-hour service, and the dining room serves delicious dishes, such as shrimp satay and grilled veal chops with crushed Yucatan potatoes.

But the highlight of any sailing trip is always watching the ships under sail. Windstar has the most modern sailing ships of all the lines: Sails are unfurled electronically within minutes, and the wide white sails rise majestically above the teak deck, with its brass fittings and portholes. These ships are as close as you'll get to sailing on a yacht, albeit these are a tad bigger than Aristotle's and Jackie O's.

So how do you choose between the two ships? Both the line's vessels have tiny pools and retractable marinas that offer easy access to kayaking, snorkeling and windsurfing. On the Spirit you'll also find a masseuse, a hair dresser, a small gym and email access; since the Surf is larger, it has a more extensive workout room and an impressive spa.

Both ships offer seven-night roundtrip cruises out of St. Thomas between November and April, with six different itineraries that include beautiful islands like Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and St. John. In a way, the islands steal the show. Once onboard, you can request a complimentary picnic basket, filled with fresh fruit, gourmet sandwiches and champagne, and take it to the beach with you in say, Les Saintes. Carry your picnic to Plage de Pompierre, past pastel-colored houses, pelicans and quiet country roads. Once there, you're likely to have this secluded beach to yourself, save a few mountain goats and an old Frenchman selling baguettes and gruyere - and you may even forget that you once thought it was impossible to escape the crowds on a cruise (seven-night cruises start at $1,595 per person; 800/258-7245; windstarcruises.com).

The Captain's Choice
Star Clipper's two ships, the 228 TK-passenger Royal Clipper and the 170 TK-passenger Star Clipper, may be more laid back than Windstar's, but they're still class acts that cater to an international crowdóand they're surprisingly authentic. While Windstar's ships are akin to sleek yachts, Star Clippers is all about creating a traditional tall ship sailing experience. On deck, the rigging, winches, brass bells and chunky anchor chains that clutter the decks create a nautical atmosphere, and passengers are invited to have a go at the outdoor wheel, climb the masts or crawl in to the bowsprit netting for ride over the surf, hands-on activities you wouldn't get a chance to do on more 'hands-off' Windstar. The captain and crew, all muscles and smiles, are happy to chat as they pull, crank and climb the riggingópassengers can heave the ropes, too, if they desire.
But it's not all sweat and toil on these cushy clippers. Take the newest and largest, the 228-passenger Royal Clipper, for instance. This five-masted fully-rigged tall ship was inspired by the great 1902-built German clipper Preussen, and even has a period-style restaurant with plush red velvet banquettes, white-fluted columns and frilly ironwork.

After dinner, retire to your wood-paneled cabin. On the Royal Clipper, cabins are exceedingly comfortable, and every bit as nice as Windstar's, with marble bathrooms and TVs. (Looking to splurge? The 14 luxurious suites with private verandahs are the nicest sailing cruise cabins at sea.) Staterooms on the Star Clipper, however, are generally small, unless you upgrade to one of the eight deluxe rooms with whirlpool tubs. Cabins on both ships have twin beds that can be converted into doubles --- so you can cuddle together and let the waves rock you to sleep --- though only the suites on the Royal Clipper have room service.
Like those in the Windstar fleet, these ships call on the Caribbean's best islands. In the winter, the Star Clipper sails from St. Maarten and the Royal Clipper cruises out of Barbados; both ships offer two excellent, alternating itineraries with highlights in including Dominica, St. Vincent and Virgin Gorda. You can hike through the thick green rainforests in St. Kitts and St. Lucia, and board a wooden canoe in Dominica to glide past the giant palms and mango trees that shade the Indian River. Or, just lull about the excellent beaches in Anguilla and Grenada. And, as on Windstar's ships, you can cool off in the ships' small pools, or sign up for a massage. Both ships have email access and a library, as well as more adventurous entertainment: complimentary water sports include kayaking, snorkeling and banana boat rides, so pack several bathing suites --- you will get wet (seven-night cruises start at $1,575 per person; 800/442-0551; starclippers.com).

Windjammer Barefoot Cruises.
If you care more about making sure your honeymoon feels like a party than being cosseted with gourmet cuisine and fine linens, then the eccentric tall ships of Windjammer Barefoot Cruises are the right choice for you. They offer a laid-back, elbows-on-the-table getaway without any pretensions, and are by far the most low-brow - and low-priced - of the three lines. But they're great for the young, and the young at heart: Passengers spend most of the week barefoot in their bathing suits, and the ships' playfully irreverent routine includes a pirate-theme costume party, complete with a keg of rum on deck.
But there are some trade offs. Forget email (there's no access), etiquette (no one cares), and fussy cabins. Most staterooms have bunk beds, tiny bathrooms, and there are no TVs anywhere on board. But most passengers have such a good time, they never miss the frills. Windjammer attracts a quirky crowd of free-thinking, non-conformists who relish an escape from the real world. There are few rules on these ships: Dive off the railing and swim with the fish, or try your hand at the ships' wheel. You can sleep on deck under the stars wheever you wish, and never change out of your bathing suit, not even for dinner.
Mornings start off with complimentary Bloody Mary's and homemade treats like fresh-baked donuts and eggs Benedict. Days are spent on deck soaking up the sun, or ashore exploring yet another nearly deserted island. Most of the fleet offers five- and six-night itineraries that leave plenty of time for snorkeling over underwater trails, and barbequing on the beach.
After an afternoon on shore, passengers congregate up on deck for happy hour. The gang is then summoned to dinner with the clang of a bell; the meal itself is nothing fancy, but basics like curried shrimp, lobster pizza and roast pork reflect the Caribbean chefs' own local flavors ---- and the free wine helps!
Unlike other ships which sail before dinner no matter where the next port is, Windjammer captains stay put in some ports until the wee hours so that passengers can enjoy the island nightlife. During the evening, passengers migrate to the top deck to sip Pina Coladas and icy Red Stripe beers under the stars. On some nights a local band comes onboard to get the party started, on others, passengers mingle among the masts as the ship sails toward the next island paradise. The best part? There's no roulette wheel, sparkly dress or starched tuxedo in sight! (six-night cruises start at $900 per person; 800/258-7245; windjammer.com).