This was a
great cruise. The page
will be left up for reference.
Windjamming on the Mandalay
A Soft
Adventure Tour
January 20-February 1, 2003
Harlan Hague
Join us for a two-week cruise on the Mandalay at the best season on the best itinerary in the Caribbean. The Mandalay sails from Antigua to Grenada, visiting islands of different cultural backgrounds and some of the best beaches in the world. This is the best of the great Windjammer Barefoot Cruises offerings. I have sailed with Windjammer a dozen times, and this is my favorite. For an impression of what to expect, see my article. Different ship and different itinerary, but the Mandalay experience will be similar.
For background on the company, the ship and the itinerary, see the Windjammer Barefoot Cruises web site. Click on "Ships, Destinations and Rates," and follow the links to the Mandalay. For my background and experience in organizing and escorting tours, see my travel page.
Why should you sign on to my group rather than book directly with Windjammer? For starters, my group members receive a 10% discount off the regular Windjammer rate. You'll also join a group of well-traveled cosmopolites who know how to enjoy life. Finally, you probably could not book individually on this particular departure anyway. At this writing, the cruise is almost fully booked. I have blocked ten cabins. At this writing, all but two cabins, and a berth for a single man, are committed. By the way, singles are welcome. We'll try to find a roommate for you, but if we don't, you'll occupy the cabin alone and still not pay a single supplement.
Costs
Cruise $1,710.
Sunday Stowaway $55. (optional)
Port charges $135.
The cruise cost includes a standard air-conditioned two-person cabin with private toilet, basin and shower, two bunk beds, all meals and snacks, and all the rum swizzles you can tolerate. Optional excursions at additional cost will be offered on most of the islands we visit. Of course, we are free to explore on our own at no cost. Mountain bikes may be hired on some islands.
Flights are not included. Windjammer Barefoot Cruises often can offer a lower air rate than you can find personally, but be sure to ask for a description of the schedule so you won't be surprised later. For information, see the windjammer web site, and click on Air Program. If you would like to inquire about air with Windjammer, write--don't call--to Sondra Shumaker. Send me a copy of all of your correspondence with her. Give her our booking number 6304, your full name(s) as they appear on your passport(s), and the dates you wish to travel. She also will ask whether you have any special request, such as a preference for an overnight flight. If you accept a schedule, you will need to pay in full at that time.
I can also help with your search for
the best route and fare, if you wish. Frequent flyer award flights
into the
Caribbean are usually a good bargain. For example, an American Airlines frequent flyer
award flight costs 30,000 miles for the open-jaws schedule.
Travel insurance is advised. For a brief description of the insurance offered by Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, go to the windjammer web site, click on FAQ, then click on Sailaway Travel Insurance. Note that the policy does not cover pre-existing conditions. If you wish coverage for pre-existing conditions, contact other insurance companies. Be sure to note whether you must buy the insurance within a certain number of days of making your initial deposit. If you decide to take the Windjammer insurance, write to me.
Some group members will want to arrive early in Antigua
and/or stay over in Grenada to see these islands more thoroughly. See my articles on Antigua and Grenada. I can help with
arrangements and recommendations, if you wish. Even if you don't plan to arrive early to
explore Antigua, you'll want to pay the stowaway charge and board on Sunday, January 19.
It's the best bargain in the universe. If you arrive before the 5:00 p.m. boarding time,
you can drop your luggage at the ship and wander around the town. If you choose instead to
board on Monday, you must be aboard by 9:00 a.m. to clear all boarding
procedures. The ship sails around noon. If you are late, you'll have an opportunity for a
distant view of the ship under full sail.
Write to me if you have questions. If you decide to book, I will ask you to send me a deposit cheque for $200 each. I will then send you a personal information form to fill out. The final payment, which you will make by credit card or personal cheque directly to Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, is due 90 days before departure.
Imagine raising sail and getting underway at midnight under a full moon, with "Amazing Grace" playing on the bagpipes . . . . . . .
Don't be left standing on the dock. Carpe diem.
Pictures by Harlan Hague and Windjammer Barefoot Cruises.
