Frequently Asked Questions about Island Windjammers Cruises

You’re about to embark on one of the best vacations of your life! We want to make sure that you feel comfortable every step of the way. Following are some of the most commonly asked questions about Island Windjammers and our Caribbean tall ship sailing cruises. If there is anything else you'd like to know, please give us a call or email us at info@islandwindjammers.com. We’re standing by to lend a hand.

Q. What’s included in the price of my sailing cruise?
A. Your 6 Night tall ship sailing cruise price includes your accommodations for the week, all meals aboard the ship, use of snorkel equipment, and complimentary soft drinks, locally brewed beer, and wine. Port taxes and government fees are included in full-fare bookings. Sale fares may be subject to the addition of port charges and taxes. Please check our cruise specials page for 13 day Grenadines Exploration cruise dates/rates, discounted weeks, and other specials and theme cruises!

Q. How far ahead should I reserve my cabin?
A. We suggest reserving your preferred cabin at least six months in advance. With our limited capacity, dates fill up fast.

Q. How do I get to Grenada?
A. Direct flights are available to Grenada from New York, Miami, and San Juan. We will be happy to help you with researching flight schedules and itineraries if you need assistance.

From the U.S.
American Airlines offers non-stop flights from Miami to Grenada on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays (returning direct from Grenada to Miami on Saturdays, Mondays, and Thursdays).

American Eagle and Liat Airlines fly non-stop to Grenada from San Juan. Air Tran and Jet Blue both offer discount service to San Juan from many US departure cities.

Caribbean Airlines and Delta Airlines offer direct service (seasonal schedules may apply) from JFK. Please check with the airlines for specifics.

From Canada
Air Canada Vacations operates a seasonal direct flight from Toronto to Grenada (Sunday departure) with easy connections from major Canadian gateways . Air Canada operates daily flights from Toronto to Barbados, with connections on Caribbean Airlines operate regularly scheduled flights from Toronto to Barbados and Trinidad, also with connections on LIAT to Grenada. GG Tours and Titan Tours operate seasonal charter services. West Jet operates flights year round from Toronto to Barbados, with connections on LIAT to Grenada.

From the UK
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways and Golden Caribbean - Monarch Airlines service Grenada with weekly direct flights from London's Gatwick Airport.

From the Caribbean
LIAT Airlines provides connections into Grenada's Maurice Bishop International Airport from many Caribbean islands, along with connections to International flights from Antigua, Barbados, St Lucia and Trinidad.

Q. Do you provide ground transfers?
A. We provide transfers to the ship from your hotel on boarding day. If you are flying in on boarding day, transfers are available from the airport directly to the ship after your flight arrives. On disembarkation day, transfers are available either to the airport, or your post-cruise hotel.

Transfers are $15 per person, per segment, and will be billed to your onboard account at the end of the cruise.

Q. If I'm flying in on boarding day, how will I find the driver at the airport?
A. Our driver will be waiting for you when you exit customs and immigration. He will be holding an Island Windjammers sign.

Q. Where do I board the ship?
A. Diamant is located in the brand new Port Louis Marina, located on Lagoon Road in St. George’s. The Port Louis Marina provides a wonderful selection of amenities, including an open-air restaurant and bar, showers, laundry facilities, wifi access, and a refreshing pool. You are welcome to enjoy the facility prior to boarding.

Q. Is food served after boarding?
A. Snacks and rum swizzles are served after boarding. A buffet dinner is served in the early evening. Dinner will be provided separately for any guests with later arrival times.

Q. When will we be back in Grenada?
A. Through July 6, 2012 the ship returns to Grenada on Friday evening before Captain’s Dinner. Effective in late July 2012, weekly sailing cruises will return to Grenada on Wednesday evening before Captain’s dinner.

Q. When do we disembark?
A. Weekly sailing cruises disembark on Saturday mornings through July 7, 2012. Effective in late July 2012, weekly cruises will disembark on Thursday mornings. If you have an airport transfer, you will be picked up two hours before your flight.

Q. Do we tip the crew, and if so, how much?
A. Tipping is solely at your discretion. If you feel that our crew has done an outstanding job, a tip of approximately $100 per guest, per week is suggested. It is split evenly among the crew members. You may charge your gratuity at the end of your cruise on a credit card.

Q. What is there to do on board?
A. From bowsprit to stern, this is your home for the week. We want you to make yourself comfortable. You are encouraged to help raise the sails, or simply relax and watch the action. A DVD player is available in the saloon, as well as a small selection of card and board games. Let us know what you came to enjoy. We’ll do our best to ensure that you’re a happy sailor.

Q. Is there a full bar on board?
A. Due to space constraints, we carry only a basic selection of alcohol. Guests are welcome to bring their own spirits on board to mix their favorite drinks. We’re happy to have your favorite label waiting in your cabin when you board. The cost will be added to your onboard charges.

Q. Do you provide mixers?
A. Depending upon availability, we provide Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale and Tonic Water.

Q. What style and type of clothes will I need to pack?
A. Bring T-shirts, shorts, a couple of bathing suits and a sweatshirt or light jacket for cooler evenings on deck. Bare feet are best on wet decks, but do pack a comfortable pair of shoes and sandals for beach days and excursions. Don’t forget sunscreen and a beach towel! Keep all prescription medications with you in your carry on. Cabins on tall sailing ships, while comfortable, are very compact. Extra space is at a premium. Pack light!!

Q. Do you have space to store my luggage?
A. Due to our limited space, you are encouraged to pack lightly and bring soft-sided luggage. Duffel bags are best for packing for a week at sea. We do not have extra storage space for large hard-sided luggage.

Q. How’s the food?
A. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served on board, as well as afternoon and evening snacks. We make every effort to buy provisions locally. This helps the local economy and brings you the freshest fruits, meats, fish and vegetables available. We will do our best to accommodate guests with special dietary needs.

Q. Should I bring snorkel gear?
A. We offer complimentary use of snorkel gear for your sailing week. If you have your own mask and snorkel, we encourage you to bring them, as they will probably be the best fit for you. We have plenty of fins if you’d like to leave yours at home.

Q. Will there be SCUBA diving available?
A. SCUBA diving tours are offered by local dive companies, in coordination with our itinerary.

Q. Will I get seasick?
A. Sensitivity to motion is not always based on weather conditions. If you have experienced motion sickness in the past, or you’re not sure how you will adjust, we recommend that you pack your preferred remedy. If you are prone to seasickness, you should take your medication approximately four hours prior to setting sail. If you wait until you start to feel sick, the medication may not be effective.

Q. I have physical limitations. Can I still enjoy this trip?
A. To access your cabin, you will need to be able to climb down a fairly steep stairway. This can be difficult while the ship is underway. There are overhead rails to grab at the bottom landings. While we are at anchor, you will need to be able to climb down a stairway and board the dinghy if you wish to go ashore. If we are experiencing choppy seas, climbing into or out of the dinghy could be more challenging.

Q. What if I want to stay for two weeks?
A. If you would like to join us for two weeks, you are welcome to stay onboard Diamant between the two sailings. Our crew will be busy preparing the ship for the next set of guests, so there will be no meals or onboard services between 10AM on disembarkation day and 3 PM the next boarding day. You can come and go from the ship as you please and enjoy the amenities of Port Louis. We also have 13 day Grenadines Exploration Cruises scheduled periodically throughout the year. Please check our cruise specials Page for dates and rates.