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 cruise price includes your accommodations for the week, all meals aboard the ship, and complimentary soft drinks, locally brewed beer, and wine. Port taxes and government fees are also included.

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.

Q. Do you provide airport transfers?
A. Absolutely! If you request a transfer, our driver will greet you at the airport and bring you to the ship. If you are arriving early, he will take you to your hotel, then pick you up on Sunday to bring you to the ship for boarding at 5:00 p.m. After your cruise, we can arrange a transfer back to the airport, or first to your hotel. Transfers are priced at $10.00 US per segment and will be billed to your on-board account.

Q. 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 before boarding time at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Just drop off your luggage at the ship when you arrive and enjoy your afternoon ashore. Shopping, restaurants and bars, and a grocery store (alcohol is available here) are within walking distance of Port Louis.

Q. Is food served on Sunday after boarding?
A. Snacks and rum swizzles are served at 5:00 p.m. A buffet dinner is served in the early evening. Dinner will be held for any guests with later arrival times.

Q. When do we set sail?
A. The ship will pull away from the dock very early on Monday morning.

Q. When will we be back in Grenada?
A. The ship returns to Grenada Friday evening before Captain’s Dinner.

Q. When do we disembark?
A. Disembarkation begins Saturday morning. If you have an airport transfer, you will be picked up two hours before your flight. If you have a later transfer or you are staying on the island, you are welcome to join us for lunch. The final hotel transfer shuttle will leave the ship by 1:00 p.m. However, we ask that you have your luggage packed and set aside in your cabin by 9:00 a.m.

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. Can we purchase alcohol on board the ship?
A. We carry a small supply of local rum on the ship – check with the chief steward for availability and pricing.

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

Q. Where can we purchase our own liquor or mixers?
A. The Real Value grocery store at the Spiceland Mall on Grand Anse Beach is usually open seven days a week. Foodland is located next to Port Louis, but it is closed on Sundays. Most stores around the Carenage are closed on Sundays, but Andell’s Market is open seven days per week. As you make your way to the ship, your driver may be able to recommend a place to stop for supplies.

Q. What style and type of clothes will I need to pack?
A. Bring T-shirts, shorts, and a couple of bathing suits for day and a sweat shirt or light jacket for cooler nights top 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 sailing ships, while comfortable, are very compact and extra space is at a premium, so 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. While snorkel gear is available on board, you may prefer to use your own equipment. A mask, snorkel and fins can be packed in a small duffel.

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 boarding or 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 on board 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 on-board services between 1 PM on Saturday and 5 PM on Sunday. You can come and go from the ship as you please and enjoy the amenities of Port Louis.