Caribbean Cruise Report: Windstar Vice President of Sales Steve Simao recently traveled on the November 25 sailing of Star Pride, the ship’s first port call into San Juan for the season. Below we share his impressions of the cruise as the ship visited tropical islands.
A few months ago we watched as two hurricanes crossed the Caribbean almost back-to-back sadly hammering our friends on some of the islands. Almost immediately, the cruise industry responded with support in many forms: rescue operations, delivery of critical supplies, and remaining committed to sailings within the region in order to provide much needed tourism dollars.
At Windstar we altered Caribbean itineraries as necessary diverting from some of the hardest hit areas while they rebuild their infrastructure. The revised itineraries are well thought out and attractive as we are committed to offering quality cruise itineraries and new experiences in ports such as Martinique.
Last week, I had the pleasure of joining a group of travel agents sailing on Star Pride from San Juan, Puerto Rico on our Caribbean Treasures itinerary. Included here is first-hand look at my cruise showing today’s Caribbean – a vibrant vacation choice.
On every island I visited, I was greeted with warm, welcoming smiles and local people who wanted me to return from my trip with a simple message: “The Caribbean is open and ready for visitors.”
While there is destruction, life is returning to Puerto Rico! Shops and restaurants are open. One shopkeeper told us that they are running on generators – but they ARE open. They just need people to come!
“My store is open. I am sometimes using an electrical generator, but I along with my neighbor shops and restaurants are open. We just need the customers to come again.”
∼ Shopkeeper in Old San Juan
‘San Juan proper is in quite good shape. For the most part, the streets are clear. People are out, in bars and restaurants. Shops are open,’ Simao said. As he Tweeted, one Old San Juan shopkeeper said: ‘I am sometimes using an electrical generator, but I along with my neighbor shops and restaurants are open. We just need the customers to come again.’
∼ Steve Simao, Windstar Vice President of Sales
GOING to the Caribbean is the best thing you can do to help! By traveling to any of the more than 100 ports, you are directly contributing to the people and the place itself. Do yourself and the Caribbean a favor!
#CaribbeanStrong#CaribbeanIsOpen#TravelCaribbean∼ Caribbean is Open
During Caribbean Treasures voyage on Star Pride, Steve has also visited the following ports: San Juan, Puerto Rico | Anse Mitan, Martinique | Pigeon Island, St. Lucia | Les Saintes, Guadeloupe | Little Bay, Montserrat, BWI | Gustavia, St. Barthélemy.
About The Author
Steve Simao seves as Vice President of Sales at Windstar Cruises, where he oversees domestic and international sales. He has spent the last 20 years in the cruise industry and is passionate about travel and photography. All images in this blog article are copyrighted by Steve Simao.
When You Go
To welcome Windstar’s guests back to the Caribbean, we’re offering a special Caribbean Is Open Cruise Package full of additional perks and savings on all Caribbean sailings. Enjoy extraordinary cruise pricing, $200 shipboard credit, and free onboard Wi-Fi for posting all those envy-inducing vacation photos.
We’re looking forward to welcoming you on board for a fantastic Caribbean season. Hurry and book today before these cruises sell out!
