Windjammer Cruises

S/V Flying Cloud

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Operator:Windjammer Barefoot Cruises
Year Built / Last Refurbished: 1935 / 1993
Length / Tonnage: 208 / 400
Number of Cabins / Passengers: 35 / 66
Officers / Crew: International / International
Operating Area: Caribbean

Captain Mike Burke is Windjammer Cruises. He fell into this business almost by accident....with a lifelong lust for sailing boats, he decided to make some pocket change by carrying passengers on his private boat and home, the TONDELEYO. As his business grew, he fell in love with more and more sailing ships.....most in deplorable condition and ready for the scrap heap. He lovingly restored each one, then placed them into Windjammer service.....and each Windjammer has something in common....a fascinating history.

The FLYING CLOUD began her long career as the OISSEAU DES ISLES, a cadet training ship for the French Navy. She earned her stripes serving during World War II as a decoy ship, spying for the Allies. When the war ended, she was sent down Mexico way....to Baja California....where she was used to haul cargo. Unlike other Windjammer hulls, the FLYING CLOUD required almost a complete rebuilding of her interior....to make her suitable for passenger travel. In 1968, under the ownership of Windjammer, the FLYING CLOUD underwent an extensive renovation, and decorative touches such as stained glass windows and a spiral staircase were installed.

Windjammer has been at this business of carrying wannabee sailors for many moons...about fifty years.....and they have perfected these trips by thinking of everything. As an example, getting to and from the ports of embarkation can turn into a long journey with many plane changes....so, to get people into the mood for their cruise, for just $45.00 per person you can "stowaway" on the ship the night before the cruise officially begins. While on board you can rent snorkel gear for the six days for only $20.00. It's these little things that make these trips so effortless.

These tall ships....all with interesting histories....are not for everybody. It's fun, it's a tropical party, it's a place to "get down"....it is not remotely comparable to Windstorm, Star Clipper or the Sea Cloud. Putting aside the obvious requisite that you should love sailing vessels, it's important to be honest with yourself....if there's but a molecule of snobbery in you, you should think twice about being here. While on board, you'll give your people skills a good workout....because the quarters are close.....the meals are family style....and there are few places you can bask in solitude. And if you are a clothes horse, you'll be disappointed.....these cruises are casual....twenty four hours a day, every day. Their tag line is "barefoot cruises"....and they mean it. What these vessels have is a charm about them that captures many Caribbean bound vacationers....the Windjammer repeaters club is massive! So if you envision yourself on vacation wearing a straw hat and a bathing suit while standing at the prow of a sailing ship as she knifes through the deep blue tropical waters, read on.....this may be the cruise for you.

If there is a grand centrum or atrium on here, I'm bailing out.....it means the ship is probably sinking! There's no place to delicately extend your pinkie at four o'clock tea....and you'll have to look far and wide to find the grand show lounge, with a bevy of chorus girls all dolled up and ready to entertain you....not "two, three kick turn, turn, turn kick turn" here. You can also squelch any notion you might have of a twenty four hour casino....unless you bring your own chips. In fact, writing about the Windjammer ships' public rooms is the easiest assignment I've had.....BECAUSE THEY'RE AREN'T ANY!!!!! Yes, there is a bar....or a place to get drinks...and one of the Windjammer has a little TV room and library. But on these ships, you must consider the open deck as the main lounge....and your cabin as the intimate getaway....and there's always the dining room you can use outside of meal hours.

When I think wholesome food, I think Wonder Bread.....I guess that dates me. But I'd say the food on Windjammer is best described as wholesome....though not boring. A lot of it is American with a Caribbean twist....things like ribs with guava glaze. I guarantee that you will not starve here....you'll get big a breakfast with fresh baked items, buffet or picnic lunches (most are on the beach), mulches during cocktail time, dinner with wine included...and late night snacks. The meals are served family style.....large platters of food will be placed at your table, with an invitation to dig in.

The FLYING CLOUD has four cabin types....all have a very small private bath, with shower and toilet. The least expensive is a compact inside room with bunk beds...this cabin grade is called standard. Deck cabins are similar in size, but they have a porthole. For sweethearts who are not interested in seeing the light of day, the honeymoon cabin might be perfect....it has a queen sized bed, a refrigerator, a TV and VCR, a CD player, and of course, a private toilet and shower. If, however, you want the romance, but also want to surface for air now and then, the honeymoon suite is the place to be. It has all the amenities the honeymoon cabin has, but includes a window.

Anyone who comes on board these vessels with a trunk load of attitude will be promptly keelhauled....these ships are for those who do not want anything fancy or five star. People of all ages will come on the Windjammer ships, but all have some things in common.....they can get around easily, they play with others, and they can let their hair down with a minimum of fuss. Most prospective Windjammer passengers will appreciate their trip more if they love the water....not just looking at it, but being in it. Beaches, palm trees, and lots of tanning time figure heavily into the enjoyment quotient here.

The FLYING CLOUD departs year round from Tortola in the British Virgin Islands....on six day trips to Jost van Dyke, Norman Island, Peter Island, Salt Island, Tortola and Virgin Gorda. These itineraries are subject to change.....dependent on the weather conditions.

Folks, these are great trips, and one of the best ways to find out what it's like to live on a real ocean going sailing vessel. In order to enjoy a Windjammer trip to the fullest, you must be able to be flexible....so go with the flow, kick back, don't bring your worry barrel with you. Enjoy the sunshine, the movement of the ship, the impromptu entertainment and the simpler things in life. You'll get to see places in the Caribbean that are never visited by cruise ships....and by the end of your stay with Windjammer, you will have met just about everyone on board....and you'll most likely develop some lifelong friendships too. So pack your bathing suit, a ton of tanning oil, and don't forget your sandals....I'll be looking for you at the rum swizzle party.