Windjammer Cruises

S/V Fantome

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Operator:Windjammer Barefoot Cruises
Year Built / Last Refurbished: 1927 / 1993
Length / Tonnage: 282 / 676
Number of Cabins / Passengers: 64 / 128
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 keel of the FANTOME was laid during WWI in Livorno, for the Italian Navy...she was supposed to be a destroyer, but work was never completed. She was finally completed in 1927 for the Duke of Westminster, who named her FLYING CLOUD.....she is one of the world's largest four masted staysail schooners. Her former owners include the Guiness family, of brewery fame, and Aristotle Onassis, who was to purchase this ship as a wedding gift for Princess Grace and Prince Rainier.....however, Mr. Onassis and the Prince were not the greatest of friends, and after an argument, Onassis decided to cancel his bid. Windjammer took possession of the ship in 1969...she was in Kiel, Germany, and in a sorry state, lying on her side...and after a few million dollars renovation, the FANTOME was ready to begin her new life in the Windjammer fleet.

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.

FANTOME has a variety of cabin types....all have a very small private bath, with shower and toilet. The least expensive is a compact inside room with bunk beds. Captain's cabins are ideal for honeymooners....they come with a double bed, an upper berth and they are all outside. The Commodore Suites are similar, but they have a window. There are a handful of Commodore Deluxe cabins, all with double bed, portholes, and a tub in the bathroom. For those who always ride first class, consider the Admiral Suites....they have double beds.....some convert to twins..... a refrigerator, and a window....and the cabins open right out onto the deck.

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 FANTOME offers six day trips from Antigua to Nevis, St. Kitts, Dominica, St. Barts, Guadeloupe, Iles des Saintes and St. Maarten. Keep in mind that last minute weather changes can alter the itinerary.

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.