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Windjammer Barefoot Cruise in a Big Jam? May Be Gone for Good?
I had always put the idea of doing a Windjammer Barefoot Cruise on the list of things that I might do one day. The idea of sailing to different islands, enjoying snorkeling and other low key activities, while meeting new people and truly relaxing, seemed like an appealing alternative when I tired of the more formal mega ships that I usually cruise. I’d even heard that tagging along on their “Amazing Grace” restocking freighter cruises could be a really different way to get a way from it all.
Now it looks like I may have missed my opportunity. There are reports on Cruise Critic and on a few of the Windjammer fan blogs that they have canceled all of this weeks sailings and are in danger of closing down for good. Cruise Critic reports that they have been having financial trouble. Cruise Critic has published two articles on the subject in the last 5 weeks: Financial Difficulties and Is it Over? Windjammer fans had been hoping that a new investor or larger cruise cruise company would come in and rescue Windjammer but that hasn’t happened yet.
I have been trying to independently confirm exactly what the situation is with Windjammer but other than the editorial report on Cruise Critic and the discussions on cruise blogs, there has not been any other information. The Windjammer site is not running now and I haven’t seen any mainstream media stories about the subject yet.
Let’s hope that something comes about to resolve the situation. I can’t think of any thing worse than having a cruise booked for months only to have the cruise line closed down when I was supposed to be on vacation.
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I found another site with a few of the difficult experiences that Windjammer passengers have experienced over the past couple of months.
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/travel/windjammer.html
I’ve been checking several sites for an update as to the status of Windjammer. Nothing new has been announced as of 11:45 Tuesday. I did find another article, this one from the Miami Herald from yesterday.
http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/257288.html
I truely hope that Windjammer can get a bail out. They have many loyal customers who would be so dissappointed to see them go.
I will post more information when it comes out.
My wife and I and another couple were stranded this past week because Windjammer announced cancellation of the cruise after we were already in Costa Rica; reason given, “safety concerns.” A very far cry from failing to pay fuel and payroll bills. We are considering a class action law suit to include anyone else cought in a similar situation to recoup the cost of airfare, hotel and food. Email me at rjsqrl@md.metrocast.net if interested.
Good Luck,
I am so sorry to hear your vacation was ruined. Truly, in addition to the deplorable treatment of the crew, this is one the worst things that can happen when a company like windjammer goes belly up. … dream vacations up in smoke. While I think that your probably have a case, it may be that there is no money to collect should you win your case. This is really an awful situation, and I hope that your next vacation turns out much better.
I was a passenger on Polynesia a month or so ago, upon arrival in Aruba I learned that we may not sail until eindjammer paid a large hotel bill in Aruba. A few of the passengers left Monday and we finally sailed on Tuesday afternoon.
The trip was (ok) I would not say it was money well spent. A few people had bed bugs and others saw roaches in their staterooms.
Too bad but perhaps a new firm will fill the need with new ships with modern and working plumbing.
Tom Bachman
Palmetto, Florida
Tom,
Thanks for your comments. Who know what will happen.
With so many loyal customers Windjammer must have been doing something right all these year. Hopefully something will happen to bring back that exciting experience to all those people.
We are La Mer investors. Is there any way we can recoup our losses? Any class action suit in the works? Help!
I haven’t heard too much lately. Things still seem to be critical over at the line. Have you checked out the jammerbabe.com site. They have lots of cruisers, and possibly investors? You might find more information over there. I have been checking to see if there is any dramatic good news, but so far it still seems to be more of the same problems.
Good Luck!