Day 8 – Cozumel
As our 10-day voyage on Windstar Star Legend hits the house stretch, we’re making our approach to our final port, Cozumel. Maybe.
“Maybe” as a result of Captain Nick has suggested excessive winds and stormy climate have mixed to make our arrival unsure in the meanwhile. We study all of the snorkel and recreation boats on the favored Mexican island have been grounded, and the bars within the terminal have closed as nicely.
It’s not arduous to see why — simply look out the window. Heavy seas are rolling our yacht proper and left as winds strategy gale-force ranges. We might have escaped the chilly, however Mother Nature had one thing else in retailer for us.
That being the case, we’ll search refuge in our favourite hangout, the Yacht Club on Deck 8, the place lots of different visitors have the identical thought. Pam orders a espresso, whereas Nanda, the barista, has my drink already ready — a Coke Zero. I had ordered the identical drink the day past and he or she remembered. That’s what I name service.
Other visitors are studying, chatting, engaged on the group puzzle or simply listening to the Christmas music enjoying within the background. It’s Christmas Eve at sea, and regardless of the climate, we’re nonetheless within the vacation spirit.
Later within the day, they’ve scheduled considered one of Pam’s favourite actions: Afternoon Tea. The Windstar workers serves us Earl Grey in Compass Rose whereas we partake of scones, finger sandwiches and desserts. The duo D’Harmony is there to entertain with Christmas music as nicely.
Just after, Captain Nick is again with an replace. As we feared, the climate has compelled cancellation of our port name to Cozumel. The already excessive winds are forecast to be even greater over the following 24 hours, and he explains a yacht our measurement wouldn’t fare nicely in these situations. A Viking ship has additionally canceled, and the big cruise ships already docked in Cozumel are pulling up anchor and heading for calmer waters.
Bottom line: We’ll keep forward of the worst of it and make our manner towards Miami over the following two-and-a-half days. Guests are dissatisfied, however admire that Captain Nick is assembly with us on the Reception Desk to reply questions and present on a chart precisely what’s taking place. As they are saying, it’s what it’s. And security first, all the time.
The dangerous climate doesn’t dampen the temper as some visitors arrive for dinner in Amphora sporting Santa hats, strings of lights and festive clothes. Pam and I each order the Lobster Ravioli, a feast of creamy goodness, adopted by soufflé for dessert.
The crew has organized a particular deal with for Christmas Eve. We assemble within the Lounge the place Captain Nick takes centerstage to learn “The Night Before Christmas” whereas choose crew members sing Christmas carols. Even although all of us, crew and visitors alike, are far-off from our houses, it felt like a household gathering.
Afterwards, Back on Traxx is internet hosting a dance celebration in Compass Rose, however with the ship swaying back and forth in tough seas, we’re doing good to face and stroll. Besides, everyone knows Santa’s not going to go to except we get to sleep.
Photos by Gerry Barker
- Afternoon Tea in Compass Rose
- The Star Legend crew singing Christmas carols
Day 9 – Off the coast of Cuba, headed again to Miami
It was a darkish and stormy night time. No, actually.
Christmas day finds us simply off the coast of Cuba, some 370 nautical miles from our last vacation spot, Miami, which is 2 days away. Captain Nick is navigating storm-tossed seas, with two-to-three-meter swells in opposition to a stiff wind.
Despite the frustration of lacking our port name in Cozumel, each crew and visitors are in a cheerful temper, with a lot of “Merry Christmas” greetings as we navigate decks that simply don’t need to stand nonetheless towards breakfast at Veranda. While we search for rails to hold onto, the servers go about their duties as simply one other day on the workplace. Impressive.
This morning, Executive Chef Stefan Vasilev is doing one other cooking demonstration within the Lounge. Today he’s getting ready Citrus Cured Atlantic Salmon and Tomato Parsley Compote. As the dish comes collectively — the aroma of the shallots and tomatoes is intoxicating — Pam leans over and says, “We’re making this.” As his assistant passes round samples, I agree. We are making this — the tomato compote alone would go nice with pasta.
The theme for right this moment’s lunch in Veranda is Morocco, and the star of the present is Chef Vipon’s Toasted Orzo Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Sundried Tomato. He’ll customise it to be spicy or non-spicy, no matter your style. We go along with the latter, and it’s excellent.
In the afternoon, the onboard naturalist, Karla, is lecturing on the mammals who inhabit this area within the Lounge; there’s Christmas Afternoon Tea in Compass Rose adopted by one other recreation of Trivia, which all the time evokes some severe competitors as visitors group as much as win a prize.
Earlier, we have been in Compass Rose and famous the crew had positioned a placing inexperienced on the ground. Although not golfers, we in fact needed to strive our hand. After fastidiously lining up the shot, and taking just a few apply swings, I make some last-minute calculations and watch as my ball zips by the cup and rolls underneath a close-by sofa. Pam steps in, takes one swing and her ball lands instantly within the cup. I blamed the tough seas.
Captain Nick offers us the newest replace: We proceed to come across excessive waves as we go north of Cuba, however he’s hopeful as we get nearer to Miami, the waters can be calmer. Who is aware of? Maybe the solar will come peeking by the clouds. In the meantime, the Star Grill outdoors on Deck 8 is closed as a result of climate. Not the most effective time to be open air.
Tonight the culinary workers has ready a particular Christmas Dinner in Amphora, the place we discover our menus rolled up and tied with twine. Pam elects to start out with the Parma Ham and Baked Ricotta Flan, adopted by Roasted Butternut Squash soup, and for the principle course, Whole Roasted Christmas Turkey and Bread Stuffing, with mashed candy potatoes, giblet gravy and cranberry compote. I’m going the identical route, however select the Mushroom Chicken Pot En Croute as my first dish. For dessert, Pam has pumpkin pie whereas I’m going with the Hot Gingerbread Soufflé with sea salt caramel sauce.
Afterwards, we retreat to Compass Rose for an after dinner drink and music by D’Harmony. When they launch into Santana, now we have to get our dancing footwear on, even when we’re already shifting with the rolling waves. It simply provides to our dance strikes.
Photos by Gerry Barker
- Christmas Dinner at Amphora
- Karla lectures within the Lounge
It’s arduous to consider our voyage has in the future to go.
Stay tuned … for the wrap up …
We are grateful to Windstar Cruises in addition to All Things Cruise for this cruise story.
10 Night – Miami to Miami – Windstar Cruises Star Legend (cruisecompete.com)