Day 8 – Cozumel
As our 10-day voyage on Windstar Star Legend hits the house stretch, we’re making our technique to our final port, Cozumel. Perhaps.
“Perhaps” as a result of Captain Nick has suggested excessive winds and stormy climate have mixed to make our arrival unsure in the intervening time. 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 properly.
It’s not laborious to see why — simply look out the window. Heavy seas are rolling our yacht proper and left as winds strategy gale-force ranges. We could have escaped the chilly, however Mom Nature had one thing else in retailer for us.
That being the case, we’ll search refuge in our favourite hangout, the Yacht Membership on Deck 8, the place loads of different friends 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.
Different friends are studying, chatting, engaged on the group puzzle or simply listening to the Christmas music taking part in 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 employees serves us Earl Gray in Compass Rose whereas we partake of scones, finger sandwiches and desserts. The duo D’Concord is there to entertain with Christmas music as properly.
Simply 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 increased over the subsequent 24 hours, and he explains a yacht our dimension wouldn’t fare properly in these circumstances. A Viking ship has additionally canceled, and the big cruise ships already docked in Cozumel are pulling up anchor and heading for calmer waters.
Backside line: We’ll keep forward of the worst of it and make our method towards Miami over the subsequent two-and-a-half days. Company are disillusioned, however recognize that Captain Nick is assembly with us on the Reception Desk to reply questions and present on a chart precisely what’s occurring. As they are saying, it’s what it’s. And security first, at all times.
The dangerous climate doesn’t dampen the temper as some friends arrive for dinner in Amphora carrying 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 Evening Earlier than Christmas” whereas choose crew members sing Christmas carols. Though all of us, crew and friends alike, are far-off from our properties, it felt like a household gathering.
Afterwards, Again on Traxx is internet hosting a dance social gathering in Compass Rose, however with the ship swaying backward and forward in tough seas, we’re doing good to face and stroll. In addition to, everyone knows Santa’s not going to go to except we get to sleep.
Photographs 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.
Regardless of the frustration of lacking our port name in Cozumel, each crew and friends are in a cheerful temper, with a number of “Merry Christmas” greetings as we navigate decks that simply don’t wish to stand nonetheless towards breakfast at Veranda. Whereas we search for rails to hold onto, the servers go about their duties as simply one other day on the workplace. Spectacular.
This morning, Govt Chef Stefan Vasilev is doing one other cooking demonstration within the Lounge. Immediately he’s making ready Citrus Cured Atlantic Salmon and Tomato Parsley Compote. Because 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’re making this — the tomato compote alone would go nice with pasta.
The theme for right now’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 together with the latter, and it’s excellent.
Within 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 sport of Trivia, which at all times evokes some severe competitors as friends crew as much as win a prize.
Earlier, we had been in Compass Rose and famous the crew had positioned a placing inexperienced on the ground. Though not golfers, we after all needed to attempt our hand. After rigorously lining up the shot, and taking a number of observe swings, I make some last-minute calculations and watch as my ball zips by the cup and rolls below 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 most recent 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 might be calmer. Who is aware of? Perhaps the solar will come peeking by way of the clouds. Within the meantime, the Star Grill exterior on Deck 8 is closed because of the climate. Not the perfect time to be outdoor.
Tonight the culinary employees has ready a particular Christmas Dinner in Amphora, the place we discover our menus rolled up and tied with twine. Pam elects to begin with the Parma Ham and Baked Ricotta Flan, adopted by Roasted Butternut Squash soup, and for the principle course, Entire Roasted Christmas Turkey and Bread Stuffing, with mashed candy potatoes, giblet gravy and cranberry compote. I am going the identical route, however select the Mushroom Hen Pot En Croute as my first dish. For dessert, Pam has pumpkin pie whereas I am going with the Scorching Gingerbread Soufflé with sea salt caramel sauce.
Afterwards, we retreat to Compass Rose for an after dinner drink and music by D’Concord. Once they launch into Santana, we have now to get our dancing sneakers on, even when we’re already shifting with the rolling waves. It simply provides to our dance strikes.
Photographs by Gerry Barker
- Christmas Dinner at Amphora
- Karla lectures within the Lounge
It’s laborious to imagine our voyage has in the future to go.
Keep tuned … for the wrap up …
We’re grateful to Windstar Cruises in addition to All Issues Cruise for this cruise story.
10 Evening – Miami to Miami – Windstar Cruises Star Legend (cruisecompete.com)
