On Saturday 23 November 2010 we embarked on a 7 day cruise from the Port of Civitavecchia, Rome, on board the Ambassador Cruise Line ship, Windstar.

The first thing one noticed was that a side bridge alongside the main deck had been bent upwards at an alarming degree, no doubt as a result of some sort of collision. We later found out that the damage was done some 6 months previous ! Some passengers were on the second week of a 2 week cruise. They told us that the previous week Windstar had been unable to dock in Sicily due to weather conditions. Conditions described by the passengers as normal. No full explanation was given for this missed Port.

After visiting Sorrento and Amalfi, Tuesday was spent at sea on the 300 mile leg to Cagliari in Sardinia. We docked in the harbour on Wednesday morning. That afternoon rumours began to circulate that we would not be able to leave that evening because Port Fees had not been paid. Then a curtain was erected in the main reception area. We were told that it was due to minor urgent repairs.

At 1900 hours at the information session, the Entertainments Officer was questioned at length as to what the problem was. We were told there was a technical hitch. He could not elaborate as he did not know or would not say ? Communication and PR was minimal from the Officers and rumours abounded. Several US passengers rang Seattle and were given mixed messages such “ Negotiations are ongoing” and “Windstar was on schedule”; whilst we were stuck in Port being repaired !!

We were informed later that the boat required structural repairs and that we would have to spend the whole of Thursday in dock. We were due in northern Sardinia on Thursday and Corsica on Friday. On Thursday morning we were told that trips had been organised to 2 locations and that these would be complimentary and that, because of repairs, it would not be possible to serve dinner that evening, so arrangements had been made to go ashore to a local restaurant.

Later, the Captain addressed all the passengers and said that they were awaiting clearance by the Port Authorities to leave Port that evening, and to sail straight back to Civitavecchia; thereby missing Corsica. It emerged that the temporary repairs were only authorised on the basis that the ship take its passengers back to Civitavecchia. The journey back to Civitavecchia was another 300 miles non-stop and we missed the Ports of Porto Cervo and Porto Vecchio in Corsica.

On Friday morning we received a letter from the Captain. A meeting was then held with the Entertainment Officer Sam, who, in response to questioning, clearly confirmed that due to the problems encountered, Windstar would :

1. Refund an amount equivalent to 2/7th of the cost of the 23rd Oct 2010 cruise and
2 Give a 50% FUTURE cruise credit provided that the cruise be undertaken by 31 December 2011. At no time was it stated that the 50% element was based on what was paid for the 23rd October 2010 cruise. In fact several people questioned the Windstar Officials on this point and the answer was clear. A 50% reduction in the cost of a future cruise.

The carrot being dangled was 50% off the cost of a future cruise. A letter from Windstar HO was promised. Having not had any communication from Windstar by the 12th November, I contacted Seattle. After a number of e-mails and telephone calls spread over 10 days (to 22 November) it emerged that Windstar were reneging on the original offer. A refund of $628 was made to our Visa card on the 21 November and $1100 was offered as a future cruise credit.

We will not be taking up this offer and will not be sailing again with Windstar.