About Our Destination

Currency

St. Maarten uses the Netherlands Antilles Guilder (ANG). British Virgin Isles uses the U.S. Dollar ($). Antigua uses the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD). St. Barts uses the Euro (€). The U.S. Dollar is widely accepted in all ports.

Languages

St. Maarten – Dutch, British Virgin Isles – English, Antigua – English, St. Barts – French

Being Gay in the Virgin Isles

The Virgin Isles are some of the most gay- and lesbian-friendly islands in the Caribbean. In particular, St. Barts and St. Maarten are the friendliest towards gays and lesbians, where gay and straight couples peacefully coexist on beaches and in bars.

Climate

The climate in the British Isles will range between 75°F-83°F (24°C-28°C) during the day and 70°F-73°F (21°C-23°C) at night. The dry season begins in December, however, they still average about 1.86 inches at this time.

Destinations

• Saturday, December 28 – Philipsburg, St. Maarten – depart 10 pm
• Sunday, December 29 – Falmouth Harbor, Antigua – 10 am to 5 pm
• Monday, December 30 – At Sea
• Tuesday, December 31 – Soper’s Hole, Tortola B.V.I. – 9 am to 1 pm
• Wednesday, January 1 – Jost van Dyke Great Harbor, B.V.I. – 8 am to 5 pm
• Thursday, January 2 – Virgin Gorda, Prickly Pear Beach, B.V.I. – 8 am to 5 pm
• Friday, January 3 – Gustavia, St. Barthelemy – 10 am to 10 pm
• Saturday, January 4 – Philipsburg, St. Maarten – Arrive 6 am

Before Your Trip

What’s Included and What’s Not

What is included?

• Accommodations for 8 days/7 nights on the elegant and recently refurbished Windstar ms Windsurf
• All meals on board the ship’s restaurants featuring gourmet fare, including room service
• Complimentary soft beverages including bottled water, sparkling water, sodas, fresh juices, milk, fruit smoothies, tea, coffee, cappuccinos, lattes, mochas and espresso
• New Year’s Eve Champagne Toast and party
• Round-trip group airport transfers from St. Maarten (SXM) on arrival day (December 28) and departure day (January 4)
• Olivia’s signature entertainment and programming
• Olivia staff assistance throughout

What’s not included?

• Boutique, casino and spa services
• Alcohol such as wine, beer and cocktails
• Internet access, phone and other incidentals
• A wide menu of optional excursions in all ports of call (extra charge)

Travel documentation and identification

Passport

You will need a passport that is valid for six months past the date of the trip. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with both your country’s consulate and the consulates of the countries we will be visiting to make sure that you do not need an entry visa or other additional documentation.

Visa

If you are a U.S. citizen, you DO NOT need to get a visa ahead of time. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with both your country’s consulate and the consulates of the countries we will be visiting to make sure that you do not need an entry visa or other additional documentation.

Vaccinations

Please check with your local Public Health Department or personal physician regarding immunization requirements for all countries on your itinerary. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at: www.cdc.gov. Just click on "Traveler’s Health" and then "Vaccinations."

Travel insurance

We encourage all guests to purchase travel insurance. Olivia has partnered with Travel Guard to make things easier for you; you can now add travel insurance when you book your trip, all in one call. In order to receive the most comprehensive coverage, please purchase your insurance within 15 days of your initial invoice. If you have questions about Olivia’s travel insurance, call (800) 631-6277 option 1 to talk to one of our travel consultants.

Joining the Olivia.com trip group

If you’d like to chat with people who are going on the trip, sign up for the official Olivia trip group on our connect page. You can also join Olivia’s Virgin Isles New Year’s Cruise 2013 Official group page on Facebook.

Travel and arrival

Air travel

Where to fly into/out of

You will need to fly into and out of the Princess Juliana International Airport St. Maarten (SXM).

Suggested arrival/departure times

We suggest you arrive in St. Maarten no later than 7 pm. When departing, we suggest you book your flight after 12 pm on Saturday, January 4, 2014 to allow enough time to transfer to the airport.

Airfare

We are proud to partner with American Airlines. The AA discount code A22D3AY is good for 5% off and applies to flights into and out of St. Maarten (SXM). Dates of travel are December 25 – January 7, 2014. Airfare can be booked no earlier than 11 months before the trip. This reservation can only be booked by calling (800) 433-1790 ($25 booking fee applies) or visiting AA.com/rainbow (no booking fee and please remove the preceding “A” when booking online).

Olivia’s preferred travel agency

We are happy to partner with Panorama Travel, which provides excellent service and competitive airfares. For a small fee, they can also assist you with using your frequent flyer miles for free tickets and upgrades, as well as get competitive hotel rates. You can reach them at 800-523-0093 or 503-682-6800.

Luggage allowances

While there is no luggage limit on the cruise itself, airlines often restrict (or charge) for excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances.

Transfers and Meeting up with Olivia

Getting to / from your ship

Airport transfers from St. Maarten (SXM) airport to the ship and the ship to St. Maarten (SXM) airport on arrival and departure day are included. We will need to collect your flight information in order to provide you with a transfer. Once you have booked your flights, please visit your travel profile and update your trip information with your flight details. Alternatively, you can email guestservices@olivia.com with your flight information.

Port of St. Maarten Information
Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise Pier
Point Blanche
St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles

Check-in

Embarkation and check-in will be available at 1 pm and all aboard is 1 hour prior to departure at 10 pm.

During your trip

Accommodations

Windstar’s ms Wind Surf Amenities

The Windstar’s ms Wind Surf is an intimate 300-passenger ship with the following amenities:

• Wind Surf Lounge
• Casino
• The Yacht Club
• Compass Rose Bar
• Pool Bar
• Terrace Bar
• Two salt-water pools
• Two hot tubs
• Wind Spa
• Fitness Center
• Signature Shops
• Photo Gallery

Room Amenities

• LCD flat-screen television
• Hair dryer
• Vanity with magnifying mirrors
• Euro-top mattresses
• Luxury bedding
• Egyptian cotton towels
• Waffle weave robes & slippers
• Equipped with one standard U.S. 110 and European 220 volt outlet
• DVD/CD players
• Personal safe
• Refrigerator
• Mini-bar
• International direct dial phones
• Wireless internet (extra charge)
• Bose SoundDock speakers for use with iPod
• Cell phone service (extra charge)
• Private bathrooms with shower
• L’Occitane toiletries

Dining

The Restaurant & Degrees

Features a Mediterranean culinary journey of simple cooking and seasonal preparations.

Le Marche

Offers delicious seafood and fish options.

Candles

The poolside café features grill options of fine steaks and skewers.

The Veranda and Terrace

Offers breakfast and lunch.

Compass Rose

Offers continental breakfast and afternoon tea.

Electricity

Cabins are equipped with one standard U.S. 110 and European 220 volt outlet.

Excursions

Excursions may be booked up to 30 days in advance. Your booking number and detailed instructions on how to book shore excursions will be emailed to you.

Gratuities

Gratuities are included in the cost of the cruise. Gratuities are provided for your cabin steward, dining room steward, bus person, maître d’ and other behind-the-scenes crew members.

Internet / e-mail / fax

There is an Internet center on board; minute plans are available. Pricing will be posted on board. Guests may also bring their own laptops and purchase an Internet wireless plan on board.

Laundry and dry cleaning

Laundry, pressing and dry cleaning service is available on board. Check on board for pricing.

Medical services

There is an onboard infirmary. Medical services entail an additional fee.

Money: Paying for things on board

On board, the currency is $USD. All purchases made on the ship will be charged to your onboard account, which you create when you first check in. Please check with the front office on board for further details.

Phone

Each cabin has a phone. There is an additional fee to use this phone; cost is available on board.

Smoking policy

Smoking is not permitted in any of the staterooms or public spaces, including all restaurants and corridors. Smoking is permitted on the outside decks in designated smoking areas only.

Spa services

There is a spa on board. Massages and other services are available for an additional fee.

Solo travelers

We will have a solos program on board, led by a solos coordinator who will ensure you have a great time.

After Your Trip

Didn’t find what you are looking for? Check out our Olivia travel FAQ. Or call us at 800.631.6277