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Windjammer Barefoot Cruises has most definitely evolved. Though it’s still cruising's most casual, free-spirited option, the eccentric Windjammer (they really do mean it about going barefoot) consists of a fleet of five vintage tall ships and one freighter and has, mostly, adapted to new times. Which means? Some of its funkiest eccentricities have disappeared: For example, passengers are no longer permitted to climb the riggings and howl at the moon. The notoriously Spartan ships have acquired some civilizing touches, such as curtains in the dining room and some double-bedded cabins, and "activities mates" have been added to each ship to handle shore-related explorations.

Still, some traditions remain. The ships still center (for the most part) on itineraries out of and around the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Captains still walk around barefoot and in shorts. Rum swizzles are still complimentary at cocktail hour, as are Bloody Marys at breakfast. All in all, Windjammer’s unique, easy-does-it, almost-anything-goes atmosphere prevails. And it’s genuinely one of cruising's biggest bargains, whether buying a bunk in a dormitory or one of the relatively upscale suites.

Life Onboard

Windjammer Barefoot Cruises has most definitely evolved. Though it’s still cruising's most casual, free-spirited option, the eccentric Windjammer (they really do mean it about going barefoot) consists of a fleet of five vintage tall ships and one freighter and has, mostly, adapted to new times. Which means? Some of its funkiest eccentricities have disappeared: For example, passengers are no longer permitted to climb the riggings and howl at the moon. The notoriously Spartan ships have acquired some civilizing touches, such as curtains in the dining room and some double-bedded cabins, and "activities mates" have been added to each ship to handle shore-related explorations.

Still, some traditions remain. The ships still center (for the most part) on itineraries out of and around the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Captains still walk around barefoot and in shorts. Rum swizzles are still complimentary at cocktail hour, as are Bloody Marys at breakfast. All in all, Windjammer’s unique, easy-does-it, almost-anything-goes atmosphere prevails. And it’s genuinely one of cruising's biggest bargains, whether buying a bunk in a dormitory or one of the relatively upscale suites.

Fellow Passengers

Windjammer Barefoot Cruises has most definitely evolved. Though it’s still cruising's most casual, free-spirited option, the eccentric Windjammer (they really do mean it about going barefoot) consists of a fleet of five vintage tall ships and one freighter and has, mostly, adapted to new times. Which means? Some of its funkiest eccentricities have disappeared: For example, passengers are no longer permitted to climb the riggings and howl at the moon. The notoriously Spartan ships have acquired some civilizing touches, such as curtains in the dining room and some double-bedded cabins, and "activities mates" have been added to each ship to handle shore-related explorations.

Still, some traditions remain. The ships still center (for the most part) on itineraries out of and around the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Captains still walk around barefoot and in shorts. Rum swizzles are still complimentary at cocktail hour, as are Bloody Marys at breakfast. All in all, Windjammer’s unique, easy-does-it, almost-anything-goes atmosphere prevails. And it’s genuinely one of cruising's biggest bargains, whether buying a bunk in a dormitory or one of the relatively upscale suites.