WINDJAMMER BAREFOOT CRUISES ­ I had the opportunity to take a FAM cruise on the S/V Flying Cloud, a luxurious, tall ship based in Tortola, British Virgin Islands (BVI). This magnificent ship is like something from an Errol Flynn movie. Joining the fleet in 1968, it’s made up almost entirely of beautifully polished teak, yet it’s completely refurbished with modern amenities, stained glass windows, air-conditioned cabins, and a spiral staircase. Only 208 feet long, this three-masted ship accommodates up to 66 passengers and 28 crew members.

Our cruise started on a Sunday night with the “Stowaway Package” (an extra night aboard the ship before it sets sail on Monday). This was a great way to meet the other passengers and crew members while enjoying hors d'oeuvres and Rum Swizzles, followed by a marvelous dinner. The night was capped by relaxing on the comfortable deck listening to a local steel drum band that came aboard the ship.

The following morning, and every morning, we were welcomed with complimentary Bloody Mary's, fresh baked breads and pastries, and a bountiful breakfast. During “story-time,” the captain of the ship briefs us on the day’s sail. Once the day begins, the S/V Flying Cloud anchors off one of the many white sand beaches of the BVI. From then, your choices are many. You can either explore the island, relax and snorkel on the beach or stay aboard the ship and let the crew cater to your every need. Lunch is served on board, or picnic style on the beach.

Day activities that are organized by the Windjammer crew include scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, parasailing, deep-sea fishing and island tours. I took advantage of the scuba diving by taking a resort class, which was followed with four additional underwater dives. One of the dives took us to an unforgettable wreck of the R.M.S. Rhone.

Nightlife aboard the Windjammer is just as exciting as the day. Along with a five-course dinner, there are many on-board activities the crew has set up including wild crab races, costume parties, and enjoying the tropical rhythms of local steel bands.

The S/V Flying Cloud, along with the five other tall ships in Windjammer’s fleet visit more than 60 ports-of-call throughout the Bahamas, U.S. and British Virgin Islands, West Indies, Windward and Leeward Islands, and Venezuela. Windjammer's ships reach remote, exotic, and eco-rich islands often inaccessible to the larger cruise ships. The fleet sails year-round throughout the Caribbean, offering affordable six and 13-day cruises.

If you’re looking for a week of solid relaxation, pack up your bathing suit, T-shirts and shorts and board a Windjammer cruise. Windjammer Barefoot Cruises offers travel agents a 50% discount off their already low prices. Call 1-800-327-2601 or visit their Web site at www.windjammer.com for more information about different itineraries. Marc Williams