This is a first cruise to celebrate our first annivesary--given time constraints and the weak dollar, we have been drawn to the idea of cruising --the premise of Windstar is intriguing in that you are able to go into smaller ports of call and travel with a smaller group--that being said it is our first cruise--both of us have fished on high seas perfectly happy while also curiously experienced seasickness on larger "cruise to nowhere" type expeditions on larger boats-the cruise is in August 2008 and while we would never consider that time to travel this region on land, we are thinking that on a ship might be interesting and no different from NJ 
so your thoughts regarding sealegs, overall experience with Windstar and itinerary (Amalfi,Sorrento,Capri,Mahon,Palma de Mallorca, Tarragona and Barcelona
would be greatly appreciated
Windsurf Rome to Barcelona
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Hi,
Windstar is a wonderful cruise line, casual elegance, open seating, relaxed setting and it is excellent for visiting small ports. There are several wonderful cruise lines that have a yachting/sailing feel, but the amenities and luxuries of an upscale cruise. The ships are smaller, so it might be similar to your fishing boat experience. But, take a small supply of motion sickness medication, or get an acupressure band to wear on your wrists. It also works to eat saltine-type crackers, or basic breads with apple juice to settle seasickness.
Best Regards,
Julia
Hi. My husband and I took the Windstar (smaller version of Wind Surf) in October 2005 and absolutely LOVED Windstar experience. A couple of pointers:
the cruise terminal is about a 90.00 cab ride out of Rome.
once the cruise ends in Barcelona you feel like a lost child after you have to get off the boat. We stood in line for a long time waiting for cabs to come to the terminal. We also had to wait to check in our hotel for about 3-4 hours.
Things we would do differently: not necessarily go in October because a number of shops were closed in late October. August could be very crowded for you since that is when everyone takes their vacation in Italy.
Your itinerary is a bit different but we started and ended in the same place. I like your itinerary even better than ours.
Bottom line is you will love Windstar!
thanks for the input--your advice is consistent with tripadvisor as to the service and the commitment to the passenger but the biggest concern I am seeing is that the timing might not be the best to actually experience the ports given the crowds, etc--we are re-thinking
We cruised in 2006 on the Windsurf and absolutely loved our experience. I think the best is the casual atmosphere as well as the super-friendly and attentive staff. It would be great to have a balcony - but oh well. Fortunately the walk to the decks is very short, and, unlike the big ships you're not half a mile above the water. I didn't experience any seasickness. On small boats like fishing boats I have always taken a pill, so I can't compare. One night they were expecting winds and swells, and they passed out seasickness medicine. I didn't take any and was fine. We went in October and the weather was absolutely PERFECT. This year - this time the first week in November- we will be sailing on the Wind Spirit from Rome to Barcelona. We are looking forward to the even smaller ship.
The itinerary is a little different. I think this is the last cruise before they sail back to Caribbean for the winter. We will go to Ischia, Corsica (two ports/two days) a day at sea (SPA TIME!) Majon and Mallorca. Cannot wait.