Celebrity Sex Tape Review (with video screenshots!) | Points in Case
When can uber-hobbit Vern Troyer be lumped into a category with luminescent stars like Pamela Anderson, Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Colin Farrell and even Marilyn Monroe? When we're talking about celebrity sex tapes of course! Each one of these glittering bungholes has
!
Back in the 90s, the thought of famous people bumping uglies on camera was uncommon and scandalous, reserved for a few brave trail blazers. In today's "who cares!" climate, everyone from Helen Mirren to Ben Stein are posting videos of their
online-- ohhhh, excuse me, rather, "
thieves " are breaking into their homes and stealing " personal home movies ."
Damn you, thieves!
The modern day Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor star in this romantic honeymoon sex tape. Pam and Tommy are the classic, the original sex tape pioneers. In the tape it's clear that these two are really in love; it's like
From Here to Eternity ...with penetration. Tommy Lee likes to flop his weiner around, say the F word, and film Pam's beaver. Pam enjoys sipping champagne, taking refreshing dips in the sea, and trying to keep the camera out of her beaver.
Squirm in horror as Mini-Me tongues a bushy-eyebrowed she-male in the sack. Let's hope he fed her a heaping dose of ludes and she wasn't actually enjoying this atrocious groping sober. The full tape hasn't hit the internet yet (I can't wait any longer!), but the makeout sesh is enough to make you
and take off running next time you spot a midget. I'll never look at Willow the same way again!
*Yawn* Booooooooooring. One would think a hunk like Colin Farrell would do some dazzling acrobatics in the sack. One would be wrong. The only noteworthy item about this tape is the massive bush on that Irish bastard. It's huge! The tape features a five-minute lecture by the GF, telling him to trim his wild pubic rainforest. Colin, in turn, whines and says he's too busy. The weenus hedge is so overflowing that she even gets pubes stuck in her teeth! Barf. Colin's career went in the shitter shortly after this tape was released.
Also boring. Paris would much rather clone herself and bump clams with the clone than interact with another person. Paris
to go answer her sparkly cell phone. It was probably Mary Kate with an 8-ball and
Full House DVDs.
Kim Kardashian & Brandy's Brother, Ray-Jay
Another boring one. Kim Kardashian (the Armenian Paris Hilton) lies there like a dead trout and giggles, "Ta he he, I'm shy!" Lame! Although it
did fail to entertain, this lackluster home movie somehow made Kim Kardashian a star.
According to the New York Post , an elderly pervert paid $1.5 million dollars for a 15-minute video of Marilyn Monroe giving a BJ to an anonymous male (Eisenhower? Mickey Rooney? Who??). He refuses to let anyone see it out of respect for Marilyn. How sweet!
» The Who-Wants-To-Watch-That? Sex Tape
These two are lame lame lame. He probably just did blow off of his dog tags while Lauren cried, painted her nails black and talked smack about Heidi's implants. Jason Waller is such a douche that he once chased my brother's ex-gf down a snowy street like a coked up zombie, screaming, "Do you have any idea who I am?!? Do you??!!" True story.
R. Kelly and Teen
Nobody's seen this dreaded golden shower because technically it's "child pornography." Lord knows I've searched through my child porn archives, but I just can't find it! R. Kelly, singer of
Trapped in the Closet , as well as other hits, takes a whiz on a 14-year-old girl.
There seems to be a delicate equilibrium to . If you're a legitimate movie star/singing sensation, a sex tape will send your career right into the crapper. If you're an attractive semi-civilian, a sex tape will rocket you right into reality-show fame. And if you're an extra small midget, you'll haunt my dreams forever.
We all play certain roles in life. Sometimes we are the caring friend, sometimes we are the sexual vixen. This would all be fine and swell if we didnt attach negative connotation to our roles. As we dance through our prime, sex and sexual encounters are going to plague our horny little minds, so why dont we enjoy it while it lasts? Stereotypes have ruined some of the most precious things in life. Us women have taken the stereotypical Manwhore and turned him into a beast who dictates the way we feel about ourselves. Ladies, we are doing more injustice to ourselves than to them by spoiling the title of the Manwhore.
We are all aware of the Manwhore. Is he tall, dark and handsome at your school? He exudes the confidence that makes terribly naughty things run through your mind during Bio Sci. Things that somehow turn otherwise sleep-inducing biological processes like advanced oxidation of organic contaminants into advanced seduction with erotic lubricants. He also happens to be the guy who hooked up with seven girls on your floor who all still want another piece of him. You know you shouldnt, but theres something a little too irresistible for you to contain yourself. So you set your trap, make your move and BAAM, six beers later, you and the Manwhore are going at it in his best friend's bedroom. Sooner or later, after hours of possible pleasure, you depart, your head raised a little higher than it was before, and his head hanging a lot lower than it was before.
Right now is the key moment when girls destroy the glory of the situation. You know he is a Manwhore, feel fortunate and walk away smiling. But no, at this point girls try to nest. They want the magic all over again, hell even on a regular basis. This is not a wise move for anyone. Clearly you're setting yourself up for disappointment by trying to secure a relationship of any kind with a Manwhore. In the end, women twist the situation into "
" or "he's not returning my phone calls because Im _____________ (insert whatever self-destructive adjective you use)," when in reality you could be walking on sunshine (provided it's still light outside).
The Manwhore's sole purpose in college is to raise your self-esteem. Not only did you receive a fun, flirtatious night that wound up going in your direction, but you got the satisfaction of knowing you still have some game in ya. You have plenty of game. Do you see him? Yes, that one youve conquered. In college, all we're really looking for is a cheap thrill... something to occupy our minds. Enjoy the four hours this fine specimen has taken to direct his energy at you and roll with the big boys. Take some charge and
that all the in your dorm are fantasizing about. Enjoy it and end it.
By no means should the Manwhore upset you. He was just doing his job, as dirty as it may be. You would be crazy if you called the plumber and got upset that he couldnt fix your refrigerator (literally speaking). Same with the Manwhore. Your outlook determines whether you feel empowered or used. So when dealing with the Manwhore, hold your head up proud, put a deserved notch in your belt and lock the memory in your spank bank.
Last but certainly not least, a special shout out to the Manwhore. You have received a bad name where it is not deserved. You are just as important as the long-term boyfriend. Being a female, I can assure you our self-esteems fluctuate and we need the occasional reminder we are a hot piece of ass. In the midst of image crisis, the security of the Manwhore is unbeatable. You reassure us we are sexy when we feel anything but that. So thank you Manwhore, from the women who look at the glass half full.
Gambling, Prostitution and Donald Trump | Points in Case
You have just entered room "Chat 40656156233922202798."
BobRooni has entered the room.
SlyKitty1980 has entered the room.
SlyKitty1980 (1:55:06 AM): hey! my great great
grandfather invented something probably, so lay off
courtjester5000 (1:55:21 AM): OUCH!
SlyKitty1980 (1:55:34 AM): hey, either cover your mouth or turn your head when you do
know you should get a chatroom when..." jokes?
BobRooni (1:55:47 AM): orr....
SlyKitty1980 (1:56:48 AM): haha!!
BobRooni (1:56:56 AM): i hope you find my jokes, fox
start throwing stones at your window.
BobRooni (1:57:09 AM): *loosens tie, head rolls off*
leave.
chatroom when someone tells you you should just leave.
SlyKitty1980 (1:57:45 AM): HAHA!!
(1:57:57 AM): so court, is this the dead guy?
SlyKitty1980 (1:57:59 AM): or what.
courtjester5000 (1:58:06 AM): yeah, amir died earlier
SlyKitty1980 (1:58:20 AM): ohhhh okay. gotcha.
BobRooni (1:58:42 AM): hey sly kitty got any pix!?
courtjester5000 (1:59:02 AM): a/s/l?
waiting to strip and degrade ourselves!
courtjester5000 (1:59:17 AM): hi room, 18/m/alabama
BobRooni (1:59:34 AM): gasp!
courtjester5000 (2:00:01 AM): did you get my freshman girls thing?
BobRooni (2:00:52 AM): wow, im fuckign good
SlyKitty1980 (2:01:02 AM): i'm too old, i don't know any freshman girls. i spend most of my
time in the abortion clinic, and the detox center
courtjester5000 (2:01:03 AM): damn, you got
BobRooni (2:01:31 AM): you like your methadone with fetii as well!?
SlyKitty1980 (2:01:32 AM): yeah i know. get a towel
SlyKitty1980 (2:01:39 AM): woooo!
BobRooni (2:02:12 AM): 11.
BobRooni (2:02:14 AM): 11.
courtjester5000 (2:02:20 AM): 11?
BobRooni (2:02:27 AM): JAYKAY!
courtjester5000 (2:02:33 AM): wtf was THAT!??
courtjester5000 (2:02:41 AM): i wanna gamble!!
courtjester5000 (2:02:54 AM): hell yeah!
*OnlineHost* (2:03:01 AM): Unknown "//" command.
BobRooni (2:03:04 AM): ew!
*OnlineHost* (2:03:05 AM): Unknown "//" command.
BobRooni (2:03:06 AM): sevens are gay!
courtjester5000 (2:03:16 AM): i tried, stop drop and roll
SlyKitty1980 (2:03:25 AM): your are almost touching. this is some sick shit
BobRooni (2:04:23 AM): SlyKitty1980 (2:04:35 AM): i don't know if i should click that.
courtjester5000 (2:04:44 AM): NICE GLASSES!
BobRooni (2:04:45 AM): if you do, we're marreid.
courtjester5000 (2:04:49 AM): oh shit.
SlyKitty1980 (2:04:58 AM): ha! court, you're so screwed
i.
BobRooni (2:05:20 AM): and id just say PERV!
BobRooni (2:05:29 AM): but... we all knew who the realist nigga was
SlyKitty1980 (2:06:17 AM): i don't know how to bot anything.
courtjester5000 (2:06:24 AM): god, you're
worthless.
courtjester5000 (2:06:31 AM): bot out.
SlyKitty1980 (2:06:33 AM): i know, but at least i'm cheap and slutty
courtjester5000 (2:06:38 AM): oh ok, stay.
SlyKitty1980 (2:06:42 AM): thanks.
NUTTY!?
BobRooni (2:07:24 AM): court: see, i told you this guy was a laugh a
courtjester5000 (2:07:35 AM): *sells you for $26,595 fully loaded*
BobRooni (2:07:40 AM): sly kitty: yah totally! most people dont like it when he
tries too hard to impress chicks, but im totally impressed
BobRooni (2:07:59 AM): me: shut up, faggot.
courtjester5000 (2:08:08 AM): werfless.
SlyKitty1980 (2:08:50 AM): humor is no laughing matter, you guys. you have noespect for
more like it.
BobRooni (2:09:29 AM): why, me P is already in there
courtjester5000 (2:09:36 AM): BURN!
BobRooni (2:09:40 AM): MEDIC!
SlyKitty1980 (2:09:43 AM): you boys must be lady killers!
BobRooni (2:10:11 AM): you can sweat from the burning the third degee, but if
BobRooni (2:10:45 AM): sly kitty, youre from the pacific northwest
BobRooni (2:10:46 AM): wanna date?
SlyKitty1980 (2:11:00 AM): sure. i'll be the one wearing a red carnation
SlyKitty1980 (2:11:11 AM): i'm in cali actually. but
from seattle. take notes, court
courtjester5000 (2:11:19 AM): shit.
BobRooni (2:11:27 AM): im IN CALI!
BobRooni (2:11:39 AM): like.
BobRooni (2:11:41 AM): where in cali?
SlyKitty1980 (2:11:48 AM): i can't resist your charms.
SlyKitty1980 (2:12:10 AM): ohhhh! jewelry trumps cereal!!!
BobRooni (2:12:22 AM): more like, DONALD TRUMPS CEREAl
BobRooni (2:12:31 AM): MEDIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11111111111
SlyKitty1980 (2:12:47 AM): court, can't you do something??
think of running away, marry me and run away
courtjester5000 (2:13:10 AM): oh shit, i shoulda been a cowboy.
courtjester5000 (2:13:11 AM): nevermind.
SlyKitty1980 (2:13:14 AM): well you did make the bracelet and all. (add that to the
SlyKitty1980 (2:13:52 AM): i'm in fresno, the armpit of california
BobRooni (2:14:05 AM): IM IN LOS ANGELES TOO!
courtjester5000 (2:14:18 AM): you guys should meet!
SlyKitty1980 (2:14:19 AM): whatever. i know you're barting it up over there
anyone?
courtjester5000 (2:14:32 AM): mar 5 or jan 19?
(2:15:29 AM): that's good.
courtjester5000 (2:15:35 AM): i prefer :-!
mouth.
BobRooni (2:16:18 AM): WHAT!? ARE YOU
SEIROUS!?
SlyKitty1980 (2:16:41 AM): i love guys with no sense of humor. also, really short
guys.
BobRooni (2:17:16 AM): Back: JAY KAY! (picture of ben folds with unfolded
SlyKitty1980 (2:17:30 AM): HAHA! the joke is about the band.
courtjester5000 (2:17:34 AM): oh.
BobRooni (2:17:39 AM): no, no its not
courtjester5000 (2:17:41 AM): nevermind, i dont get it.
BobRooni (2:17:42 AM): UGH!
courtjester5000 (2:17:46 AM): oh, ok i do!
BobRooni (2:17:49 AM): GOD PLEASE! SEND ME ACTORS!
BobRooni (2:18:13 AM): yah, theyre all GOVERNORS
NOW!
SlyKitty1980 (2:18:35 AM): wow.. i don't know which of you is luckier
BobRooni (2:18:40 AM): hey sly kitty, how is it youre a
girl, but make jokes like a guy
BobRooni (2:18:42 AM): ...funny.
BobRooni (2:19:03 AM): *reaches down your pants, pulls
BobRooni (2:19:04 AM): AH HAH!
courtjester5000 (2:19:19 AM): sly kitty, still got that
pic....ummm...nevermind.
courtjester5000 (2:19:44 AM): bobrooni, do you have any pix/
BobRooni (2:20:03 AM): or...
BobRooni (2:20:37 AM): i must warn you, ive got a boyish
BobRooni (2:20:42 AM): frankly, im a heart breaker
courtjester5000 (2:20:43 AM): sorry to ruin your dreams rooni, but this is a
room, not a city
man?
courtjester5000 (2:21:54 AM): WHAT DOES A BOY HAVE TO DO??
SlyKitty1980 (2:22:03 AM): i told you. five bucks
courtjester5000 (2:22:08 AM): im broke.
SlyKitty1980 (2:22:09 AM): alright.
BobRooni (2:22:12 AM): "all girls are prostitutes, just
SlyKitty1980 (2:22:49 AM): now i know why the girls love you boys. oh and don't forget "no
means yes, and yes means harder"
courtjester5000 (2:23:07 AM): sorry, that was her
BobRooni (2:23:15 AM): sarcastic feminist diatribes get me hard.
SlyKitty1980 (2:23:49 AM): yeah court. do it. DO
courtjester5000 (2:24:25 AM): amir is HIV positive, humor
BobRooni (2:24:37 AM): thats not cool man,
courtjester5000 (2:24:48 AM): shutup, you know your dying
SlyKitty1980 (2:24:49 AM): i told you. i don't do humor. but i do HIV for an
BobRooni (2:25:15 AM): but...
SlyKitty1980 (2:25:27 AM): it's okay court. you're sexy as all get-out.
SlyKitty1980 (2:25:34 AM): all.
SlyKitty1980 (2:26:55 AM): you know what's funny? football in the groin.
medication too amir?
football.... his groin... it works on so many levels!!"
BobRooni (2:27:24 AM): barny's movie had heart...
BobRooni (2:27:56 AM): im already dead.
courtjester5000 (2:28:02 AM): why do people say, the whole 9 yards
prettier than me? he has all that long brown hair
BobRooni (2:29:22 AM): hell yes, duckmans on
courtjester5000 (2:30:00 AM): a card!
courtjester5000 (2:30:05 AM): v-day card!
SlyKitty1980 (2:30:38 AM): really sweet ones. like "i want to fuck you hard and nice"
BobRooni (2:31:06 AM): and while the girl was a better kisser, the guy had a
SlyKitty1980 (2:31:33 AM): if i were going to kiss a guy, which i wouldn't, i would use a
courtjester5000 (2:31:48 AM): sars?
BobRooni (2:31:51 AM): FUCK!
BobRooni (2:32:16 AM): oh man, dilberts on after duckman
SlyKitty1980 (2:32:21 AM): nah. actually, i kiss boys. i use the surgical mask
BobRooni (2:32:42 AM): are you from fresno?
SlyKitty1980 (2:33:15 AM): that would be hot, court
SlyKitty1980 (2:33:34 AM): there's crime here. and criminology grad programs.
we don't have enough in seattle, no crim programs
AM): so in short, i came here for the high crime rates
BobRooni (2:33:54 AM): fresno state university?
SlyKitty1980 (2:34:40 AM): .
SlyKitty1980 (2:34:56 AM): yes. also we where trench coats.
don't.
girl walks in sexally, and theres an audio dubbing "she came into my life the same way a sperm whale enters adulthood. Powerfully"*
courtjester5000 (2:35:22 AM): do your hard classes end in 911?
SlyKitty1980 (2:35:37 AM): yes!
SlyKitty1980 (2:35:41 AM): or at least.. they will
BobRooni (2:36:08 AM): duckman is a detective!
courtjester5000 (2:36:39 AM): wow, amir thats what your
SlyKitty1980 (2:36:51 AM): no.
courtjester5000 (2:36:59 AM): eww, what if amir's dad is
your teacher....
BobRooni (2:37:04 AM): "my grandma passed away this weekend, she was 87 so,
BobRooni (2:37:22 AM): "yah im thinking it was rape. *longpause* please let
SlyKitty1980 (2:37:39 AM): haha!! that reminds me of my grandma's brutal
murder!
courtjester5000 (2:37:45 AM): no way!
SlyKitty1980 (2:37:53 AM): yeah! ah, memories..
How to Clear AutoComplete (Internet Explorer 4/5/6) - TACKtech Corp.
Open Internet Explorer .
Click on ools .
Click on ptions...
-or- Right-Click on the Internet Explorer .
Left-Click on operties .
Click the Content tab.
Click the toComplete...
button.
* Note: If you do not want your form information stored, uncheck the check boxes under
Use AutoComplete for .
Click the lear Forms button.
Click the OK button.
Click the OK button.
An interesting side note, Windows 98 stores this information in the registry sorted by form field name. The data is encrypted however we see this as a possible security flaw. Windows 2000 and XP do not store the data in this registry location.
Stop Mysterious Popup Ads in Windows XP (Windows XP) - TACKtech Corp.
Have you suddenly seen pop-up's in Windows XP about porn and/or other forms of advertising? Well this is a new
Security issue. There is a couple ways to stop these from popping up. The first way is a bit advanced if you don't know what your doing. But you can block TCP/UDP port 135. Which is the port the Microsoft Messenger services works on. The simpler thing to do is to disable the
Messenger service.
Click Start > ettings > ontrol Panel .
Double-click the Administrative Tools icon.
Double-click the Services icon.
Scroll to Messenger .
Double-click the Messenger service.
Click the op button.
Select Disabled from the : drop-down menu.
Click the OK button.
Close the Administrative Tools window.
Close the Control Panel window.
> You push the power button on your computer and 5 minutes later you're finally ready to start computing.It seems as though it takes forever and a day for your computer to get going,Why?
Most likely,the main reason your system is dragging the ground is because of all the junk that runs in the background that you don't see.These are applications you may have installed over time.
Such utilities as scanner drivers, and hard drive monitors can swallow up memory and cpu processes,not to mention adware and spyware creeping into your system.These affect both your computer's bootup process and performance during normal operations.
Another reason for slow pc bootup and performance may be the simple fact that your computer is aging. Computers running Windows 98 and Windows Me with cpu speeds of 500mhz or less are good candidates for slow operation.These system often have inadequate RAM Memory as well.
OK,so you,re no doubt asking, how can you correct this ever present,nagging problem.If your system was purchase when dinosaurs roamed the earth,consider upgrading by adding more memory,a larger hard drive,and if possible a faster cpu.
You can free up hard drive space by deleting files and applications you don't use often.Improve performance by not overlooking basic pc maintenance.Running scandisk and Defragment are crucial to pc preformance.And try third party memory management programs.
Running scandisk will find and attempt to correct errors on your hard drive.System Defragment will free up hard drive space by re-arranging files in an orderly manner.This allows the cpu to find files much faster and not have to roam all over the hard drive to load files into memory.
You can get more bang for your buck by purchasing a faster computer however.When adding the costs of components and the increase in speed and performance you will gain,you may come out better to purchase another system.
Windows operating system have a utility named Msconfig that can display programs that bootup and instantly run on your computer. To start Msconfig,select Start,Run,and type "msconfig" without the quotes,in the Run dialog box.Msconfig does not show all programs running in the background however.
If you have Windows XP as your operating system, try to delete all files in the prefetch directory. Windows XP Professional monitors files that are used when the computer starts and when you start programs.
When Windows XP Professional monitor these files, it prefetches them.Prefetching data is the process whereby data that is expected to be requested is read ahead into the cache. Prefetching boot files and applications decreases the time needed to start Windows XP Professional and start applications.
These files if not deleted will lower system resources and slow pc performance by loading programs that are no longer being used.To delete these files,open C,your system drive, and go to windows/prefetch.Delete all files or at least those more than 3 weeks old and, reboot.
Try to check to see if your computer and the CPU Chip are not overheating. Excessive heat will cause your system to perform much closer.Make sure your computer is well ventilated
A really neat and free utility that does a great job at displaying all programs is Merijins free startup utility which configure programs at http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml.This utility is simple to use and should not add more burden to your computer.
Another utility called Process Explorer ,Sysinternals Tutoring at http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/ProcessExplorer.html can be used and this utility allow you to disable each program.
And when it comes to correcting slow computer performance, you can be your own worst enemy.And just how is this? The word procrastination means to put off today what we can do tomorrow. Such simple tasks as running scandisk and defrag are often put off until a more convenient time.
Don't let procrastination or anything else get in the way of boosting the performance of your computer. You'll thank yourself many times over when you see the results. You will also have the knowledge to help others boost their computer's performance as well.And that can always be a blessing toomeone.
Otis F. Cooper is the author of the award winning PC Super Pack,the Computer Training By Video course.For hundreds more free PC repair tips,sign up for his bi-monthly newsletter and learn the PC free at
What is MySQL?First released in May 23, 1995, MySQL is an open source database software. It is part of a large and growing family of open source software including Linux, Apache, and programming languages PHP and Perl. However, unlike many open source products where the copyright is owned by the individual authors or distributors, MySQL is owned and sponsored by a single for-profit firm, MySQL AB, which holds the copyright to most of the codebase. They develop and maintain the system, sell ...
What is MySQL?First released in May 23, 1995, MySQL is an open source database software. It is part of a large and growing family of open source software including Linux, Apache, and programming languages PHP and Perl. However, unlike many open source products where the copyright is owned by the individual authors or distributors, MySQL is owned and sponsored by a single for-profit firm, MySQL AB, which holds the copyright to most of the codebase. They develop and maintain the system, sell ...
Windstar in the Greek Islands; Cruisemates Cruise Ship Feature Articles
June 25, 2007
Despite new ownership, it's as good as the old -- and getting better.
Many people think of cruise ships as floating resorts -- where the prime objective is to lay in the sun and sip tropical drinks. But I think of a cruise ship as a supremely convenient travel conveyance - a great way to see the world in comfort.
That is exactly what I got aboard Windstar's newly updated Wind Surf. Fresh from a multi-million dollar upgrade the company calls "Degrees of Difference," this ship is more than worthy of Windstar's reputation for casual elegance. With excellent food and even better service, it embodies the concepts of first-class travel and adventure-oriented cruising.
Windstar Cruises History Windstar was conceived in 1985 as a cruise line for people who didn't really like "cruising." Its three original ships were small (5,350 tons and 148 passengers). Their most distinctive characteristics were their masts and sails, and their interiors, with rich wood paneling with standard portholes - lending them the feel of a private yacht.
During its early years, Windstar was owned by Holland America. Its three little ships combined carried fewer passengers than any single Holland America ship. The Windstar crew people were culled from the same sources that Holland America still uses, but they considered a job on a Windstar ship as an upgrade from Holland America.
On the mainland, Windstar was the line many cruise industry insiders chose for their personal vacations. This was especially true when the line home-ported one ship in Tahiti year-round -- long before Renaissance or the Paul Gauguin moved in.
Two of Windstar's original ships are still in the fleet, but one, the Wind Song, was lost to a fire while sailing near Tahiti in 2003. The line replaced Wind Song with Wind Surf, an almost identical ship in every aspect -- except its size -- that had sailed for many years under the banner of Club Med.
Wind Surf, with five masts (and two engines that admittedly provide most of the propulsion), is now Windstar all the way. The ship was built in the same shipyard as the first three Windstar ships and has many of the same design elements, especially in the staterooms. The only difference is the size; Wind Surf is about one-third longer, and has an additional deck for cabins and elevators. The ship holds 312 passengers in 14,375 tons (making it almost three times bigger than the other Windstar ships).
More Recent History Windstar's biggest recent change is in its ownership: The company was acquired by Ambassadors International in March 2007 for $100 million. This could be the most significant event in the company's history, but if our recent trip is any indication, this ownership change will be pretty transparent, even to passengers who love this cruise line.
Ambassadors International -- a large U.S. company specializing in events and meeting planning -- formed a cruise division in 2006; its first acquisition was the steamboats of the Delta Queen Company and American Steamship Company, which it now refers to collectively as Majestic American Lines.
At the helm of Ambassadors International's cruise division is David Giersdorf, a former executive vice president with Holland America Lines. He has been intimately familiar with every aspect of Windstar's operations since long before the new company acquired it. In fact, he helped design the "Degrees of Difference" enhancements program, and began its implementation when Windstar still belonged to Holland America.
So today the Degrees of Difference program is still under the tutelage of David Giersdorf, but for the benefit of Ambassadors International. It gives each ship an interior facelift with new fittings and fabrics; new hardware for the dining room and appliances for the kitchens; and new towels, furniture, bedding and great entertainment devices in the staterooms. Wind Surf was the first ship to complete this upgrade; the other two ships will receive it by mid-2008.
The Windstar Difference Like most small luxury lines, Windstar ships feature a small passenger capacity and a high passenger-to-crew ratio (better than 2:1). The service is exemplary and eremely personalized. Combining the 24-hour country-club casual dress code with open-seating dining lends an air of informality and relaxation onboard that is perfect for travel-oriented cruisers like me.
As for value, one can book a seven-night cruise in Europe or the Caribbean for well under $2,000 per person, and add an second week for about $1,000 per person. It is easy and logical to book back-to-back cruises since the itineraries generally do not repeat for at least a month.
You will pay separately for alcoholic beverages -- and even lemonade if you order it at the bar or take it from the mini-refrigerator in your stateroom. But you can get full room service in your cabin, including meals from the dining room menu during mealtimes, for no charge. Room service also includes pizza and hot popcorn for times when you want to sample a free DVD from the ship's huge library. There are no pay-per-view movies on board. Instead, you check out DVDs and play them on your cabin DVD player. The entertainment centers are easy to operate; we had no problem playing DVDs and watching them on either television set in our suite. Suites also come with a loaner iPod filled with pre-recorded music, and a docking station.
Windstar doesn't focus much on the usual onboard cruise activities like formal nights, production shows or massive spas. Instead, it encourages people to spend time on deck. The library is full of travel guides, and for each destination a speaker provides an orientation talk that is NOT solely about shopping. Passengers receive maps to the attractions of each port, and a local expert comes aboard in every port to offer free advice. Free shuttles to the center of town are offered throughout the day.
Windstar passengers are welcome almost anywhere on board, even on the bridge. Conversations with fellow passengers come as naturally on this ship as on any I have sailed. All dining rooms are open seating, and every sail-away feels like a special event as the line offers free hors d' oeuvres on deck. This encourages everyone to congregate in the open air, seeking out friendly faces at tables with empty seats. While you introduce yourself to new people and watch the port fade into the distance, you enjoy a glass of wine and consider asking your newfound friends if they would like to join you for dinner.
The Windstar Cruiser Although many people who liked Holland America tried Windstar first, it wasn't long before Windstar found a following of its own among a younger, more adventurous clientele that now returns year after year and often books back-to-back cruises.
While personalized service is a normal aspect of small-ship cruising, Windstar amplifies it into a major asset. Don't be surprised if the entire crew knows your name by the second day. People who had sailed on our ship just once the previous year told us the crew still remembered them.
These small vessels take you off the beaten path, and Windstar travelers select their destination-oriented itineraries by the ports -- the more unusual the better. The ship's casual dress code means you see more people in Teva shoes and safari hats than in pantsuits and drop earrings.
The final reason why these ships are popular with the younger set (or young at heart) is the onboard sports deck. Built into the aft end of the ship, it is a large platform that drops down to just above water level. Inside the aft area are sea kayaks, small sailboats, a motorboat for water-skiing, and wetsuits and tanks for scuba diving. All of this is included in the cruise cost and available to every passenger.
The sports platform can only come down when the ship is anchored rather than docked. Scuba dives are only scheduled in places that have spots worth diving. On those cruises, the staff divers give free scuba lessons in the ship's pool ahead of time. When the ship reaches the dive spot they will take you down on a 90-minute, PADI-certified resort dive as deep as 40 feet. No previous experience required.
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