Earlier today, this item was illustrtade by a misleading photogfraph. I regret the confusion.
There are few things prettier than one of the Windjammer multi-masted power/sailing ships anchored off St. John. one of the the BVIs.
But if you've seen one, you may have seen your last one. The company's Web site shows no cruises departing from St. Thomas to explore the USVIs and BVIs next season.
Meanwhile, the family-owned Windjammer Barefoot Cruises is having problems. The Wall Street Journal reports the company has canceled cruises, stranding vacationers who paid thousands of dollars in Costa Rica and Aruba. The problem: mutiny, so to speak.
Crew members report not being paid for weeks. One ship couldn't depart because there was no food on board for its passengers. Another captain reportedly loaned the crew money so they could buy food for themselves.
The Journal reported that Jerry Ceder, speaking for a private equity firm which is buying as majority interest in the Windjammer business and its four ships, said there have been "glitches" during transition. "The company is viable and continues to viable," he said. Ceder's company, TAG Virgin Islands, expects to complete the deal next month, the Miami Herald reported.