When you think about taking a cruise, you might automatically imagine the large mega-ships that are so popular these days. They are cities within themselves and often have as many passengers as a small city. However, small cruises offer plenty to choose from.

Windstar Cruises operates four-masted sailing yachts that carry from 148 to 308 guests. Their ships are casual yet maintain a private yacht atmosphere. In fact, the ships have an open-bridge operation, which allows guests to have first -hand experience with the ship's officers, who will gladly demonstrate the sailing of these ships.

The ships can access areas that can't accommodate the mega-ships, and so have different itineraries. Their itineraries combine adventure with complimentary water sports activities. These include water-skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking and banana boat rides directly from the ship's aft Marina Deck.

The ships themselves combine some of the best cruising concepts into one great experience. Casual attire, alternative dining, spa treatments, personalized service and the luxury of spa ship cruising. All staterooms offer ocean views and contain such amenities as TV, VCR, CD player, mini-bar, and refrigerator; all of which can be enjoyed in a sitting area that gives the staterooms the illusion of a suite. The bathroom comes with fine toiletries and plush robes. This definitely gives the ship the feel of a luxury hotel at sea. And what could be better than a luxury hotel that follows you around to all the destinations that you have dreamed of exploring?

The dining experience keeps the casual atmosphere in mind with no formal wear, jackets or ties required. The quality of the food might suggest that formal wear should be worn, but the ambience here is relaxed and informal. For those watching calories or grams of fat, the Jeanne Jones options offer a wide variety of choices that one would never expect to be low-cal. The menus have been prepared under the direction of Chef Joachim Splichal, the co-founder of the Patina Group in LA. If you have special dietary needs or are a vegetarian, you will find delectable menu selections that tempt your taste buds. Of course there is always 24-hour room service available. During dinner hours, you can go when you choose and eat with whomever you desire to dine with or even dine alone for a romantic dinner for two.

Of the three ships that Windstar sails, only the Wind Surf has spa services. All ships have a pool and of course there are plenty of interesting shore excursions offered.

New itineraries are added, so it is a good idea to check the website at:

http://www.windstarcruise.com.

Upcoming for 2005 is an itinerary that will delight those interested in the Maya. The Maya Riviera/Belize cruise will visit some of the most spectacular sites of the Maya Kingdom . From the Costa Maya, in the Yucatan , guests will be able to visit Kohunlich(http://mayaruins.com/kohunlich.html), a great Peten site and one that is not yet overrun with tourists.

The best-known ruin of the Peten is Tikal (http://www.mesoweb.com/tikal/features/history/index.html)

in Guatemala , a short trip from the port of Belize City . The main temple and surroundings were featured in the movie "Star Wars". This was once the center of the Maya empire.

From the Honduras , you have the opportunity to visit what some people call the best temple site of the Mayas - Copan (http://www.misericordia.edu/users/davies/maya/copan). Imagine these temples before they were discovered by modern explorers. Shrouded in the jungles of the Yucatan , Guatemala and the Honduras they remained hidden treasures for many years until the explorations of Stephens and Catherwood. Should you be interested in archeology, you might want to check out the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City or the Peabody Museum at Harvard University , where many artifacts from the great Maya cities are on display.

While the ruins are fascinating, nothing compares to the Caribbean in this area where the second largest barrier reef in the world is found. Teeming with aquatic life, this area is perfect for snorkeling and diving. And if you aren't yet a diver, Windstar can help you with lessons.

Hope to see you on board.

Happy Traveling.

All photos credited to Windstar Cruises.