Is Windjammer sailing again or not?

Today, I received a promotional email from Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, advertising Costa Rica cruises on the Legacy in January and February. At last count, the cruise line was experiencing severe [% 2440070 | | financial troubles %]. Booked passengers were stranded in the Caribbean and not given refunds when their cruises were canceled, and the crew reportedly was not getting paid. So does this email indicate the line is back in business?

Not necessarily. According to Cruise Critic, Windjammer was trying to make a comeback with sailings in early November, but the departures were ultimately canceled with very little advance notice. A post on Cruise Critic’s Windjammer Forum indicates that late November and December voyages may not sail either.

If you’re a risk-taker and a Windjammer fan, you could book a January or February cruise in the hopes that the company will be up and running by then. Just be sure to read the fine print where it says, “Full payment is due at the time of booking.” If the Legacy does not sail, you’ll likely be out the entire amount, and Windjammer will not reimburse you for airfare or other trip-related expenses.

Personally, I’d let someone else be the guinea pig. Once Windjammer proves it’s running a reliable business, then I’d be more willing to hand over my money, confident that I’m going to get a cruise vacation—not a lot of heartache and headaches—for my dollars.