Windstar Cruises Sets Sail for an Extraordinary 2008 Season

**Ally** · 03-04-2008, 02:30 PM

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SEATTLE, March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations, offers guests bold adventures and endless pampering with its 2008 schedule.

From the sunny beaches of Barbados to lively St. Thomas, guests can experience the best that the Caribbean has to offer and select the itinerary they have always dreamed of. Wind Surf offers 7-day sailings roundtrip from Barbados with a variety of colorful ports of call on northbound and southbound itineraries. Wind Spirit's 7-day sailings roundtrip from St. Thomas offers guests tropical island destinations.

Travelers looking for an exotic Costa Rican journey will enjoy 7-day sailings roundtrip from Puerto Caldera featuring lush rainforests, azure waters and pristine beaches. Wind Star's 14-day cruises feature a transit through the Panama Canal with ports of call in Central America, South America and Caribbean islands.

Vacationers who are planning to visit Europe will find a significant benefit of cruising with Windstar Cruises. A strong euro makes cruising a better value than land-based vacations. European cruises offer guests the chance to experience the legends and romance of some of the most sought after settings in the world. Historic architecture, towering castles, breathtaking art and legendary riches are available to guests on 6-, 7- or 8-day cruises aboard all of Windstar's luxury yachts with departures from Lisbon, Portugal; Malaga, Spain; Barcelona, Spain; Rome, Italy; Venice, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Nice, France; and Monte Carlo, Monaco.

The Greek Isles are renowned for brilliant blue water, dazzling white beaches and the romance of ancient gods. Guests aboard one of Wind Spirit and Wind Star's 7-day cruises will also discover hidden coves, Santorini Red Beach and the wonder of Istanbul's famous Blue Mosque. Ports in the Greek Isles include Gythion, Navplion, Ermoupolis, Athens, Sorrento, Katakolon, Mykonos, Rhodes, Bodrum, Kusadasi, Monemvasia, Corfu, Sarande, Cephalonia and Kythira.

Travelers seeking the kind of true peace and relaxation that only days away at sea can bring will be delighted that Windstar offers four 14-day transatlantic voyages. Two weeks will provide plenty of time to enjoy the WindSpa and many other shipboard amenities designed to pamper and indulge guests.

A leader in defining the small ship luxury cruise experience for the last 20 years, Windstar has won the allegiance of a new generation of contemporary travelers who appreciate the line's casual attire, alternative dining venues, rich mix of shore excursions, complimentary water sports program, deluxe spa facilities and luxurious accommodations.

The line recently invested millions in fleetwide enhancements in its Degrees of Difference initiative which focused on structural and technical operations along with upgrades to guest areas, remodeled bathrooms in staterooms and an expanded beauty salon and spa. On the Wind Star and Wind Spirit, the Lounge, Veranda and Pool Bar were renovated. On the Wind Surf, the Yacht Club replaces the library and provides comfortable seating, a large flatscreen television, an espresso bar and computers offering Internet access. Two new luxury suites were built on the bridge deck and feature a living and dining area, separate bedroom and whirlpool tub. In order to take the ship's comfort level to a new degree of luxury, Apple iPod Nanos and Bose SoundDock speakers, wireless Internet, flat screen televisions, luxury linens and mattresses as well as L'Occitane bathroom amenities were added in each stateroom across the fleet.

Windstar's award-wining reputation for sophisticated, yet casual elegance has been recognized by some of the most notable names in the travel world including Porthole Cruise Magazine for Most Romantic Cruise Line and Best Tall Ship by readers in the 9th Annual Readers' Choice Awards. Windstar has also earned top honors in Travel + Leisure's World's 2007 Best Awards, was lauded among "The World's Best Small Ships" by Conde Nast Traveler readers in 2007, and was recognized as the best small-ship cruise vacation by readers of Celebrated Living.

About Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises operates three sailing yachts known for their pampering without pretense and their ability to visit the hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations. Carrying just 148 to 312 guests, the luxurious ships of Windstar cruise to nearly 50 nations, calling at 100 ports throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas. For more information including brochures, rates and itineraries contact a professional travel agent or call Windstar at 1-800-258-7245. Visit Windstar Cruises online at Luxury Cruises, Carribean Cruises, Mediterranean, Panama Canal, Greek Islands.

Windstar is a division of Ambassadors International Cruise Group, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ambassadors Cruise Group, LLC.

Vanessa Bloy Amy MacIver Windstar Cruises 206.292.9606
Windstar Cruises