Windstar Cruises Sails the Awe-Inspiring Greek Isles in 2008

**Ally** · 04-03-2008, 01:52 PM

Windstar Guests will explore the history and romance of the Greek Isles aboard Wind Star and Wind Spirit

SEATTLE, April 3, 2008 /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 exceptional opportunities to experience the mythical beauty of the Greek Isles aboard 148-guest Wind Star and Wind Spirit.

In 2008, travelers on Windstar Cruises can choose from 46 7-day sailings during May through October to these ancient, hauntingly beautiful locales in the Greek Isles. Windstar is the only cruise line that offers such an extensive season of Greek Isles itineraries. These cruises have traditionally been favorites of Windstar guests who return year after year to sail on the warm, cobalt blue waters of the Mediterranean, Aegean and Ionian Seas. Due to their popularity, the cruises sell out quickly each season.

Itineraries start or end in Venice, Italy; Rome, Italy; Athens, Greece; or Istanbul, Turkey, with one itinerary featuring Sarande, Albania and two itineraries featuring Dubrovnik, Croatia. A variety of Greek ports are offered including Capri, Messina, Gythion, Navplion, Ermoupolis, Katakolon, Gythion, Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Monemvasia, Corfu, Cephalonia and Kythira. Sailing from one magical port to the next, highlights include historic Athens, the lush island of Corfu, the Byzantine ruins in Kythira, fashionable boutiques of Mykonos, the cliffs and white-washed architecture of Santorini and the Acropolis of Rhodes.

Windstar's also offers its Connoisseur Collection, which allow guests to combine two Greek Island cruises on Wind Star and Wind Spirit into a 14-day voyage with no repeating ports.

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 Wind Star and Wind Spirit, the Lounge, Veranda and Pool Bar were renovated. In order to take each ship's comfort level to a new degree of luxury, Apple iPod Nanos and Bose SoundDock speakers, flat screen televisions, luxury linens and mattresses as well as L'Occitane bathroom amenities were added in each stateroom across the fleet.

Windstar's commitment to providing guests with the most casually elegant, enriching and luxurious cruise vacation has consistently earned high praise from some of the most notable names in the travel world. Windstar was recognized by Porthole Cruise Magazine as the Most Romantic Cruise Line and the Best Tall Ship by readers in the 9th Annual Reader's Choice Awards and earned top honors in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards in 2007. All three ships in Windstar's fleet of luxury sailing yachts were lauded among "The World's Best Small Ships" by Conde Nast Traveler readers in 2007 and the company was recently recognized as the best small-ship cruise vacation by the readers of Celebrated Living.

Cruise rates begin at $2,599 per person, based on double occupancy.

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 Cruise Vacations to Europe, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Panama Canal, Greek Islands.

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