2006/7 Winter Caribbean Itineraries announced

**Ally** · 09-05-2006, 04:39 PM

SEATTLE, Sept. 5 /PRNewswire/ --

Windstar Cruises' 148-guest msy Wind Spirit and 308-guest msy Wind Surf set sail in the Caribbean this winter on 41 voyages featuring six different itineraries roundtrip from St. Thomas and Barbados. Sailing from December through March, both ships combine out-of-the-way and quaint Caribbean ports with an intimate experience akin to sailing on one's personal mega-yacht.

"We've put a lot of thought into creating itineraries for both one week and two week cruises in the Caribbean," says Diane Moore, Windstar Cruises' vice president of marketing and sales. "The two week voyage on the Wind Surf visits popular ports such as St. Barts and St. Martin, and also gives guests a glimpse of a quieter side of the Caribbean with less visited islands such as The Grenadines and Tobago."

The Wind Spirit sails roundtrip from St. Thomas visiting St. John, St. Martin, St. Barthelemy, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda. The variety of islands visited provides guests an interesting mix of the Caribbean. Guests can shop in chic St. Barts, explore unspoiled St. John where more than two-thirds of the island is a U.S. National Park, and see the famous Baths on Virgin Gorda. Holiday and New Year's cruises feature slightly different itineraries with a day spent at sea for celebrating the holidays.

The Wind Surf sails alternating seven-day northbound and southbound itineraries roundtrip from Bridgetown, Barbados. Combined, they offer an ideal opportunity to sail for 14-days visiting islands in the windward and leeward chain. The northbound itinerary visits Nevis; St. Martin; St. Barthelemy; Basse-Terre and Les Saintes, Guadeloupe; and St. Lucia. To experience an even more tranquil side of the Caribbean, the southbound itinerary visits Bequia, Dominica, St. Lucia, The Grenadines, Grenada and Tobago. Both itineraries offer a mix of attractions -- white sand beaches for sunning and swimming, tropical forests for nature hikes, quaint towns for a peek at how the local's live, and parks and historic sites to explore.

For the 2006 holiday season, an eight-day New Year's cruise includes a day at sea and a late-night departure to ring in the New Year from Castries, St. Lucia.

Complimentary water sports from the water sports platform include kayaking, wind surfing, boat rides, sailing, water skiing and ski tubing. Snorkeling gear may be checked out for the week. Scuba diving excursions for novice and experienced divers are available for a fee and organized shore excursions are available in most ports.

As part of the line's Degrees of Difference initiative, a multi-million dollar investment will be made in all three ships in 2006 and 2007. This investment will focus on structural and mechanical operations, along with improvements to guest areas, such as new stateroom amenities and extensive bathroom renovations. For the Caribbean season, the Wind Surf will be fresh from a five-week work period in the fall. Work on the Wind Surf will also include improvements to the WindSpa, the library, and the creation of two new suites.

For seven-day cruises, rates on the Wind Spirit begin at $1,599 per person, double occupancy and on the Wind Surf rates begin at $1,499. Rates are per person based on double occupancy. On 14-day cruises, part of Windstar's Connoisseurs' Collection, guests receive up to 10% off the total cost of the cruise depending on date and itinerary.

About Windstar Cruises

Seattle-based 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 308 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 www.windstarcruises.com .

World's Leading Cruise Lines

Windstar Cruises is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises and the Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, the member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. The World's Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

Contact: Sarah Scoltock, (206) 301-5445

PR@windstarcruises.com