Ring in the New Year While Soaking up the Caribbean Sun on a Windstar Cruise

**Ally** · 09-12-2006, 03:57 PM

SEATTLE, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Party hats, noisemakers and champagne are traditional for ringing in the New Year. Add an elegant Windstar Cruises' motor sailing yacht in the sparkling azure waters of the Caribbean and the stage is set for a memorable holiday celebration.

"Choosing to go cruising during the holidays can be a liberating experience," says Diane Moore, Windstar's vice president of marketing and sales. "An elegant sailing ship in the Caribbean provides the perfect setting, whether they are looking to escape the pressures of the holidays or simply spend quality time with a significant other. Guests can relax and let other people do the cooking and cleaning."

The 308-guest msy Wind Surf sails an eight-day cruise departing December 30 roundtrip from Bridgetown, Barbados. A get-away-from-it-all itinerary first visits Castries, St. Lucia where the ship will stay until 2:00am to ring in the new year. Continuing on, the ship visits Charlotteville, Tobago; Bequia, The Grenadines; Roseau, Dominica; Kingstown, St. Vincent; and Mayreau, The Grenadines.

The 148-guest Wind Spirit sails a seven-day cruise departing December 30 from St. Thomas. New Year's Eve day is spent at the lush island of St. John. The ship departs at 6:00pm for a New Year's Eve celebration at sea with the next day spent at sea for optimal relaxation. Other islands visited include St. Barthelemy, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda.

At the New Year's Eve party, a champagne toast in the lounge is accompanied by a ship tradition. The ship's bell is brought from the Bridge to the lounge where the oldest member of the crew rings out the old year, and the youngest rings in the new year. Party hats and noisemakers are festive accompaniments.

Lazing in the sun on a white sand beach, snorkeling among colorful schools of fish, exploring islands and enjoying gourmet dining aboard the ship fill the days. Complimentary water sports activities from the water sports platform include kayaking, wind surfing, 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. 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 include improvements to the WindSpa, the creation of two new suites, renovated bathrooms, and a new gathering spot on the main deck called the Yacht Club.

Rates for the Wind Surf's eight-day New Year's cruise begin at $2,549 per person, based on double occupancy. Rates for the Wind Spirit's seven-day New Year's cruise begin at $2,349 per person, based on double occupancy.

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.