Windstar
Cruises - 180 Degrees From Ordinary
Windstar Cruises - A Unique Concept
In Cruising
"Pioneering
Line Celebrates 15th Anniversary"
Sailing under the banner of its appropriate tag line "180º
From Ordinary," Windstar
was created in the mid-1980's with the vision to offer an
alternative to the typical cruise or resort vacation. The
Windstar passenger sees
the world from a romantic sailing ship with luxurious accommodations,
a casual yet elegant atmosphere, and exquisite service and
cuisine. Well known for cruising off the beaten path, throughout
2002 the upscale line celebrates its 15th year of sailing
to exotic locales and hidden harbors that larger ships cannot
access. These stately vessels turn heads from the Mediterranean
to the Caribbean to the Far East.
The Ships
In late 1986, the first commercial sailing vessel built in
60 years slipped out of a French dry-dock in Le Havre. Although
the towering sails echoed a bygone era of explorers, the msy
Wind Star, with its sleek lines and computerized controls,
was revolutionary in concept and design.
Windstar's ships are officially masted-sail-yachts (msy),
but the designation belies the vessels unique rigging. Unfurling
in two minutes at the push of a button, billowing white sails
reach to the sky. All functions are operated from the bridge
by computer micro-chips and navigational devices. The unusual
"open-bridge" operation allows guests to drop by and acquaint
themselves with the veteran captains and officers who demonstrate
the ship's intriguing capabilities to modern day explorers.
The 148-passenger Wind Star
was joined by sister ships the msy Wind Song in 1987, and
msy Wind Spirit in 1988. A new era in luxury cruising was
now being pioneered by Windstar Cruises. Nearly a decade later
in 1998, the 308-passenger msy Wind Surf was acquired by Windstar.
Sailing originally as Club Med I, the Wind Surf was built
in 1990 in the same shipyard to strikingly similar specifications
as her sister ships, making her a perfect match for the four
fleet family.
Shipboard Life
Windstar's
unique concept of sailing has lead the cruise industry in
the luxury small ship, casual attire, and alternative dining
arenas. Pioneering and refining these concepts has earned
Windstar an excellent reputation and market niche, winning
the allegiance of a new generation of contemporary cruise
vacationers, one-third of whom are first-time cruisers.
Teak decking, rich wood interiors, an attentive service staff,
intimate surroundings, eclectic artwork, exceptional signature
cuisine featuring both light and vegetarian menu selections,
and an extensive wine list are some of the extraordinary elements
which have become synonymous with Windstar. Features unique
to the Wind Surf include 31 deluxe suites, a Business/Internet
Center, The Bistro, and the 10,000 square foot WindSpa offering
a full array of spa treatments, consultative, health and fitness
programs.
Passengers are cradled in comfort as all staterooms and suites
offer ocean views, sitting area, TV, VCR, CD player, safe,
mini-bar/refrigerator, international direct- dial phones,
bathroom with toiletries, hair dryer, plush robes, and plenty
of closet space. The library on board stocks an array of international
newspapers, books and games, as well as a multi-media selection
of more than 500 video titles and compact discs available
for complimentary check-out.
Carrying just 148 to 308 guests, Windstar ships exude a private
yacht-like atmosphere creating camaraderie and lasting friendships
between fellow sailors. Every day aboard Windstar brings the
promise of new horizons and harbors to explore.
Destinations and Activities
Newly announced destinations for 2002 include the Far
East - Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia and
Malaysia; New Zealand; Australia; the Bahamas and Florida
Keys; Malta and Tunisia. New itineraries complement tried
and true Windstar favorites such as the Greek and Turkish
Isles, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Virgin Islands, Belize and
the Mayan Riviera, Costa Rica's Pacific Gold Coast, the Panama
Canal, and Trans-Atlantic crossings.
An interesting mix of shore excursions and complimentary
water sports activities are available at each destination.
Passengers may find themselves "zip-lining" on a canopy tour
gliding from tree to tree high above the forest floor in Costa
Rica, slicing through Caribbean waters aboard an actual America's
Cup racing yacht, surveying Southeast Asia atop an elephant,
or exploring archaeological ruins in Greece, the "Cradle of
Civilization." Water buffs can enjoy complimentary water-skiing,
windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking and "banana" boat rides
from the ship's aft Water Sports Platform. The company's cruise
vacations offer a sea-side window on the world, combining
the refinement of a luxury hotel with a moveable feast of
cultural experiences.
Seattle-based Windstar Cruises operates the 308-passenger
Wind Surf and 148- passenger Wind Star, Wind Song and Wind
Spirit. The four sailing yachts cruise to over 47 countries
worldwide offering an affordable luxury vacation.
Book
your vacation today on Windstar Cruises by
clicking here
or give us a call toll free at:
You'll be glad you
did!
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