Windstar Cruises
A Unique Concept in Cruising
The privileged feeling of sailing on your own private yacht. The
romance of being at sea under sail. The exclusivity of visiting
rarely accessed ports of call. The unobtrusive graciousness of a
friendly staff. It all adds up to a casually elegant award-winning
vacation that is truly “180 Degrees from Ordinary”—Windstar Cruises.
Cradling guests in pampered comfort, the intimate ships of
Windstar—the 148-guest msy Wind Star and msy Wind Spirit,
and the 312-guest msy Wind Surf—exude a private yacht-like
atmosphere allowing for sincere camaraderie and lasting friendships
between shipmates. With more than one staff member for every two
guests (94 crew aboard sister ships Wind Star and Wind
Spirit and 191 on Wind Surf), service is attentive
without being intrusive.
Created in 1984 with a vision to offer a uniquely different
alternative to the typical cruise or resort vacation, a voyage
aboard Windstar is the essence of unregimented luxury offering a
sea-side window on the world that combines the refinement of a
sophisticated hotel with a moveable feast of cultural experiences.
Windstar pioneered the concept of “casual elegance” in luxury
cruising with a classic resort environment. Guests appreciate the
understated attitude and relaxed feeling found on board Windstar’s
luxury ships. Jackets, ties and cocktail dresses may be left at
home. In the spirit of casual elegance, dining is free of seating
assignments and strict dining times leaving guests the choice of
when and with whom to dine.
With their sleek lines and computerized controls, Windstar’s ships
are revolutionary in concept and design, while the towering sails
echo a bygone era of explorers. Officially designated as
motor-sail-yachts (msy), the label 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.
Windstar’s ships have wide open, teak decks—quite unusual for small
ships. With over 10,000 square feet of open deck space on the
Wind Star and Wind Spirit, and over 22,000 square feet on
the Wind Surf, guests will find hidden nooks for private
moments giving them a feeling of being on their own private
verandah.
Windstar is well known for traveling off the beaten path on
itineraries from the Mediterranean, Amalfi Coast and Greek Isles to
the Aegean Sea, the Caribbean and Costa Rica. The upscale line sails
into the exotic locales and hidden harbors that larger ships simply
cannot access—magical and mysterious places like Capri, Italy;
Porto-Vecchio, France; or Mayreau, Grenadines.
A leader in defining the small ship luxury cruise experience for
more than 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, progressive spa
facilities, and luxurious accommodations. The line’s relaxed
approach to enjoying time at sea free of scheduled events has become
a benchmark for others in luxury travel to follow.
In keeping with its exacting standards of excellence, the line
recently invested millions in
fleetwide enhancements. Windstar’s Degrees of Difference initiative
added new luxury amenities and enhancements on board the ships.
Additions include new Apple iPod Nanos and Bose SoundDock speakers,
wireless Internet, cell phone service, Rosenthal china, Riedel
stemware, luxury linens and mattresses, L’Occitane bathroom
amenities and more.
The all ocean-view staterooms and suites provide the comforts of
home with additional
amenities including sitting area, DVD/CD player, safe,
mini-bar/refrigerator, international direct dial phones, bath
toiletries, hair dryer, plenty of closet space and plush robes and
slippers. The library stocks an array of international newspapers,
books and games, and a multi-media selection of more than 500 DVD
titles and compact discs available for complimentary use.
Fresh, gourmet menus are prepared by Windstar’s expert culinary
team, catering to the varied lifestyles of savvy travelers in The
Restaurant on all three ships and in Degrees on Wind Surf.
Romance is under sail as guests enjoy water views, exquisite sunsets
and star-filled skies while dining alfresco on 5-star cuisine at
poolside grill Candles on all three ships and at the seafood bar Le
Marché on Wind Surf.
Today, Windstar’s casual luxury, romantic sails and exotic
itineraries combine to make the line a popular honeymoon and
anniversary destination, averaging ten honeymoon and anniversary
couples a week across the three-ship fleet. Couples can customize
their romantic vacation with an innovative selection of
Celebration Packages
including a fully customizable wedding and vow renewal program.
Every day aboard Windstar brings the promise of new cultures and
horizons to explore. In 2010, Windstar ships sail itineraries
throughout the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Caribbean, Costa Rica,
and the Panama Canal.
Water sports enthusiasts will appreciate the up-close and personal
views of the world’s most dramatic coastlines with Windstar’s
complimentary waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing, ski-tubing and
kayaking from the ship’s aft Marina Deck.
Guests can also check out complimentary snorkeling gear to use at
local beaches. Snorkeling and scuba diving excursions are also
available for a fee.
Minimizing the impact on the environment is one of Windstar Cruises’
highest priorities. Through environmental efforts, the company is
working to ensure that while our guests enjoy the luxury and comfort
of their stay, Windstar does its part to preserve the environment.
Windstar has been recognized by some of the most notable names in
the travel and lifestyle world. Celebrated Living, American
Airlines’ prestigious publication for first class passengers,
named Windstar Cruises “Best Small-Ship/Mid-Ship Cruise Line” on
their 2010 Platinum List for the third time in a row.
Windstar was recently awarded “Favourite Small-Ship Cruise Line” in
the U.K.’s Condé Nast Traveller’s 2011 Readers’ Travel
Awards. Windstar received the highest score of any cruise line in
the poll and was also only one of three cruise lines in Condé
Nast Traveller’s list of the “Top 100 of the Best the Travel
World has to Offer.” Readers of Porthole Cruise Magazine
awarded Windstar “Most Romantic Cruise Line” and “Best Tall Ship” in
the 2011 10th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Windstar has
also earned top honors in Travel + Leisure’s “World’s 2011
Best Awards”, was lauded among “The World’s Best Small Ships” by
Condé Nast Traveler and was selected as one of Modern Bride’s
“Favorite Cruise Lines for Honeymooners”.
