Windstar Cruises Announces 2010-11 Season

April 27, 2009

Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most sought-after destinations, releases its 2010 and Winter 2011 season with new itineraries, additional sought-after ports, and a captivating Signature Collection line-up.

"We are thrilled to offer our guests this exciting new season," said Diane Moore, President of Windstar Cruises. "Windstar Cruises is committed to offering outstanding itineraries, unforgettable experiences, and exceptional value to those who sail with us."

Windstar's Signature Collection Host Series offers the opportunity to cruise with distinguished hosts including top chocolate artisan Fran Bigelow of Fran's Chocolates; renowned winemakers Jay Schuppert of Cuvaison Estate Wines and Eric Dunham of Dunham Cellars; San Francisco area restaurateur, author, national radio and television personality and host, Narsai David; authors and photographers Roger Paperno and Joe Wolff; and acclaimed restaurateurs Chef Don Curtiss and Michelle Quisenberry of Seattle's Volterra Restaurant and Chef Keith Luce of celebrated northwest restaurant, The Herbfarm.

In the fall of 2010, after round-trip sailings from St. Thomas in January through March, Wind Spirit will begin a new sailing round-trip out of St. Martin. This new sailing includes some afternoon disembarkations to allow more daylight sailing time and evenings in port, in response to guests' requests. Guests will also be able to enjoy sunset dinners alfresco at our poolside restaurant, Candles (now available on both the Wind Spirit and Wind Star). Wind Surf offers 7-day sailings roundtrip from Barbados and many other colorful ports of call. Guests will find ports full of charm, soothing waters, and vivid exotic surroundings on 7-day Costa Rican sailings roundtrip from Puerto Caldera. Wind Star's 14 and 15-day cruises feature a transit through the Panama Canal with ports of call in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean Islands.

European cruises offer guests the sophistication and refinement of some of the most historically significant places in the world on an assortment of 6-, 7- or 8-day cruises aboard Windstar's luxury yachts. In summer through early fall, Wind Star and Wind Spirit return to the Greek Isles where guests will revel in the beauty of the stunning blue waters, perfect white-sand beaches, and breathtaking architecture. Windstar's captivating new ports for 2010 and 2011 include Cagliari, Italy; Carloforto, Isola di San Pietro, Italy; Le Lavendou, France; Pylos, Greece; Zakynthos, Greece; Opatija, Croatia; Trogir, Croatia; Bastia, Corsica; Falmouth, Antigua; and Palau, Italy.

Windstar's Connoisseur Collection offers back-to-back itineraries allowing guests a decadent two-week sailing that rarely repeats a port. Guests looking for the soothing sounds of the sea and to get away from the hectic pace of their lives will be eager to book one of Windstar's 14-day transatlantic voyages.

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 luxurious accommodations, alternative dining venues, diversity of shore excursions, complimentary water sports program, deluxe spa facilities, and casual elegance. The recently completed multi-million dollar Degrees of Difference enhancements on all three ships focused on structural and technical operations along with upgrades to guest areas, remodeled bathrooms in staterooms and an expanded beauty salon and spa. In order to take the ship's comfort level to a new degree of luxury, Apple iPod Nanos and Bose SoundDock speakers, wireless Internet, flat screen televisions, luxury linens and mattresses as well as L'Occitane bathroom amenities were added in each stateroom across the fleet.

Windstar's award-winning reputation for sophisticated, yet casual elegance has been recognized by some of the most notable names in the travel world. Windstar was recently awarded "Favourite Small-Ship Cruise Line" in the U.K.'s Conde Nast Traveller's 2008 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 Conde Nast Traveller's list of the "Top 100 of the Best the Travel World has to Offer." Celebrated Living, American Airlines' prestigious publication for first class passengers, named Windstar Cruises "Best Small-Ship/Mid-Ship Cruise Line" on their 2008 Platinum List for the second time in a row. Readers of Porthole Cruise Magazine awarded Windstar "Most Romantic Cruise Line" and "Best Tall Ship" in the 2008 10th Annual Readers' Choice Awards. Windstar has also earned top honors in Travel + Leisure's World's 2008 Best Awards and was lauded among "The World's Best Small Ships" by Conde Nast Traveler.

SOURCE Windstar Cruises