Recently in Destinations Category

Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations, offers guests exceptional opportunities to experience the mythical beauty of the Greek Isles aboard 7-day voyages on Wind Surf in 2011.

"The Greek Isles sailings on our 148-guest Wind Star and Wind Spirit have been popular with our guests and due to demand we are pleased to offer special voyages on our 312-guest Wind Surf," said Hans Birkholz, CEO of Windstar Cruises.  "There is no better way to experience the romance of the Greek Isles than from sailing on Windstar from one magical port to the next."  

Guests will enjoy the rich history and culture of the region, limestone cliffs, whitewashed villages, sandy beaches and azure waters while sailing through the Greek Isles aboard the luxurious Wind Surf.  

Wind Surf's 7-day Athens, Greece to Istanbul, Turkey sailings depart July 16; September 24; and October 8, 2011, visiting Mykonos, Greece; Santorini, Greece; Rhodes, Greece; Bodrum, Turkey; and Kusadasi, Turkey with rates from $3,499 per person, double occupancy.

Wind Surf's 7-day Istanbul, Turkey to Athens, Greece sailings depart July 23; October 1; and October 15, 2011, visiting Kusadasi, Turkey; Rhodes, Greece; Bodrum, Turkey; Santorini, Greece; and Mykonos, Greece with rates from $3,499 per person, double occupancy.

Wind Surf also offers 2011 itineraries that combine the Greek Isles and Italy or Croatia:

• Wind Surf's 7-day Athens, Greece to Rome, Italy sailings depart July 30 and October 22, 2011, and visit Milos, Greece; Monemvassia, Greece; Messina, Italy; Amalfi, Italy; and Ischia, Italy with rates on the July 30, 2011, sailing from $3,399 per person, double occupancy and rates on the October 22, 2011, sailing from $2,599 per person, double occupancy.
• Wind Surf's 7-day Venice, Italy to Athens, Greece sailing departs September 17, 2011, and visits Pula, Croatia; Trogir, Croatia; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Pylos, Greece; and Monemvassia, Greece with rates from $3,599 per person, double occupancy.

Wind Surf's deluxe, oceanview staterooms include beds with luxury linens and mattresses, flat-screen TV and DVD player, Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods, waffle-weave robes with slippers and sumptuous L'Occitane products. Suites also include an extra bath, TV and sitting area. Wind Surf recently introduced new spa suites which include all the amenities of a suite along with luxurious microfiber linens, spa robes, an orchid flower arrangement, specialty pillow menu, daily fresh fruit platter, O SPA London products, WindSpa spa experiences and events as well as unlimited Pilates and Yoga classes.  Bridge Suites offer everything in a suite along with the additional luxury of a spacious private living room and relaxing whirlpool spa. Guests enjoy culinary wonders in Wind Surf's The Restaurant, Degrees, Le Marche and Candles.  Wind Surf also features a lounge, Yacht Club, WindSpa, casino, three bars, two pools, two hot tubs, a shop, photo gallery and watersports platform.

Holland America Line's ms Zaandam is set to discover the Hawaiian Island chain in 2010 with Circle Hawaii itineraries that offer guests the best of both worlds: luxuriously relaxing days at sea and exotic islands to explore. The 1,432-passenger ship will sail five 14-day roundtrip San Diego, Calif., cruises and one 15-day voyage from Vancouver, British Colombia, to San Diego. The sailings are from October through December.

Nestled between two stretches of sea days are back-to-back calls at Hawaii, Oahu, Kauai and Maui -- plus a call at Ensenada, Mexico -- before returning to San Diego. Included in the Hawaii cruise roster is a holiday sailing departing Dec. 19.

"Our Hawaiian itineraries combine the appeal of warm-water cruising and a port-intensive Pacific island experience," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, Holland America Line. "Guests will have time to enjoy our shipboard amenities and activities, and the convenience of visiting four ports in four days without multiple flights or the packing and unpacking associated with island hopping."

Departing Sundays from San Diego, guests will have several relaxing days at sea before arriving at Hawaii. During this time, they can enjoy a day at the Greenhouse Spa, channel their inner chef at the Culinary Arts Center for a hands-on cooking class or attend a Digital Workshop powered by Windows(R) to learn how to share memorable photos taken on the voyage. The Speaker Series offers exciting insights into upcoming ports and includes destination-related topics such as Polynesian music and dance traditions.

The first port call is to Hilo on the big island of Hawaii where guests can visit one of Hawaii's best-known landmarks -- Kilauea Volcano -- with its impressive molten lava flows. Other highlights include world-class botanical gardens and the awe-inspiring Akaka Falls. As Zaandam makes its way to Honolulu, the state capital, guests can enjoy an evening at the Polynesian Cultural Centers or other Hawaiian must-dos: whale watching, a traditional Hawaiian luau, a stroll down Waikiki beach or even surfing. For a more reflective view into Hawaii's past, guests can visit the USS Arizona Memorial from World War II.

On route to Nawiliwili, Kauai, cruisers are in for spectacular views as Zaandam sails along the island's dramatic Na Pali Coast. Upon reaching Nawiliwili guests can visit Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific) or get an aerial view of the island on a helicopter tour. Thrill-seekers can book a zipline tour through the forest canopy for a unique perspective of the island's inspiring natural setting.

At Lahaina, Maui, guests can explore the stunning beaches and a magnificent volcano, or spend the day shopping at chic boutiques and galleries.

Those sailing on the 15-day voyage departing Oct. 2 have an added call at Kona, once known as the playground of Hawaii's royalty. Kona is synonymous with the famous coffee that grows on the slopes of dormant Hualalai volcano, a definite must-see for coffee aficionados. Another highlight of this longer voyage is an evening scenic cruise past the famous Kilauea volcano.

Cruise fares begin at $1,499 per person for the full 14-day Circle Hawaii and $1,699 per person for the 15-day voyage.

For a cruise brochure or for more information on Holland America Line's Grand Voyages, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-800-522-3399 or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the home page at www.hollandamerica.com.

Source: Holland America Line