Recently in Small Ship Category

Prestige Yacht Charters, a premier luxury-yacht charter company serving New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, today announced its kickoff of the 2010 season with corporate and wedding packages designed to encourage business groups and promote special occasions. Reduced rates are available for ships reserved in April.

Corporate packages include the latest A/V facilities and related support for presentations, lectures and negotiations. The wedding package offers a champagne reception, 30-minute on-board ceremony and a three-level wedding cake. All voyagers can choose four-star, gourmet cuisine of any style and a variety of entertainment options during a three-hour yacht cruise.

David Hackert, President of Prestige Yacht Charters, said, "It's always a pleasure to celebrate the spring by offering new people the special aura of a private yacht. Going out on the water creates a relaxing and transformative effect for almost any event, and our yachts let you travel in a style once reserved for the rich and famous."

Hackert went on to describe other features available in his spring packages, including an open bar, live bands, DJs, caricaturists or even a casino. Experts assist corporate clients or wedding couples with event planning to ensure an unforgettable occasion. The company is also accepting reservations for New York City's July Fourth fireworks extravaganza, with select yachts available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Prestige offers more than 20 yachts, accommodating from 2 to 1,200 occupants, departing from several different locations in New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut. Ship profiles and interior spaces can be reviewed at www.prestigeyachtcharters.com. All ships are climate-controlled with both outdoor areas and enclosed decks in case of inclement weather.

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, announces its "30 Sailings for 30 Days" sale. For only 30 days, Windstar will offer special rates on 30 cruises in 2010.

The sale begins October 15, 2009, with a choice of 7-day sailings on the 312-guest Wind Surf and the 148-guest Wind Star and Wind Spirit. Special rates on these sailings begin at $1,849 per person, double occupancy. Wind Surf's April 18, 2010, sailing starts at $1,649 per person, double occupancy.

Wind Surf Sailings:

    4/18/10 Rome to Athens              8/08/10 Rome to Nice
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    4/25/10 Athens to Rome              8/22/10 Barcelona to Nice
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    5/30/10 Rome to Rome                8/29/10 Nice to Rome
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    6/20/10 Venice to Venice            9/12/10 Venice to Venice
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    7/04/10 Rome to Nice                9/19/10 Venice to Rome
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    7/18/10 Barcelona to Rome           9/26/10 Rome to Nice
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------

Wind Star Sailings:

    3/06/10 Costa Rica Roundtrip        7/31/10 Istanbul to Athens
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    3/20/10 Costa Rica Roundtrip        10/23/10 Rome to Rome
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    7/03/10 Athens to Rome              10/30/10 Rome to Barcelona
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    7/10/10 Rome to Rome                11/06/10 Barcelona to Lisbon
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    7/17/10 Rome to Athens
    -----------------------------------

Wind Spirit Sailings:

    3/13/10 St. Martin Roundtrip        10/23/10 Athens to Rome
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    5/08/10 Nice to Rome                10/30/10 Rome to Rome
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    5/15/10 Rome to Rome                11/06/10 Rome to Barcelona
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    7/17/10 Venice to Venice            11/13/10 Barcelona to Lisbon
    ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------
    7/24/10 Venice to Athens
    -----------------------------------

Offer is not combinable with any other promotions/programs, except for CLIA's "World's Largest Cruise Night" $50 per person shipboard credit promotion. Taxes additional. Offer is capacity controlled and may be withdrawn or modified at the discretion of Windstar. Offer valid on new bookings between October 15 and November 14, 2009.

Windstar has been recognized by notable names in the travel world. Celebrated Living, American Airlines' prestigious publication for first class passengers, named Windstar Cruises "Best Small-Ship/Mid-Ship Cruise Line" on their 2009 Platinum List for the third time in a row. Windstar received a "Favourite Small-Ship Cruise Line" award in the U.K.'s Conde Nast Traveller's 2009 Readers' Travel Awards and was listed in their "Top 100 of the Best the Travel World has to Offer." Windstar has also earned top honors in Travel + Leisure's "World's 2009 Best Awards," and was lauded among "The World's Best Small Ships" by Conde Nast Traveler.

SOURCE Windstar Cruises

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, is recognized as one of the "Top 10 Small-Ship Cruise Lines" in the 14th annual "World's Best Awards" voted by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine.

"Windstar is thrilled to be recognized again by the discerning, sophisticated readers of Travel + Leisure," said Diane Moore, President, Windstar Cruises. "This honor acknowledges our pledge of creating unforgettable experiences onboard our beautiful ships that continue to exceed guest expectations."

Windstar's commitment to providing guests with the most casually elegant, enriching and luxurious cruise vacation has consistently placed Windstar on the prestigious Travel + Leisure "World's Best" list year after year.

The readers of Travel + Leisure rated contenders in the small-ship cruise category on a variety of criteria including service, itineraries and destinations, food, cabins, activities, and value. The survey was developed by the editors of Travel + Leisure in association with Harris Interactive. Readers were invited to complete the survey from January 15 through March 29, 2009, with each respondent permitted to complete it only once. A list of winners in every category can be found on the magazine's website www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest. Winners will also be featured in the August issue of Travel + Leisure, on newsstands July 24, 2009.

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 and deluxe spa facilities. Windstar recently released its 2010 and Winter 2011 Sailing Atlas with new itineraries, additional sought-after ports and a captivating Signature Collection Host Series.

In addition to Travel + Leisure, Windstar has been recognized by other 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 2009 Platinum List for the third time in a row. Windstar was 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." Readers of Porthole Cruise Magazine awarded Windstar "Most Romantic Cruise Line" and "Best Tall Ship" in 2008's 10th Annual Readers' Choice Awards. Windstar also was lauded among "The World's Best Small Ships" by Conde Nast Traveler and was selected as one of Modern Bride's "Favorite Cruise Lines for Honeymooners".

SOURCE Windstar Cruises

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, announced that it will take over its shipboard management starting this September, ending its management agreement with V. Ships Leisure.

Windstar will take complete control of managing its shipboard deck, engine, and hotel operations, as well as shore-based management functions such as port operations, technical and hotel purchasing, compliance, and human resources. New positions have been created at Windstar's headquarters in Seattle to manage the new responsibilities.

"V. Ships Leisure did a tremendous job managing our beautiful sailing vessels over the past two-and-a-half years," said Captain Nico Corbijn, Executive Vice President of Fleet Operations for Windstar Cruises. "However, we are in a position now to control all ship operations which will allow us the opportunity to directly enhance our award-wining product and luxurious guest experience through implementation of new services and by evolving existing features which reflect Windstar's vision of '180 Degrees from Ordinary.' We look forward to working closely with V.Ships to make this transition as smooth and seamless as possible and we thank them for their service."

Corbijn will lead shipboard management along with Nick Burger and Huib van Leeuwen. Burger, Vice President of Marine Hotel Operations, will oversee hotel operations and hotel purchasing. Van Leeuwen, Vice President of Marine Operations, will be responsible for all technical, deck and engine operations.

Windstar 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 2009 Platinum List for the third 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

New yacht leads 216% expansion for The Yachts of Seabourn with largest spa on any luxury vessel, Charlie Palmer cuisine and Seabourn's first world cruise.

 

The Yachts of Seabourn embarks today upon an expansive future as Seabourn Odyssey launches from Venice as the first ultra-luxury vessel to debut in six years. The 32,000-ton vessel built by T. Mariotti of Genoa, Italy, accommodates 450 guests in 225 luxury suites, ninety percent with verandas, offering one of the highest space-per-guest ratios in the industry with highly personalized service. Odyssey features the largest spa on any luxury yacht, four restaurants and a host of luxury amenities. Guests of the maiden voyage will also share the unprecedented honor of acting as godparents.

Odyssey is the first of three new vessels Seabourn is building, a 216% increase in capacity for the line, with Seabourn Sojourn launching in June 2010 and a third new-build in 2011. http://www.seabourn.com

"It is with great pleasure that I welcome Seabourn Odyssey to our distinguished fleet of yachts," said Pamela Conover, President and CEO of The Yachts of Seabourn. "The launch of Odyssey allows us to serve more travelers but still offer the intimate and exclusive experience which has made us a leader in the luxury cruising market."

Enticements are everywhere aboard Odyssey. The Spa at Seabourn is the largest spa on any luxury vessel at 11,400 square feet and is the only cruise vessel to offer SkinCeuticals, the award-winning skincare line, products and treatments at sea. Passengers can enjoy a hydropool, Kinesis wall, two herbal steam rooms as well as two Spa Villas complete with a whirlpool big enough for two, a private balcony for sunbathing, a double daybed and a full living room.

Passengers on Odyssey will savor five-star, all-inclusive dining in four restaurants from the fine-dining Restaurant with menus crafted by Charlie Palmer to the casual, open-air Patio Grill or choose course-by-course dining from the comfort of their suite.

With an intimate yacht-like atmosphere, passengers can choose from other highlights including 11 decks harboring two outdoor swimming pools, six outdoor whirlpools, water sports from the unique marina, and a private diamond showroom. The Retreat features a contoured nine-hole mini golf course, a giant chess board, shuffleboard and stargazing in the evening. Additional amenities include Seabourn-branded netbooks and iPods for loan as well as complimentary pool-side massages and signature 'Caviar in the Surf' service.

The Grand Wintergarden Suite, the largest of any Seabourn suite, offers 1,182 square feet of indoor space plus two verandas. The two bedroom, two bathroom suite features a glass-enclosed solarium with tub and daybed, as well as a whirlpool, dining for six, two bars and three flat-screen televisions.

All guests on Odyssey receive exceptional personalized service with nearly one staff member per guest and top-of-the-line amenities including the new Molton Brown Therapies skincare line, available for the first time at sea.

A new feature of Odyssey, Seabourn Square, is an innovative "concierge lounge" with a library, upscale shops, outdoor terrace and coffee bar, as well as concierges in a relaxed, club-like atmosphere.

Odyssey will spend her maiden year exploring the Mediterranean throughout the summer and early fall, then sailing the Caribbean before embarking on Seabourn's first world cruise, a 108-day voyage departing January 5, 2010, visiting 42 ports in 26 countries on six continents from Ft. Lauderdale to Athens.

Source: The Yachts of Seabourn

Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com), one of the world's leading providers of small-ship exploration cruises, introduced today two enticing three-night Alaska cruise weekend packages that include airfare from 14 west coast cities.

The Alaska Weekend Explorers Package offers reduced airfare from select west coast cities for both the three-night Glacier Bay Highlights and Glaciers of Prince William Sound cruises. Total price of $1,499 includes the $999 cruise fare and $500 airfare.

The $500 air add-on/package deal is available from Boise, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Ontario, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, Seattle and Spokane.

Alaska's Glacier Wonderlands Cruises

Join the 84-guest Spirit of Discovery for a three-night cruise to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve; with two full days in this magnificent park. Starting at $1,499 for cruise plus airfare or $999 for cruise only (round trip Juneau).

The three-night/four-day Glaciers of Prince William Sound offers spectacular scenic cruising in Prince William Sound boasting cliff-walled fjords, narrow passages, humpback whales, brown bears, sea otters and harbor seals. Offered onboard the 78-guest Spirit of Columbia, the fare starts at $1,499 for cruise plus airfare or $999 for cruise only (round trip Anchorage).

More information about Cruise West's 2009 Alaskan itineraries can be found online at www.cruisewest.com or by calling 800-296-8307 or a travel professional.

Up-Close, Casual and Personal Cruising ~

Cruise West believes that small is beautiful. Small-ship cruising allows up-close and personal experiences unmatched by the traditional larger cruise lines. For more than 63 years Cruise West has provided authentic travel experiences where the destination is the focus. Nine small ships with guest capacities ranging from 78-138 explore remote and distinctive destinations throughout the globe. A robust onboard enrichment program further enhances the guest experience through topical guest lecturers, additional exploration by zodiac and included excursions at every port.

Source: Cruise West

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