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I received this press release from Windstar and thought it would be of
interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings, they are
available on my web site.
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Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com
Windstar’s Connoisseurs’ Collection: 2007/2008 Itineraries Facilitate
Back-to-Back Cruising
Sail longer on Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries
Seattle, WA, April 24 —Guests wishing to book longer cruises on
Windstar Cruises’ fleet of upscale motor sailing yachts will find a
wider selection of back-to-back options on the 2007 and 2008
deployment calendar.
“We’ve thoughtfully planned our itineraries to offer not only
spectacular seven-day sailings, but also unforgettable 14-day
cruises,” says Diane Moore, Windstar’s vice president of marketing and
sales. “Our Connoisseurs’ Collection identifies the ideal seven-day
itineraries suited for back-to-back sailings.“
Itineraries featured as part of the Connoisseurs’ Collection feature
different itineraries week to week to facilitate 14-day cruises on the
same ship. Guests booking back-to-back receive 5-10% off the total
cost of the cruise depending on date and itinerary.
Mediterranean Connoisseurs’ Collection
The 308-guest Wind Surf features the largest selection of 14-day
cruises in the Mediterranean. The ship sails seven-day cruises in the
Western Med from Lisbon, along the coast of Spain, France and Italy to
its easternmost port of Venice. Possible combinations include the
enticing 14-day cruise from Monte Carlo to Rome to Venice or Rome to
Barcelona to Lisbon. Guests wishing to fly in and out of the same
city may book a back-to-back cruise returning to the same port such as
Rome to Venice to Rome.
The Wind Surf also explores new ports of call in Spain in 2007.
Valencia is one of the liveliest cities in Spain with beaches in the
heart of the city. In southeast Andalucia, the city of Almeria has a
striking Arab fortress, the Alcazaba, built in the 10th century on a
hill overlooking the city. The lunar landscape around Almeria makes
it a popular location for the film industry—Lawrence of Arabia was
filmed here. Palamos, founded in 1277, is located at the foot of the
coastal mountains in the heart of Spain's Costa Brava region. The
town still retains its fishing industry roots with the day’s catch
auctioned off quayside. Cartagena is a naval seaport in the southeast
of Spain with a walled town center and many archaeological sites to
visit. Tarragona, just 60 miles southwest of Barcelona, is known for
its Roman ruins, fine wine and lively café scene serving tapas.
The 148-guest Wind Star and Wind Spirit also offer opportunities for
14-day voyages in the Mediterranean and Greek Isles. The Wind Spirit
sails two different itineraries in the Greek Isles allowing guests to
book a two-week cruise roundtrip from Istanbul. The Wind Star’s
spring and fall itineraries in the Mediterranean are ideal for longer
cruises with options such as Rome to Athens to Istanbul and Athens to
Rome to Barcelona.
Caribbean Connoisseurs’ Collection
In the Caribbean, the Wind Surf sails alternating northbound and
southbound itineraries roundtrip from Bridgetown, Barbados. Each of
the two itineraries are unique and offer an ideal opportunity to sail
for 14-days visiting islands in the windward and leeward chain.
“The longer voyage is a great way to experience the wide array of
different islands in the Caribbean,” says Moore. “An advantage of
sailing with Windstar is our ships are able to visit smaller islands
that are less developed, such as Bequia and Dominica. Guests enjoy a
wider variety of islands because we sprinkle in these lesser known
gems along with the favorites such as St. Bart’s.”
Windstar’s elegant motor sailing yachts have recently received a
multi-million dollar investment in luxury amenities. New plush
euro-top mattresses and luxury linens dress up all staterooms along
with shea butter bathroom amenities by L’Occitane and flatscreen
televisions and DVD/CD players. High-tech amenities include wireless
Internet, Apple iPod Nanos, and Bose SoundDock speakers especially for
playing music from the Nanos or other MP3 players.
In The Restaurant, new Signature Cuisine menus created by acclaimed
Chef Joachim Splichal of L.A.’s Patina Group are served on Rosenthal
china. Reidel stemware graces the tabletop. The fine dining
experience has been elevated with special touches such as an
amuse-bouche, or little bite, compliments of the chef; a cheese course
featuring fresh, artisan cheeses; and petit-fours served as a final
sweet treat at the end of the meal. Menus in The Restaurant will
change each evening over the course of the 14-day cruise. A longer
menu rotation has been created with the increase in back-to-back
bookings in mind.
The Wind Surf’s alternative restaurant, The Bistro, has been
redecorated with new furnishings and dinnerware turning it into a
steak house four nights a week. Alternate nights feature cuisine from
Northern Italy, France and Indonesia.
On deck, hammocks built for two offer spectacular views from the top
deck of the ships. Lemon-scented frozen towels and sorbet served in
chilled orange halves keep guests cool and comfortable on hot days.
Complimentary water sports from the water sports platform include
kayaking, wind surfing, boat rides, sailing, water skiing and ski
tubing. Snorkeling gear may be checked out for the week. Scuba
diving excursions for novice and experienced divers are available for
a fee.
About Windstar Cruises
Seattle-based Windstar Cruises operates three sailing yachts known for
their pampering without pretense and their ability to visit the hidden
harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations.
Carrying just 148 to 308 guests, the luxurious ships of Windstar
cruise to nearly 50 nations, calling at 100 ports throughout Europe,
the Caribbean and the Americas. Windstar offers optional trip
cancellation protection that provides cash back when you cancel for
any reason prior to 24-hours before departure. For more information
including brochures, rates and itineraries contact a professional
travel agent.
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