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”.
