Explore the Caribbean During the Holiday Season on a Wind Star Ship

Windstar Cruises has announced its holiday cruise itineraries for the Wind Surf and Wind Spirit sailing yachts. The two ships will be exploring unusual ports of call in the beautiful Grenadines and other islands of the southern Caribbean.


Celebrate the Holidays the Windstar Way: 180 Degrees from Ordinary

Heat Things Up on a 10- or 11-Day Caribbean Cruise Aboard the Motor Sailing Yachts Wind Surf and Wind Spirit

Seattle, WA, July 12, 2005 - 'Tis the season to escape for the holidays to the warm waters of the Caribbean aboard a Windstar Cruises luxury motor sailing yacht - the 308-passenger Wind Surf or 148-passenger Wind Spirit - exploring uncommon ports of call on a 10- or 11-day cruise; places like Tobago, Bequia, Roseau, Mayreau and Guadeloupe.

The Wind Surf's 10-day holiday cruise departs December 18 round trip from Bridgetown, Barbados, calling on Tobago, West Indies; Mayreau and Bequia, Grenadines; Pigeon Island, St. Lucia; Roseau and Cabrits, Dominica; Basse-Terre, Gaudeloupe, known by locals as "The Pearl of the French West Indies," and Iles des Saintes, French Antilles. Special holiday cruise rates start at $2,695 per person, double occupancy.

The Wind Surf's 11-day New Year's cruise departs December 28 round trip from Bridgetown, Barbados and features Charlestown, Nevis; St. Martin and Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands; St. Barthélemy and Iles des Saintes, French Antilles; Pigeon Island, St. Lucia; and Bequia and Mayreau, Grenadines. Special cruise rates start at $3,095 per person, double occupancy.

Optional shore excursions include hiking one of the oldest rainforests in the Western hemisphere to a three-tiered cascading waterfall from Tobago; horseback riding on the beach at St. Lucia; snorkeling the crystal clear waters of Mayreau; or whale watching at Roseau.

"Sailing with Windstar is a relaxing way to make the most of the holiday season," says Jim McHugh, Windstar's vice president of sales and marketing. "The Caribbean's warm breezes and turquoise blue waters combined with the Wind Surf's sun drenched teak decks and impeccable service make for the ideal winter vacation."

The Wind Spirit also spends the holidays in the Caribbean, with a 10-day cruise departing December 17, 2005 roundtrip from St. Thomas. Ports of call include St. John, Saba, Iles des Saintes, Pigeon Island, Bridgetown, Bequia, Roseau, and Virgin Gorda. Cruise rates start at $2,995 per person, double occupancy.

The Wind Spirit's 11-day New Year's cruise departs December 27, 2005, roundtrip from St. Thomas and features St. John, Anguilla, St. Martin, St. Barthélemy, Iles des Saintes, Pigeon Island, Mayreau and Virgin Gorda. Cruise rates start at $3,295 per person, double occupancy.

Optional shore excursions include a new Windstar exclusive five star champagne brunch at St. John's Caneel Bay Resort. Following brunch, guests may relax on one of seven secluded beaches bordering the resort's 170 lush acres, with opportunities to snorkel and experience marine life up close with a nature guide and snorkeling specialist.

Aboard the Wind Surf and Wind Spirit, a special holiday menu features traditional fare, such as roast beef tenderloin and roasted turkey with chestnut dressing along with favorites such as grilled duck breast and crispy salmon. Dinner may begin with an appetizer of foie gras with toasted brioche and a lobster and mango salad. Desserts such as plum pudding or a traditional banana split wrap up the holiday menu.

Holiday festivities blend traditional decorations, such as beautifully decorated Christmas trees in the lounge and garlands on the banisters, with added cultural activities based on the ship's itinerary. Catch a glimpse of another culture as the talented crew performs native and local carols at a festive holiday show. At the New Year's eve party aboard the Wind Surf, the oldest member of the crew rings out the old year on the ship's bell, and the youngest rings in the new year.

After the holiday season, the Wind Surf will sail new seven-day roundtrip Barbados itineraries until April. Northbound and southbound itineraries visit different ports making it conducive to back-to-back cruising with no repeating ports of call. Guests aboard the Wind Surf will explore unique ports in the heart of the Southern Caribbean.

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 more than 100 ports throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas.

Rates are quoted per person, double occupancy including non-discountable amounts. Government fees and taxes are additional. 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 or call Windstar at 1-800-258-7245. Visit Windstar Cruises online at www.windstarcruises.com.

Press Release Source: Windstar Cruises

Dateline: July 2005