SEATTLE, April 24 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 or call Windstar at 1-800-258-7245. Visit Windstar Cruises online at http://www.windstarcruises.com/.
World's Leading Cruise Lines
Windstar Cruises is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises and the Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, the member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. The World's Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.
Contact: Sarah Scoltock, 206-301-5445
