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Caribbean
How many shades of blue are there? You’ll find exotic
blue lotus flowers in Barbados. Blue-headed hummingbirds
in Dominica. Pastel blue homes along the streets
of St. Martin. There are sparkling blue sapphires
in the shops of St. Thomas. And soft, blue-gray
cottage windows opening onto the beaches of St.
Bart’s.
Central
America
Panama Canal
Divers, snorkelers, sun-worshippers, nature enthusiasts:
your paradise awaits. Everything under the sun is
here for your pleasure and delight. If diving among
exotic fish such as sand tigers and queen triggerfish
is your cup of tea, you’ll love the West Indian
allure of the Bahamas. The culturally curious will
appreciate a visit to the fabled Mayan ruins in
Belize, or experiencing the manmade wonders of the
Panama Canal. And if howling monkeys, chattering
macaws and lazy three-toed sloth are your passion,
a virtual Noah’s Ark of wildlife welcomes you to
the sapphire waters of exotic Costa Rica. Here verdant
rain forests hide every color of wild orchid, butterfly
and bird.
Europe/Greek
Isles/
Transatlantic
Athens, nothing compares to the view from above
the city, looking out towards the blue Aegean, stands
the Acropolis, and here lie the ruins of a culture
2,500 years old: the Propylaea; the Temple of Athena
Nike; the Erechtheum temple, and, most famous of
all, the Parthenon.
Kusadasi is a town unrivaled, not far from the pier
you'll come across Meryemana, the House of the Virgin
Mary. Mykonos is the enchanted island of folklore.
Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul... The city
has worn many names over the centuries, and its
rich mix of cultures and history is present everywhere.
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Sailing
under the banner of its appropriate tag line "180º From Ordinary,"
Windstar was created in the mid-1980's with the vision to offer
an alternative to the typical cruise or resort vacation. The Windstar
passenger sees the world from a romantic sailing ship with luxurious
accommodations, a casual yet elegant atmosphere, and exquisite service
and cuisine.
Windstar's
ships are officially motor-sail-yachts (msy), but the designation
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. The unusual "open-bridge"
operation allows guests to drop by and acquaint themselves with
the veteran captains and officers who demonstrate the ship's intriguing
capabilities to modern day explorers.
The 148-passenger Wind
Star was joined by sister ships the msy Wind Song in 1987, and
msy Wind Spirit in 1988. A new era in luxury cruising was now
being pioneered by Windstar Cruises. Nearly a decade later in
1998, the 308-passenger msy Wind Surf was acquired by Windstar.
Sailing originally as Club Med I, the Wind Surf was built in 1990
in the same shipyard to strikingly similar specifications as her
sister ships, making her a perfect match for the four fleet family.
Windstar's
unique concept of sailing has lead the cruise industry in the
luxury small ship, casual attire, and alternative dining arenas.
Pioneering and refining these concepts has earned Windstar an
excellent reputation and market niche, winning the allegiance
of a new generation of contemporary cruise vacationers, one-third
of whom are first-time cruisers.
Teak decking, rich
wood interiors, an attentive service staff, intimate surroundings,
eclectic artwork, exceptional signature cuisine featuring both
light and vegetarian menu selections, and an extensive wine list
are some of the extraordinary elements which have become synonymous
with Windstar. Features unique to the Wind Surf include 31 deluxe
suites, a Business/Internet Center, The Bistro, The Terrace Bar
for small intimate getaways and the nearly 10,000 square foot
WindSpa offering a full array of spa treatments, consultative,
health and fitness programs.
Passengers are cradled
in comfort as all staterooms and suites offer ocean views, sitting
area, new LCD flatscreen TV, DVD, CD player, safe, mini-bar/refrigerator,
international direct-dial phones, bathroom with luxurious pampering
toiletries, hair dryer, plush terry clothe robes, and an abundance
of closet space. The library on board stocks an array of international
newspapers, books and games, as well as a multi-media selection
of more than 500 DVD titles and compact discs available for complimentary
check-out.
Carrying just 148 to
308 guests, Windstar ships exude a private-yacht-like atmosphere
creating camaraderie and lasting friendships between fellow sailors.
Every day aboard Windstar brings the promise of new horizons and
harbors to explore.
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Windstar