Overview
Company Profile
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-passenger msy Wind Star and msy Wind Spirit, and the
308-passenger 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 (90
crew aboard sister ships Wind Star and Wind Spirit and 190 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 Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Mayan Riviera. The upscale line
sails into the exotic locales and hidden harbors that larger ships
simply cannot access – magical and mysterious places like Capri,
Portimao, Safi, Porquerolles or the Chiriquí Lagoon.
A leader in defining the small ship luxury cruise experience for the
last 19 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 more than $6 million in fleetwide enhancements.
Refinished teak decking, rich wood interiors, eclectic artwork,
fresh fabrics, and new flatscreen LCD televisions along with DVD/CD
players in all staterooms ensure the luxurious shipboard ambience
maintains its award-winning appeal.
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 directdial
phones, bath toiletries, hair dryer, plush robes and plenty of
closet space. 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.
In 1994, Windstar had the foresight to collaborate with acclaimed
celebrity chef Joachim Splichal and his progressive Patina Group of
award-winning, bistro-style restaurants, creating a partnership that
would start a trend of culinary alliances throughout the cruise
industry. In addition to Splichal’s Signature Cuisine and the fresh,
gourmet menus prepared by Windstar’s expert culinary team, the line
features Jeanne Jones’ Sail Lite and Vegetarian Cuisine, catering to
the varied lifestyles of savvy travelers.
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 addition to tried-and-true favorite itineraries
throughout the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Virgin Islands and
Caribbean, the line has added new destinations for 2005 including
Costa Rica, the Mayan Riviera 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 water-skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, sailing,
kayaking and “banana” boat rides from the ship’s aft Marina Deck.
Windstar’s commitment to providing the most casually elegant,
enriching and luxurious cruise vacation has been rewarded with
accolades from the most prestigious names in travel. In 2004, the
line enjoyed recognition as a “Top Ten Small Ship Cruise Line” by
Travel + Leisure, and all three ships were lauded among “The World’s
Best Small Ships” by Condé Nast Traveler’s readers.
Yet it is the line’s devotion to its guests that continues to reap
the best rewards – including the “World’s Best Service” award in the
2004 Travel + Leisure Readers’ Choice Poll. It is that same devotion
that drives the Seattle-based Windstar team to create vacations that
truly are 180 degrees from ordinary. |
