Windstar Info


The Caribbean

How many shades of blue are there? The answer lies throughout Windstar's Caribbean. Sail through stunning turquoise waters: clear and shimmering and deep. Discover the world underneath it, teeming with green-blue angelfish, brilliant blue chromis, violet coral and smoky blue barracuda. Up above, postcard-blue skies are lit up by the occasional puffy, white cloud. Among the islands' bright green parrots and flaming bougainvillea, 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. There is the post-sunset blue of the evening - time for a cocktail out on the deck. And the shade of blue that comes over you when you realize it's time to leave this tropical paradise. How many shades of blue are there? You're in the Caribbean. Start counting.

Europe
What can I tell you about a Windstar cruise in Europe? That it's an experience that will spoil you for other vacations? That it is romantic and luxurious and liberating? It is all that and more. No trains to catch, no autobahns to navigate - just days Alled with fresh possibilities and a sleek sportive ship to whisk you onward by night. Your sailing ship. The one in the harbor three berths away from the yacht belonging to a member of European royalty. It's a good feeling walking up Windstar's gangway, feeling part of Europe's elite. What first? Exploring! Drop your carry-on bags in your stateroom and go see all the fascinating places on board. The cozy wood-paneled Library lined with books, videos, and CDs the airy, light-Alled Veranda for breakfast and lunch  the spacious Lounge where guests gather . . . an intimate WindSpa. Poke your head into the Bridge and visit the Captain. Say good-bye to land and hello to the person you're with. Listen to the wind, the water, the sounds of silence, freedom, space. When was the last time the choices before you stretched to the horizon? (There: I've just given away a few things that make Windstar 180 from ordinary. But don't worry, there are a lot more surprises waiting for you this week.) The spirit of Windstar is the spirit of Europe: sportive, chic, intimate and reAned. Join us, from April through late fall, as we explore the fabled rivieras of Spain, France and Italy, golden Greece, and new this year, fascinating northern ports in the Baltic.

One of the qualities that makes Europe so endlessly enticing is the expanded sense of time over here. Why rush around "scheduling" when you've got a few thousand years of history under your belt? (That makes for a delicious kind of freedom, really, and you just might call that a trade secret of Windstar, too: there are no routines or schedules on board; all things are here for the taking, the staff 's always ready to say "Yes"). If you want to go to shore, just walk down and meet the tender; it's waiting and ready to go. If you want to stay "home," the sports platform will be lowered this afternoon, and you can sail or kayak right from the ship. What day is it? Tuesday? Today's shore excursions include a chance to visit a Byzantine mosque whose ceilings are paved in mosaics. There's a diving expedition leaving, too, a magnifcent tasting at a local vineyard, and a tour of the exotic spice market in town. An afternoon in the Salon sounds good - we can meet later for a martini in the Lounge. And dinner tonight, of course, is wide open. No reservations needed, no formal dress code, a table for two or twelve, it's up to you. Total freedom. First-class service. Amazing things to do and see. The ingredients for a perfect day, don't you think? It just doesn't matter how many times you've been there. The beauty of Windstar's Europe is how a land that has remained virtually unchanged for centuries is completely different each time you visit. There are mysterious legends to uncover. Classical museums to explore. And a vibrant, contemporary scene that offers surprises year after year. With its storied past and ultra-modern sensibilities, Europe presents a distinct adventure to all who arrive - from the experienced traveler to the merely curious. A legendary fortress awakens the childlike explorer within. A sleepy fishing village stirs your inner poet. Sunset among ancient ruins inspires new passion in a lifelong relationship. Such is the utter magic of Europe. Where designer sandals meet cobblestone streets. Gothic cathedrals rise high above trendy cafes. Hi-tech white sails unfurl within centuries-old harbors. And with each visit, even the most seasoned traveler can delight in the promise of a completely new experience aboard Windstar.

Charter/Incentive Cruises
Performance, it's the lifeblood of your business. Your ongoing commitment to staying ahead of the competition demands nothing less than excellence. Achievement deserves the ultimate escape, an intimate retreat 180 From Ordinary. It's called Windstar and we're sailing today. Aboard a sleek ship that sails majestically to new horizons, you will revel in an ambiance that exudes quality, elegance. Ever wonder what you'd do if the day was yours to design? The possibilities are endless. The world, as few know it. The World of Windstar.

What better way to extend your company's vision and identity than through "Ownership" of your environment. A Windstar Cruises full-ship charter allows the ship to become an extension of your company on the water and in each exotic port of call. Proudly display your company flag alongside Windstar''s for the ultimate exposure.

See why companies around the world, such as Buick Motors, Philip Morris, Great West Life, Honda, EchoStar Satellite Corp., Valvoline, General Motors, and Fairfield Communities have selected a Windstar Cruise as their reward for excellence.

Experience
Crisp sails angle against a sky, blue as a dream. Teak decks warm the soles of your bare feet. A staff member, gracious yet unobtrusive, seems to magically appear with an ice-cold rum punch or an extra fluffy pillow just as you've thought of it. A perfectly prepared salmon fillet is whisked onto the linen cloth before you, followed by a heavenly creme brulee, You toast your mutual exquisite taste in choosing this cruise, and each other.

A Series of Choices
Each beautiful day unfurls like the crisp white sails of your spectacular yacht. You can sleep late and enjoy breakfast in bed, but the warm breezes beckon and you eye a deserted cove nearby. Life is a series of difficult choices. And life aboard Windstar invites you to make these choices. Do everything, or do nothing at all. We offer a variety of shipboard activities, water sports, spa treatments and optional shore excursions to suit every taste and ambition. Join a wine tasting in an 18th-century winery in Provence, set out to explore the best snorkeling spot in the Caribbean or Tahiti.

Seize The Day
There are no imposed rules or time constraints aboard a Windstar cruise. The hours are flexible and vary daily according to each port of call. There is enough time for everything you want to do, even if your day starts around noon. Massage and aromatherapy, shopping on board, a quick workout and sauna, preview a new video or take that long overdue afternoon nap.

Dinner is a casual, uncomplicated evening event. No pre-assigned dining and certainly no dress codes. Dine when and with whom you wish, new friends you discovered scuba diving or your spouse, who knows? If you choose to dine in, don a plush terry robe and call room service for the evening menu and wine list.

The Casino is open most afternoons and evenings when the ship is not in port, and the dealers are happy to share their tips on winning at poker or blackjack. After dinner visit the Signature Shop on board, or retreat to the Lounge for dancing to the contemporary sounds of our musical group. And when the day is done, and you return to the comfort of your ocean-view stateroom, your bed will be turned down with a chocolate and a copy of tomorrow's Daily Activities resting gently on your pillow.

Pioneering Line Celebrates 15th Anniversary
Sailing under the banner of its appropriate tag line "180 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.

Well known for cruising off the beaten path, throughout 2002 we celbrated our 15th year of sailing to exotic locales and hidden harbors that larger ships cannot access. These stately vessels turn heads from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean to the Far East.

The Ships
In late 1986, the first commercial sailing vessel built in 60 years slipped out of a French dry-dock in Le Havre. Although the towering sails echoed a bygone era of explorers, the msy Wind Star, with its sleek lines and computerized controls, was revolutionary in concept and design.

Windstar's ships are officially masted-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.

Shipboard Life
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, and the 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, TV, VCR, CD player, safe, mini-bar/refrigerator, international direct- dial phones, bathroom with toiletries, hair dryer, plush robes, and plenty 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 video 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.

Destinations and Activities
Newly announced destinations for 2003 include Northern Europe, Baltic, Malta and Tunisia. New itineraries complement tried and true Windstar favorites such as the Greek and Turkish Isles, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Virgin Islands, French Polynesia and Trans-Atlantic crossings.

An interesting mix of shore excursions and complimentary water sports activities are available at each destination. Passengers may find themselves slicing through Caribbean waters aboard an actual America's Cup racing yacht, or exploring archaeological ruins in Greece, the "Cradle of Civilization." Water buffs can enjoy complimentary water-skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking and "banana" boat rides from the ship''s aft Water Sports Platform.

The company's cruise vacations offer a sea-side window on the world, combining the refinement of a luxury hotel with a moveable feast of cultural experiences.

Seattle-based Windstar Cruises operates the 308-passenger Wind Surf and 148- passenger Wind Star and Wind Spirit. The three sailing yachts cruise to over 47 countries worldwide offering an affordable luxury vacation.

The msy Wind Song was retired to the Sea of the Moon in January 2003.