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 A
Unique Concept In Cruising
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.
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 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 ships' 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
312-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 led 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, 2 Bridge Deck
suites, The Yacht Club, Degrees (formerly
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, iPod Nanos and Bose SoundDocks
systems, safe, mini-bar/refrigerator,
international direct-dial phones, bathroom
with luxurious pampering toiletries, hair
dryer, plush terry cloth 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 312 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.
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, and kayaking 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
312-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.
Please
contact us for more information, prices and
availability.
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