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Windstar Cruises
Click on the ship
link below to view Ship Statistics; Activities and Services;
Staterooms and Deckplans:
Wind Spirit ~
Wind Star ~
Wind Surf |
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Windstar Cruises - 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.
The msy Wind Song was retired to the Sea of the Moon in January 2003. |
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