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Strong Euro Makes Cruising a Better Value Than Land-Based Vacations
SEATTLE -- Vacationers with their sights set on Europe this year will find a significant benefit of touring with Windstar Cruises. A strong Euro translates to higher prices on land, but on board a Windstar ship, guests visit charming European ports daily with rates paid in U.S. dollars.
"By booking a European cruise with Windstar, guests are locking in today's prices at a time when the Euro is gaining strength against the dollar," says Diane Moore, Windstar's vice president of marketing and sales. "Also, if comparing the cost of a land-based vacation with expensive hotels, meals and transportation between cities -- a cruise provides significant savings by offering one package with one price paid in U.S. dollars."
Windstar's fleet of three sailing ships are in Europe from April through November. The 312-guest Wind Surf sails seven-day cruises in the Western Mediterranean from Lisbon, along the coast of Spain, France and Italy to its easternmost port of Venice. The 148-guest Wind Star and Wind Spirit spend most of the season sailing in the Greek Isles with a few Mediterranean cruises in April and November.
Homeports for the Wind Surf include Lisbon, Barcelona, Rome, Nice, Venice and Monte Carlo. A new seven-day itinerary from Rome to Venice visits picturesque harbors of Amalfi, Italy; Taormina, Sicily; Corfu, Greece; and Dubrovnik and Hvar, Croatia. On the reverse, from Venice to Rome, the Wind Surf visits Dubrovnik and Korcula, Croatia; Corfu, Greece; and Messina and Sorrento, Italy.
Guests seeking longer vacations in Europe may opt for a cruise from Windstar's "Connoisseur Collection," a selection of seven-day cruises ideal for booking back-to-back for a longer voyage. Wind Surf's itineraries have been coordinated for a seamless 14-day voyage without repeating ports.
Guests booking back-to-back receive 5-10% off the total cost of the cruise depending on date and itinerary. Prices for a fourteen-day European cruise aboard the Wind Surf begin at $4,309 per person, based on double occupancy. On May 28, a 13-day cruise roundtrip from Nice starts at $3,499 per person, based on double occupancy.
On board the ship, guests enjoy many complimentary amenities found only at high-priced luxury hotels. Gourmet cuisine created by acclaimed Chef Joachim Splichal is served in The Restaurant and in Wind Surf's alternative restaurant Degrees. Luxury bedding and mattresses ensure a premium resting spot after the day's excitement. Shea butter bath amenities by L'Occitane and Egyptian cotton towels are in all bathrooms. Also found in suites and staterooms are flatscreen televisions, DVD/CD players, Bose SoundDock speakers for docking mp3 players, waffle terry spa robes and slippers. Complimentary activities include water sports -- water-skiing, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, ski-tubing, wind surfing -- fitness center, nightly port talks by the ship's host, Captain's reception, tea time at 4pm, relaxing in the hot tub, lazing in hammocks on deck and lounging by the pool.
Windstar recently announced a multi-million dollar investment in all three ships to add even more luxury amenities on board and update public spaces and staterooms. The Wind Surf was the first ship to be completed in December 2006. Highlights include two new luxury Bridge Suites, remodeled bathrooms in all suites and staterooms, and The Yacht Club-the new social hub of the ship with an espresso bar, comfortable seating, computers and Internet. The Wind Spirit renovations will be completed prior to the European season in spring 2007, with the Wind Star following in fall 2007.
About Windstar Cruises
Seattle-based Windstar Cruises operates three sailing yachts known for their pampering without pretense and their ability to visit the hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations. Carrying just 148 to 312 guests, the luxurious ships of Windstar cruise to nearly 50 nations, calling at 100 ports throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas. For more information including brochures, rates and itineraries contact a professional travel agent or call Windstar at 1-800-258-7245. Visit Windstar Cruises online at www.windstarcruises.com.
World's Leading Cruise Lines
Windstar Cruises is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises and the Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, the member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. The World's Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.
Source: Windstar Cruises
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