On Your Bike! With Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises has added a bike programme to its elegant three-ship fleet for guests who enjoy exploring destinations under their own steam.

The programme features 7000-series, aluminium-frame Dragon Marine Folding Bikes. Wind Surf has eight bikes and Wind Spirit and Wind Star each have four. The bikes are available for half-day or full-day rental at $39 (4 hours) or $59 (8 hours), with helmets, locks and chains all provided.

The bikes are available for rental in most ports and guests can reserve them through Windstar’s Destination Manager on board each yacht.

For more info, visit www.windstarcruises.co.uk or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Windstar Unveils New 2012 Collection

Windstar Cruises, operator of a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts, has unveiled its new 2012 collection of luxury voyages in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Baltic, Italy, Mediterranean and Greek Isles, with nine new itineraries and the lowest introductory pricing in years.

In addition, guests who book by June 30 will receive a $200 shipboard credit per cabin. Windstar’s Foremast Members receive an additional 5% discount on all itineraries.

The 2012 programme features a unique collection of islands, highlighting diverse countries, styles, landscapes and cultures of the Caribbean. For example, seven-night sailings on Wind Surf round-trip from Philipsburg, St Maarten, visit Le Marin, Martinique; Pigeon Island, St Lucia; Roseau, Dominica; Falmouth Harbour, Antigua; and Gustavia, St Barts, with cruise-only prices from £1,577 per person.

Or how about the Treasures of Northern Europe? Discover six of the region's most captivating countries with 11-night sailings on Wind Surf between Lisbon and Oslo, visiting Le Havre, Dover, Antwerp and Amsterdam and cruise-only prices from £2,376 per person.

Windstar’s 2012 voyages are available to book now. For more info, visit www.windstarcruises.com or contact the adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Court Approves Sale of Windstar

Ambassadors International Inc. has announced the U.S. Bankruptcy Court has approved the sale of substantially all of Ambassadors’ assets, including its principal operating unit, Windstar Cruises, to TAC Cruise LLC, an affiliate of Xanterra Holding Corporation. The sale is expected to close next week.

All of Windstar’s luxury yachts are still sailing as scheduled, and the handover to the new owners is not expected to interrupt future bookings.

During a court-supervised competitive bidding process in compliance with Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, TAC Cruise LLC submitted a winning bid of $39 million in cash.

Windstar will now be operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Xanterra Holding Corporation of Greenwood Village, CO. Xanterra Holding Corporation and its affiliates have operated in the hospitality and leisure industry for more than 100 years.

“Windstar emerged as a tremendous long-term opportunity due to the line’s exceptional product, loyal following and high level of guest satisfaction in the luxury travel market,” said Andrew N. Todd, CEO of Xanterra Holding Corporation. “Xanterra intends to maintain Windstar’s business and operations and to invest in Windstar’s growth following the close of the sale.”

Hans Birkholz, CEO of Ambassadors and Windstar, said: “Windstar is very pleased with the successful outcome of this sale process and expects to complete it by early next week. Windstar is excited to have its new owner join in building Windstar’s world class brand. Windstar will be well-positioned for long-term profitability and success under new ownership and we will continue to provide exceptional service and extraordinary luxury travel experiences for our guests.”

However, it is expected that Ambassadors’ stockholders and holders of Ambassadors’ convertible notes will not receive any distribution following the sale and these securities will likely have little, if any, value following Ambassadors’ Chapter 11 proceeding.

For more info, look up www.windstarcruises.com.

Windstar's 'Rail & Sail' Voyage

- Limited Availability On One Departure Only -

Windstar Cruises is offering guests an exclusive opportunity to combine rail with sail on its June 25 Nice to Barcelona sailing.

Guests will take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Nice on June 24 and spend a night at the four-star Mercure Nice Centre Notre Dame, which is located in the heart of Nice opposite Notre Dame church, near Place Masséna, Promenade des Anglais and the old town.

The following day they will join the intimate, 312-guest Wind Surf for a seven-night cruise from Nice to Barcelona during which they will visit the beautiful ports of St Tropez, L’lle-Rousse, Ajaccio, Alghero, Mahon and Ibiza.

Wind Surf features deluxe, ocean-view staterooms that include beds with luxury linens and mattresses, flat-screen TV and DVD player, Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods, waffle-weave robes with slippers and sumptuous L’Occitane products. Guests enjoy culinary wonders in The Restaurant, Degrees, Le Marché and Candles. The ship also features a lounge, Yacht Club, WindSpa, casino, three bars, two pools, two hot-tubs, a shop, photo gallery and watersports platform. At the end of the cruise, guests will transfer to the airport in Barcelona for their return flight back to the UK.

Prices for this exclusive Rail & Sail package start from £2,450 per person including train from St Pancras to Nice, an overnight at the Mercure Nice Centre Notre Dame in Nice, transfer from hotel to ship, seven nights on Wind Surf in an ocean-view stateroom with all meals and entertainment and port taxes, transfer from ship to airport in Barcelona and flight back to the UK.

Further Rail & Sail dates will be announced shortly.

For more info, visit/www.windstarcruises.co.uk or luxury cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

Windstar's New Ionian Sea Cruises

Windstar Cruises has introduced two new nine-night luxury holidays for Autumn 2011, The Hidden Treasures of the Ionian Sea, featuring sailings between Athens and Malta. The packages, which must be booked before May 15, include a seven-night cruise, complimentary hotel accommodation for two nights in Athens at a Windstar designated hotel, one complimentary transfer and an invitation to Windstar’s Yacht Club Party.

Hidden Treasures of the Ionian Sea voyages highlight the rich history and culture of enchanting destinations, UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient Greek civilisations, charming coastal villages and breathtaking islands.

The 7-night sailing on the beautiful Wind Star departs October 15 and visits Gozo; Gythion; Cephalonia; Butrint National Park in Saranda, Albania; and Siracusa. Prices start from £2,440 per person, including seven nights in an ocean-view stateroom with all meals and entertainment and port taxes as well as two nights’ complimentary hotel accommodation and transfer plus the invitation to the Yacht Club Party.

Another 7-night Malta-to-Athens voyage on Wind Star departs October 22 and visits Siracusa; Butrint National Park in Saranda; Cephalonia; Gozo; and Gythion. Prices are again from £2,440 per person. This offer expires on May 15 and is not combinable with any other offers.

For more info, visit http://www.windstarcruises.co.uk/ or the adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Windstar's Free Stays in Athens, and More!

Windstar Cruises has announced details of two generous new spring offers giving guests a free two-night stay in Athens plus the choice of cabin upgrade or onboard credit on bookings made before May 15.

Guests booking selected Greece & Turkey voyages starting or finishing in Athens can enjoy a complimentary two-night stay at the Hotel Amalia in Athens. Valid on selected cruises on Wind Star, Wind Surf and Wind Star taking place between May 6 and October 29.

For all 2011 full fare bookings made before May 15, guests can choose from either a complimentary upgrade from a category B stateroom to a category A stateroom OR a $100 per person onboard credit ($150 per person for Suites)

This year's prices start from £2,044 per person cruise-only (based on a seven-night cruise from Rome to Athens departing May 7 on Wind Spirit) including seven nights in an ocean-view stateroom with all meals and entertainment and port taxes. Price also includes two nights complimentary accommodation at the Hotel Amalia in Athens and either a cabin upgrade or $100 per person onboard credit.

For reservations or further info, call Windstar Cruises on 020 7292 2369, visit www.windstarcruises.co.uk or contact the adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Windstar's Stunning Italian Shore Excursion Line-Up

Windstar Cruises has announced that it will be offering 64 shore excursions on its 2011 seven-night Italian voyages sailing between Venice and Rome, round-trip from Rome and Nice and Rome.

Designed to explore Italy intimately, the shore excursions encompass land and sea adventures, cultural and historical experiences, food and wine tours, and walking journeys.

Highlighted 2011 Italy Shore Excursions include:

• Amalfi, Italy: Ancient Pompeii – explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pompeii which was buried by a catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius before it was re-discovered in the 1500s. Guided tour through Pompeii’s baths, theatres, temples, markets and forum which showcases Roman life from ancient times.
• Capri, Italy: Blue Grotto – step onboard a small rowing boat to enter The Blue Grotto, a sea cave that is famous for its brilliant blue light created by sunlight reflecting through the water.
• Livorno, Italy: Wine Tasting and Carriage Ride at Lari – wine tasting at Torre a Cenaia winery, a Tuscan wine cellar, before enjoying a romantic carriage ride.
• Livorno, Italy: The Leaning Tower of Pisa – journey to Pisa, which is located 20 miles from Livorno, and view the Leaning Tower, the Piazza de Miracoli, the Baptistry and the historical churchyard.
• Sorrento, Italy: Boat Tour to Positano – a private motorboat ride along the coast to Positano, once a sleepy fishing village and home to renowned artists, featuring Moorish-style houses set in luxurious gardens.
• Portoferraio, Italy: Countryside Drive and Wine Tasting – visit the enchanting village of Porto Azzurro and enjoy wine tasting at a vineyard frequented by Emperor Napoleon.
• Rome, Italy: Private Vatican Tour – explore Porta di Bronzo on Viale Vaticano, special sections of the Vatican Museums, Cappella Niccolina (private worship place of the Pope), artwork masterpieces, the Sala degli Ori displaying precious Etruscan jewels and St Peter’s treasure.
• Rome, Italy: Rome Highlights – panoramic drive passing the Pyramid, the Circus Maximus, Imperial Avenue, Arch of Constantine, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Venice Square, Triton Fountain, Via Veneto, Borghese Gardens, Aurelian Walls, Sant’Angelo Fortress, the ancient Hadrian Mausoleum and a visit to St Peter’s Square (Vatican City).
• Venice, Italy: Venice Essential Sights – with a local guide, explore St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Cathedral, Doge’s Palace, Golden Staircase, St Mark’s Basin and the Bridge of Sighs.

Prices for Windstar's 2011 Italy voyages start from £1,992 per person based on Wind Surf’s seven-night voyage from Rome to Venice departing June 4. Price includes return scheduled flights and seven nights in an ocean-view stateroom with all meals and entertainment and port taxes.

Call Windstar Cruises on 020 7292 2369 or visit www.windstarcruises.co.uk or contact the UK's leading cruise travel agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Windstar 2011 Signature Collection

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Windstar Cruises has announced details of its 2011 Signature Collection Host Series which offers guests the unique opportunity to cruise while learning from distinguished experts in the fields of culinary arts, wine, photography, gardening and wealth management.

Guests can...

* Learn useful design tips from award-winning British garden designer Anthea Guthrie
* Taste and learn about wines from top winemakers Daniel Baron of Silver Oak Cellars; Chris Figgins of Leonetti Cellar and Figgins Family Wine Estates; Tor and Susan Kenward of Tor Kenward Family Wines; Bob Iantosca of Gloria Ferrer and Julia Iantosca of Lasseter Family Winery; and David Gianulias and Todd Rustman of Levendi Winery
* Delight in the culinary skills of chef Fabio Viviani of Firenze Osteria
* Discover the art of photography with celebrity and travel photographer John Russo
* Discuss the principles of wealth management with Todd Rustman, co- founder of GR Capital Asset Management

Windstar Cruises operates three sailing yachts known for their pampering without pretense and their ability to visit the hidden harbours and secluded coves of the world's most beautiful destinations. Carrying just 148 to 312 guests, the luxurious vessels cruise to nearly 50 countries, calling at 100 ports throughout Europe, the Caribbean and Americas.

For further information, visit http://www.windstarcruises.co.uk/. Why not call in to the CRUISE Show at Birmingham this weekend to find out more, or visit The Cruise Line.

More Degrees from Windstar

WINDSTAR CRUISES INTRODUCES THE NEXT PHASE OF ITS DEGREES OF DIFFERENCE INITIATIVE
** Adding Amenities and Enhancements to Fleet **

Windstar Cruises, has announced to the UK marketplace the latest phase of its ‘Degrees of Difference’ initiative, featuring added amenities and enhancements to its ships, which will be implemented in stages, looking to completion in Summer 2010.

“The next phase of the ‘Degrees of Difference’ initiative will take the ship to a new degree of excellence,” said Diane Moore, president of Windstar Cruises. “Our guests enjoy fine dining, luxurious accommodations, outstanding service, dream destinations and the feeling that they are sailing on their own private yacht. We have both listened to our guests’ wishes and anticipated their discerning needs. With these latest initiatives, we look forward to delivering an experience that continues to raise the bar.”

These new initiatives to be implemented include:

Fine Dining
The Restaurant menus on all three ships will be reinvigorated with innovative new dishes from land and sea, bringing the flavours of the world to guest plates. This unique culinary dining experience will reflect flavours of the destinations that the Windstar fleet visits.

Wind Surf’s alternative restaurant ‘Degrees’ will feature a new rotating menu reflecting the fresh and seasonal preparations of Mediterranean cooking. Other dining enhancements include the addition of a spa dining menu and redesigned menu holders with sleek and elegant lines.

Fine Wines
Wind Surf’s Yacht Club will be transformed into a contemporary wine bar, featuring a selection of luscious California, Washington, Oregon, New Zealand and Australian wines by the glass. On each ship, during each sailing, guests will be able to indulge in special wine tastings featuring crystal stemware by Riedel and led by a sommelier.

Spa Suite Accommodations
For those looking for a retreat for the mind, body and soul, Windstar will introduce relaxing spa suites on Wind Surf. Spa suites will feature special bedding and linens, spa amenities, and credits for certified organic spa services and fitness classes in WindSpa provided by The OnboardSpa Company’s O SPA London.

Relaxation and Fitness Enhancements
All guests will be able to enjoy new rejuvenating poolside spa treatments that will take pampering to a whole new level. From December Spa reservations will be bookable in advance online at www.windstarcruises.com.

Wind Surf’s Fitness Centre and Wind Star and Wind Spirit’s Gyms will receive new state-of-the-art fitness equipment.

Inspired Activities
Water sports enthusiasts appreciate the up-close and personal views of the world’s most dramatic coastlines with Windstar’s complimentary waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing, ski-tubing and kayaking from the ship’s aft Marina Deck. Windstar will also be investing in new watersports equipment on all three ships.

The ships’ library DVD collection of feature films has been expanded along with travel, adventure and discovery favorites for guests to use in their staterooms.

This year Windstar’s Signature Collection Host Series returned by popular demand, allowing guests the opportunity to travel with luminaries in the world of food, wine, photography, art and sports. Windstar will continue to offer the programme in 2010 and beyond and will also add enrichment and port lectures on sailings.

Personalized Shore Excursions
Earlier this year, Windstar launched its exclusive Concierge Collection of Shore Excursions, designed to appeal to guests who were looking for extraordinary experiences in Europe and celebrating these destinations in a special way—limited to small groups of 6 to 25 guests. Expanding on this concept and offering personalized service, Windstar will arrange private shore excursions and customized pre- and post-cruise packages for guests. Windstar will also add personal iPod Discovery Walks in Italy, Croatia, France, Greece, Monaco, Portugal and Spain where guests enjoy a guided tour of the destination on an iPod.

Windstar operates a three-ship fleet of deluxe motor-sail yachts combining the magic of sailing under sail with quiet, state of the art engines. The intimate size of the ships, carrying just 148 – 312 passengers, exudes a private yacht-like atmosphere, with no fixed meal times or dress code and a choice of restaurants – including Candles al fresco grill. The size of the ships also affords access to small bays and ports that larger ships cannot reach, allowing guests to explore more secluded spots.