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Fewer crowds, cool weather, and better access to museums, cultural events, and restaurants

 

Windstar Cruises Unveils “Legendary” Winter and Holiday Sailings –

Including Christmas in Rome and Ringing in the New Year in Barcelona

  Windstar Cruises has announced its new winter and holiday sailing itineraries from December 2023 to April 2024, offering travelers the opportunity to discover iconic ports like Barcelona, Nice, Florence/Livorno , Marseille, and Rome in an entirely different light aboard the award-winning all-suite, 312-guest, Star Legend.   "The ship was originally scheduled to sail in the Middle East. We’ve postponed our launch in that region to begin in November 2024,” said Windstar Cruises President Christopher Prelog. "With a ship in the Mediterranean, we saw an opportunity to offer guests a legendary winter season in Europe. Our small ships and intimate atmosphere provide a truly unique way to explore Europe's winter wonderlands, while enjoying the magic of the season and the comforts and casual luxury that Windstar is known for."   While the allure of summer in the Mediterranean is undeniable, the quieter, more intimate charm of the winter months offers an exclusive perspective on these timeless destinations. These seven-night itineraries have been carefully designed for guests to take advantage of fewer crowds and easier access to museums, cultural events, historical landmarks, as well as local cuisine and genuine engagement with locals. The itineraries offer guests a blend of cultural exploration and festive celebrations that can only be enjoyed during the winter season through Spring.   New weeklong cruises in the Mediterranean will be offered from December 2023 through April 2024. Sixteen cruises sail between Rome and Barcelona (or reverse) visiting Florence & Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Marseille, France with overnights in the iconic cities of Rome, Barcelona and Monte Carlo. The last of the new Mediterranean series is an eight-night cruise from Rome to Athens visiting the Amalfi Coast and Greece. A Christmas holiday sailing can be booked as a 8- or 9-day cruise, the latter including New Year’s Eve.   Travelers can participate in some of Europe’s most magical winter experiences including holiday markets and ice skating in Nice, France; Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Trevi Fountain excursions in Rome during the holidays; and Florence’s spectacular Light Festival, among many other once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Guests will also have several extraordinary holiday opportunities including the option to celebrate Christmas eve and day in Rome; ring in the New Year in Barcelona; spend Valentine’s Day in Nice; or enjoy Carnevale celebrations in both Spain and Italy at the end of February.   The schedule change has presented Windstar with the opportunity to position its all-suite Star Legend in Cannes in early December to coincide with the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) conference. Windstar executives including Prelog, Vice President of Sales Dianna Rom, and Chief Commercial Officer Janet Bava will be on hand to showcase to those in attendance the ship’s renovation completed as part of the   $250 Million Star Plus Initiative and with an opportunity to sail on a two -night cruise to Rome after the event. For travel partners and media interested in touring or sailing, please contact info@windstarcruises.com.   Windstar Cruises’ new winter sailings will be ready for purchase on November 6, 2023.  

  Small ship line Windstar Cruises has added a new Formula 1® experience for its guests, this time at the final race of the 2023 season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November. The racing excursion is in addition to Windstar’s long-standing themed F1® cruise to the Monaco Grand Prix, with this year’s Rome & Prix du Monde of Monaco slated for 21^st to 28^th May aboard Windstar’s flagship, the 342-passenger sailing yacht Wind Surf.   Offered by no other cruise line, the Windstar shore excursion to the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 is available as part of Windstar’s first-ever sailings in the Middle East on board the all-suite, 312-passenger Star Legend.   During an overnight in Abu Dhabi as part of the inaugural 10-day Sparkling Sands & Cities of the Persian Gulf voyage departing Dubai on 23^rd November, guests will have the option to experience the climactic race of the F1® season on 25^th and 26^th November with premium grandstand seats for the time trials and the race, transfers to and from Yas Marina Circuit, English-speaking coordinators and onboard perks such as an exclusive cocktail party. Guests will also be joined by F1® Sports Broadcaster Bob Varsha, who will provide insights and expert analysis of the race and drivers. Pricing for the excursion is $1,599 per person.   “I’m a huge fan of F1® racing as are many of our Windstar customers,” explains Windstar President Christopher Prelog. “When we were planning our first-ever sailings in the Middle East, which begin in November, I had hoped a 2023 race date would overlap. And lucky us: our inaugural Middle East voyage aligns with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It’s a green flag for Windstar’s sailing in a new, exciting region and a chequered flag for the 2023 racing season… a perfect fit.”   Prices for the 10-day Sparkling Sands & Cites of the Persian Gulf start from ££2,950 per person for return flights from the UK, overseas transfers, one night pre-cruise hotel stay in Dubai, one night post-cruise hotel stay in Muscat and the cruise with all meals and entertainment and port fees.

Windstar's Covid-19 vaccine mandate will be scrapped on 1 June 2023. It will no longer require guests to be vaccinated in order to sail. Crew members will still be required to be vaccinated and will be tested upon their first arrival, during their first week and as needed. "We've invested in and improved our health and safety processes, including upgrading the HVAC systems," said President Christopher Prelog. Windstar will continue to carry diagnostic tests on board for guests and remains committed to onboard cleanliness. This includes accessible handwashing stations and sanitizer dispensers. Though no longer mandated, the cruise line still recommends guests are up to date with vaccinations.

  Windstar will lift its COVID-19 vaccine requirement on 1^st June 2023, no longer requiring guests to be vaccinated against the virus in order to sail with the small ship cruise line.   Crew, however, will still be required to be vaccinated and will be tested upon their first arrival to work, during their first week and as needed moving forward.   “We’ve invested in, and improved, our health and safety processes, including upgrading the HVAC systems on all of our ships, which has led to a cleaner and safer environment on board,” said Windstar Cruises President Christopher Prelog. “When combined with the widespread availability of vaccines and medical treatments, the risk factors are considerably lower now, giving us the confidence to lift the requirement. We’ve learned much over the past few years and will continue to follow the policies of each country we visit, as well as evaluate and use public health tools at our disposal to continue to safely sail and travel the world.”   Windstar will continue to carry diagnostic tests on board for guests and remains committed to onboard cleanliness and sanitation measures, including accessible and well-stocked handwashing stations plus sanitizer dispensers. Though no longer required, Windstar recommends guests remain up to date with vaccinations.   Prompted by the pandemic, the line invested millions in upgrading the entire six ship fleet’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to incorporate high-tech air filtration with HEPA filters and UV-C irradiation. The hospital-grade UV-C lights are proven to kill germs and microbes like mould, bacteria and fungi, creating cleaner air on board and combating the spread of illness.   For more details on Windstar Cruises’ health and safety measures, visit https://www.windstarcruises.com/health-safety/overview/.

  Windstar Cruises has announced two new appointments to its leadership team today. Betsy O’Rourke joins Windstar’s team full time as its new Chief Commercial Officer and Dianna Rom is promoted to vice president of sales.   O’Rourke has been the Chief Commercial Officer for Xanterra Travel Collection, Windstar’s parent company, for 10 years and picked up oversight of the commercial functions of Windstar in 2020. O’Rourke’s move from Xanterra to Windstar puts her focus 100% on Windstar and growing the brand in the marketplace. The small ship line’s marketing, sales and reservations teams report into O’Rourke who is responsible for the line’s overall marketing strategy.   Before Xanterra, O’Rourke was senior vice president of marketing at Royal Caribbean International. During her career she’s also led marketing teams at Wyndham Worldwide and the Travel Industry Association.   “We couldn’t be happier to have Betsy fully focused on Windstar moving forward,” said Windstar Cruises President Christopher Prelog. “She stepped up and ushered us through the challenges presented by the pandemic and her expertise has us poised for success in the luxury cruise market.”   Dianna Rom’s promotion to vice president of sales comes shortly after her promotion to Windstar’s senior director of sales. In her new position, Rom oversees the domestic and international sales team for the Windstar brand and is responsible for developing sales strategies and sales goals for the cruise line. All sales roles including groups and charters report into Rom.   Rom has been with Windstar for seven years in various sales roles. Prior to joining Windstar, Rom was the regional director of sales and marketing for Ohio State Park Lodges, formerly part of the Xanterra Travel Collection (Windstar’s parent company), where she led the sales and marketing team for eight hotels.   “Dianna’s sales acumen and knowledge of the travel and cruise landscape is so helpful to all of us at Windstar,” said Prelog. “She’s approachable and friendly. She has great relationships within the industry, and she’s an incredible asset for us as we work together to strengthen the brand and reach new to Windstar cruisers.”   O’Rourke will work remotely from Denver, CO and Rom works remotely in Ohio.   A headshot of Betsy O’Rourke is available here. A headshot of Dianna Rom is available here.   For further information and reservations call 0808 178 2233 or visit www.windstarcruises.com

Windstar Cruises is the newest member line at the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA). Windstar Cruises president Christopher Prelog said the line is excited to be joining the cruise association and getting more involved with the industry in the region. Prelog said the timing to join FCCA coincided with the recent relocation of the cruise line’s headquarters from Seattle to Miami. “We really want to be an active participant in the area we sail a and just have a great partnership with the islands, with the destinations and the local people,” Prelog said. Windstar Cruises, which specializes in small-ship sailing, accommodating between 148 and 342 guests. FCCA encouraged Prelog to meet with the association’s cruise partners at the upcoming 28th annual conference, set for October 11 to 14 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Windstar Cruises will no longer require a pre-cruise Covid-19 test for guests The changes go into effect for cruises departing from September 6, 2022. Tests are still required if mandated by countries where calls are made during scheduled itineraries. Currently Canada, Greece, Australia and New Zealand still require Covid-19 pre-testing prior to boarding any ship in their territorial waters. As part of its health and safety program, Windstar will still require all guests to be fully vaccinated. "Safety and wellness are our first concern, and these new procedures will simplify the process of sailing with us on a fully vaccinated ship," said Chris Prelog, President of Windstar Cruises.

Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises unveiled new Caribbean and Central America cruises for 2023. ‘Beach Fun & Sun: A Remote Caribbean Getaway’ is a seven-days voyage with stops in St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Barts, Anguilla, Jost Van Dyke (overnight), Virgin Gorda, and Tortola. The November 4 sailing takes place on Windstar's all-suite Star Pride with another eight departures aboard the 342-guest classic sailing yacht Wind Surf. Current rates are from $2,599 per guest. The sailing can be combined with Windstar's Classic Caribbean for a two-week cruise, as the itineraries alternate and both depart from St. Maarten. "We created this itinerary specifically for people who like to spend time enjoying some of the best tropical beaches, swimming and watersports activities," said Windstar Cruises' President Christopher Prelog. The line will sail from Miami with the new Jungles & Jewels of the Central American Coast voyage calling at Key West before heading to Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. A new Central America & the Panama Canal Revealed cruise takes guests from Miami to Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Panama. Starting winter 2023, Windstar is introducing a new, seven-day round trip Costa Rica cruise itinerary (from Puerto Caldera) called Naturally Costa Rica, including inaugural calls in San Juan del Sur and Corinto in Nicaragua.

Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises unveiled its revamped all-suite Star Plus Class Star Pride yacht. The ship sailed from Athens on a sold-out, eight-day voyage to Barcelona, calling at Gythion, Corfu, Argostoli, Messina (Taormina), Trapani, and Cagliari. Star Pride is the third and final of Windstar’s Star Plus Class yachts to emerge from Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard following a lengthening and transformation project. Now, all six of the line’s all-suite and sailing yachts are back in service. The line’s three all-suite Star Plus Class yachts (Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride) underwent major transformations, with an investment of more than $250 million. Star Breeze was the first to launch in June 2021, with Star Legend following in September 2021, both with new suites and expanded outdoor and indoor public spaces. All three yachts increased in maximum capacity from 212 guests to 312 guests. “To have completed this project during a global pandemic is nothing short of amazing,” said Windstar President Christopher Prelog. “We’re grateful to our ownership and to our partners for sticking with it, and to our customers for their excitement and support of these new products.” The three all-suite yachts, together with Windstar’s three classic sailing yachts, remain small enough to continue visiting special small ports and waterways around the world.

 

The third, and final, Star Plus Class yacht is now transformed and sailing again  

  U.S. headquartered small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises announces the debut of its all-suite Star Plus Class Star Pride yacht today, sailing from Athens on a sold-out, eight-day voyage to Barcelona, stopping at ports including Gythion, Corfu, Argostoli, Messina (Taormina), Trapani, and Cagliari. Star Pride is the third and final of Windstar’s Star Plus Class yachts to emerge from Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard following a complex lengthening and transformation project.   Now, all six of the line’s all-suite and sailing yachts are back in the water cruising while requiring vaccines of all passengers and crew amongst a host of health and safety precautions including testing and high-tech air filtration.   The line’s three all-suite Star Plus Class yachts (Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride) underwent major transformations, with an investment of more than $250 million. Star Breeze was the first to launch in June of 2021, with Star Legend as the second in September of 2021, showcasing new suites and expanded outdoor and indoor public spaces. The yachts are also more environmentally friendly with new efficient engines, generators, and advanced wastewater treatment systems.   All three yachts increased in maximum capacity from 212 guests to 312 and provide more of what Windstar’s customers want, like additional dining experiences (one is an outdoor barbecue concept with grilling guru Steven Raichlen and the other a Spanish small plates restaurant from Anthony Sasso, one of the youngest chefs to be recognized by the Michelin Guide), a true spa and fitness center, an elegant infinity pool, and more outdoor deck areas.   “To have completed this project amidst a global pandemic is nothing short of amazing,” said Windstar President Christopher Prelog. “We’re grateful to our ownership and to our partners for sticking with it, and to our customers for their excitement and support of these new products. We are seeing our highest guest satisfaction surveys on the new Star Class yachts, with the highest Net Promoter Scores in our brand’s history. Our guests and travel advisors really love the product we created on Star Class.”   The three all-suite yachts, together with Windstar’s three classic sailing yachts, remain small enough to continue to visit the special small ports and waterways of the world.

 

Small ship line cites uncertainty over ports reopening in the region

  Small-ship cruise line, Windstar Cruises, has cancelled its scheduled cruises in Asia for autumn 2022, citing the continued uncertainty regarding ports reopening in the region. Seven scheduled itineraries on the all-suite Star Breeze will be affected, including two Grand Japan sailings, a crossing of the Pacific from Alaska to Japan, Island Hopping through Japan, Windstar Crew Hometowns: Edge of the Outback, Philippines and Indonesia, the Great Barrier Reef and Hidden Indonesia.   In late August,  the Star Breeze itinerary will be extended with the Alaska season "Alaskan Splendors", followed by West Coast Epicurean Extravaganza down the US coast, a trans-ocean voyage from San Diego to Tahiti, and 5 sailings in French Polynesia.   Windstar will celebrate its 35^th anniversary of operating cruises in Tahiti in October 2022. It is one of the first lines to offer overnight cruises in the region. All sailings aboard Star Breeze and Wind Spirit will join in the celebration with unique events.   Star Breeze departs on 11^th November for a trans-ocean journey to Sydney, arriving on 22^nd November for a scheduled charter cruise. The shift will make the 4^th December Tasman Sea Treasures: New Zealand Fjords & South Australia Windstar’s first commercial cruise offered in the region. 2022 marks Windstar’s first time offering comprehensive itineraries to New Zealand and Australia, visiting small, rarely visited ports of call such as Middle Percy Island.   “As Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Philippines and South Korea are all currently still closed to cruising, Windstar joins several other cruise lines in making this decision to cancel cruises in Asia for the autumn,” says Windstar Cruises President Christopher Prelog. “We hope our guests rebook on these same fantastic itineraries for next year.”

 

Original artwork created to adorn three Star Plus Class yachts and a new office in Miami

  Windstar Cruises has partnered with Fountainhead Arts to paint murals on each of the three Star Plus Class yachts and in its new Miami office.   Fountainhead will select local artists to board the ships and paint murals over the course of the next 15 months. These murals will adorn the large top deck wall aft of the Star Grill.   The arts organization was founded in 2008 by Kathryn and Dan Mikesell, collectors and passionate art appreciators who believe in connecting people intimately with artists to impact how we move through the world. Their goal is to empower artists by making connections that lead to growth in their careers.   "These murals, all painted by local artists, will enliven the top decks of our Star Plus Class yachts and be a great conversation piece for our guests. However, this project is also about connecting to the Miami arts community in Windstar’s new corporate home... The entire team is excited to meet the artists in Fountainhead’s artistic ecosystem and see the original artwork come to life on board and in our office,” says Christopher Prelog, President of Windstar Cruises.   Guests can observe the artists while they are aboard the ships installing the murals and attend a “reveal” event. Artists will host a table for dinner with guests selected by Windstar after the event and will also conduct two evening seminars explaining the conception, meaning and installation process. One for guests and one for crew.   “In our 13-year history, Fountainhead has become a pioneering force in the arts and culture landscape, developing innovative artist and community engagement programmes and cultivating key relationships with leading art institutions in South Florida and beyond... We’re thrilled to bring that relationship to sea by partnering with Windstar – and further connect them to their new home in the Miami community via the arts,” says Mikesell.   Murals will be replaced once on each yachts in 2024, 2025 and 2026 as part of the agreement.