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- Travel agents can earn Amazon gift cards and sail for free with one booking -

  Windstar Cruises, a leader in small ship luxury cruising, has announced the return of its popular WAVE sale – Pick Your Perk. For a limited time, travel agents can offer their clients who book voyages with Windstar Cruises exceptional savings and customised experiences while travelling to iconic destinations around the globe. Plus, agents earn their own perks.   From now until 29^th February 2024, travellers can “Pick Your Perk”: one free hotel night (which can be used pre- or post-cruise) OR up to $1,000 Onboard Credit which can be used for Windstar’s award-winning shore excursions and adventures, spa services or even special celebratory cocktails. Premium suite guests can select an upgrade to the All-Inclusive Fare which includes all alcohol, Wi-Fi, and all gratuities.   The WAVE offer is applicable to all sailings through May 2026 including Star Legend’s first ever winter and Christmas itineraries in Europe which cost from just £1,230 per person, making it a very affordable way to not only experience Windstar for the first time, but also to city break in Europe over the winter. Other options include the Caribbean; Greek Isles; Tahiti (with new experiences aboard the 312 guest all-suite Star Breeze); and even the cruise line’s new destinations such as South America (with Galapagos and Machu Picchu) and the Canary Islands.   "We have so many opportunities for travel agents to increase their business with Windstar," comments Janet Bava, Chief Commercial Officer, Windstar Cruises. "Popular promotions such as ‘Pick your Perk’ are helpful to close sales, but this year we’ve also opened up new sailing regions to help bring clients back and attract new travellers."   Amazon Gift Card - agents will earn a £100 Amazon gift card for each stateroom/suite booked by 29^th February 2024 in any destination through 2026. If the booking is confirmed by 31^st December 2023, the agent earns an additional £50 Amazon gift card. To claim their Amazon Gift Card agents should email Augustus Lonsdale, Windstar’s Head of Sales - UK & Ireland at augustus.lonsdale@windstarcruises.com   Sell One & Sail Free – agents and a guest will sail free in a suite for two on any Star Legend sailing in the Mediterranean this winter (through March 2024) when they book a client on a 2023-2024 Legendary Winter in the Mediterranean sailing. Clients must be booked by 31^st December 2023 to qualify.   Star Advantage Groups – agents will earn a Tour Conductor credit for every seven guests booked, plus receive £100 per guest bonus commission with every Tour Conductor credit earned.  Guests receive $100 per person shipboard credit, 10% savings on cruise fare and 15% deposit for the group. This offer is valid through 31^st December 2023 for all new Star Advantage Groups opened by this date.   Star Collector Voyages of 13 days and longer receive complimentary laundry service.  Windstar offers an All-Inclusive fare with unlimited alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi and all gratuities for £72 per guest per day.  Solo supplements have been waived or reduced on dozens of popular departures.  

Windstar Cruises has unveiled a new groups programme to help boost travel agent earnings. It enables travel partners to build tailored promotions, earn a tour conductor credit and help grow their business. For a limited time, agents receive a bonus commission after booking seven guests in addition to the tour conductor credit. "We are committed to helping our partners create bespoke promotions for their UK guests and maximise their Windstar sales," said Augustus Lonsdale, Head of Sales UK & Ireland. "Our group promotions are a fantastic way to create a unique proposition and show yourself as a Windstar expert." The group promotion is combinable with Windstar's lowest available fare, plus a 10% group saving. In addition, travel agents can offer their clients an exclusive $100 per guest onboard credit, as well as a complimentary cocktail party. The offer is available through 30 November 2023. Travel agents can select their group date by the deadline and then sell into it. The offer is valid on new bookings only for select fares and subject to availability  

 

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.  

Windstar Cruises hosted a record number of UK agents on its all-suite yacht, Star Legend, during its time in the UK & Ireland. The 250+ agents experienced Windstar hospitality. The ship's British Isles itinerary, which finished in London on 3 August, visited Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin and London as well as five trade events in London. The ship, which was docked at Tower Bridge in London last week, also hosted nearly 70 travel journalists and industry partners. Augustus Lonsdale, Windstar's Head of Sales UK & Ireland, said: "Having Star Legend in the UK gave us opportunity to host a huge number of travel agents, including many new to Windstar.” “With 100% of our UK business coming through the trade, it was fantastic to be able to show off the newly-transformed Star Legend to our agent partners." It garnered excellent feedback from travel agents who visited Star Legend in London. Windstar Cruises plans to run further fam trips for UK travel agents in 2023 and 2024. It is also offering generous agent rates for cruises.

  Windstar Cruises has announced that it hosted a record number of UK agents on its all-suite yacht, Star Legend, during its time in the UK &  Ireland. The 250+ agents got to experience Windstar’s renowned hospitality and style of casual, fun cruising in a number of ways including fam trips on the ship’s British Isles itinerary which finished in London on 3^rd August, ship visits in Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin and London as well as five trade events in London. The ship, which was docked at Tower Bridge in London on 3^rd and 4^th August, also hosted nearly 70 travel journalists and industry partners.   Augustus Lonsdale, Windstar’s Head of Sales UK & Ireland, comments: “Having Star Legend in the UK, including two days docked at Tower Bridge in London, provided us with a great opportunity to host a huge number of agents, including many who are new to Windstar. With 100% of our UK business coming through the trade, it was fantastic to be able to show off the newly-transformed Star Legend to our agent partners and to let them experience just what Windstar is all about.”   Feedback from agents who visited Star Legend in London included:  

• John Warr, Group Managing Director, The Travel Village Group: “The highlight for me was the size of the ship versus capacity. It really felt like an intimate experience and I was impressed with the size of the entry level suites. I was also pleased to see the equipment in the gym and the SPA facilities. Although we did not experience the other restaurants, the menus looked awesome and the customers who had boarded the day before were very complimentary of the broad selection of items on the menu. The other thing that struck me was the friendliness of the crew who were always willing to help.”

 

• Alex Loizou, Sales & Marketing Director, Mundy Cruising: “Seeing Star Legend really highlighted just how much space is offered on board this wonderful small ship. The sizable suites and dining choices really stood out, not to mention the now generous deck area, inviting pool and excellent spa. Being able to tour the ship also gave a hint of just how wonderful the fabulously welcoming crew are.”

 

• Kerry Rogers, Media &  Marketing, Eagle Executive Travel: “Star Legend is a lovely ship that provides a home from home experience. Luxury and comfort is all rolled in to one, with the friendliest and most helpful crew.”

  Windstar Cruises plans to run further fam trips for UK agents in 2023 and 2024 and is also offering generous travel agent rates for those wishing to experience the product for themselves. For further information and to apply, agents should email Augustus Lonsdale at augustus.lonsdale@windstarcruises.com

  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 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 stated Starlink Maritime cruise ship Wi-Fi connectivity. Windstar Cruises debuted the new Wi-Fi technology on Star Pride during a recent Caribbean voyage and plans to implement Starlink across most of its global fleet by mid-2023. Star Legend will offer the cruise ship Wi-Fi service this spring, followed by Wind Surf, Wind Star and Star Breeze. Wind Spirit will activate it as it's available in French Polynesia. Currently, all Windstar Cruises use geostationary satellite service, Anuvu, for internet services. The addition of Starlink technology will amplify Anuvu, delivering more reliable and faster internet. Starlink is the largest low Earth orbit satellite constellation. Gregg Wagner, technology director, Windstar Cruises said, "When the ships are inside the service area, faster speeds will alleviate much of the frustration felt at peak use times." " The addition of high-speed internet service will enable guests to stay connected to family and friends." Starlink will be available on select Windstar voyages where the service is active. Not all global destinations are available yet.

  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 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.