Seattle, October 22, 2013 – Windstar Cruises, a leader in yacht style cruising, today announced the line’s debut in Southeast Asia & Arabia on its new 212-passenger power yacht, Star Pride. The new voyages open for sale today and feature five unique itineraries exclusive to the all suite yacht, highlighting small ship ports throughout Asia, Arabia, and India. The inaugural Southeast Asia & Arabia season will begin on October 30, 2014. Voyages start at $3,999 per person.
“Small ship cruising is an incredible way to explore this part of the world. There are tremendous experiences to be had from the ancient cliff city of Petra to the colorful Ho Chi Minh City,” said Hans Birkholz, Windstar Cruises’ chief executive officer. “This is our first journey beyond Europe, South Pacific and the Caribbean, and we are delighted to announce Star Pride’s Southeast Asia & Arabia deployment.”
Star Pride’s 2015 Asia voyages include:
Wonders of Arabia
Follow the legends of Lawrence of Arabia, Cleopatra, and Moses across the dunes to the Nile and Mount Sinai on this 18-day voyage from Athens, Greece to Dubai, UAE. Ports of call include Suez Canal, Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, Luxor, Egypt; Aqaba, Jordan; and Salalah and Khasab, Oman. The voyage showcases the Red Sea, the Nile, and the rose-colored ruins of Petra.
Pearls of the Indian Ocean
Sail through some of the Andaman Sea’s most breathtaking islands and bays and explore the colonial Old Towns, ancient cave temples, and melting pot cities on this 15-day voyage from Dubai, UAE to Singapore. Star Pridevisits Mumbai, Mangalore, Cochin, India; Phuket, Thailand; and Penang, Malaysia. This itinerary highlights everything from India’s colorful cities to the tranquil beauty of Thailand’s beaches.
Singapore & the Malay Peninsula
Discover Malaysia and Thailand’s most spectacular gems on this 10-day round trip voyage from Singapore. This voyage visits Penang, Langkawi, Pulau Pangkor, Kuala Lumpur, and Malacca, Malaysia; as well as Phuket, and Ko Yao Noi, Thailand. Guests can enjoy long days in port and blissfully beautiful destinations.
Treasures of Southeast Asia
Cruise in private yacht style on this 14-day voyage from the haute couture of Singapore’s legendary Orchard Road to French-flavored Ho Chi Minh City (the former Saigon) and the monuments of Hanoi. The voyage starts in Singapore and visits Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Qui Nhon, Da Nang, Hanoi (Haiphong), and Halong Bay, Vietnam before ending in Hong Kong. UNESCO World Heritage Sites are everywhere on this voyage: the ancient trading city of Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary, Hue, and Halong Bay.
Vietnam Unveiled
Vietnam combines beauty and culture in one perfect experience on Windstar’s 10-day voyage from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to Hong Kong. Ports of call include Nha Trang, Qui Nhon, Da Nang, Hanoi (Haiphong), and Halong Bay. Guests can visit Imperial Hue, ancient Hoi An, breathtaking Halong Bay, and amazing Ho Chi Minh City.
On each of these new voyages guests will experience the secluded coves and hidden harbors offered by small ship cruising, as well as the local culture brought to life on board in Windstar’s unique style. Local entertainment, authentic cuisine, intimate and personal shore excursions are all a part of the in-depth enrichment experience offered at Windstar Cruises.
Launching in May of 2014, the 9,975-ton Star Pride is the first of three new power yachts to join Windstar’s fleet. With a guest capacity of 212, the all suite yacht will undergo several upgrades and changes in design and décor to align with Windstar’s casual contemporary style. Star Pride will showcase many signature Windstar experiences, including the line’s famous Sail Away party, yacht deck barbecue gala, and Open Bridge policy.
For more information about these new itineraries, hotel and land packages, and to book, contact a travel professional, call Windstar at 800-258-7245 or visit www.WindstarCruises.com.
