Timed to coincide with the opening of reservations for the 15 new itineraries, the line launches the Star Perks Event offering cruisers a choice of free pre/post hotel, beverage, or Wi-Fi package, or up to $1,000 shipboard credit.
The wide-ranging Star Perks Event includes nearly 300 Windstar sailings and 40 new ports of call to almost all the upscale line’s world-wide destinations in 2017 and 2018, aboard five of six casually elegant yachts. Cruises include all freshly announced Asia and Arabia itineraries aboard the 212-passenger all-suite Star Legend. Also featured are all tropical Caribbean, Costa Rica and Panama Canal cruises, and all destination-immersive Europe itineraries including popular Iceland and Croatia voyages, as well as Trans-Atlantic crossings in 2017. The 2016 Star Perks Event runs through Dec. 9 and early booking is recommended.
“With 15 new itineraries in our 2017-2018 Winter Voyage Collection, this is one of the most robust additions of new cruises and ports in our history,” said Windstar President John Delaney. “It’s particularly exciting to couple our expanding global deployment with the comprehensive Star Perks Event, offering impressive vacation values on hundreds of cruises. We’re returning to Asia bigger than ever before – longer cruises from the right embarkation ports like Singapore and Hong Kong, and sailing further north. The lovely Star Legendyacht lets discerning travelers explore the wonders of Asia in Windstar’s classy, casual style.”
Cruisers may further tailor their yachting adventure by selecting the ship to best suit their lifestyle. Sail aboard the 310-guest flagship sailing yacht Wind Surf, the largest in the world with towering 200-foot masts; sister sailing ship Wind Star, carrying just 148 lucky sailors; or on one of three sleek and glamorous all-suite yachts with spacious accommodations for a maximum of 212 guests aboard Star Pride, Star Breeze and Star Legend. Itineraries range in length from 6 to 18 days and may be combined for longer back-to-back journeys with additional savings. Award-winning romantic year-round cruises to Tahiti and the Tuamotus aboard sailing yacht Wind Spirit aren’t included in the Star Perks Event, but offer an attractive air-hotel-cruise package on all 7-, 10- and 11-day cruises.
The Star Perks Event offers reduced fares and allows guests to customize their yachting experience by choosing one of the following free value add-ons: up to two free hotel nights before or after their cruise at top-rated hotel properties in 15 embarkation cities; a free premium beverage package for two; free unlimited Wi-Fi access; or up to US$1,000 credit per stateroom/suite to spend on board when booked by Dec. 9, 2016.
With nearly 300 cruise departure dates, Star Perks Event pricing starts at US$1,299 for a 12- to 14-day Trans-Atlantic Ocean Crossing in April of 2017, and US$1,399 for popular 7-day adventures on numerous Caribbean cruises in Nov. and Dec. of 2016 and 2017; new Asia and Arabia cruises start at US$3,999 for a 10-day Grand Japan cruise offered on two dates in April 2018; prices are per guest, double-occupancy. Shop early for best selection.
EXPLORE ASIA & ARABIA BY DAY, LUXURIATE ON YOUR YACHT BY NIGHT
Brand new for Windstar is Best of the Philippines & Borneo, a 14-day sailing from Singapore to Hong Kong (or reverse) via Malaysian Borneo, Brunei and the Philippines, stopping at some of the most beautiful islands in the world like Palawan and Boracay. Windstar is proud of its gracious and hospitable Filipino crew, so returning “home” to friends and family will make this a memorable and emotional cruise for all. The voyage features an overnight in Manila and a stop at the oft-overlooked (and rarely visited by cruises) Hundred Islands National Park, making it a perfect serving of “cities at the edge of nature.” A visit to Brunei takes guests inside one of the wealthiest countries on the planet, affording a look at some of the largest and most beautiful mosques in Asia.
Marvels of China & the Japanese Islands takes guests from Hong Kong to Beijing via Taiwan, Japan, and Mainland China over 14 days. The cruise starts things off in style in Hong Kong with Windstar’s berth in Victoria Harbour – only accessible to smaller ships and a top tourist destination in its own right. Then it’s on to Taipei, Taiwan – a glittering city that’s an eclectic mix of cultures. Stops in the Japanese archipelago surround cruisers with a tropical feast of spectacular scenery. An overnight stop in the heart of Shanghai allows two full days of activities (like shopping the Nanjing Road), but it’s the transit of the Huangpu River that’s the true highlight here. Windstar actually sails up the river during breakfast, perfect for sipping a cup of coffee as the awe-inspiring skyline of one of the world’s largest and busiest cities surrounds you. An overnight in Beijing at the end of the cruise allows guests to get their bearings before heading home or transitioning to a local hotel for further exploration of the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, or the Great Wall.
Splendors of Japan & South Korea sails from Beijing, China to Tokyo, Japan over 14 days. It’s perfect for cruisers looking to take in all the sites in Beijing before departing for South Korea and Japan – resulting in three amazing cultural experiences on a single cruise. A few favorites on this itinerary include visits to Jeju City in South Korea, home to the world’s largest lava tunnels, and the island of Shikoku in Japan, which is rarely visited by other cruise lines. Lucky cruisers may catch an eye-popping glimpse of legendary pink cherry blossoms, typically blooming across the captivating UNESCO sites, cities, and landscapes at this time of year.
Grand Japan is another Windstar debut itinerary from Tokyo to Osaka (or reverse) over 10 days, with highlights of Busan, South Korea, the country’s second largest city, famous for beaches and nearby hot springs; a visit to Hiroshima’s Memorial Peace Arch (an UNESCO historical site); peaceful time in the sacred shrines of Shingu; and perhaps even views of Mount Fuji from your plush Balcony Suite when in port in Shimizu.
Singapore & Thai Treasures, a special Christmas and New Year’s Eve 14-day sailing round trip from Singapore, kicks off with an overnight in Singapore allowing guests to skip the hassle of booking holiday hotel rooms and jump into the joy of “unpacking once” that cruising affords. After exploring Singapore, it’s on to Malaysia, with a special late stay in Penang. In Thailand, Ko Yao Noi is a standout port call truly off the beaten path (Windstar is the only cruise line that goes there), with scenic, secluded beaches perfect for exploring. New Year’s Eve takes place at Ko Phi Phi (famous as the setting for The Beach movie) where Star Legend will be anchored and guests can tender ashore to celebrate in Thai style. Windstar will open the Watersports Platform weather permitting, bringing an array of water toys to the party. A pre- or post-cruise land tour to Myanmar offers temple sightseeing in Bagan and time to take in bustling Yangon.
Icons of Southeast Asia, a Hong Kong to Bangkok (or reverse) 14-day itinerary, is a traveler’s dream – accessing Thailand, Vietnam, and China on a single voyage with standout experiences like an overnight stop in Halong Bay, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and mystical seascape that tops the intrepid traveler’s “bucket list.” The itinerary also boasts overnights in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as a signature small ship experience of docking in the heart of Bangkok (where the big cruise lines must use a port more than two hours away). A pre- or post-cruise land tour to Cambodia’s temples in Angkor Wat is available from Bangkok.
The Wonders of Arabia Athens to Dubai sailing, which takes place over 18 incredible days, allows Star Legend to reposition from Europe in the fall of 2017 to Asia for the winter season. With a daylight transit of the Suez Canal, time in Petra, an opportunity to view the temples of Luxor, a stop along the Frankincense trail in Oman, and an ending in over-the-top Dubai, the itinerary redefines what a “repositioning” cruise can be by stopping in some of the most intriguing places on the planet.
The repositioning continues on Pearls of the Indian Ocean – a 16-day journey from Dubai to Singapore via India (Mumbai, Mangalore, Cochin); Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia. From touching the sky in the world's tallest skyscraper in Dubai, to visiting the humble open-air laundry in Mumbai where clothes are still washed by hand and visiting elephants in Phuket, this sailing is a cacophony of diverse destinations and cultures paired with a serene experience aboard your well-appointed yacht.
NEW YACHTING ADVENTURES EXPLORE CARIBBEAN COVES AND CENTRAL AMERICAN BEACHES
Adventures in Panama & Costa Rica cruises from Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica to Colón, Panama over 11 days or the reverse over 10 days, accessing the entire region from tropical dry forests on the North Pacific Coast of Costa Rica to the southern Osa Peninsula’s tropical rainforest, a daylight transit of the Panama Canal to bustling Panama City, and the tranquility of the Caribbean on Panama’s Bocas del Toro archipelago. The 11-day voyage includes time on Isla Contadora in Panama’s Pearl Islands, perhaps best known as a location for the American and British television show “Survivor.” But surviving is the last thing on any guest’s mind when traveling with Windstar – the most difficult decision or physical test to endure will be which beach activities to enjoy or what frozen cocktails to imbibe.
Caribbean Legends sails from St. Maarten to Barbados over 7 days, with Anguilla, Antigua, Montserrat, Dominica, St. Lucia and Grenada in between – all bringing incredible days in paradise with new shore excursions, like river tubing in a Dominican rainforest or snorkeling.
Saints of the Caribbean breezes from Barbados to St. Maarten over 7 days, with St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Guadeloupe, St. Kitts, St. Barthélemy and Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands, offering an epic tour of the most stylish islands in the Caribbean. Even more chic? A late night in “St. Bart’s” – perfect for a romantic evening enjoying the island’s French cuisine and culture, along with other jetsetters.
Gems of the Leeward Islands provides travelers with an attractive 10-day voyage sailing round trip from colonial San Juan, Puerto Rico calling on a diverse set of exclusive and classic Caribbean isles such as St. Barthélemy, Antigua, Guadalupe, St. Lucia, St. Maarten and an overnight in Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands, the number of beaches to be explored is staggering. (They say there is a beach for each day of the year in Antigua alone.) Luckily, the Windstar crew knows all the best spots. An 11-day version of this itinerary includes an additional overnight in St. Barthélemy.
Southern Caribbean Sweep journeys over 7 days from Barbados to Colón, Panama (or reverse), mixing exhilarating time ashore with leisurely days at sea and stops in Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Aruba; and Cartagena, Colombia. From riding horses on a white-sand beach in Aruba to enjoying a horse-drawn carriage through Cartagena’s Old City, it’s a cruise of delightful contrasts.
Sailing the Caribbean is an itinerary that truly lives up to its name. On a 7-day crossing from Colón, Panama to St. Maarten, guests spend 5 care-free days sailing in the Caribbean before “dropping anchor” at St. John’s, Antigua & Barbuda. Sailors can drop by Windstar’s Open Bridge for a lesson in blue water navigation, enjoy a massage in the spa or simply savor Antigua’s natural beauty.
Caribbean Collection undertakes an epic 14-day adventure round trip from either Barbados or St. Maarten. Guests make a rare trip to Montserrat, where a volcanic explosion in 1995 left half the island an Eden and the other half buried in ash. The yacht maneuvers through a gap in the reef to a secluded part of Virgin Gorda usually reserved for smaller yachts. Snorkeling in Dominica’s Champagne Reef or exploring an underwater sculpture park on Grenada are just a few of the adventurous highlights of traversing the Leeward and Windward Islands.
The above itineraries highlight what’s in store for cruisers aboard the iconic small ships of Windstar sailing into new waters for the 2017-18 winter cruise season.
For additional information, including daily itinerary highlights, special offers, and product information, contact a travel professional or Windstar Cruises by phone at 877-958-7718, or visit www.windstarcruises.com.
