Windstar Cruises Announces 2015 Winter Voyage Collection

Windstar Cruises 2014-15 Winter Caribbean & Panama Canal voyages are now open for sale, with the line's three sailing yachts exploring the warm waters of the islands and Latin America with four unique voyages, including Classic Caribbean, a new seven-day round trip itinerary from St. Maarten. 

The 2015 Winter Collection, showcasing voyages from December 2014 to March 2015, is rounded out with the recently announced South-east Asia & Arabia voyages on the all-suite Star Pride.

Yacht style cruising is the perfect way to explore the pristine beaches of the Caribbean, with every voyage offering Windstar’s signature beach barbecue, an exclusive party on shore in intimate and exclusive style. Guests can also enjoy the tropical waters right from the yacht, with each ship's Watersports Platform, which offers complimentary sailing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water games.

The Caribbean & Panama Canal voyages include:

Classic Caribbean
From the stunning drama of the Pitons, to the captivating charm of Les Saintes, this seven-day cruise showcases the best of the Caribbean in one voyage. Wind Surf sails round-trip from Philipsburg, St. Maarten, with visits to Barbuda; Pigeon Island, St. Lucia; Roseau, Dominica; Les Saintes, Guadeloupe; Basseterre, St. Kitts; and Gustavia, St. Barthelemy. Highlights include the pink beaches of Barbuda and scenic cruising past the Pitons.

Jewels of the Windward Islands
Sail to little-known isles off the tourist radar such as the unspoiled Grenadines and the rugged natural beauty of St. Lucia. Wind Star offers seven-day sailings round-trip from Barbados with stops at Pigeon Island; St. George’s Grenada; Mayreau, Tobago Cays, St. Vincent & the Grenadines; Mayreau, St. Vincent & the Grenadines; and Bequia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Highlights include Grand Etang National Park on Grenada and scenic cruise past the Pitons.

Yachtsman’s Caribbean
Experience a yachtsman’s paradise while visiting exclusive ports like glamorous St. Barts and the enchanting British Virgin Islands. Sail on Windstar’s flagship, Wind Surf on a seven day round trip from Philipsburg, calling on Falmouth Harbour, Antigua (overnight); Soper’s Hole, Tortola, B.V.I; Jost Van Dyke, B.V.I. (overnight); Virgin Gorda, Prickly Pear Beach, B.V.I. (overnight); and Gustavia. Highlights include local treasure at Soper’s Hole Wharf and a sail by The Baths.

Passage Through Panama
Explore the natural and man-made wonders of beautiful Costa Rica and the impressive Panama Canal on this seven-day sailing from Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica or Colón, Panama. Wind Spirit will visit Bahía Drake, Costa Rica; Golfito, Costa Rica; Isla de Coiba, Panama; Panama Canal Transit; and San Blas, Panama. Highlights include Corcovado National Park and Golfito’s rainforest.

Star Pride, Windstar’s first all-suite power yacht, will spend its Winter season in South-east Asia & Arabia, sailing the following voyages:

• Wonders of Arabia – From Athens to Dubai, this 18-day voyage showcases the Red Sea, the Nile and the rose-coloured ruins of Petra.
• Pearls of the Indian Ocean – On this 15-day voyage from Dubai to Singapore, guests enjoy everything from India’s colourful cities to the tranquil beauty of Thailand’s beaches.
• Singapore & the Malay Peninsula – long days in port and blissfully beautiful destinations can be found on this 10-day round trip voyage from Singapore.
• Treasures of South-east Asia – This 14-day voyage round-trip from Singapore explores the ancient trading city of Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary, Hue and Halong Bay.
• Vietnam Unveiled – Guests can visit Imperial Hue, ancient Hoi An, breathtaking Halong Bay, and amazing Ho Chi Minh City on this 10-day voyage from Ho Chi Minh City to Hong Kong.

New 2014 Voyage Collection Brochure

Windstar also recently unveiled its expanded, 128-page 2014 Voyage Collection brochure, which features Star Pride’s inaugural season and over 25 exciting itineraries.

More info: call 0207 292 2387 or visit WindstarCruises.com.

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New Winter Options From Ponant

Leading French cruise line and five-star expedition specialist Compagnie du Ponant has launched its new Winter 2013/14 cruise collection, including exceptional itineraries to South America, Africa and Antarctica.

The range of voyages are featured on the trio of elegant 264-passenger yachts Le Boreal, L'Austral and Le Soleal and its magnificent and intimate three-masted yacht Le Ponant (carrying just 64 passengers). From October 2013 to April 2014,their full cruise programme will feature sailings around the Caribbean and Central America, South America, Antarctica and South Georgia, Asia and Africa.

Each of the 132-cabin yachts offers spacious suites, impeccable service and excellent food and wine, while their small size allows them to reach destinations larger ships cannot, and offer its passengers the opportunity to sail in the company of experts and historians as guides and lecturers who are passionate about their subjects.

Be it a luxury expedition in the Antarctic region, island-hopping round the Caribbean or a “cruise circuit” in South America and Asia, Ponant offers passengers a real travel experience.

For more info on Compagnie du Ponant, and booking opportunities, see this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's luxury adventure-cruise specialists.

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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.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.