Windstar Cruises on Travel + Leisure's 2010 Top 5 List of Small-Ship Cruise Lines

SEATTLE, July 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations, is recognized as one of the "Top 5 Small-Ship Cruise Lines" in the 15th annual "World's Best Awards" voted by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. The "World's Best Awards" acknowledges the top hotels, destinations, airlines, cruise lines, outfitters, and transportation companies in the world.  

"Windstar is honored to be recognized again by the discerning readers of Travel + Leisure," said Hans Birkholz, CEO of Windstar Cruises. "We look forward to continuing to deliver unforgettable experiences to our guests on our luxurious ships."

Windstar's commitment to providing guests with the most casually elegant and memorable cruise vacation has consistently placed Windstar on the prestigious Travel + Leisure "World's Best" list year after year.

The readers of Travel + Leisure rated contenders in the small-ship cruise category on a variety of criteria including cabins, food, service, itineraries and destinations, activities, and value. The survey was developed by the editors of Travel + Leisure in association with ROI Research Inc. Readers were invited to participate in the survey through Travel + Leisure magazine and online at TravelandLeisure.com from December 15, 2009, through March 31, 2010. A list of winners in every category can be found on the magazine's website www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest. Winners will also be featured in the August issue of Travel + Leisure on newsstands July 23, 2010.

Windstar recently released its 2011 and Winter 2012 season featuring new itineraries in the Baltic, Holy Land, Europe, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean along with its captivating Signature Collection Host Series line-up of distinguished hosts who will lecture on winemaking, culinary arts, photography, gardening and wealth management.

Windstar is currently implementing its next phase of its Degrees of Difference initiative adding amenities and enhancements to the fleet in the areas of dining, accommodations, entertainment, spa, fitness and shore excursions which will be completed during the summer of 2010.

In addition to Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Awards," Windstar has been recognized by some of the most notable names in the travel world. Windstar was selected for the fourth consecutive year in 2010 as the "Best Small/Mid-Size Cruise Line" by Celebrated Living, American Airline's publication for first class passengers. Windstar was acknowledged as one of  "The World's Best Cruise Lines" by Conde Nast Traveler on their 15th Annual Gold List along with all three ships selected for the magazine's "Best Small Ships" list in 2010. Windstar was chosen as one the "Top 10 Cruise Lines" by Gayot.com in 2010. Windstar was also voted the "Most Popular" cruise line in the small-ship category by Zagat and received high marks in the categories of Top Overall, Top Cabins, Top Service, Top Dining and Top Facilities. Windstar recently received a "Favourite Small-Ship Cruise Line" award in the U.K.'s Conde Nast Traveller's Readers' Travel Awards and was listed in their "Top 100 of the Best the Travel World has to Offer." Windstar was also honored as the "Most Romantic Cruise Line" by Porthole Magazine for the fifth time in a row.

About Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises operates three sailing yachts known for their pampering without pretense and their ability to visit the hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations. Carrying just 148 to 312 guests, the luxurious ships of Windstar cruise to nearly 50 nations, calling at 100 ports throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas. For more information including rates and itineraries contact a professional travel agent or call Windstar at 1-800-258-7245.  Visit Windstar Cruises online at www.windstarcruises.com.

Windstar is a division of Ambassadors International Cruise Group, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ambassadors Cruise Group, LLC.

SOURCE Windstar Cruises