Windstar Cruises Unveils Its 2011/2012 Sailing Atlas Detailing 175 Sailings and 40 Itineraries

SEATTLE, Aug. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most sought-after destinations, has published its 2011/2012 Sailing Atlas, with artwork by acclaimed artist Michael Crampton, showcasing a new collection of extraordinary voyages to enchanting destinations and a captivating Signature Collection Host Series.

The 112-page 2011/2012 Sailing Atlas presents new sailings in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Europe, The Baltic, Holy Lands, Greek Isles and Panama Canal at exceptional values for guests to discover along with day-by-day itineraries by region, ship deck plans and Windstar cruise information.

New 2011/2012 Voyages

Baltic Voyages:

Architectural wonders, monuments, picturesque villages and dramatic landscapes are some of the sites on Baltic cruises:

• Seven-day sailing on Wind Spirit from Le Havre, France to Oslo, Norway departs July 9, 2011, and visits Dieppe, France; Bruges (Ostend), Belgium; Amsterdam, Netherlands (overnight); and Kristiansand, Norway.
• Seven-day sailing on Wind Spirit from Oslo, Norway to Stockholm, Sweden departs July 16, 2011, and visits Gothenburg, Sweden; Arhus, Denmark; Copenhagen, Denmark; Warnemunde, Germany; and Visby, Sweden.
• Seven-day sailing on Wind Spirit Stockholm, Sweden roundtrip departs July 23, 2011, and visits Helsinki, Finland; Tallinn, Estonia; and St. Petersburg, Russia (overnight).
• Seven-day sailing on Wind Spirit from Stockholm, Sweden to Oslo, Norway departs July 30, 2011, and visits Visby, Sweden; Warnemunde, Germany; Copenhagen, Denmark; Arhus, Denmark; and Gothenburg, Sweden.
• Seven-day sailing on Wind Spirit from Oslo, Norway to Le Havre, France departs August 6, 2011, and visits Kristiansand, Norway; Amsterdam, Netherlands (overnight); Bruges (Ostend), Belgium; and Dieppe, France.

Holy Land Voyages:

Rich with history, ancient ruins, museums and archeological sites, the Holy Land sailings also feature optional excursions to Cairo and pre- and post-cruise programs to Jerusalem.

• 10-day sailing on Wind Star from Athens, Greece to Ashdod, Israel departs October 15, 2011, and visits Santorini, Greece; Rhodes, Greece; Alanya, Turkey; Limassol, Cyprus; and Port Said, Egypt (overnight).
• 11-day sailing on Wind Star from Ashdod, Israel to Athens, Greece departs October 25, 2011, and visits Haifa, Israel; Port Said, Egypt (overnight); Limassol, Cyprus; Marmaris, Turkey; Patmos, Greece; and Idra, Greece.

European Voyages:

Highlight of European sailings include World War II sites, charming towns, castles, fishing villages and offer an optional post tour to Paris.

• Seven-day sailing on Wind Spirit from Lisbon, Portugal to Le Havre, France departs July 2, 2011, and visits Porto, Portugal; Brest, France; Roscoff, France; and Cherbourg, France.
• Seven-day sailing on Wind Spirit from Le Havre, France to Lisbon, Portugal departs August 13, 2011, and visits Cherbourg, France; Roscoff, France; Brest, France; and Porto, Portugal.

Greek Isles Voyages on Wind Surf:

Experience the mythical beauty, rich history, culture, limestone cliffs, whitewashed villages and sandy beaches of Greece on these cruises:

• Seven-day sailing on Wind Surf from Athens, Greece to Istanbul, Turkey departs July 16, September 24, and October 8, 2011, and visits Mykonos, Greece; Santorini, Greece; Rhodes, Greece; Bodrum, Turkey; and Kusadasi, Turkey.
• Seven-day sailing on Wind Surf from Istanbul, Turkey to Athens, Greece departs July 23,  October 1,  and October 15, 2011, visits Kusadasi, Turkey; Rhodes, Greece; Bodrum, Turkey; Santorini, Greece; and Mykonos, Greece.

Costa Rica Voyages:

New Costa Rica itineraries offer lush jungles, pristine beaches, abundant wildlife and a Panama Canal Transit.

• Seven-day sailings on Wind Star from Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica to Colon, Panama depart December 31, 2011 & February 4, 2012, and visit Bahia Drake, Costa Rica; Golfito, Costa Rica; Isla de Cobia, Panama; Panama Canal Transit; and San Blas Islands, Panama.
• Seven-day sailings on Wind Star from Colon, Panama to Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica depart January 7 and February 11, 2012, and visit San Blas Islands, Panama; Panama Canal Transit; Isla de Cobia, Panama; Golfito, Costa Rica; Bahia Drake, Costa Rica.

Caribbean Voyages:

Vibrant ports, white-sand beaches and azure waters are some of the elements that comprise these cruises.

• Seven-day sailings on Wind Surf from Barbados to St. Martin depart January 7, February 11,  March 24, 2012, and visit Mayreau, The Grenadines; Pigeon Island, St. Lucia; Le Marin, Martinique; Portsmouth, Dominica; and St. Barts, F.W.I.
• Seven day sailings on Wind Surf from St. Martin to Barbados depart January 14 and February 18, 2012, and visit Virgin Gorda, B.V.I.; Iles de Saints, F.W.I.; Pigeon Island, St. Lucia; Bequia, The Grenadines; and Mayreau, The Grenadines.

Transatlantic Voyage:

• 13-day sailing on Wind Spirit from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain to St. Martin, F.W.I. departs November 20, 2011.

Signature Collection Host Series

Windstar's popular Signature Collection Host Series returns offering guests a unique opportunity to travel with luminaries in the world of winemaking, culinary arts, photography, gardening and wealth management. Guests can taste and learn about wines from top winemakers Daniel Baron of Silver Oak Cellars; Chris Figgins of Leonetti Cellar; Tor and Susan Kenward of Tor Kenward Family Wines; Bob Iantosca of Gloria Ferrer and Julia Iantosca of Lasseter Family Winery; as well as David Gianulias and Todd Rustman of Levendi Winery. Chef Fabio Viviani of Firenze Osteria and fan favorite of "Top Chef" season five will delight food connoisseurs with his culinary arts. Guests will discover the art of photography with celebrity and travel photographer John Russo. Garden designer Anthea Guthrie will share her passion for gardening and design tips. And, Todd Rustman will discuss the principles of wealth management.

Degrees of Difference: Fleet Upgrades and Enhancements

Windstar Cruises is currently implementing its latest phase of its Degrees of Difference initiative featuring added amenities and enhancements to the fleet, in the areas of dining, accommodations, entertainment, spa, fitness and shore excursions. This new initiative takes the ships to a new degree of excellence and delivers an experience that continues to raise the bar.

To order Windstar's 2011/2012 Sailing Atlas, contact a travel professional, call Windstar Cruises at 1-800-258-7245 or visit www.windstarcruises.com.

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