More regions, more ports are a big part of Windstar’s secret to success, adding hot spots like Australia & New Zealand to long-time favorites like Tahiti, the Caribbean and Europe
Seattle, WA, August 8, 2019 — Windstar Cruises reached a milestone with a record-breaking volume of bookings in July. The award-winning line is celebrating the exceptional receptivity of new itineraries and sailing regions by guests and travel advisors. Windstar operates six small cruise ships that specialize in destination authenticity and immersive travel experiences.
“Windstar has been on a mission to provide the best in destination content and delivery. We offer the best itineraries in the business and more sailing regions than ever before. I’m grateful this combination is resonating with discerning travelers,” says President John Delaney, who took the helm at Windstar three years ago.
Windstar’s small ships now sail to 330 unique ports of call, a marked increase of more than 110% from just three years prior. The line has added 200 new ports of calls and entirely new regions offering a diverse global deployment that features 50 new itineraries in 2020-21, including recently announced Australia/New Zealand cruises; the South Pacific Islands; Central America; Western Caribbean sailing from Miami; and smaller ports in Europe and Alaska.
July’s booking record illustrates strong consumer demand from repeat and new guests seeking Windstar’s style of laid-back, sophisticated cruising that embraces regional cultures.
Windstar itineraries emphasize local immersion by offering more time in port with late evening and overnight visits on 45% of itineraries, as well as 2,500 shore excursion including the Concierge Collection, designed around must-see attractions like UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The boutique line’s itinerary growth started with Asia in 2017, and expanded to the following regions in 2018: Alaska, Canada/New England, and U.S. East Coast; the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan. New 2019 destinations include the U.S. West Coast and Mexico.
Additionally, next year Windstar’s groundbreaking $250 Million Star Plus Initiative will further enhance guest experiences on the line’s motor ships, adding 50 new suites, two new restaurants, larger spa and fitness center, new retail space and more. Star Breeze, the first of three re-imagined ships will debut in February 2020, followed by Star Legend and Star Pride, in July and November. The transformation raises the guest count on each ship to an exclusive 312 guests (up from 212). Cruises on all three ships are open now for reservations.
Recognized on Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best lists the past three years, Windstar pioneered the concept of travel by small, elegant ships to out of the way ports of call. The award-winning ships are renowned for unique itineraries, open decks, casual onboard atmosphere, and excellent cuisine as the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, personalized service, all ocean-view accommodations, an Open Bridge, and complimentary watersports.
For more information on Windstar’s authentic small ship cruises contact a travel advisor, call Windstar at 855-812-2949, or visit WindstarCruises.com.
About Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises operates a six-ship fleet of small sailing and all-suite ships visiting approximately 300 ports and 80 countries sailing to Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Asia, Alaska and British Columbia, Canada and New England, South Pacific and Tahiti. Windstar’s fleet is the market leader in small ship cruising and has just embarked on a $250 Million Dollar Star Plus Initiative to enhance its Star-class ships and the onboard guest accommodations and experiences. Calling on hidden harbors, off-the-beaten-path and popular ports, the boutique cruise line carries 148 to 312 passengers on six small ships and takes travelers on cruises that are 180 degrees from ordinary. Windstar is known for immersive experiences and destination authenticity, port-intensive itineraries, exceptional award-winning service, and an innovative culinary program with culinary-themed cruises as the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation. Windstar Cruises is a part of Xanterra Travel Collection, an award-winning, globally diversified travel company offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences in some of the most beautiful and iconic places on earth. Visit WindstarCruises.com.