Wind Star

Thursday, June 11, 2009

With so much beautiful water off its coastline, Italy was made for cruising and as Jules Lund discovered, there could be no way better than aboard Wind Star, a multimillion-dollar sailing vessel. It is a wonderful blend of a 19th-century sailing ship with the luxury of an ultramodern yacht.

Windstar Cruise Line's ships are officially motor-sail-yachts but the designation belies the vessels' rigging. Unfurling in two minutes at the push of a button, billowing white sails reach to the sky. Functions are operated from a bridge kitted out with computer microchips and navigational devices.

The line's catchphrase is "180 degrees from ordinary".

Wind Star carries just 312 passengers who are provided with two pools, three restaurants, two bars and several lounges. It's all about comfort and relaxation from the word "go". There are 10 massage therapists aboard, and for the more active, an entire team of sports instructors to keep you busy.

Unpack just once and visit half a dozen destinations. There are no formal-wear occasions; by day, shorts and light shirts are the norm. For dinner, women typically wear casual sundresses or pants-suits and men generally wear light-weight slacks and a polo or button-up shirt. Dinner is served within one open seating.

There are three Windstar vessels: Wind Star, Wind Spirit and Wind Surf.

Location

Italy's Amalfi coast.

Cost

Wind Star offers a 7-day Amalfi cruise from Rome to Venice, which starts at $1791 per person twin share, including all meals and activities. 14-day Rome to Lisbon cruises start at $9906 per person twin share. It leaves Rome on October 24, 2009. Wind Spirit leaves on a similar cruise on October 31, 2009. All meals and activities and cruise non-discountable amounts and taxes are included.

Prices correct at June 11, 2009.

For further information

Travel the World
Level 1, 171 Clarence Street
Sydney 2000
Ph: 1300 804 522
Fax: (02) 9290 2812
www.traveltheworld.com.au
ttwmail@traveltheworld.com.au

User comments

Hi, I have seen the Getaway special and can tell you that you can get the trip for that price - specials are on each year and at present you can go Venice to Rome, departing 13 Sept 09 and arriving Rome 20 Sept for $1795 Australian. You can book via www.vacationstogo.com They have specials on a lot of cruise ships and this is one of them. There are a few trips on the Windsurf available over Aug and Sept, Aug being more expensive. We are planning to do the Venice to Rome or Rome to Venice in Sept 2010 for our honeymoon and will be perusing their website around 60 days before the dates we are after for the best price. Bon Voyage!

I can assure you that the price quoted on Getaway is not correct unless there has been a dramatic reduction! As previously stated , we have traveled this cruise twice and the cost was far more than stated on the show! There are also many hidden costs so beware. We are happy to talk to anyone interested

yes we also agree prices stated on the show was $1,700pp and that included food, my husband and i both said at the time it was a very good deal . oh well dream on chrissy

I agree with Anette, the prices quoted on the fact sheet do not appear to be the same as on the show? I think the show stated a 7 day cruise for around $1,700 pp.

We have sailed twice on Windstar and can thoroughly recommend it! The food, cabins & staff are second to none.The cruise is NOT for children or teenagers though. It is truly 6 star - enjoy!!!

The prices quoted on the fact sheet do not appear to be the same as on the show?