Windstar Cruises three motor sailing yachts the 148-guest Wind Star and Wind Spirit and the 308-guest Wind Surf have consistently drawn couples looking for a romantic vacation over the years. Honeymoons, weddings and vow renewals are all popular aboard the lines romantic and elegant sailing ships.
Voted one of the 50 Best Honeymoons by Modern Bride, 'Most Romantic Cruise Line' and 'Most Romantic Dining Ambience' by Porthole Magazine and 'Most Romantic Cruise Line' by CruiseReport.com, Windstar provides the ultimate escape for couples.
Honeymoons
A luxurious cruise on an intimate Windstar ship is often a top choice for honeymooners. Sailing in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Panama Canal, Mediterranean and Greek Isles, Windstar itineraries are naturally romantic visiting more secluded ports and hidden bays than other lines.
Honeymooners receive special treatment. Upon embarkation, a personal letter signed by the Captain and Hotel Manager welcomes them to their honeymoon cruise. Mid-way through the cruise, the couple will receive a plate of delectable chocolate-covered strawberries and romantic rose petals strewn across the bed at turndown. On the last night, a honeymoon certificate signed by the Captain and Hotel Manager will be delivered to the room as a memento.
A honeymoon celebration package is available to purchase for $148 and includes a bottle of Taittinger Cuvée Prestige Rosé, two Windstar champagne glasses, chocolate-dipped strawberries, breakfast in bed, and a Windstar keepsake picture frame.
On board, luxurious staterooms await with new, plush beds outfitted with luxury linens and duvets; flatscreen TVs and DVD players; and spa bathroom amenities by L'Occitane. A romance playlist has been added to the Apple iPod Nanos available at reception. Drop the Nano into the Bose SoundDock speaker installed in every stateroom and love songs create a romantic atmosphere.
On the Wind Spirit and Wind Star, guests may enjoy a romantic dinner for two in their stateroom. Called 'Cuisine de l'Amour,' the menu offers mood-enhancing food such as spicy grilled shrimp on a pillow of avocado, tango of green asparagus spears velouté flirting with Crispy Prosciutto Confettis, Rack of Lamb under a Blanket of Sun-Dried Love Apples, Fantasy of Fresh Strawberries Caressed by Decadent Chocolate Ganache with Kisses of Chantilly Cream Aroused with Pernod. The menu will be available on the Wind Surf at a later date.
Destination Weddings
The luxurious Windstar ships provide an ideal backdrop for weddings. Couples getting married on a Windstar ship enjoy the ease of a combination wedding and romantic honeymoon. Whether desiring a shoreside wedding in a port of call or a wedding on board the ship, Windstar's professional and friendly crew work to ensure every detail is perfectly executed.
Wedding arrangements are coordinated through Windstar's professional wedding planners at The Wedding Experience. After booking the cruise, guests may call (877) 580-3556 or visit www.theweddingexperience.com. A personal wedding planner will assist with all the details for the big day including wedding rehearsal and dinner, reception, flowers, special activities for the wedding party, ordering a cake and other requests.
Windstar has worked with The Wedding Experience on both small and elaborate weddings in locations as varied as beach weddings in the Virgin Islands to on board the ship in Venice, Italy. Wedding guests may either sail with the couple or meet the ship in port and join the festivities for the day.
Vow Renewals
Whether married one year or fifty, more couples are now requesting vow renewal ceremonies. Couples seeking a romantic location find a ceremony officiated on board by the ship's captain a perfect fit. Windstar's sociable captains are happy to oblige.
Usually set on the top deck of the ship, either in port or under sail, panoramic views, blue seas and an elegant sailing ship combine to create a romantic location for the renewal of a lifelong commitment.
A Vow Renewal package is available for $148 and may be purchased on board. The package includes a renewal of vows ceremony by ship's captain, a cake, Iron Horse Wedding Cuvée, two keepsake Windstar champagne glasses and a certificate signed by the captain.
Other romance packages available for purchase include Anniversary, Just for Us and Pure Pampering. Details are online at www.windstarcruises.com/WindStarExtras/shopping.asp.
Windstar's elegant motor sailing yachts have recently received a multi-million dollar investment in luxury amenities including new Signature Cuisine menus by acclaimed Chef Joachim Splichal of L.A.'s Patina Group.
Complimentary water sports from the water sports platform include kayaking, wind surfing, boat rides, sailing, water skiing and ski tubing. Water sports activities are itinerary dependent. Snorkeling gear may be checked out for the week. Scuba diving excursions for novice and experienced divers are available for a fee. Spa and salon services are available on all three ships including a couples massage lesson on the Wind Surf. Couples will also enjoy the new hammocks built for two on the top deck of the ships-- a cozy place to cuddle with spectacular views.
About Windstar Cruises
Seattle-based 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. 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 brochures, rates and itineraries contact a professional travel agent or call Windstar at 1-800-258-7245.
Visit Windstar Cruises online at www.windstarcruises.com.
