Windstar Cruises Reports Highest Booking Volume of 2009

Due to increased demand Windstar Cruises will open call center on Sundays

SEATTLE, April 30 /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, is responding to recent increased volume by opening its call center on Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. PST during this heightened booking time.

Booking volume for Windstar Cruises on April 27 showed an increase of 23 percent over any previous day in 2009. Traffic to the call center also increased 20 percent over average volume. Due to this amplified demand and increased sales, over the past five weeks, of 87 percent higher than the same period in 2008, Windstar Cruises is opening its call center on Sundays. This additional opportunity for guests to book with Windstar will remain in effect throughout this heightened sales period.

Windstar attributes the added volume to the outstanding efforts of their travel partners, special values offered to Foremast members, increased international sales force in Canada, and special guest offers, including free air out of New York.

“We are pleased to report that new and returning Windstar guests are booking at the highest rates this year, despite the challenging economy,” said Brian Clement, vice president of Guest Services at Windstar Cruises. “Windstar, with the support of our dedicated travel partners, have made every effort to ensure that our guests are offered exceptional values and the highest quality in luxury, small-ship cruising.”

A leader in defining the small ship luxury cruise experience for more than 20 years, Windstar has won the allegiance of a new generation of contemporary travelers who appreciate the line’s luxurious accommodations, alternative dining venues, diversity of shore excursions, complimentary water sports program, deluxe spa facilities, and casual elegance.

Windstar’s award-winning reputation for sophisticated, yet casual elegance has been recognized by some of the most notable names in the travel world. Windstar was recently awarded “Favourite Small-Ship Cruise Line” in the U.K.’s Conde Nast Traveller’s 2008 Readers’ Travel Awards. Windstar received the highest score of any cruise line in the poll and was also only one of three cruise lines in Conde Nast Traveller’s list of the “Top 100 of the Best the Travel World has to Offer.” Celebrated Living, American Airlines’ prestigious publication for first class passengers, named Windstar Cruises “Best Small-Ship/Mid-Ship Cruise Line” on their 2008 Platinum List for the second time in a row. Readers of Porthole Cruise Magazine awarded Windstar “Most Romantic Cruise Line” and “Best Tall Ship” in the 2008 10th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Windstar has also earned top honors in Travel + Leisure’s World’s 2008 Best Awards and was lauded among “The World’s Best Small Ships” by Conde Nast Traveler.

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.

    For More Information:
    Windstar Public Relations
    pr@windstarcruises.com
    206.733.2705

SOURCE Windstar Cruises