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Big Sails and Free Airfare

Cruise the Med and Save

Sail the Mediterranean in style aboard the msy Wind Surf, one of the world’s largest luxury sailing yachts afloat.  This summer the mega-yacht, owned by upscale cruise line Windstar Cruises, will tour the playgrounds of the rich and famous between Nice, France; and Rome and Venice, Italy.

A total of 26 cruises, each 7-days in length, will ply the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas on two different itineraries from May 5 to November 3, 2001.  Cruisers can also choose to book the two itineraries back-to-back to create a fabulous 14-day sailing that offers a special discount.         

Fresh from a recent renovation in December of 2000, the Wind Surf carries just 308 passengers served by 163 attentive staff.  High above spacious teak decks, her 21,500 square feet of sleek computerized sails unfurl at the touch of a button, creating an ambiance of romantic freedom that has no equal.

Wind Surf calls upon the timeless ports of France and Italy this summer, broadening its cultural horizon with side-trips to lively Greece and historic Croatia. 

The French and Italian Rivieras are the highlight of the 13 cruises which sail between Nice, France and Rome, Italy.  This itinerary features the quintessential ports of Monte Carlo, Monaco;    St. Tropez, France; Portofino, Portoferraio, and Portovenere, Italy (with an optional tour to Florence); and Porto Vecchio (a replacement for Bonifacio) on the island of Corsica, France.

The Amalfi and Adriatic coasts are the focus of the 13 Wind Surf cruises sailing between Venice and Rome, Italy.  This popular itinerary visits Amalfi and Messina, Italy; Corfu, Greece; Dubrovnik and Rab Island, Croatia, and also offers a day of sailing at sea.

SHORE EXCURSIONS: HISTORICAL EXPLORATIONS

Shore excursions are an excellent way to fully embrace the abundant history and colorful cultures of the various European ports.  A popular tour on Corfu, Greece visits the dramatic 19th-Century Achillion Palace built for Empress Elizabeth of Austria.  Stunning Aegean views, beautiful gardens and exotic flowers surround the palace.  Grand statues adorn the gardens, with the most prominent being that of the palace’s namesake, the mythic Achilles. 

A historic tour of the medieval, walled-town of Dubrovnik, Croatia reveals such gems as priceless Renaissance art collections, including paintings by the masters Titian, Rafael, and Padovanino; visitors can also view the relics of the city’s patron saint inside the Church of St. Blaise.

CUSTOMIZE CRUISE COSTS & SAVE

Windstar is offering several special ways to save on cruise rates and airfare when sailing the Mediterranean this season.  

The May 5, 2001 Wind Surf 7-day cruise from Rome to Venice, Italy offers free airfare and the best price for the season at US$3,032 [CDN$4,525] per person, double occupancy.

The above rate includes 40% savings off the brochure rate, port charges and taxes, round-trip transfers, and free round-trip airfare from the following cities: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Tampa, Washington D.C., and Toronto.

All 26 Wind Surf 7-day cruises from May 5 through November 3, 2001 are offered at either a 50% discount off the cruise-only rate, or a 40% discount with reduced-rate airfare.      

Consumers will save 50% off the brochure fare when booking the cruise-only rate which starts at US$2,563 [CDN$3,630] per person, double occupancy, including port charges and taxes.

Alternately, the cruises are also offered at 40% off the brochure rate with reduced-rate airfare from a number of selected cities including New York.  The round-trip airfare price starts at US$499 [CDN$745] per person.  Combined with the 40% cruise discount this sensational cruise-air package starts at US$3,531 [CDN$5,270] per person, double occupancy, including port charges and taxes, and round-trip transfers.

The two itineraries can be combined for a 14-day cruise with an additional 10% discount off the second sailing (maximum of 50% off per cruise).

Windstar finished in the top three for small ship cruising in both Travel and Leisure's World's Best Awards and Condé Nast Traveler UK Readers’ Choice Awards for 2000, and was recently named to the Condé Nast Traveler 2001 Gold List of Best Places to Stay in the World.

Edited by Dave Shultz

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