If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Windstar Returns to Costa Rica!
Hi Everyone,
I received this press release from Windstar and thought it would be of interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings, they are available on my web site. Best regards, Ray LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL 800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905 http://www.lighthousetravel.com RAINFORESTS, RIVERS AND RESERVES: WINDSTAR RETURNS TO COSTA RICA IN 2005 - Windstar Mixes Luxury with Soft Adventure Aboard 10 Cruises - Seattle, WA, August 3, 2004 - Renowned for its worldwide exotic itineraries, Windstar Cruises will return to Costa Rica in 2005 after a two-year hiatus, offering savvy travelers the opportunity to experience paradise from ship to shore on 10 new 7-day cruises that are truly 180 degrees from ordinary. From January 29 - March 26, and again in December, the motor sailing yacht Wind Star will explore Costa Rica on roundtrip itineraries from Puerto Caldera. The hidden harbors of Central America's Pacific coast are revealed with port calls at San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; Playa Flamingo, Quepos, Bahia Paraiso (Drake Bay), Curu Reserve, and Tortuga Island, Costa Rica. "We pioneered luxury cruising to Costa Rica, and we are thrilled to be returning to such a fascinating destination," says Tom Russell, vice president marketing and sales. "The quiet elegance and unobtrusive style of Windstar puts us in a unique position to explore the wild and natural beauty of Costa Rica with calls at smaller, less-frequented ports typically unavailable to larger cruise ships." Often described as the jewel of Central America, Costa Rica is an ecotourism haven. Naturalist Carlos Picado, a native of Costa Rica, will be aboard every cruise to share his expert insight into the country's unique history, culture, geography and biodiversity, providing guests with a greater understanding of the delicate balance of nature existing within Costa Rica. Ports of Call Guests will find a perfect match of luxury and adventure as the elegant 148-passenger msy Wind Star sails into picturesque harbors and bays on its leisurely cruise down the Pacific Coast. A tranquil Nicaraguan fishing village nestled between volcanic hills with a stretch of white sand beach, San Juan del Sur sits at the head of a horseshoe-shaped bay and is the gateway to Nicaragua's fascinating hinterland. Playa Flamingo, on Guanacaste's Gold Coast, is regarded as one of the finest white sand beaches in Costa Rica making it tops for swimming and sunbathing. The area boasts luxury homes, hotels and resorts. Fishing, surfing, diving and snorkeling are all popular activities here. Quepos is a convenient base-camp for a day of adventure, whether it be exploring the trails that weave up to waterfalls or a walk through famed Manuel Antonio National Park, with its lovely beaches and abundant wildlife. A remote bay with a beautiful sand beach connecting the lush rain forest to the clear blue ocean, Bahía Paraiso sits on the far western edge of Osa Peninsula between Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park. The Osa Peninsula is described as Costa Rica's "best kept secret." The unique history of the Curu Wildlife Reserve, a privately owned Hacienda on the Nicoya Peninsula, allows agriculture, scientific research, and tourism to thrive together in a sustainable manner. Hiking trails provide access to diverse habitats and an array of wildlife inhabits the reserve including pacas, hawksbill turtles, monkeys and 232 species of birds. Across from Curu is Tortuga Island with a beautiful palm-fringed beach and lush tropical flora. Tortuga is an uninhabited, peaceful island with sheltered areas for swimming and snorkeling. Adventure and diversity ashore To fully appreciate the exotic nuances of the land, Windstar has crafted a collection of custom-designed tours showcasing the very best of nature at play. With excursions ranging from easy, informative walks to downright adventurous explorations, guests will witness the true beauty of Costa Rica: · Swing from tree to tree in a custom-fitted harness and witness the secrets of the forest during the Congo Trail Canopy Tour in the Province of Guanacaste (from Playa Flamingo); · Enjoy a half-day of sailing and snorkeling on board a beautiful catamaran (from Playa Flamingo); · Hike the Manuel Antonio National Park, famous for its tropical beaches backed by forests and rocky headlands, as a naturalist guide points out unique flora and fauna (from Quepos); · Walk in the footsteps of Spanish Conquistador Hernandez de Cordoba while exploring the ancient city of Granada, founded in 1524 (from San Juan del Sur); and, · Ride horseback into the rainforest to swim in the pool of a tumbling waterfall. Aboard the intimate msy Wind Star, the ship becomes a window on the world, with spacious, open decks and a complimentary water sports program ideally suited for cruising the tropics. An aft water sports platform lowers into the water for access to the swimming platform, water-skiing, kayaking, sailing, "banana boating," and windsurfing. Snorkeling gear is also available complimentary. After a day of exploration, guests will appreciate Windstar's atmosphere of casual elegance. Guests are free to relax in comfort aboard their own private yacht -no ties, jackets or cocktail dresses required. Elegantly appointed staterooms boast amenities such as a DVD and CD player, LCD flatscreen TV, stocked mini-bar and snacks, white terry bathrobes and room to rest in comfort. Deck space is plentiful on board and comfortable, new lounge chairs beckon you to relax and enjoy the view as if you are on your own private verandah. Gourmet cuisine by celebrity chef Joachim Splichal and a Sail Light spa menu by author Jeanne Jones tempt the palate at every meal with fresh ingredients combined with culinary creativity and a splash of local flavor. Guests enjoy breakfast and lunch in the Verandah which extends outside on deck for views of the day's destination. In the evening, dinner in the Restaurant is a five-course affair with freedom to choose when and with whom you will dine - all of which combines to create paradise at sea. Windstar recently invested $6 million to maintain the yacht-like elegance of its award-winning fleet of three sailing ships. Rates for the seven-day Costa Rica itineraries begin at $2,036 per person, based on double occupancy, for cruise-only bookings made by October 31, 2004. Air/sea packages are available from the historic capital of San Jose. About Windstar Cruises Seattle-based Windstar Cruises operates three motor 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 unobtrusive service and attentive staff create a casually elegant atmosphere that effortlessly fosters camaraderie among guests and crew. Carrying just 148 to 308 guests, the luxurious ships of Windstar cruise to nearly 50 nations, calling at more than 100 ports throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas. Windstar offers optional trip cancellation protection that provides cash back when you cancel for any reason prior to 24-hours before departure. For more information including brochures, rates and itineraries contact a professional travel agent. World's Leading Cruise Lines Windstar Cruises is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises and the Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, the member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. The World's Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Best regards, Ray LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL 800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905 http://www.lighthousetravel.com |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Atlantic Corporate Travel announces the new promotions for this May 31 - June 10 | Walter Morales | Latin America | 0 | May 25th, 2004 07:45 PM |
Our vacation in Montezuma and Los Angeles Cloud Forest, Costa Rica | MBG | Latin America | 2 | April 16th, 2004 05:46 AM |
Windstar Drops Tahiti & Baltics 2005! | Ray Goldenberg | Cruises | 1 | March 26th, 2004 05:47 PM |
HELP ... COSTA RICA bound and indecisive | Beverley | Latin America | 10 | January 7th, 2004 09:14 AM |
Guanacaste Costa Rica Trip Report | [email protected] | Latin America | 0 | January 2nd, 2004 03:38 PM |