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