AAA Carolinas GO Magazine....

EUROPEAN SAILS:
THE WINDS OF WINDSTAR ACROSS THE ATLANTIC

The weakness of the U.S. dollar versus the euro doesn’t mean Europe has to be so expensive--at least to those who take a cruise paid for in greenbacks. Smart Europe visitors who choose a cruise with Windstar Cruises aboard the line’s 308-guest luxury motor sailing yacht, Wind Surf, can enjoy one- to two-week cruises with ports ranging from Lisbon to Barcelona, Marseille, Rome, Malta, Venice, and more (including the Greek Isles).

In addition, Windstar’s 148-passenger Wind Star and Wind Spirit both sail throughout the Western Mediterranean and Greek Isles on widely varied seven-day itineraries. The sailing season generally runs from April to November.

“Visiting Europe on a Windstar cruise is a great value, especially given the U.S. dollar in comparison to the euro,” says Jim McHugh, Windstar’s vice president of marketing and sales. “The resort-style atmosphere and unique sailing capabilities of our three ships offer vacationers a world-class European experience with value, romance, and luxury wrapped in a convenient cruise package.”

Windstar’s European sailing itineraries combine smaller, unique ports of call with long-time favorites like Venice and Rome. Guests may find themselves exploring Spanish Morocco in Ceuta, Spain; sipping cappuccino in Sorrento; testing Lady Luck in Monte Carlo; or shopping for hand-painted porcelain in Portugal.

A rich mix of shore excursions (payable in U.S. dollars) adds to the allure. Generally speaking, cruises can be combined to create longer voyages, with no repeating ports of call--and might even be joined to a pre- or post-European season transatlantic voyage on any of the ships for the ultimate sailing adventure. Passengers combining cruises receive an additional savings off the second cruise.

Windstar Cruises offers a unique concept in cruising that really shines in the sunny south of Europe. Passengers enjoy a private “yacht-like” experience, with highlights including: casually elegant attire (leave jackets, ties, and cocktail dresses at home); progressive spa facilities; “Signature Cuisine” created by acclaimed chef Joachim Splichal and “Sail Light” and vegetarian menus created by author Jeanne Jones; open-seating dining and alternative dining venues; wide-open teak decks; a complimentary watersports program off the ship’s bustling Marina Dock; and billowing white sails that unfurl in two minutes at the push of a button.

In-cabin amenities aboard all three ships include: large closed-circuit LCD flatscreen color TVs; DVD/CD players (including large borrowing libraries of movies and music); refrigerator/mini-bar; international direct-dial phones; and relatively large bathrooms with upscale toiletries, a hair dryer, and plush robes.

The line’s romantic sails and exotic European itineraries combine to make Windstar a very popular honeymoon and anniversary choice, with at least ten honeymoon or anniversary couples typically aboard the three-ship fleet at any given time. Couples can also customize their romantic vacation with an innovative selection of “Celebration Packages,” including fully-customizable wedding and vow renewal programs.

For more information, call your local AAA office, visit www.windstarcruises.com, or call (800) 258-7245.

XXCORRECT FORMAT: For reservations, call your local AAA service office. See page 3 for addresses and phone numbers.