SEATTLE, Aug. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Windstar Cruises and parent company Holland America Line announced today a multi-million dollar Degrees of Difference initiative to enhance the line's three ship fleet of motor sailing yachts. This builds on the company's previous investment in the fleet.

Work will begin this fall on the msy Wind Surf during a five-week combined wet dock and dry dock in November and December 2006. The Wind Spirit will undergo renovations in spring 2007 and the Wind Star in fall 2007.

"This significant investment in the Windstar fleet shows the strength of our brand," says Diane Moore, Windstar's vice president of marketing and sales. "It's a renewed commitment from our parent company Holland America Line and Carnival Corporation as well. The Windstar ships are unique, and we are investing heavily in both technical and aesthetic aspects of the ships to enhance their appeal in the marketplace."

While the previous Degrees of Difference projects focused mainly on aesthetics and soft goods, this investment will also focus on structural and mechanical operations, along with improvements to guest areas, such as new stateroom amenities and extensive bathroom renovations. Work on the Wind Surf will also include improvements to the WindSpa, the library, and the creation of two new suites.

A major reorganization to the Wind Surf's main deck will create a gathering spot for guests called the Yacht Club. Walls will be removed from the library and the space opened up for a convergence of activities. An espresso bar with tables and chairs becomes a centerpiece along with couches for lounging. A selection of books, DVDs and CDs will be available. A large flat panel television will be added for watching news, movies or sporting events. Eight computers will be available for email and browsing the Internet.

Two brand new suites measuring 475 square feet each will be built on the Bridge deck. The suites will feature a living room, an entertainment center with flat panel television and DVD/CD player, a dining area, a separate bedroom with a flat panel television and DVD/CD player, a full bath with whirlpool tub and separate shower. Guests in the Bridge Suites will enjoy extra service amenities such as unpacking and packing service, invitation to dine with Captain, laundry and pressing, evening appetizers, high tea service upon request, complimentary bottled water stocked in the suites, chilled champagne upon arrival, additional L'Occitane bath amenities and more.

All stateroom and suite bathrooms will be completely renovated. Elements include updated cabinetry with open glass shelves, granite countertops, white porcelain sinks, new custom shower heads, new shower curtains and refinished shower stalls. Teak floors will be polished and a lit magnifying mirror will be added. Egyptian cotton towels and bath amenities by L'Occitane have recently been added.

In other areas of the stateroom, woodwork will be refinished, desktops resurfaced, full length mirrors added, along with goodnight mats and slippers. A logo key card holder will be given to each guest. In suites, a second flat panel television and DVD player will also be added. Wireless internet is already available throughout the ship along with Bose SoundDock speakers in all staterooms, Apple iPod Nanos pre-loaded with music for complimentary check-out and laptops for rent.

A reconfiguration of the WindSpa will create a couples massage room where guests may relax and enjoy the art of massage. A pedicure chair will be added to the spa for guests' comfort during Windstar signature pedicures.

The Bistro, Wind Surf's alternative restaurant, will be renamed Degrees and feature a steak house menu created by Chef Joachim Splichal four nights a week and menus from Northern Italy, France and Indonesia other evenings. Degrees has been redecorated with a new burgundy color scheme, Rosenthal china and Schott Zwiesel stemware. Reservations are required but there is no additional charge to dine at Degrees. Splichal has reinvigorated the ship's cuisine in The Restaurant as well with new menus served on elegant Rosenthal china with Riedel stemware.

Other public area improvements include new furniture and awnings in the Veranda restaurant, Balinese sun beds added to Star deck, new audio/visual equipment to facilitate meetings on board and new televisions and free weights in the gym. A refreshing mist spray will be added to the decks near both pools for cooling off on hot days. Plans are also underway to provide cell phone service on all ships by the end of 2007.

Structural work on the aft water sports platform will upgrade the functionality of the platform. Currently the ship offers complimentary snorkel gear, sail boats, water skiing, kayaks and wind surfing. Other major structural projects include work on steel repair, temperature control systems, galley equipment, rigging, water systems, and upgrades to crew accommodations.

To facilitate the Wind Surf's renovations, Windstar has canceled the December 2 Caribbean cruise and the November 19 transatlantic sailing. Booked guests have been notified and offered other cruise dates. The ship will begin its Caribbean season, sailing roundtrip from Bridgetown, Barbados, on December 16, 2006.

"This five-week work period on the Wind Surf provides us the necessary time to make the structural and technical enhancements that will bring the ship up to a level not seen since she was first built," says Moore. "And the upgraded soft goods and luxury amenities take the ship's comfort level to a new degree of luxury."

Details on the renovation of the 148-guest Wind Spirit and Wind Star will follow.

All three Windstar ships will also be re-flagged to The Netherlands in order to accommodate new European itineraries while complying with European Union maritime laws.

A leader in defining the small ship luxury cruise experience, Windstar has won the allegiance of a new generation of contemporary travelers who appreciate the line's casual attire, alternative dining venues, rich mix of shore excursions, complimentary water sports program, progressive spa facilities, and luxurious accommodations. The line's relaxed approach to enjoying time at sea free of scheduled events has become a benchmark for others in luxury travel to follow.

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. Carrying just 148 to 308 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 brochures, rates and itineraries contact a professional travel agent or call Windstar at 1-800-258-7245. Visit Windstar Cruises online at http://www.windstarcruises.com/ .

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.

Contact: Sarah Scoltock: (206) 301-5445

PR@windstarcruises.com

CONTACT: Sarah Scoltock of Windstar Cruises, +1-206-301-5445, or
PR@windstarcruises.com

Web site: http://www.hollandamerica.com/

Web site: http://www.windstarcruises.com/