Glamour at Cannes and the Thrill of a Formula One Race in Monaco on Wind Surf's 14-Day Grand Prix Cruise

Glamour at Cannes and the Thrill of a Formula One Race in Monaco on Wind Surf's 14-Day Grand Prix Cruise

Roundtrip Nice cruise Sails on May 21, 2006

SEATTLE, Feb. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Partake in the glamour of the Cannes Film Festival and the thrill of the Monaco Grand Prix race during the Wind Surf's special fourteen-day Grand Prix cruise. Guests will also be treated to an exclusive wine tasting event hosted by renowned Woodhouse Family Cellars, a boutique Washington State winery.

An itinerary 180-degrees from ordinary transports guests to two exhilarating events in the Mediterranean aboard the elegant 308-guest motor sailing yacht Wind Surf. Guests will overnight in Cannes, France during the star-studded Cannes Film Festival and spend two nights in Monaco during the Formula One Grand Prix race. Other ports visited include St. Tropez, France; St. Florent, Corsica; Ponza, Amalfi, Sorrento, Portovenere and Portofino, Italy.

"We've put together a longer itinerary for the Grand Prix cruise this year to give our guests the opportunity to enjoy the events and have ample time to relax on this luxurious Mediterranean cruise," says Diane Moore, Windstar's vice president of marketing and sales. "Optional exclusive events have been arranged for Windstar guests in St. Tropez, Cannes and Monaco."

Coinciding with the Cannes Film Festival is a gala dinner at The Hotel Majestic. The Majestic is renowned as a place to see and be seen with dinner served in the Villa de Lys restaurant. Bruno Oger, an exemplary chef with a passion for regional products and the French "art de vivre," will prepare a menu of Provencal cuisine." The gala dinner is available to Wind Surf guests and is $375 per person.

The International Film Festival, started in 1946, has become the world's most prestigious congregation of film talent and aims to display quality film works that have played a role in the evolution of cinematography as an art.

In Monte Carlo, an elegant private dinner will be held on the eve of the Grand Prix at the Monaco Private Car Collection Museum of the late H.S.H. Prince Rainier III. Guests have the opportunity to walk through the exhibits, which include one hundred cars of all ages, made by the biggest European and American firms, and six state coaches belonging to the late HSH Prince Rainier III of Monaco. The dinner is $425 per person.

Guests who wish to attend the Grand Prix may purchase the Monaco Grand Prix Package Tour that includes a private "Welcome to Monaco" cocktail reception and gala dinner on board the ship; a gift package of Bushnell binoculars, Official 64e Grand Prix de Monaco program, Official Team Ticket holder, Souvenir hat and Souvenir jacket.

On Saturday, guests will enjoy the Formula One Grand Prix time trials from Tribune K reserved seating. Tribune K seating is located near the pool where guests will see cars coming towards them at tremendous speed, slow down for the turn, and then accelerate for the turn at the pool. In the evening, guests attend the private dinner at the Monaco Private Car Collection Museum. On Sunday, a private breakfast on board the ship is followed by a thrilling day of viewing the final Grand Prix race from the same track-side reserved seats.

In St. Tropez, a cocktail party is planned at the Bylos Hotel, which maintains a mythical place in jet set history for partying, luxury and Provencal authenticity. The party includes a one-hour open bar with champagne and hot and cold canapes on the Terrace de l'Olivier, overlooking the swimming pool. The price per person is $179.

Oenophiles will enjoy an educational discussion on board the ship hosted by Bijal Shah, owner of Woodhouse Family Cellars, a boutique Washington State winery. Shah will provide insight into the production of his boutique wines, along with a complimentary wine tasting of labels offered through his company, which includes Darighe, Kennedy Shah, Dussek Family Cellars and Maghie Cellars. Bijal and his uncle, winemaker Tom Campbell, began making wine for friends in 1998. What started as a passion to share good wine with friends has turned into a popular boutique winery. Many of the wines that will be tasted are already sold out and can no longer be purchased.

The voyage sets sail from Nice, France on Sunday, May 21, returning 14 days later. Rates for the Wind Surf's Grand Prix cruise begin at US$3,999 per person, double occupancy. All optional events on this cruise have limited capacity and must be pre-booked. Inquiries may be sent to shoreex@windstarcruises.com.

About Windstar Cruises

Seattle-based Windstar Cruises operates three motor sailing yachts known for their casually elegant atmosphere. A high-percentage of return guests attests to the appeal of Windstar's casual ambiance of resort-style attire, innovative cuisine and wine selections, open restaurant-style seating, attentive service, exotic destinations and complimentary water sports.

This winter, all three ships will receive new luxury amenities and enhancements including Apple iPod Nanos and Bose SoundDock speakers, laptops for rent, wireless internet, Riedel stemware, luxury linens and mattresses, L'Occitane bathroom amenities and more.

Rates are quoted per person, double occupancy including non-discountable amounts and taxes. 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 or call Windstar at 1-800-258-7245. Visit Windstar Cruises online at 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

NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos are available through this link.
http://www.cleanpix.com/cleanpix/PublicViewSuitcase/5a2a330b175fe588c2551b78d1
8d3207

Source: Windstar Cruises

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

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

-------
Profile: intent