Windstar Cruises on Travel + Leisure's "World's Best" List for Small-Ship Cruise Lines

Voted by Readers in the 16th Annual "World's Best Awards"

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Jul 12, 2011, 01:33 ET

SEATTLE, July 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations, is recognized as one of the "Top 5 Small-Ship Cruise Lines" in the 16th annual "World's Best Awards" voted by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. The "World's Best Awards" acknowledges the top hotels, cities, islands, cruise lines, car rental agencies, spas, tour operators and safari outfitters in the world.

Windstar's commitment to providing guests with private yacht luxury, extraordinary service, luxurious accommodations, world-class dining and the exhilarating thrill of actually sailing the high seas has consistently placed Windstar on the prestigious Travel + Leisure "World's Best" list year after year.

The readers of Travel + Leisure rated contenders in the small-ship cruise category on a variety of criteria including cabins, food, service, itineraries and destinations, activities, and value. The survey was developed by the editors of Travel + Leisure in association with ROI Research Inc. Readers were invited to participate in the survey through Travel + Leisure magazine and online at TravelandLeisure.com from December 15, 2010, through March 31, 2011. A list of winners in every category can be found on the magazine's website www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest. Winners will also be featured in the August issue of Travel + Leisure on newsstands July 22, 2011.

Windstar recently unveiled its 2012 collection of luxury sailing voyages including an unprecedented array of new itineraries in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Baltic and the Mediterranean at the lowest introductory prices in years.

In addition to Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Awards," Windstar has been recognized by some of the most notable names in the travel world. Windstar was selected for the fifth consecutive year in 2011 as the "Best Small/Mid-Size Cruise Line" by Celebrated Living, American Airlines' publication for first class passengers. Windstar was acknowledged as one of "The World's Best Cruise Lines" by Conde Nast Traveler on their Annual Gold List along with all three yachts selected for the magazine's "Best Small Ships" list in 2011. Windstar was also honored as the "Most Romantic Cruise Line" by Porthole Magazine for the sixth time in a row.

About Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises operates three 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 312 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 rates and itineraries contact a professional travel agent or call Windstar at 1-800-258-7245. Visit Windstar Cruises online at www.windstarcruises.com.

SOURCE Windstar Cruises