Windstar's Wind Surf Wins Cruise Guide Gastronomy Award

SEATTLE, April 6 /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, won the "2010 Cruise Guide Award" in gastronomy elected by public voters who have sailed on Wind Surf and presented by e-hoi during the ITB Conference in Berlin, Germany.

"We are thrilled to receive this prestigious award which acknowledges the five-star dining experience guests enjoy onboard," said Diane Moore, President of Windstar Cruises. "Wind Surf recently unveiled a new menu in its alternative restaurant Degrees to rave reviews which reflects a Mediterranean culinary journey of simple cooking and seasonal preparations, showcasing authentic ingredients and classic techniques."

The ITB Conference is the largest travel trade show in the world taking place every March in Berlin. The conference covers all segments of the global tourism industry. During the conference, the "Cruise Guide Awards" were given during a festive ceremony attended by more than 300 top representatives of the German cruise industry and travel media. The awards honor cruise ships which stand out with superior performance and services. Awards were given in six categories: service, infotainment and entertainment, sports and spa, gastronomy, family friendliness and river cruise ship of the year.  

The public vote awards were given the first time this year and have particular significance in the industry because cruise guests vote for the ships they have traveled on in the recent past. These awards were based on more than 4,000 evaluations by cruise passengers through an on-line questionnaire organized by e-hoi, Germany's largest online cruise specialist.  

In addition to the gastronomy award, Windstar has been recognized by notable names in the travel world. Celebrated Living, American Airlines' prestigious publication for first class passengers, named Windstar Cruises "Best Small-Ship/Mid-Ship Cruise Line" on their 2009 Platinum List for the third time in a row. Windstar received a "Favourite Small-Ship Cruise Line" award in the U.K.'s Conde Nast Traveller's 2009 Readers' Travel Awards and was listed in their "Top 100 of the Best the Travel World has to Offer." Windstar has been voted the "Most Popular" cruise line in the small-ship category by Zagat. Windstar also received high marks in the categories of Top Overall, Top Cabins, Top Service, Top Dining and Top Facilities in Zagat. Windstar earned top honors in Travel + Leisure's "World's 2009 Best Awards" and was lauded among "The World's Best Small Ships" by Conde Nast Traveler in 2009.

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 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.

Windstar is a division of Ambassadors International Cruise Group, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ambassadors Cruise Group, LLC.

SOURCE Windstar Cruises