Windstar Cruises Is Proud to Support Kiva

To Fight Poverty and Empower Entrepreneurs Around the World

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Mar 23, 2010, 05:16 ET

SEATTLE, March 23 /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, announces its support of Kiva in alleviating poverty and empowering entrepreneurs around the world.

Kiva works to end poverty through small business micro-lending, connecting people globally through "loans that change lives." Since Kiva was founded in 2005 as the world's first personal micro-lending site, more than 400,000 people have loaned over $120 million to 300,000 entrepreneurs in 52 countries with a repayment rate of 98%.

"We were impressed by Kiva's mission to alleviate poverty and empower entrepreneurship around the world," said Diane Moore, President of Windstar Cruises. "We hope to inspire others to join us in supporting this worthy cause which changes lives."

Windstar has established a lending team on Kiva.org. Employees, guests, travel partners and vendors are invited to join this community. To learn more about Kiva and join the Windstar team in this worthy cause, visit http://www.kiva.org/team/windstar_cruises.

About Kiva

Founded in 2005, Kiva's mission is to connect people, through lending, to alleviate poverty. Kiva.org is the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend to entrepreneurs across the globe. Kiva is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in San Francisco, Calif. To learn more about Kiva, visit http://www.kiva.org.

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.

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

SOURCE Windstar Cruises