Charter & Incentive Business Brisk
Charter and Incentive Business Brisk For Windstar Cruises
Luxury Line Unveils New 2006 Charter & Incentive Guide
Seattle, WA, January 4, 2006 –Whether it’s a full-ship charter or an incentive group, Windstar Cruises’ fleet of three elegant motor sailing ships strikes a chord 180 degrees from ordinary with attendees and meeting planners. The 148-guest Wind Star and Wind Spirit, and 308-guest Wind Surf offer a customizable adventure afloat that guests will remember for a lifetime.
A new 2006 guide specifically geared toward charter and incentive travel combines information on daily activities, payment policies, ship plans and fact sheets and amenity packages into one streamlined spiral-bound publication.
In 2006 the three-ship fleet of luxury sailing yachts will sail itineraries in Costa Rica, Panama Canal, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Greek Isles and Transatlantic. Windstar’s extensive collection of seven-day itineraries was created with the demanding schedules of busy corporate executives and sales professionals in mind.
“Windstar has been very successful in the charter and incentive business.” says Diane Moore, Windstar Cruises’ vice president, marketing and sales. “The smaller size of the ships allows many companies to charter the whole ship for the week. And our staff is skilled at coordinating all the details that make a trip unique for each group. We typically expect about 30% of Windstar’s yearly business to come from charter and incentive groups.”
Windstar’s winning combination of five-star service, intimate sailing ships, creative itineraries and ambiance of casual elegance creates a relaxing and uncomplicated getaway for many different groups. With over 400 full-ship charters and hundreds of groups under its belt, Windstar’s Charter & Incentive staff guides planners easily through the process of creating a custom vacation for their group. Past clients include GE, DuPont, Ford, Caterpillar, Cox Communications, Toyota, Valvoline and more.
On board, a corporation may choose to provide special packages for beverages, shore excursions or spa services. Amenities, gifts and nightly VIP turndown can be tailored to itineraries as well. On full-ship charters, company logos may be printed on the daily activity sheet delivered to each stateroom, napkins, signs posted around the ship, as well as banners and flags hung on the ship’s gangway or on the ship’s flagpole.
“A land-based meeting often ends up costing more than booking the group on the ship due to the extras such as meeting space and audio/visual equipment that are inevitably tacked onto the bill,” says Moore. “Another perk of having a group on the ship is that attendees are less likely to ‘be lost’ to other activities or venues. Everything needed is in one place.”
Meals are an important part of every trip. Groups aboard a Windstar ship enjoy fine dining and a wide selection of meal choices. Planners leave the menu to the Chef, and all guests choose from the ship’s menu which changes every day. Windstar’s award-winning Signature Cuisine created in tandem with acclaimed celebrity chef and restaurateur Joachim Splichal is complemented by an extensive wine list. “SailLight” spa menu selections and vegetarian entrees are designed by “Cook It Light” syndicated columnist Jeanne Jones.
In keeping with the line’s casually elegant ambience, all ships feature a single, open seating dining policy in The Restaurant, allowing guests to dine when, where and with whom they please at every meal. On board the Wind Surf, guests may also dine at no extra charge in the alternative dining venue, The Bistro, which offers a steakhouse menu four nights a week and alternates other nights with menus from Northern Italy, France and Indonesia.
Other amenities to wow groups include a complimentary water sports program offering water-skiing, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, scenic boat rides and snorkeling; spa and salon services; scuba diving adventures; fitness center and classes; organized shore excursions and 24-hour complimentary room service.
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.
For more information on group promotions, please contact Lighthouse
Travel at 800-719-9917.
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. The unobtrusive service and attentive staff create a casually elegant atmosphere that effortlessly fosters camaraderie among guests and crew. 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.
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
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.