Caron is responsible for covering accounts in the Western USA for Windstar Cruises. Caron Clay began her career in the travel industry over 40 years ago. Caron’s previous experience includes close contact with the Travel Advisor community for Holland America Line/Windstar in Seattle before relocating to Southern California. Most recently, she was the Business Development Manager for Princess Cruises and Cunard Line for the past 22 years covering Southern California and Hawaii. She is here to assist with all sales activities, advertising and promotions, and marketing efforts with Windstar Cruises.

Territories: AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NE, ND, NM, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY

Caron.Clay@windstarcruises.com
Cell Phone: 206.308.3150

RICHARD TEREK

Richard has been with Windstar for almost 7 years working in the Guest Services/Vacation Planning Department. Richard joined as a vacation planner and was soon promoted to a lead role within the department.  After three years, he was promoted to Reservations Supervisor.  Prior to joining Windstar Richard worked at the Microsoft Corporation where he was employed as a Vendor Account Manager within the Microsoft Learning organization for 12 years. He is very excited to be joining the Sales team in his new role as Business Development Representative.

Richard.Terek@WindstarCruises.com
Phone: 206.733.2818

CHAD SMITH

Chad has come to us after over 6 years with Royal Caribbean, where he spent his time exclusively working on the trade segment of the business in various roles (Reservation, Groups, Global Contact Center Training, and Special Travel Agent Relations Supervisor). Chad joined Windstar Cruises in early 2020 and quickly demonstrated his knowledge of the industry and how strong partnerships can deliver results.

Chad.Smith@windstarcruises.com
Phone: 206.733.2819

We are intent on bringing more opportunities to you, our valued partners, to cruise with us and learn about the Windstar onboard and destination experience. We have two distinct classes of ships: our three classic sailing yachts and our new, completely redesigned, three all-suite motorized yachts where the smallest suite is a gracious, uncommonly large and beautifully appointed 277 square feet. We understand the importance of experiencing first-hand the personalized service and comfort of our small-ship experience in selling our brand with confidence. So we want you to get on board whatever yacht you choose as soon as you can. Because we appreciate all you do, we wanted to let you know that our Travel Advisor Appreciation Fares are now starting at $525 per person.

While 2020 and 2021 have been hard years to predict deployment, we want to keep you as up to date as possible on when your clients can return to sailing. We recently evaluated our schedule in consideration of the state of travel for each of the destinations we visit, and made necessary and realistic adjustments to our start dates.  As you know, the health and well-being of our guests, crew, land-based employees and people in the communities we visit is always a top priority.

You can find our new timeline for resumption of cruising below:

• Star Breeze – June 19, 2021 – Caribbean
• Wind Star – June 19, 2021 – Mediterranean
• Wind Spirit – July 15, 2021 – Tahiti
• Wind Surf – August 8, 2021 – Mediterranean
• Star Legend – September 4, 2021 – Northern Europe
• Star Pride – November 3, 2021 – Caribbean

As part of our Star Promise commitment to provide our valued Travel Advisor Partners with excellent sales tools and support, we’re excited to share with you that we've partnered with MailPound and BranchUp. Both of these partners provide turnkey digital marketing solutions for your promotional needs!

MailPound is a company which specializes in providing customized marketing solutions and branded resources for you to send to your clients. With MailPound you will be able to take promotional emails from us and, with just one click, forward a branded email to your entire client database . You can also view all of our current promotions, access a digital brochure rack, and watch our current videos, all of which you can forward to your clients as branded content. We hope that you can utilize this turnkey marketing solution to grow your small ship sales and in turn your commissions from increased Windstar Cruises sales.  

SIGN UP FOR FREE TODAY >>

The BranchUp tool specializes in travel content that automatically passes to your Facebook page.  It's never been easier to enhance your image as a travel expert and social media maven.  All leads direct back to a customizable landing page that shares your company's information with any prospects.  You can add personal anecdotes to any post to further customize what your clients see.

SIGN UP FOR FREE TODAY >>

We hope that you can utilize these marketing tools so that you can spend more time making your clients vacation dreams come true and let us take marketing off your plate.

Windstar Cruises will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all your clients sailing aboard Windstar’s yachts. At the cruise terminal prior to embarkation, guests will be required to provide proof of a current completed vaccine course (one or two shots, depending on the brand) finished at least 14 days prior to the guests' embarkation date. We will gladly provide your clients a refund for cancellations that occur greater than 60 days prior to sailing, and a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) will be issued for cancellations occurring within 60 days before sailing for 2021 cruises.

In our preparations to return to sailing, we continue to review and update our health and safety practices including enhanced sanitation protocols, health screenings, additional medical staff on board, flexible indoor and outdoor dining, and crew training. Our new Beyond Ordinary Care program is a multi-layered strategy with key hospital-grade elements: HEPA filters and UV-C ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to filter and disinfect circulated air, plus electrostatic sprayers to sanitize all surfaces throughout our yachts.

We always want to provide the best possible cruise experience that we can for your clients. With the information we have today on COVID-19 transmission rates, travel restrictions, and government regulations, we have made the decision to postpone our resumption of operations from May to June 2021. Unfortunately, this means we had to cancel some bookings. If you are a Travel Advisor whose booking has been cancelled, you will have received a letter detailing the cancellation offer. Otherwise, below details the new sailing date for each ship and their respective sailing regions:

• Wind Spirit – June 10, 2021 – Tahiti
• Star Breeze – June 19, 2021 – Caribbean
• Wind Star – June 19, 2021 – Mediterranean
• Wind Surf – June 29, 2021 – Mediterranean
• Star Legend – July 14, 2021 – Northern Europe
• Star Pride – July 14, 2021 – Northern Europe/Iceland

To give you more time to can earn your rewards, we have extended our SELL SMALL: Earn Larger Rewards advisor Pick your Perk until March 31, 2021! For every booking you make, you earn your choice of a $50 bonus commission or a $50 gift card.  If you book new-to-Windstar guests, the offer DOUBLES to a choice between a $100 bonus commission or a $100 gift card. In addition, we have extended our groups promotion so that your group earns a Tour Conductor credit at a reduced rate of 1:7, normally 1:9, on Star Advantage Group dates also to March 31, 2021. We have also extended the Sell 3, Sail Free promotion until March 31st, and extended the range of qualifying bookings through 2022. If the three qualifying bookings are in 2021, you have until March 31, 2022 to take your free cruise. If the three qualifying bookings contain 2022 itineraries, you have until December 31, 2022 to take your free cruise.

Questions? Feel free to email Windstar_Sales@WIndstarCruises.com and we will do our best to help you!

To give your clients more time to book their 2022 voyages, we’ve also extended our Sail Small: Live Large with Big Perks promotion until March 31, 2021. Your clients are able to pick their perk, with options that include:

• Up to $1,000 shipboard credit per stateroom/suite or
• One night hotel pre- or post-cruise on European voyages or
• Captain's Exclusive Beverage Package (wine, beer, spirits, soda)* or
• Free Wi-Fi

Even more bonuses:

• Single supplement reduced to as low as 20% on select sailings
• Save up to 20% on Star Collector Voyages
• Yacht Club Members receive double the onboard credit when referring a friend ($200 onboard credit per guest)

Guests may pick one complimentary perk which varies depending on the length of their cruise and room category.  Visit our Advisor Hub to download marketing assets to help you promote Windstar's SAIL SMALL: Live Large with Big Perks offer to your clients.

*Terms & Conditions apply, choice only applicable to Premium Suite guests, or guests booked in Owner’s Suite and Classic Suite, and on Wind Surf Bridge Suite, Officer’s Suite, and Suites

To help explain our Beyond Ordinary Care Program, Chris Prelog, our new President of Windstar Cruises, created a video detailing our program. This is a great video to send clients who want to know more about the safety precautions being taken on board.

WATCH VIDEO >>

We recently wrote a blog post on the differences between Big Versus Small Ship cruises. There are lots of useful brand propositions that you can utilize to present Windstar to your clients.  You could also send the article directly to your Windstar prospects who have sailed on a larger ship, but who you think might benefit from a more authentic and personalized travel experience.

READ POST >> 

It’s hard to believe it has been almost a full year living in a world defined by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Now, with positive news about vaccinations becoming more prevalent, we are starting to see pent up demand for travel turn into real bookings.  Hopefully, the coming months will really bring us all a successful “wave” of business much like the traditional Wave season.   Now is a great time to recommend Windstar Cruises to your clients for 2021 or 2022.  Our small ship advantage of 148-342 guests, coupled with our Beyond Ordinary Care program, a multimillion dollar 

investment in all of our yachts, will provide a safer environment for your clients. Hospital grade high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filters along with a UV-C air cleansing process (ultraviolet germicidal irradiation) make us an ideal choice for cruisers looking to return to the sea. Our beautifully appointed yachts offer plenty of wide-open deck space on board so that your clients won’t encounter any crowds. And of course, our Star Plus Class yachts will return to service sporting the many new suites and venues of our $250 Million Star Plus Initiative!

To assist you in promoting our brand to your clients, we recently updated our customizable, digital 2021-2023 Voyage Collection Brochure. We encourage you to put your  or your agency’s contact information on the last page and send it to your clients.  It is available electronically so you can immediately share, or you can order the standard version to be mailed to your clients.  All signs point to this year as the year that guests will be looking for small ship vacations and our three sailing yachts and three all-suite yachts will exceed their expectations.

Smooth Sailing,

Steven Simao, CTC
Vice President of Sales

As part of our Wave season offer, we have designed a "Pick Your Perk" for you and your clients. For every booking you make, you earn your choice of a $50 bonus commission or $50 gift card.  If you book new-to-Windstar guests, the offer DOUBLES to a choice between a $100 bonus commission or $100 gift card.  In addition, we have extended our groups promotion so that your group earns a Tour Conductor credit at a reduced rate of 1:7, normally 1:9, on Star Advantage Group dates. And the Sell 3, Sail Free promotion rewards a free cruise to you when you sell three qualifying voyages in 2021. 

Running from January 5 through February 28, 2021, your clients are able to pick their perk, with options that include:

• Up to $1,000 shipboard credit per stateroom/suite or
• One night hotel pre- or post-cruise on Europe voyages or
• Captain's Exclusive Beverage Package (wine, beer, spirits, soda)* or
• Free Wi-Fi

Even more bonuses:

• Single supplement reduced to as low as 20% on select sailings
• Save up to 20% on Star Collector Voyages
• Yacht Club Members receive double the onboard credit when referring a friend ($200 onboard credit per guest)
• Reduced deposits of 5% on all 2021 voyages

Guests may pick one complimentary perk which varies depending on the length of their cruise and stateroom category.  Visit our Advisor Hub to download marketing assets to help you promote Windstar's SAIL SMALL: Live Large with Big Perks offer to your clients.

*Terms & Conditions apply, choice only applicable to Premium Suite guests, or guests booked in Owner’s Suite and Classic Suite, and on Wind Surf Bridge Suite, Officer’s Suite, and Suites

We are proud to announce that our new Voyage Collection has arrived and will be sent to Tier 3, Tier 4 Yacht Club Members, and all Tier 1 and Tier 2 Yacht Club Members who are only 7 points away from the next level by next Friday. A physical copy of the brochure will be available to order on either the Windstar website or the Advisor Hub. We have also created a customizable digital version of the brochure so that you can put your company’s CTA on the last page to send a brochure to your clients.

Inside you will find all the updates on our itineraries, with new options in 2022 in the Black Sea, Australia and New Zealand, the Holy Lands, and remote islands in the South Pacific. In keeping with what we do best, we’ve put an emphasis on less-visited ports and places only yachts like ours can go. Plus, we’ve added 7 new Cruise Tours that show you the best destinations on both land and sea. For more information on the itineraries, you can read our press release on the new Voyage Collection here.

Windstar's promise to deliver service that is 180 degrees from ordinary goes beyond the voyages and the guest experience; it is woven into the fabric of how we support our Travel Advisors. Meet Diego Suarez, our Inside Sales Coordinator and fearless leader behind Windstar_Sales@WindstarCruises.com for all things support-related for our Travel Advisors and Sales Team. His comprehensive role involves managing online accounts, working with Accounting to ensure invoices and commissions are paid, coordinating ship visits, running sales reports, auditing promotions, and much more. In his words, “The most important part of my role is going above and beyond for our beloved Travel Advisors and making sure everything goes smoothly. This is true for our Sales Team as well!”

Diego joined Windstar three years ago in the Marketing Department before transitioning over to Sales. Prior to working at Windstar, he had worked at various art museums in Seattle and Santa Fe. His serendipitous entry into the travel industry was a match made in heaven; as a self-proclaimed foodie and a lover of travel and people, he couldn't be more proud to be part of a boutique cruise line that truly delivers distinctive experiences unlike any other.

The excitement to resume sailing is strongly felt by Diego. Like most people in the travel industry, Diego enjoys trying new foods, wine tastings, and experiencing the thrill of a new destination. He has a dream of sailing across the Almafi coast, ideally on the Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast itinerary, where he can truly enjoy some of his favorite indulgences: sun, pasta, and a perfectly chilled Negroni. He aspires to visit many truly one of a kind destinations that are niche. Rumor has it, Windstar can take you to secluded and tucked-away ports for an experience like no other.

He has seen Star Legend twice in her visits to Seattle and was impressed by the intimate and casually elegant spaces, as well as by the gracious and friendly crew members. Diego is also very excited about the newly renovated Star Plus Class ships, especially for the new Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso restaurant which is an addition to the innovative culinary experience on board and is perfect for a foodie like him.

Diego couldn't be more proud to deliver excellent service to our beloved Travel Advisor community, and looks forward to a bright future full of travel.

Additionally, we’ve sat down with our Destination Product Manager of the Caribbean, Michele Hanson, to share with you some of her favorite selling points of recently transformed Star Breeze’s new summer Caribbean itineraries.  Lastly, remember our Beyond Ordinary Care Program and Travel Assurance Booking Policy will continue to be key closing tools in the upcoming months while travel returns to normal, so it’s a great opportunity to refresh yourself with the details of these programs.

Smooth Sailing,




Steven Simao, CTC
Vice President of Sales

• Up to $1,000 shipboard credit per stateroom/suite or
• One night hotel pre- or post-cruise on Europe voyages or
• Captain's Choice beverage package (wine, beer, spirits, soda)* or
• Free Wi-Fi

• The British Virgin Islands offer some of the most beautiful beaches in the region. While in Virgin Gorda, visiting the famous landmark The Baths is a must for your clients. These massive granite boulders stand out against powdery white sand and crystal clear waters. There is also ziplining in Tortola, where your clients will have breathtaking views of Tortola and the surrounding islands while gliding through and over the rainforest.
• Mayreau is perfect for small ships. It is one of the smallest inhabited islands of the Grenadines and unbelievably quaint. The white sand beaches make it a perfect place for Windstar Cruises’ Signature Beach Party while enjoying the toys of our Watersports Platform.
• Dominica is one of the most unspoiled mountainous and greenest rainforests in the Caribbean. With stunning landforms, rivers and verdant greenery, there will be plenty of opportunity to enjoy the majestic Trafalgar Falls which is surrounded with picturesque landscapes, exotic flora, fauna and the natural hot springs.
• Curacao - The historic Willemstad Inner City and Harbour has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list since 1997 and is full of pastel colored colonial architecture. Curacao is known for its beaches, expansive coral reefs, and rich marine life, and along with Aruba and Bonaire make up the famous ABC Islands. Visiting the popular Hato Caves is a must. They consist of marine coral limestone accumulated over millions of years. After sea levels dropped, these corals were exposed to atmospheric corrosion and karstic processes making them a truly stunning spectacle.
• Montserrat is a beautiful mountainous Caribbean island named Pompeii of the Caribbean when the local volcano Soufrière Hills erupted and buried Plymouth in 1997. The Buried City Tour puts you close up and intimate with historical volcanic activity. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and will share very personal stories about how a tiny island lived with and through explosive and active volcanic episodes and how the local inhabitants continue to build up their island. Windstar Cruises was actually one of the first cruise lines to return to this island and this is honestly, one of my favorites.
• Barbados- Although known for having some of the most diverse beaches in the Caribbean, and being the birthplace of rum, I would actually recommend your clients go see Harrison's Cave, which is a magnificent natural phenomenon. Formed from a particularly beautiful type of crystallized limestone, this stunning cavern is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular natural attractions in the entire Caribbean.  Though created over the course of hundreds of thousands of years, Harrison's Cave has only been accessible to the general public for some 15 years.
• St Maarten / Philipsburg, has cobblestone streets and colorful, colonial-style buildings lining its Front Street shopping area. A must do is Dennis Conner's America's Cup, a unique adventure and a once in a lifetime opportunity which gives our guests the chance to compete in their own race around a shortened America's Cup course.

In lieu of Alaska, Star Breeze will debut her new look with the opportunity for your clients to escape and relax in the Caribbean.  For your cruising clients who are looking for a small ship experience and destinations that don’t have the larger crowds, our Caribbean itineraries are the perfect experience and come with the added benefit of being close to home.  I encourage you to check out the new itinerary schedule, included below. 

In preparation for WAVE, I also wanted to share some exciting news, exclusively for you: We are extending our Sell 3, Sail Free program as well our Groups Promotion until February 28, 2021. And keep your eyes on your inbox on Wednesday for our annual Holiday Sale, where we will be bidding Bon Voyage to 2020.

Smooth Sailing,


Steven Simao, CTO
Vice President of Sales

With Star Breeze taking advantage of the island life in 2021, there are more opportunities for your clients to book that beach and sun vacation they have been dreaming about.  The itineraries are live now in bookWINDSTAR ONLINE and will be coming online soon.

Travel Advisors are very important to Windstar Cruises. We understand the additional cruise cancellations have made it difficult for you to earn a free cruise.   In acknowledgement of these difficult times, we've have once again extended this popular Travel Advisor promotion, our Sell 3, Sail Free program.  Sell three qualifying voyages in 2021, and you will have the opportunity to receive a FREE cruise for yourself aboard one of our yachts!

• Sell three Windstar cruises that depart in 2021 and are booked by February 28, 2021.
• Booked Guests must be paid in full 89 days prior to departure before the booking counts towards a qualifying voyage,
• Advisors’ free cruise is available on any 8-day or fewer Windstar itinerary and must be taken before March 31, 2022.

Last week marked an historic milestone for our company as the Star Breeze was officially signed over to Windstar Cruises, the first of three Windstar ships undergoing transformations in our $250 Million Star Plus Initiative. Star Breeze now has even more of the things your clients love – more suite layout options, more dining choices, a new pool, new services in a brand new space World Spa by Windstar, and a new 3 bedroom Grand Owner’s suite, which is an excellent choice for family group travel and a good opportunity to earn more commission. We can’t wait to invite your clients back on board when she returns to service in April, 2021.  Her sisters Star Legend and Star Pride will be following in the first half of next year.  In the hero photo above, you can see Star Pride's shadow cast on Star Breeze, really demonstrating the difference in length.

Unfortunately as the pandemic continues, our ships are now planned to return to service a little later than we had initially expected.  Last week we took the difficult decision to cancel sailings through Q1 of 2021.  Your clients and our crews safety is at the top of our mind when we make these decisions.  We continue to hone our health and safety protocols as a part of our Beyond Ordinary Care program and come March when we begin sailing again, it will be the safest possible environment for your clients.

Lastly, while it has been a difficult year, we remain thankful for the wonderful service of our onboard officers and crew and the support of all of our loyal employees. We also remain thankful for you- our valued travel advisor partners- who have remained strong and continue to recommend Windstar Cruises to your clients as your small ship cruise line of choice.  For those of you in the United States may you have a blessed and healthy Thanksgiving holiday.

Smooth Sailing,

Steven Simao, CTC
Vice President of Sales

When we welcomed Star Breeze back home to our care, she became the first Star Plus Class ship, replete with more of everything guests love about our yachts. We are personally excited to try the Spanish cuisine found in Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso.  Beyond the amazing amenities your clients will find onboard, and the increased options for suites, and four new engines will allow guests to travel uninterrupted and in a far more efficient and environmentally friendly manner.  Probably most exciting of all, and a first for Star Breeze, she’ll sail across the Pacific to embark on a season in beautiful Tahiti.

And to optimize for safety, a new hospital-grade air filtration system pairs new virus-killing HEPA filters with UV-C irradiation treatments— one of the most important and differentiating cornerstones of Windstar’s new multi-layered Beyond Ordinary Care program designed to create and maintain a healthy environment for guests and crew.

See a gallery of photos of the new ship you can download to share with your clients!

Our Book Your Bucket List Sale is open, and your clients can enjoy exclusive pricing with 7-day yacht cruises starting from $1,199 per guest, plus exclusive travel offers from our sister companies including luxury train vacations and escapes to the legendary Broadmoor!

We'll take 148 – 342 guests to unforgettable small ports across the world for the exceptional cruise that your clients deserve. The world’s tiny villages, stunning fjords, ancient ruins, unspoiled beaches, and unique cultures are all waiting to be explored in 2021 and beyond. No crowds. Elegant yachts. Incomparable memories. This is travel that’s 180 degrees from ordinary.

Book your clients cruise before December 1 for these great savings. 

Not only does our groups program o­ffer one of the most competitive programs in the industry, with generous incentives for you and your clients, the intimate size of our yachts allows for those once-in-a-lifetime moments that make group travel unforgettable. That translates into repeat business, more referrals, and higher earnings for you. For a limited time, your groups will earn a Tour Conductor credit of 1:7 on Star Advantage Group dates. Windstar Cruises Star Advantage group program allows you to ALSO earn $100 bonus commission for every client booked! Plus, from now until December 31, 2020, any three bookings you make, could also qualify for our Sell 3, Sail Free promotion.

Fresh off the press, our 2020 Travel Professional Guides are ready! Jam packed with insider information on our destinations, unique selling perspectives, and sales tools, our Travel Professional Guide is an easy reference point perfect for any Travel Advisor’s desktop.

Loyalty to any organization is important, however, in these difficult times loyalty is more important than ever.  Windstar Cruises’ past guests, our Yacht Club members, are some of the most loyal guests in the industry and we wanted to look for a way to reward your clients who have previously sailed on Windstar Cruises with an upgraded program that recognizes this loyalty.   We’ve taken the opportunity over the last months to redesign our Yacht Club rewards program based on the feedback of our guests and you, our trusted Travel Advisors, and now we are ready to take our rewards program to the next level

Smooth Sailing,

Steven Simao, CTC

No matter where your clients sail in the world, you can rest assured that we are taking Health & Safety on board to the next level with our Beyond Ordinary Care program.  We are making a multi-million dollar investment in our fleet to provide a healthy environment while sailing on a Windstar yacht. Hospital grade high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filters along with a UV-C air zapping process (ultraviolet germicidal irradiation) are being installed on board all Windstar yachts. The hospital grade UV-C process has been previously proven to kill coronaviruses, along with other microbes like mold, bacteria and fungi.  Additionally, Windstar has partnered with the epidemiology department at the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Center to investigate appropriate layers of protection to create a safer experience for guests on Windstar’s yachts. Read more about our Beyond Ordinary Care on our dedicated landing page.

We have identified our top 10 cruises, and designated them as Windstar Select Sailings. These are itineraries that are consistently well reviewed, that contain many of the elements that make a Windstar experience unforgettable, and that offer that invaluable difference a small cruise ship can make.  They also represent the top 10 opportunities for you to grow your business and earn more commission.  These are the itineraries that lend themselves to positive referrals and offer many selling opportunities.   We are also pairing these with 180 ideas to redefine your clients’ bucket lists, with not-to-be-missed opportunities in the destinations we visit.

These Select Sailings are carefully designed by our team of destination experts, and no detail or opportunity is overlooked. Your clients will have opportunities to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, enjoy the most unusual regional delicacies and discover new cultural insights.  These are unforgettable voyages, even for clients who have “been there and done that,” that turn into repeat business and positive referrals for your agency.

1. Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast
2. Alaskan Splendors
3. Treasures of the Greek Isles
4. Dreams of Tahiti
5. Around Iceland
6. Ancient Wonders of Greece & Ephesus
7. Greece, Israel & Egypt: Footsteps of Faith in the Holy Lands
8. Yachtsman's Harbors of the Rivieras
9. Greece via the Corinth Canal & Turkey: The Marvels of Ancient Rivals
10. Alaska Glaciers & Prince William Sound 

• Familiarize yourself with Windstar's Select Sailings and check out the Voyage Highlights and special points of interest for each of them.  It is useful to know the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, local landmarks, history, etc.  That way when you suggest the itinerary, you will speak as a true Windstar Bucket List expert and make personalized recommendations to your clients of exciting things to do in the region.
• Become a Windstar Star Specialist, found on the Advisor Hub, to help differentiate yourself from other Travel Advisors.
• When speaking to clients use open-ended questions so you can get to know their travel aspirations. This will help you find the right voyage for the right client. Questions like: What travel destinations interest you the most? What are your favorite travel destinations? Which destinations would you like to go back to? See more of? Or experience in an even more intimate way? What are you looking to do on your next vacation? What are your interests and hobbies? Or even ask point blank- What do you have on your bucket list?  A tool like a CRM (Customer Relationship Management tool) is perfect to record their answers. When you are ready to launch a targeted marketing campaign, you can query the destinations to see who you should reach out to!
• I recommend downloading Windstar's new Top 10 Itineraries customizable flyers and share them with clients regularly. Start the email or conversation by saying "I saw this fantastic Windstar voyage and immediately thought of you"!
• Create a Windstar virtual travel club on social media for your like-minded clients and discuss bucket list destinations, post Windstar's destination videos, share our 180 Bucket List items each week, and post our 7 for 7 Sale each Thursday.  This will generate excitement and start conversations about planning Bucket List travel.
• Survey your clients with online surveys to find out which of Windstar's Bucket List destinations are on their bucket list.  Then, start promoting Windstar groups on those corresponding itineraries. Better yet, why not organize an escorted group so you can fulfill your own bucket list, too! Reach out to your RSM to start a group planning conversation.
• Schedule a Virtual Cruise Night (or an in person Cruise Night, if possible) with your Windstar RSM to explore Windstar's Bucket List voyages. Request Windstar's quarterly Cruise Night SBC promo (in advance) for an exclusive closing tool!

Windstar Cruises has always been known for the personal care we show your clients on board our ships.  From our gracious stewards and crew who take the time to remember their names and favorite drinks, the thoughtful designs of our staterooms and suites, to the approachable nature of our senior crew members and captain, we strive to make sure that our guests, your clients, are cared for while enjoying their cruise.   The health and safety of everyone on board is a top priority. We are connected to industry experts and following guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Our team is implementing additional technologies that go beyond these requirements as part of our new Beyond Ordinary Care program. 

No matter where your clients sail in the world, you can rest assured that we are taking Health & Safety to the next level with our Beyond Ordinary Care program.  You can read more about this first class program below.

We are making a multi-million dollar investment in our fleet to provide a healthy environment while sailing on a Windstar yacht. We are connected to industry experts and following guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Our team is implementing additional technologies that go beyond these requirements including hospital grade high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filters paired with a UV-C air zapping process (ultraviolet germicidal irradiation) proven to kill coronaviruses, along with other microbes like mold, bacteria and fungi as part of our new Beyond Ordinary Care program.

• Pre-departure health questionnaire
• Wear masks during travel to ship
• Health screening at terminal prior to embarkation
• Staggered arrivals and embarkation

• HEPA filters and UV-C light are a double whammy to clean the air of microbes on board ships*
• Electrostatic sprayers sanitize spaces and surfaces with a powerful, EPA-approved,
  hospital-grade sanitizing solution*
• Increase frequency of cleaning public spaces and high-touch points
• Dining venues operate at reduced capacity with tables spaced apart
• Additional medical staff on board
• Crew wear masks
• Daily health screening for crew

• Tenders, motor coaches and smaller boats will operate at 50 percent capacity and
  will be cleaned between each use
• Shore excursions to operate at reduced capacity; request masks be worn
• Staggered arrivals and departures in ports

Dear Travel Advisors,

Today is your day – National Travel Advisor Day!   On behalf of all of us, from our CEO Andrew Todd, to our team in Seattle, and our officers and crew aboard our six yachts, we all wanted to take today and thank you!

Therefore, this special edition of Trade Winds has been created in your honor to show our appreciation for your support and recommendation of our brand.  As Windstar Cruises’ largest booking channel, we would like to celebrate with you not just today, but every day.  In this newsletter, you’ll find a number of special announcements and surprises all designed to show our gratitude, so be sure to read on! 

Smooth Sailing,

Steve Kona Simao, CTC
Vice President of Sales

“Travel Advisors have always been important partners of Windstar and Xanterra Travel Collection.   A few years ago, Windstar Cruises introduced Star Promise - our commitment to Travel Advisors.  In keeping with this commitment, it is important to update our policy to recognize the hard work and support of our travel advisor partners.”

– Andrew Todd, CEO of Windstar Cruises and Xanterra Travel Collection

One of our most popular promotions for Travel Advisors has always been Windstar Cruises’ “Sell 3, Sail Free” promotion. Therefore, we are excited to announce the return of this promotion beginning May 18th.

One of the best ways to learn about our brand is to experience it firsthand, and with this promotion, you’ll have a great opportunity to do so for free by making just three new bookings with Windstar Cruises.  All you’ll pay are taxes, fees, and port expenses along with onboard gratuities.

Simply make three new bookings on Windstar cruises departing prior to April 30, 2021 and register those bookings.  More details on this promotion will be forthcoming.

In 1983 at the age of 14, I took my first cruise with my family.   It was a trip that would change the direction of my life and influence my career. Without cruising, I would be a different person.  I expect each of you had your own first cruise experience – perhaps one that got you into the business like myself.   Or perhaps you were already selling travel and then went on your first cruise FAM and realized that the concept was one that you could easily sell with passion.

Cruising truly adds to our perspective of the world in a way like nothing else can because it opens up our eyes to other places, people, and cultures.   And like all of you, cruising has been a source of income and support for my family.

Never did we ever think we would see the day that cruising would stop; that the global cruise fleet would pause completely. In this downturn, it’s a great opportunity for us to strengthen our partnership. I encourage you to consider learning more about our brand through our Star Specialist program or signing up to use our travel advisor booking engine bookWindstarOnline.  

This is a difficult time for all of us in the industry, but we will remain strong, and we will come back.  In the words of CLIA, “like the tides, we will return, because we are not just an industry, we are a community.”  #WeAreCruise

As you know, due to the continued effects of the virus on the world’s population and expanded travel restrictions enacted by multiple governments, we had previously cancelled sailings through mid-May. 

Unfortunately, COVID-19 continues to make travel complicated and the world remains on alert and most ports are still temporarily closed to cruise ships, even small yachts like ours. Therefore, we have made the difficult yet, we believe, responsible decision to extend the voluntary and temporary suspension of operations of all sailings embarking before June 30, 2020. You should also be aware that due to COVID-19 in Italy, the Star Breeze will be delayed in her return to service resulting in the cancellation of our 2020 Alaska Season. Alaska 2021 aboard the Star Breeze is still open for sale and it will be her inaugural Alaska season post-Star Plus initiative.  We currently anticipate a rolling return to service based on our current cruise schedule in July 2020. At that time, we hope to once again deliver the high-quality Windstar Cruises 180 degrees from ordinary experience and customer service that our guests and the travel advisor community enthusiastically support.

Travel advisors with affected bookings have been notified via separate letter and email with details on the cancellation process.

We understand that now is a tumultuous time in the travel industry.  With the unpredictable nature of coronavirus, and the interruptions that have already occurred in travel, it is understandable that clients may feel a little hesitant to book any travel plans in the near future.  To help mitigate some of that fear and allow you to continue booking your clients on life changing vacations, Windstar Cruises was one of the first to introduce a Booking Assurance Policy.  With the Booking Assurance Policy, your clients have up to 15 days prior to a cruise departure to cancel and receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit (FCC).   We recently enhanced this offer allowing the FCC’s to be used on another Windstar departure by December 31, 2021. 

Speaking of Future Cruise Credits, look and see if your client has a FCC to be used.  We’ve created this guide to show you how to apply the credit in bookWINDSTAR ONLINE.

While the news of Covid-19 seemed to sweep over the cruise industry fast and furiously, the initial work of guest cancellations and inquiries has hopefully ebbed a little. With the little extra time you have, you might consider touching up on your product knowledge and certifications. The good news is that we work in an incredibly resilient industry, and it is only a matter of time for business to come bounding back. Look to 2021 and identify key areas of business that you would like to grow into, and start doing the research now. Reacquaint yourself with the brands you love and take their advisor academies so that you are prepared when guests begin inquiring again.

As a reminder, graduates of the Star Specialist Academy will receive a certificate for $100 bonus commission which may be used on a new booking after graduation.

You can find our Star Specialist Academy available on our Advisor Hub here »

As we get further and further into 2020, we are starting to see real tangible changes to the onboard spaces on Star Breeze. It is really fascinating to see the installation of the additional spaces on board and watch all the progress. We’ve officially begun to build the insert for Star Legend as well, and the shipyard is readying the berth for when she arrives in March.

I hope you are all very busy this WAVE season, starting off 2020 with strong bookings. As Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, don’t forget Windstar has won awards for being the World’s Most Romantic Cruise Line and many of our destinations such as Tahiti, Caribbean, and the Greek Isles are perfect destinations for those seeking a romantic getaway. Remember that we are rewarding you for finding new guests to Windstar Cruises and have a bonus commission offer for new-to-Windstar guests going on through March. You can read more on this and additional updates on the Star Plus Initiative below.

Windstar's unique small ship cruising style creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a close-knit community of travelers who are just as curious, adventurous, and interesting as your clients. And this is the perfect opportunity to expand your Windstar client database and increase your earning potential. Our new-to-Windstar Cruises guest bonus commission program is still going strong! Sell a Windstar cruise to guests who have never sailed with us before, and we will reward you with a $100 bonus commission. A Windstar Guest typically has the following psychographics:

Lifestyle

• Young at heart
• Previous river cruisers
• Appreciate high quality, but aren’t status driven
• Discerning world travelers
• Interested in arts, home decor, food, and wine
• Want unique experiences and access to the unforgettable
• Active mindset, enjoy seeing and participating in new things
• Socially connected — like to meet other travelers and locals

What do they want from a vacation?

• A convenient alternative to and better value than land-based vacations
• To immerse themselves in a destination or region
• Port-intensive itineraries with a destination focus
• A romantic escape, especially without children (perfect prospect for Tahiti)
• To explore the world in a meaningful way, and to gain a new perspective
• A more intimate vacation than mass-market cruises

Hurry, this program ends on March 31, 2020! Bookings must be registered at advisorhub.windstarcruises.com to qualify

With the changes in the Star Plus timeline, we have the opportunity to add a couple more sailings in 2020 that we wanted to highlight for your ease. Post Star Plus Initiative, Star Breeze will be making her way through Latin America, Mexico, and the West Coast in June; while Star Legend has been redeployed to spend more time in Greece and the Mediterranean.

The full list of 2020 sailings for Star Breeze and Star Legend can be found on the Cruise Finder »

Work is progressing successfully on Star Breeze as she undergoes her portion of the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative. We’ve successfully pulled out the old engine and have prepped the engine room for the new, lowered a pre-built Star Grill by Steven Raichlen on the top of Deck 8 and begun instillation of the new pool on Deck 7, both Amphora and Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso are near completion on Deck 3 and on Deck 6 respectively. In addition to all the wonderful progress on Star Breeze, we’ve officially begun to raise the insert for the next ship, Star Legend, and begun steel cutting for Star Pride.

See a photo gallery of our updates!

In case you missed it, here is a time lapse video of the insert being put in.

As always, you can catch the latest updates on the Star Plus Initiative here »

As we complete our second week of 2020, I wanted to take a moment and reflect on 2019.  We continued to build upon our Star Promise Commitment to you, our valued travel advisor partners, with a number of Travel Advisor Initiatives. In May and June we recognized you with our Travel Advisor Appreciation months and many of you earned gift cards and 5 Grand Prize winners each won a cruise.   We enhanced our Star Groups Program in October with an extra SBC available for new groups aboard the Star Class ships for groups secured by the end of this year and bookings made by the end of the first quarter next year 2020.  We announced our WAVE promotion early so that you could get a head start on promoting the great offerings to your clients, and have since added the All-In Package as an option to clients who have booked Premium Suites.  We hope that all of these great items helped build your business, and that you were able to earn some wonderful rewards as well.

We truly appreciate your recommendation of our brand and so during WAVE this year we are prepared to reward you for just that!  We will reward you $100 bonus commission on bookings with new-to-Windstar Cruises guests that you sell cruises to.  Guests who have previously sailed with Windstar Cruises in the past are not eligible and bookings must be registered at least 30 days prior to sailing to qualify, but there is no cap to how many times you can earn the bonus commission.  Offer ends March 31, 2020.  You can learn more and register your bookings at AdvisorHub.WindstarCruises.com/Bonus-Commission.  We hope that this reward helps boost your commission and earnings potential during this WAVE season. Thank you for all that you do.

• Costa Rica Cruise Tour POST-Cruise Informational Flyer
• Costa Rica Cruise Tour PRE-Cruise Informational Flyer
• Alaska Cruise Tour PRE-Cruise Informational Flyer
• Kyoto & Zen of Japan Cruise Tour POST-Cruise Informational Flyer
• Prince William Sound & Denali Cruise Tour PRE-Cruise Informational Flyer
• Under the Tuscan Sun & Down Dalmatian Coast Cruise Tour POST-Cruise Informational Flyer

• 5% discount from Savings Fares
• Tour Conductor Credit (1:9 guests, 10th bed is Tour Conductor)
• Guest Amenity of $100 per person Shipboard Credit
• Complimentary cocktail party with hors d’oeuvres (18+ guests)
• + Additional offer of $100 Shipboard Credit per guest
•  

• 10% discount from Savings Fares
• Tour Conductor Credit (1:9 guests, 10th bed is Tour Conductor)
• Guest Amenity of $100 per person Shipboard Credit
• Complimentary cocktail party with hors d’oeuvres (18+ guests)
• $100 per person Travel Agent Bonus Commission*
• + Additional offer of $100 Shipboard Credit per guest

See the Informational Flyer to share with your guests! »

Enjoy Ship Technology’s interview with Captain Belinda Bennett
Veteran Frank Pool is a great example of a Windstar Client, profiled by the Monticello News
Azcentral lists Windstar Cruises Grand Caribbean as #4 in  the “10 best world cruises and long itineraries”
KHOU*11 calls out Windstar Cruises as an ideal Holiday Getaway

• 5% discount from Savings Fares
• Tour Conductor Credit (1:9 guests, 10th bed is Tour Conductor)
• Guest Amenity of $100 per person Shipboard Credit
• Complimentary cocktail party with hors d’oeuvres (18+ guests)
• + Additional offer of $100 Shipboard Credit per guest
•  

• 10% discount from Savings Fares
• Tour Conductor Credit (1:9 guests, 10th bed is Tour Conductor)
• Guest Amenity of $100 per person Shipboard Credit
• Complimentary cocktail party with hors d’oeuvres (18+ guests)
• $100 per person Travel Agent Bonus Commission*
• + Additional offer of $100 Shipboard Credit per guest

It’s official, as of October 16^th, Star Breeze was officially cut in half and the new section was inserted and attached the following day.  The slicing event occurred in the Fincantieri dockyard in Palermo, Italy and was attended by a few select members from the press and travel advisors.  We are beyond ecstatic that the first ship is officially in dry dock, and one step closer to all the amazing features that will now be on board as a part of the overall refurbishment.  Have you heard about Anthony Sasso’s jamon do iberico?  It sounds divine.  After Star Breeze leaves the dry dock, she will begin her inaugural season as a new ship in Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, and the best news is that there is still space available on board for your clients to be among the first to experience this amazing ship on a once-in-a-lifetime itinerary.

Fresh off the press, our 2020 Travel Professional Guides are ready! Jam packed with insider information on our destinations, unique selling perspectives, and sales tools, our Travel Professional Guide is an easy reference point perfect for any Travel Advisor’s desk.

• Windstar's Sail Amsterdam Celebration
• Windstar's Uncommon Indonesia
• 2019-2021 Voyage Collection
• Windstar Overall-Small Cruise Ship (500 passengers or under)
• Education Program Star Specialist Program for Cruise Travel Advisors
•  

• Windstar's Alaska Glaciers & Prince William Sound
• Windstar's Star Collector: Grand Caribbean Adventure
• Windstar's Star Collector: Journey to the Holy Lands
• Expeditions Shore Excursion Windstar Signature Expeditions program
• Expeditions Shore Excursion Concierge Collection Series

Vote for Windstar Cruises in Travel Weekly’s 2019 Readers Choice Awards as either the top cruise line for Hawaii/Pacific or as Top cruise line for ships under 500 berths
Cruise Critic covers the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative
This impressive milestone is also covered by Yahoo Finance

Our beautiful Star Class ships aren’t the only ones getting some new attention in the upcoming year. This November our beloved Wind Surf will undergo an extensive renovation as well. All public areas will receive new carpet and new hardwood flooring. The Lounge will be receiving a brand new stage and an upgrade of the bar front. The Nautilus Room will become a high-end Spa Facility, while the existing spa will turn into new staterooms, and a general office. Both Stella Bistro and Veranda will receive a cosmetic refresh including new waiter stations, service flow redesign, and a brand new canopy.

See the new deck plan here »

Opening for booking soon, the new Grand Owner’s Suite can be formed by three adjoining individual suites to create a 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath suite, with separate dining room and living room areas, an entertainment bar, a spacious central balcony, and an additional balcony in one of the bedroom suites. Totaling 1,374 square feet, it can accommodate up to seven guests — ideal for extended families and friends. This is the first of its kind at sea, and will represent an excellent opportunity for additional commission!

• 7 Days
• Colón to San Juan on Star Legend
• $280 per person, Taxes, Fees, and Port Expenditures, and Gratuities are additional

• 10 Days
• Colón to Puerto Caldera on Star Pride

Windstar produces a brand new Tahiti video to showcase our experience to your consumers
Travel Weekly covers Star Grill by Steve Raichlen
Lands of the Midnight Sun is shown a little love in Texas Lifestyle Magazine
Windstar leads Cruise Addicts list of top cruises for wine aficionados

We are thrilled to unveil Windstar Cruises newest destinations—Australia & New Zealand! Beginning in February 2020, Windstar is charting an array of new itineraries and excursions rich in extraordinary wildlife, delicious regional dishes and remarkable cultural insights exclusive to small-ship cruising in remote coastal communities of these special lands “down-under.”

Our small ships will be cruising amid steep, glacier-carved fjords in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, offer coastal food-themed experiences serving up Australian and New Zealand salmon, lobster, oysters, and wines, and enlightening tours exploring intricate Maori artwork and the handcrafted didgeridoos, clapsticks, and bull roarers that define Australian indigenous music.

Be sure to let our guests know about these exciting new destinations and excursions as they plan their future travel with Windstar.

WE’VE JUST ANNOUNCED a new modern, casual outdoor restaurant in partnership with global grilling authority Steven Raichlen. Star Grill by Steven Raichlen, will be a modern, casual, alfresco restaurant that serves up grilled, smoked and rotisserie specialties, including seafood, meats, and vegetables cooked with global flavors and techniques, alongside craft side dishes and sauces. Windstar’s alliance with Steven Raichlen was born from a desire to create a modern, yet casual outdoor eatery, bespoke of Windstar’s “180 degrees from ordinary” tagline, an inviting escape where guests will enjoy inventive, modern cuisine, while embracing the alfresco ambiance and casually intimate experiences of small ship dining after a busy day discovering distant ports of call.

International TV host and author of 31 books, Raichlen is considered the man who reinvented modern barbecue. His most recent television series, Project Fire 2019, debuted this July on PBS, and his latest book, "The Brisket Chronicles," was released to critical acclaim in May. Raichlen was inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame in 2015, and his books have won multiple James Beard Awards and IACP Julia Child Awards. Raichlen is the founder of Barbecue University™ and has lectured on the history of barbecue at institutions as diverse as Harvard, the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian.

On June 25, President John Delaney announced that Windstar is taking our culinary program to the next level with our new partnership: a specialty restaurant named Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso. One of the youngest chefs to be recognized by the Michelin Guide, and celebrated guest chef at the James Beard House, Anthony Sasso promises a menu of modern and inventive Spanish cuisine inspired by his own travels across the Iberian Peninsula. Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso will first debut on Windstar’s award-winning small ships, beginning in February 2020 on Star Breeze, and later in 2020 on sister ships Star Legend and Star Pride as part of our $250 Million Star Plus Initiative. A 360 degree rendering of the restaurant is available on a posting on Facebook. For the most recent $250 Million Star Plus Initiative news, check out our dedicated landing page regularly.

Book your clients' cruise today so they can get closer to secluded coves, tiny villages, misty fjords, ancient ruins, medieval alleyways, unspoiled beaches, unfamiliar cultures and undiscovered atolls of the world.  Your clients can choose from any of our 2019, 2020, & 2021 regions and they can receive up to $1,000 Shipboard Credit per stateroom when they book before September 30^th.

Christopher Muther of the The Boston Globe talks about his Tahiti Cruise
Windstar’s Mexican Cruises were named “Best for the Mexico Port Collector” by AFAR Magazine
Find out “What’s New for Windstar’s ‘Signature Expeditions’ Program” in this Travel Agent Central article
VOTE FOR US NOW IN TRAVEL WEEKLY'S READER'S CHOICE AWARDS

• The 2020-2021 season includes more than 190 itineraries visiting 330 ports!
• Brand new cruises to exotic new destinations in Australia, New Zealand, and the Holy Land
• All new Grand Voyages that cover the South Pacific, the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and more
• Six new cruises hosted by James Beard Foundation chefs and beverage experts help you discover new cultures through culinary-themed shore excursions, cooking demos, tastings, paired meals, and more.

• For a limited time, past guests of Windstar Cruises who book ANY 2020 or 2021 voyage will receive up to $1,000 shipboard credit, starting June 29th, this special offer expires on July 22, 2019

Whether it’s a social media post or a promotional email, there are lots of ways to inspire your clients to book a Windstar Cruise with you.

There will be exciting news announced this week at a special event held in New York City on Tuesday June 25th. At this point, we can’t say much more than it involves one of our new intimate dining venues and a certain well known Master Chef! Keep your ears open and your eyes on your inbox for this exciting release!

Windstar Cruises has a solution! For your clients who are jonesing to get out the door and see this big, magnificent world of ours; Windstar has a fantastic selection of close- in offers for them to choose from. We have introduced a brand new button on our home page that will take you right to the hottest deals of the summer, leaving this summer … and a little beyond.

As June closes out, so does the time for you to earn points to go towards gift cards or the big chance to win a cruise during our Travel Advisor Appreciation Month.  So if you haven’t already, finish up that Star Specialist Academy, make one or several bookings through bookWINDSTAR ONLINE, throw up a social media post about Windstar Cruises iconic sailings that will make all your clients want to cruise!  You will have until the end of July to register your points, but all qualifying actions must be completed by the end of June!

Cruise Critic shares the “10 Reasons Why the Windstar Grand Prix Cruise is Special”
Discover the 2020 European Ports Windstar is sailing to with Travelweek News
Find out “What’s New for Windstar’s ‘Signature Expeditions’ Program” in this Travel Agent Central article

• REGISTER: If you have already registered for bookWINDSTAR ONLINE, wonderful, please indicate that on your submission form and we will award you 180 points.  If you are unsure or still need to, don’t worry, you can register here »
• BOOK: Make a reservation via bookWINDSTAR ONLINE, earn 180 points, it’s that simple.  What’s cool is that we will award you 180 points with EVERY booking you make via bookWINDSTAR ONLINE. Book. Earn. Repeat.
• BOOK FOR THE FIRST TIME: If you are making your VERY FIRST booking on bookWINDSTAR ONLINE, you will earn 360 points.

Windstar Cruises’ Star Specialist Academy is a quick 30-60 minute course designed to give you a complete understanding of the experiences that makes our cruises so meaningful in a straightforward and impactful way. Of those who have completed our course, 67% of Travel Advisors have booked Windstar Cruises and 88% indicated that their recommendation of Windstar would increase after completion. As a bonus, if you make a booking within 120 days of completing the course, you will earn an additional $100 bonus commission. This is a great opportunity to learn more, grow your business potential, earn some extra commission, and better position yourself to earn all the points in Travel Advisor Appreciation month. You will need to log into the Advisor Hub in order to begin your course!

We want you to earn as many points as you can by making bookings through bookWINDSTAR ONLINE, and we want that to be as easy as possible.  So we will be  hosting a webinar on May 29^th at 10:00 AM with our Director of National Accounts, Gina McGinnis, specifically to teach you all the insider secrets to using bookWINDSTAR ONLINE.  Learn how to open a new booking, generate a quote, pick out a stateroom, add all combinable promotions, add a transfer, add a booking to a group, everything possible to make your time using bookWINDSTAR CRUISES as successful as possible.  To reward you for taking the time out of your day to learn about bookWINDSTAR ONLINE, and attending the webinar you will earn a 180 points.

Dear Travel Professional,

Over the last few years, Windstar Cruises has worked very hard to create a number of cruise add-ons to improve the overall experience for our guests, your valued clients.   This includes new cruise tour options, which combine our cruise itineraries with additional land components truly creating a comprehensive exploration of select regions of the world while maximizing a client’s time and airfare purchase.  It also includes a number of onboard components, which we have conveniently packaged together as our new “All-In Package” which combines our popular all-inclusive beverage package, unlimited Wi-Fi, unlimited laundry, and onboard gratuities for only $89 per person per day.  Other cruise add-ons include a number of unique, hand chosen Shore Excursions all designed to get your clients more immersed into the destinations and closer to the world.

Studies have shown that the more ancillary items that are booked along with a cruise the more likely the cruise booking will stick and not cancel. As our most valued partner, I wanted to let you know about a new program that Windstar Cruises will be testing and rolling out in the coming days, designed to help our future cruise guests learn of ways that they can enhance their cruise experience.

A select team of staff is coming together and members are currently being trained as Cruise Enhancement Concierges. This team will be reaching out to booked guests over the next few months to offer them a number of these convenient cruise add-ons to enhance their cruise experience. This team will acknowledge you as the guests’ valued Travel Advisor. Should these guests choose any of the cruise add-on items, we will process their request, update their travel invoice, and send an immediate updated copy to you as confirmation of the change. Of course, as you are aware, a number of these items are commissionable to you such as cruise tours, beverage packages, Wi-Fi, hotel stays, etc., and you will earn the appropriate commission on any of the purchased items thus adding to your own profitability.

As you know, part of our Star Promise to you is that we will deliver an excellent guest experience and we believe that this program will help ensure that.  We remain committed to you as our valued partner and are always looking for ways to enhance your commissions and profitability in selling our brand.  Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact your Regional Sales Manager or email Windstar_Sales@windstarcruises.com.   Any specific questions about individual reservations should be directed to our Reservations/Vacation Planning Team.

Sincerely,

Travel Advisor Appreciation Month hits a beat with Travel Pulse
Travel Agent Central announces Windstar’s All-In Package
$250 Million Star Plus Initiative covered by the Seattle Times
Cruise Critic covers how Windstar Cruises will be going to Australia & NZ

Every year, the cruise industry hosts an event called SeaTrade, where cruise suppliers can network with industry leaders from all over the world. At this event, Windstar Cruises held a press conference to unveil some very exciting details around the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative!

While we have all this exciting news circulating about what is happening to our Star Class ships, I want to talk for a moment about what we are continually doing for all of our ships. We consistently care for our ships and maintain a high level of ongoing maintenance onboard. For example, we recently installed new Yacht Club Cafes onboard the Wind Spirt and Wind Star.

We have officially began cutting steel for the section of ship that will be inserted into Star Breeze! We know, that is very exciting! But perhaps even more exciting, is that this week at SeaTrade we have debuted our new VR 360 degree videos of our reimagined Balcony Suite, Owner’s Suite, Veranda restaurant, and Pool area, which features a beautifully designed two-tiered elevated pool. Press agents and guests were amazed to view these new areas through advanced 3-D technology.

Read more about our event here »

• As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, we have access to some of the upcoming, innovative talent in the culinary world. Every cruise features James Beard Foundation recipes and cooking demonstrations, and select culinary themed cruises feature a James Beard Foundation recognized chef.
• We are consistently recognized as top contender for small ship cruising. On two of our three sailing ships, your clients will always travel with fewer than 148 guests, and they feel that intimacy in the way our crew gives each guest attentive and thoughtful service. Always greeted by name with preferences remembered, guests feel like they are coming home.
• Our Signature Expeditions program, led by a team of six onboard experts, brings guests right to the heart of the Alaskan Wilderness. Through guided hikes, kayak, and Zodiac tours your clients have the opportunity to see firsthand and learn what makes the Alaskan frontier so awe-inspiring. Our guides no only lead these expeditions, they also sail onboard to chat with guests over coffee and share insider tips on where to get the wildlife pictures.

Calling all past cruisers! Our first ever photo contest is still