TRAVEL AND LEISURE CLOSE-UP-12 October 2008-Windstar Schedules Fall and Winter Caribbean Cruises(C)2008 - CloseUpMedia - newsdesk@closeupmedia.com

Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves, invites travelers to the

The 148-guest Wind Spirit sails roundtrip from St. Thomas on 7-day sailings offering guests pristine beaches, lively island culture and duty-free shopping. Port of calls include St. John, St. Martin, St. Barts, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, and Virgin Gorda.

The 312-guest Wind Surf offers 7-day sailings roundtrip from Bridgetown, Barbados and a variety of vibrant ports of call on northbound and southbound itineraries. Wind Surf's northbound itinerary includes St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Martin, St. Barts, Basse-Terre, Iles des Saintes and St. Lucia. The southbound itinerary includes Bequia, Dominica, St. Lucia, Mayreau, Grenada and Tobago.

Ring in the new year aboard Wind Surf's 7-day cruise departing Bridgetown on December 28, and visit Tobago, Trinidad, Grenada, Martinique and St. Vincent. Guests will be able to partake in a festive New Year's Eve party complete with party favors, live music, official countdown by the captain and champagne toast. New shore excursions are available for purchase in Martinique and Trinidad. In Martinique, guests can indulge in a Mangroves Kayaking Discovery, a 4 x 4 Adventure, a Land and Sea Tour, a St. Pierre and Botanical Garden Tour or a Snorkeling Excursion. In Trinidad, shore excursions include a trip to the Angostura Bitters and Rum Factory, a visit to Asa Wright Nature Center or an excursion to Maracas Beach.

Windstar's Signature Collection Host Series returns and offers an opportunity to travel with artist Jody Hewgill on a Barbados roundtrip sailing aboard Wind Surf, departing February 15, 2009. Hewgill is a fine artist and illustrator whose clients include Rolling Stone magazine, Mondavi Wines and Time magazine. Her work has also graced the pages of previous Windstar Cruises Sailing Atlases. Hewgill's paintings are among many public and private collections throughout Europe and North America, including the Library of Congress' Permanent Poster Collection and the Centennial Olympic Games Museum in Atlanta. Hewgill will host an art exhibit, create sketches and talk to guests about her artistic process and techniques.

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