Windstar Cruises will return to Costa Rica in 2005 after a two-year hiatus, offering savvy travelers the opportunity to experience paradise from ship to shore on 10 new 7-day cruises that are truly 180 degrees from ordinary…
Windstar Cruises will return to Costa Rica in 2005 after a two-year hiatus, offering savvy travelers the opportunity to experience paradise from ship to shore on 10 new 7-day cruises that are truly 180 degrees from ordinary.
From January 29 – March 26, and again in December, the motor sailing yacht Wind Star will explore Costa Rica on roundtrip itineraries from Puerto Caldera. The hidden harbors of Central America`s Pacific coast are revealed with port calls at San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; Playa Flamingo, Quepos, Bahia Paraiso (Drake Bay), Curu Reserve, and Tortuga Island, Costa Rica.
We pioneered luxury cruising to Costa Rica, and we are thrilled to be returning to such a fascinating destination, says Tom Russell, vice president marketing and sales. The quiet elegance and unobtrusive style of Windstar puts us in a unique position to explore the wild and natural beauty of Costa Rica with calls at smaller, less-frequented ports typically unavailable to larger cruise ships.
Often described as the jewel of Central America, Costa Rica is an ecotourism haven. Naturalist Carlos Picado, a native of Costa Rica, will be aboard every cruise to share his expert insight into the country`s unique history, culture, geography and biodiversity, providing guests with a greater understanding of the delicate balance of nature existing within Costa Rica.
Ports of Call
Guests will find a perfect match of luxury and adventure as the elegant 148-passenger msy Wind Star sails into picturesque harbors and bays on its leisurely cruise down the Pacific Coast.
A tranquil Nicaraguan fishing village nestled between volcanic hills with a stretch of white sand beach, San Juan del Sur sits at the head of a horseshoe-shaped bay and is the gateway to Nicaragua`s fascinating hinterland.
Playa Flamingo, on Guanacaste`s Gold Coast, is regarded as one of the finest white sand beaches in Costa Rica making it tops for swimming and sunbathing. The area boasts luxury homes, hotels and resorts. Fishing, surfing, diving and snorkeling are all popular activities here.
Quepos is a convenient base-camp for a day of adventure, whether it be exploring the trails that weave up to waterfalls or a walk through famed Manuel Antonio National Park, with its lovely beaches and abundant wildlife.
A remote bay with a beautiful sand beach connecting the lush rain forest to the clear blue ocean, Bahia Paraiso sits on the far western edge of Osa Peninsula between Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park. The Osa Peninsula is described as Costa Rica`s best kept secret.
The unique history of the Curu Wildlife Reserve, a privately owned Hacienda on the Nicoya Peninsula, allows agriculture, scientific research, and tourism to thrive together in a sustainable manner. Hiking trails provide access to diverse habitats and an array of wildlife inhabits the reserve including pacas, hawksbill turtles, monkeys and 232 species of birds.
Across from Curu is Tortuga Island with a beautiful palm-fringed beach and lush tropical flora. Tortuga is an uninhabited, peaceful island with sheltered areas for swimming and snorkeling.
Adventure and diversity ashore
To fully appreciate the exotic nuances of the land, Windstar has crafted a collection of custom-designed tours showcasing the very best of nature at play. With excursions ranging from easy, informative walks to downright adventurous explorations, guests will witness the true beauty of Costa Rica:
Aboard the intimate msy Wind Star, the ship becomes a window on the world, with spacious, open decks and a complimentary water sports program ideally suited for cruising the tropics. An aft water sports platform lowers into the water for access to the swimming platform, water-skiing, kayaking, sailing, banana boating, and windsurfing. Snorkeling gear is also available complimentary.
After a day of exploration, guests will appreciate Windstar`s atmosphere of casual elegance. Guests are free to relax in comfort aboard their own private yacht -no ties, jackets or cocktail dresses required. Elegantly appointed staterooms boast amenities such as a DVD and CD player, LCD flatscreen TV, stocked mini-bar and snacks, white terry bathrobes and room to rest in comfort. Deck space is plentiful on board and comfortable, new lounge chairs beckon you to relax and enjoy the view as if you are on your own private verandah.
Gourmet cuisine by celebrity chef Joachim Splichal and a Sail Light spa menu by author Jeanne Jones tempt the palate at every meal with fresh ingredients combined with culinary creativity and a splash of local flavor. Guests enjoy breakfast and lunch in the Verandah which extends outside on deck for views of the day`s destination. In the evening, dinner in the Restaurant is a five-course affair with freedom to choose when and with whom you will dine – all of which combines to create paradise at sea.
Windstar recently invested $6 million to maintain the yacht-like elegance of its award-winning fleet of three sailing ships. Rates for the seven-day Costa Rica itineraries begin at $2,036 per person, based on double occupancy, for cruise-only bookings made by October 31, 2004. Air/sea packages are available from the historic capital of San Jose.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
