Windstar Cruises' New "Sweetheart Package"

A platter of chocolate-dipped strawberries, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label champagne, and his and hers 50-minute massages at the WindSpa: do those amenities entice you? Windstar Cruises hopes so.

The line is offering this "Sweetheart Package," a $250 value, to travelers booking any 2010 sailing. You'll just need to put down your deposit between February 1 and 14, 2010. The package is not combinable with other shipboard credits, package offers, or sale cruise fares.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Windstar Discounts Thirty 2010 Sailings: Book by Nov. 14

Windstar Cruises is discounting 30 of its most popular itineraries in 2010. Just book between October 15 and November 14, 2009.

The sale encompasses itineraries on all three of Windstar's motor-sail-yachts: Wind Spirit, Wind Star, and Wind Surf. Rates start at $1,649 per person.

Wind Surf Sailings
4/18/10 Rome to Athens
4/25/10 Athens to Rome
5/30/10 Rome to Rome
6/20/10 Venice to Venice
7/04/10 Rome to Nice
7/18/10 Barcelona to Rome
8/08/10 Rome to Nice
8/22/10 Barcelona to Nice
8/29/10 Nice to Rome
9/12/10 Venice to Venice
9/19/10 Venice to Rome
9/26/10 Rome to Nice

Wind Star Sailings
3/06/10 Costa Rica Roundtrip
3/20/10 Costa Rica Roundtrip
7/03/10 Athens to Rome
7/10/10 Rome to Rome
7/17/10 Rome to Athens
7/31/10 Istanbul to Athens
10/23/10 Rome to Rome
10/30/10 Rome to Barcelona
11/06/10 Barcelona to Lisbon

Wind Spirit Sailings
3/13/10 St. Martin Roundtrip
5/08/10 Nice to Rome
5/15/10 Rome to Rome
7/17/10 Venice to Venice
7/24/10 Venice to Athens
10/23/10 Athens to Rome
10/30/10 Rome to Rome
11/06/10 Rome to Barcelona
11/13/10 Barcelona to Lisbon

I love Windstar's product, but the cruise line has experienced some financial issues this year. I wouldn't hesitate booking a Windstar Cruise, but I would definitely purchase trip insurance.

For more details, talk with your travel agent or contact Windstar Cruises at 1 (800) 258-7245.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Microlending With Kiva.org

Due to the nature of our jobs, my husband and I travel around the world quite a bit. Our favorite part of any trip is getting to know the people that make each destination unique. Visiting lesser developed nations has taught us just how lucky we are to live and work in the United States.

After visiting Africa, we decided we wanted to help citizens on that continent improve their situations in life. We researched many different organizations and found microlender Kiva.org. This nonprofit group allows you to review various loan applications from entrepreneurs all over the world before selecting exactly who you wish to help.

You can search by region (North America, Central America, South America, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia), by gender of the entrepreneur, and by industry sector.

Each loan request is also rated according to the likelyhood of succesful repayment. (See the Field Partner Risk rating on each loan listing for more information.)

Once you decide on a project, you lend money in $25 increments. (Your initial loan must be at least $25.) Kiva will then keep you up to date on the progress of the entrepreneur and his/her payback schedule. Once the loan is paid back in full, your $25 is returned to your Kiva account where you can withdraw it or reinvest it by offering a second microloan.

This lending method truly empowers the population to start or improve a business and this strenghtens the community.

We all want to be independent but sometimes need a little help getting started. My husband and I have found Kiva.org to be an excellent way to assist others.

We currently have microloans out to individuals in the following countries:

• Azerbaijan
• Cambodia
• Moldova
• Mongolia
• Peru
• Samoa
• Senegal
• Sierra Leone

If you haven't visited Kiva.org's website before, check it out today. They're doing great work around the world, including in the United States, and you can be part of it.

—Andrea M. Rotondo

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Candles Restaurant Expands to the Wind Spirit & Wind Star

Last summer, Windstar Cruises augmented the Wind Surf's restaurant options by creating Candles. Accommodating just 30 diners per evening, subject to weather conditions, guests are treated to alfresco dining at the poolside grill. From hypnotic ocean waves to stunning sunsets to star-filled skies, Candles is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner for two.

The menu focuses on grilled steaks and fish accompanied by vegetable skewers and topped off with tiramisu for dessert.

For more information, visit Windstar's website or give them a call at 1-(800) 258-7245.

Photo courtesy of Windstar Cruises.

Crystal's 2009 Half-Price Itineraries Announced

It's vacation planning time! Most cruise lines recently unveiled their 2009 itineraries and Crystal Cruises is no different. Visit their website now and you'll find descriptions of all 2009 voyages.

Crystal also just issued its list of "Value Collection" sailings. These 50% off itineraries are generally only offered during shoulder season or on repositioning cruises, but in 2009 Crystal has expanded its list to include the Panama Canal, South America, the Med, New England/Canada, the Caribbean, and the Amazon.

If you haven't sailed Crystal before, one of these voyages may be the ideal entrée. Bill Smith, Crystal's senior vice president of sales and marketing, agrees: "With Value Collection, travelers can enjoy Crystal's superb service and luxurious amenities at significant savings. This offers a great opportunity to experience Crystal Cruises and understand why we've been voted world's best by travelers more than any other cruise line, hotel, or resort."

The itineraries offering up to 50% savings in 2009 are:

Panama Canal/Caribbean/Amazon
* February 16, Miami to Los Angeles, 14 days. From $3,595 on Crystal Symphony.
* May 7, Los Angeles to Miami, 16 days. From $4,995 on Crystal Serenity.
* November 22, Round-trip Miami, 7 days. From $2,480 on Crystal Serenity.
* November 22, Miami to Manaus, 13 days. From $3,990 on Crystal Symphony.
* November 29, Miami to Caldera, 11 days. From $3,775 on Crystal Serenity.
* December 10, Caldera to Miami, 11 days. From $3,775 on Crystal Serenity.

Western Europe/Mediterranean
* June 2, Lisbon to Venice, 12 days. From $5,070 on Crystal Serenity.
* June 7, Rome to London, 12 days. From $4,360 on Crystal Symphony.

New England/Canada
* October 1, Boston to Montréal, 7 days. From $2,575 on Crystal Symphony.
* October 30, Montréal to New York, 11 days. From $3,835 on Crystal Symphony.

Ocean Crossings
* March 9, Los Angeles to Hong Kong, 17 days. From $3,690 on Crystal Symphony.
* May 23, Miami to Lisbon, 10 days. From $3,540 on Crystal Serenity.
* November 12, Lisbon to Miami, 10 days. From $3,540 on Crystal Serenity.

For more information, contact your travel agent or call Crystal Cruises at 888-799-4625.

New "Mind, Body & Spirit" Cruises from Crystal

Crystal Cruises has long focused on healthy options for its passengers, but the line is now introducing two new “Mind, Body & Spirit” cruises this December. The program will include lectures, classes, and workshops given by experts from The Cleveland Institute, Tai Chi Cultural Institute, and the line's exclusive Walk on Water program. The Mind, Body & Spirit focus is set for Crystal Symphony's December 7 South America voyage from Los Angeles to Valparaiso, Chile and Crystal Serenity's December 12 Panama Canal cruise from Caldera, Costa Rica to Miami.

"Our guests are active and inquisitive individuals looking to continue their healthy lifestyles while on vacation," says Thomas Mazloum, Crystal's vice president, hotel operations. "The sophisticated programming on the Mind, Body & Spirit cruises allows them to learn about the latest developments in health, fitness and well-being from top experts."

The guest experts will cover topics from medical treatment and prevention, to spiritual healing and growth through tai chi and yoga, to the physical and mental fulfillment of strenuous exercise. They include:

Crystal Symphony—"South American Sojourn”

* Donald Malone, M.D. —The Cleveland Clinic instructor and staff psychiatrist will speak about wellness in relation to mind, body and spirit;

* John McMichan, M.D.—Mayo Clinic staff physician specializing in Critical Care Medicine, Anesthesiology and Medical Education;

* Dr. Martin Lee and Emily Lee—Dr. Lee, a Stanford University physicist and his wife founded the Tai Chi Cultural Center in 1974, utilizing a pioneering approach to understand Tai Chi, health and the self;

* Debbie Rocker—Founder of Crystal's exclusive Walk on Water program featuring the WALKVEST Training System, revolutionizing walking by adding weight resistance;

* Richard Deutsch—Author of One Best Hike: Yosemite's Half Dome, Deutsch has inhabited every continent, hiking his way through some of the most challenging areas of the world; and

* Cathy L. Greenberg, PhD—Dr. Greenberg delivers time-tested "happiness tips" and is the author What Happy Women Know, What Happy Companies Know; What Happy Parents Know and What Happy Leaders Know.


Crystal Serenity—"Caribbean Jewels"


* Jim Karras—Author of the bestseller The Business Plan for the Body Karras is also a fitness contributor on ABC's Good Morning America;

* Leslie Cho, M.D.—Director of The Cleveland Clinic's Women's cardiovascular center, Cho specializes in heart disease in women;

* Sandra Shaner—Certified by the Yoga Institute and a Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance, Shaner has been teaching yoga for more than 10 years;

* Mollie Epstein—Epstein oversees Crystal's exclusive Walk on Water program featuring The WALKVEST(r) Training System; and

• Jeff Corbett—Corbett, a member of the Tai Chi Cultural Center will conduct workshops utilizing Dr. Lee and Emily Lee's unique approach to the art.

Shoreside, Crystal is offering several opportunities for guests to expand their healthful horizons with Crystal Adventures shore excursions catering to its wellness-minded guests. A kayaking Eco-Adventure in Cabo San Lucas, a hike through Caldera's tropical rainforest, and "power" snorkeling in Grand Turk all challenge the body and mind, while a day's retreat to a tranquil resort and spa in St. Barts soothes the soul.

For more information, call your travel agent or contact Crystal Cruises at (888) 799-4625.

Kids Sail Panama Canal for Free Aboard Crystal

Have you made your Thanksgiving vacation plans yet? If not, consider one of two Panama Canal cruises aboard Crystal Cruises. They invite children 11 and under to cruise for free this Thanksgiving when sharing a stateroom with two adults. Part classroom, part adventure, children of all ages will marvel at the science of transiting the Canal and the drama of experiencing nature from the wilds of Costa Rica to the tranquility of the Caribbean. With the new promotion and special savings fares, travelers can save up to 60% off brochure fares.

Both of Crystal’s award-winning ships will offer Canal transits on Thanksgiving cruises in 2007:

Crystal Symphony travels from Caldera, Costa Rica to Miami, Florida on a 10-day cruise, November 14-24, with calls in Curaçao/Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles; St. Barts/Gustavia, French West Indies; and Tortola/Road Town, British Virgin Islands.

Crystal Serenity journeys from Miami to Caldera on an 11-day cruise, November 19-30, with calls in Turks & Caicos/Grand Turk, UK; St. Barts/Gustavia, French West Indies; St. Maarten/Phillipsburg, Netherland Antilles; and Aruba/Oranjestad, Dutch West Indies.

The “kids sail free” promotion is capacity controlled and limited to triple-berth staterooms. Per adult, double occupancy fares start at $2,195 and $3,380 for the 10- and 11-day cruises, respectively.

“This Thanksgiving, families can enjoy the luxury of a Crystal cruise and the opportunity of being together at a great value during the holiday,” says Bill Smith, senior vice president, Crystal Cruises. “Guests can share a traditional Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings, while enjoying all of Crystal’s luxurious amenities and the technical wonder of a Canal transit.”