Windstar Cruises named one of the 'Best Cruise Lines'

Windstar listed on Condé Nast Traveler's 2011 Gold List

Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore the world's most secluded harbours and coves, has been recognised by luxury travel magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, as one of the 'Best Cruise Lines' in its prestigious annual Gold List.

Windstar's ongoing commitment to ensuring a luxurious and enriching cruise experience for its guests has ensured its consistent presence on the Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List. Acknowledging the world's best hotels, resorts and cruise lines, this esteemed list is based on the magazine's annual Reader's Choice Survey. Condé Nast Traveler's readers have awarded Windstar an overall average score of 84.3 out of 100 for various criteria including: itineraries, cabins, service, food, design, activities and excursions.

For guests seeking an award winning private luxury escape in 2011, Windstar's three intimate ships; msy Wind Spirit and msy Wind Star, accommodating 148 guests each and; msy Wind Surf hosting 312 passengers, are offering a number of unique itineraries throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas.

In April, photography enthusiasts can enjoy a visual feast as celebrity portraitist and travel photographer John Russo, joins Wind Surf's 7-day Lisbon to Barcelona sailing, to share his photography secrets. Russo has photographed high list celebrities including Kevin Costner, Eva Longoria and John Travolta and his work has featured on the covers of Vogue, Elle, GQ and Esquire. Whilst being transported through the picturesque towns and cities of Tangier, Morocco; and Malaga, Almeria, Cartagena and Ibiza, Spain; guests will enjoy two lectures by the top celebrity photographer. Priced from AU$2,323 per person twin share including NDAs and taxes, this cruise departs 17 April 2011. (REF: CatB/GSA)

Discover the hidden delights of the Mediterranean and explore ancient civilisations on Wind Star's 7-day Athens to Venice cruise. Ports of call include Athens, Monemvasia and Pylos, Greece; Dubrovnik, Trogir and Pula, Croatia; and Venice, Italy. Departing 16 July 2011, this cruise is priced from AU$3,476 per person twin share, including NDAs and taxes.  A reverse sailing from Venice to Athens is also available on 30 July 2011. (REF: CatB/OnSale)

In addition to Condé Nast Traveler's honour, Windstar has been recently recognised by some of the most notable names in the travel and lifestyle world. Celebrated Living, American Airlines' prestigious publication for first class passengers, named Windstar as the "Best Small-Ship/Mid-Ship Cruise Line" on their Platinum List for the fourth time in a row.

Windstar was recently named "Most Romantic Cruise Line" by Porthole Cruise Magazine and was also selected by Travel + Leisure as one of the top five "World's Best Small-Ship Cruise Lines". Windstar was also recognised on Condé Nast Traveler's list of "Best Cruise Lines" for 2010 and all three Windstar yachts were honoured in the "Best Small Ships" Reader's Poll.

To make an enquiry or booking, please contact Travel the World on 1300 950 622 or visit www.traveltheworld.com.au <http://www.traveltheworld.com.au/>