Japan Travel

Japan Travel Information | Lonely Planet Destination Guide worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links : Explore Japan Japan Hyperbolic, kitty-cute, switched-on, serene. At a Glance Fast Facts WORLDGUIDE Introduction Background Info See Image Gallery Events Transport Money General RELATED Thorn Tree Forum Postcards Travel Links More Places Check out our other destinations: Within Japan Kyoto Nagoya Osaka Sapporo Tokyo View Map Click here Feature Attraction Mt Fuji Japan's highest mountain stands 3776m (12388ft) high. When it's capped with snow, it's a picture-postcard perfect volcanic cone. Fuji-san last blew in ... more Whether you end up taking photos of a reproduction Eiffel Tower, surfing an indoor wave, musing in a Zen temple, shacking up in a love hotel or kipping down in a capsule, you'll do best to come with an open mind and be prepared to be surprised. Somewhere between the elegant formality of Japanese manners and the candid, sometimes boisterous exchanges that take place over a few drinks, between the sanitised shopping malls and the unexpected rural festivals, everyone finds their own vision of Japan. When To Go Spring (March to May), with its clear skies and cherry blossoms, is probably the most celebrated Japanese season, but it's a holiday period for the Japanese and many of the more popular travel destinations tend to be flooded with domestic tourists. Autumn (September to November) is a great time to travel: the temperatures are pleasant, and the autumn colours in the countryside are fantastic. Mid-winter (December to February) can be bitterly cold, while the sticky summer months (June to August) can turn even the briefest excursion out of the air conditioning into a soup bath; on the plus side, major tourist attractions will generally be quieter at these times of the year. It's also worth considering peak holiday seasons when you plan your trip. Moving around and finding accommodation during New Year, Golden Week (late April to early May) and the midsummer O-Bon festival can be a real headache. Factoid Inking the King Japanese tattooing ( irezumi ) is often considered the world's best. The practice was banned under the Emperor Meiji, but revived after Prince George (later King George V) was tattooed, in 1881, by master tattooist Hori Chyo. SPONSORED LINKS Enquire Accomodation Reviews Find Lonely Planet author reviewed places to stay * Required Fields Country * Please select Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Brazil Canada China Cuba Czech Republic Denmark Egypt England Estonia Finland France Germany Hungary Iceland India Ireland Israel & the Palestinian Territories Italy Japan Malaysia Mexico Morocco Netherlands New Zealand Poland Portugal Russia Scotland South Africa South Korea Spain Sweden Taiwan Thailand Turkey USA United Arab Emirates Vietnam City * Please select Travel Services · Flights · Hostels · Hotels · Travel Insurance More Services › Disclaimer: We've tried to make theinformation on this web site as accurate as possible, but it isprovided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injuryor inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety,customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before youtravel. text & images © lonely planet 2005 about us | privacy | feedback | advertising FAQs worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links

Russia Travel Resources >

St. Petersburg, Russia for Travelers  You are here: About > Travel > Eastern Europe for Visitors > Russia-Belarus-Ukraine > Russia Travel Resources > Cities & Destinations > St. Petersburg, Russia for Travelers Travel Go Eastern Europe Essentials Best of Eastern Europe Map of Central/Eastern Europe Photo Gallery Country Profiles Discount Travel Websites Articles & Resources Planning Your Trip Ways to Travel What to Do in East Europe Maps for Eastern Europe Czech-SlovakTravel Hungary Travel Poland Travel Russia-Belarus-Ukraine Romania-Moldova Travel Baltic Travel Balkan Travel Culture and Holidays Photo Galleries East Europe Travel and Language Books Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Eastern Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Eastern Europe for Visitors Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Elsewhere on the Web Russian Tourist Office State Hermitage Museum State Russian Museum From Other Guides St. Petersburg and Cruise Ships The Creation of St. Petersburg Winter Palace Architecture Most Popular First Christmas Tree Europe map Best of Eastern Europe Croatia Naturism and Nudism Discount Travel Websites What's Hot Krakow Photo Gallery Profiles of Eastern Europe Moscow City Profile Czech Republic Photo Gallery - Charles Bridge and castle Sofia's Religous Buildings Related Topics Hotels / Resorts / Inns European History Architecture Air Travel Europe for Visitors St Petersburg, Russia From Apply Now , Your Guide to Eastern Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Travel to St. Petersburg, Russia's Elegant Former Capital City According to U.N. statistics, St. Petersburg, Russia is the eighth most visited tourist site in the world, with several million people visiting the city every year. Why do visitors flock to this former capital of Russia? St. Petersburg is a traveler’s delight, famous for its summertime White Nights, its marvelously designed old city section, beautiful buildings on the banks of the Neva River, and its many churches, museums, gardens, theaters and activities. The city's turbulent history also draws visitors. Key Points about St. Petersburg Tsar Peter the Great established St. Petersburg in 1703, with the founding of the Peter and Paul Fortress on May 27th of that year. While some may have wondered why the tsar chose to put his namesake city in a swamp prone to flooding, Peter delighted in the city's strategic position on the Gulf of Finland as an entry to Europe. By 1712, the city became the capital of Russia. Over the years, the city changed names to Petrograd and Leningrad but now has regained its original name. Young by European terms, the city is architecturally stunning, with many cathedrals, museums, monuments and more than 500 bridges over the river Neva. Nevsky Prospect is where most tourists go, as it is the main thoroughfare through the city’s historic center. St. Petersburg has two high seasons: May through July and the spectacular winter season between the New Year’s holiday through January. St. Petersburg is famous for its White Nights of summer when daylight never really goes away, particularly between June 11 and July 2. St. Petersburg has a deserved reputation for world-class attractions. The city is home to the State Hermitage Museum, the Mariinsky Opera and Ballet Theater, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and the palace of Peter the Great. The city hosts annual art exhibits and music and film festivals, including the Viva Russian Cinema festival. Entry Russia requires that most foreign visitors obtain a visa. You cannot get a visa at the border so make sure you get one in plenty of time from a Russian embassy or consulate or an authorized travel agency. You will also need an official invitation, best obtained from an authorized travel agency. Major Attractions Nevsky Prospect has been St. Petersburg’s heart since the days of Peter the Great. It’s 4.5 km of shops, hotels, performance venues, and lively activity. Many of the attractive buildings have been recently renovated. The State Heritage Museum contains large collections of art from prehistoric to modern times. One building belonging to the museum is the Winter Palace, former home of the tsars. The State Russian Museum is the world’s largest museum of Russian art. The Peter and Paul Fortress was St. Petersburg’s first structure and today houses a number of museums and the Peter and Paul Cathedral where all Russian tsars since Peter, except Nicholas II, are buried. Peter’s Cabin is the city’s first residence. A wooden structure built for Peter the Great’s use, it contains artifacts from his time. St. Isaac’s Cathedral is the world’s third largest domed cathedrals. Featuring mosaics, red granite columns, loads of precious stones, and a gold-covered cupola, the cathedral is major landmark. Climb up the colonnade for a view of the city. For more about St. Peterburg’s attractions, see the Russian Tourist Office website. See page 2 for information about shopping, dining, and lodging. Russia Travel Guide Index Profile of Russia City Profile: Moscow City Profile: St. Petersburg Before You Go Need to Know Money Matters Intercity Travel City Transit Driving Health and Safety Lodging Dining and Drinking Communications Shopping 1 2 Next        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Krakow Photo Gallery Profiles of Eastern Europe Moscow City Profile Czech Republic Photo Gallery - Charles Bridge and castle Sofia's Religous Buildings

Vacation Package

Apple Vacations: air and hotel vacation packages to the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Bahamas and Bermuda Punta Cana La Romana Puerto Plata Bermuda Aruba Jamaica Grand Cayman St. Croix Curacao Sint Maarten/Saint Martin More... Cancun - Riviera Maya Puerto Vallarta Cozumel Acapulco Los Cabos Huatulco Ixtapa-Zihuatenejo Loreto Manzanillo Mazatlan Nassau Grand Bahama Hawaii-Maui Hawaii-Oahu Hawaii-The Big Island Hawaii-Kauai Hawaii-Lanai Hawaii-Molokai Costa Rica/Guanacaste California Canada Colorado Utah Vermont Wyoming London Paris Rome Madrid -- -- Cancun Iberostar Paraiso del Mar 3-nights, including air from $989.99 Gran Bahia Principe Tulum 3-nights, including air from $929.99 Punta Cana Sunscape The Beach Punta Cana 3-nights, including air from $969.99 -- See specials for the month of: - Select month, year - December, 2005 January, 2006 February, 2006 March, 2006 April, 2006 May, 2006 June, 2006 July, 2006 August, 2006 See specials from your airport: - Select an airport - Atlanta Baltimore Boston Buffalo, New York Burbank Glendale Pasadena Airport Charlotte Chicago Midway Chicago O'Hare Cincinnati Cleveland Columbia, SC Columbus (CMH) Columbus (LCK) Dallas Fort Worth Denver Detroit Fort Lauderdale Hartford John Wayne Airport Kansas City Los Angeles Louisville, KY McCarrenan International Airport (LAS) Memphis Miami Milwaukee Minneapolis Nashville New Orleans New York City (JFK) New York City (La Guardia) Newark Norfolk International Airport Oakland International Ontario International Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix Pittsburgh Portland Raleigh Durham Reno-Cannon International Airport Richmond Rockford, IL Ronald Reagan International Airport Sacramento Salt Lake City San Antonio San Diego San Francisco San Jose Seattle St. Louis Tampa Washington DC (Dulles) From: - Select a departure city - Albany, GA Albany, NY Albuquerque, NM Allentown, PA Anchorage, AK Appleton, WI Asheville, NC Athens, GA Atlanta, GA Atlantic City, NJ Augusta, GA Austin, TX Balti-Wash Int'l, MD Bangor, ME Bar Harbor, ME Baton Rouge, LA Billings, MT Binghamton, NY Birmingham, AL Bloomington, IN Boston, MA Bozeman, MT Branson/Springfield, MO Brunswick, GA Buffalo, NY Burlington, VT Butte, MT Champaign, IL Charleston, WV Charlotte, NC Charlottesville, VA Chattanooga, TN Chicago, Midway, IL Chicago, O'Hare Int'l, IL Cincinnati, OH Cleveland, OH Colorado Springs, CO Columbia, SC Columbus - Rickenbacker, OH Columbus, GA Columbus, MS Columbus, OH Corpus Christi, TX Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX Daytona Beach, FL Denver, CO Des Moines, IA Detroit, MI Dulles Int'l, VA Elmira Corning, NY Erie, PA Eugene, OR Evansville, IN Fairbanks, AK Fayetteville, NC Flint, MI Florence, SC Fort Myers, FL Franklin, PA Ft. Lauderdale, FL Grand Junction, CO Grand Rapids, MI Great Falls, MT Greensboro, NC Greenville-Spartanburg Int'l, SC Gulport/Biloxi, MS Harrisburg Int'l, PA Hartford, CT Hayden, CO Helena, MT Hilton Head Is., SC Houston, Bush Int'l, TX Houston, W.P. Hobby, TX Huntington, WV Huntsville, AL Idaho Falls, ID Indianapolis, IN Islip, NY Jackson Hole, WY Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville, NC Jamestown, NY Juneau, AK Kalispell Glcr Pk, MT Kansas City Int'l, MO Kansas Municipal Airport, MO Ketchikan, AK Key West, FL Klamath Falls, OR Knoxville, TN Lafayette, LA Las Vegas, NV Lewiston Clarks, ID Lexington, KY Liberty Int'l, Newark, NJ Little Rock, AR Los Angeles, CA Louisville, KY Lynchburg, VA Macon, GA Madison, WI Manchester, NH Medford, OR Melbourne, FL Memphis, TN Miami Int'l, FL Milwaukee, WI Minneapolis, MN Missoula, MT Monroe, LA Monterey, CA Montgomery, AL Morgantown, WV Nashville, TN New Bern, NC New Orleans, LA New York, NY - JFK Int'l New York, NY - La Guardia Newark, NJ Newburgh Stewart, NY Newport News, VA Norfolk, VA North Bend, OR NW Arkansas Regional, AR Oakland, CA OHare Int'l, Chicago, IL Oklahoma City, OK Omaha, NE Ontario, CA Orange County, CA Orlando, FL Oxnard, CA Paducah, KY Palm Beach Int'l, FL Palm Springs, CA Panama City, FL Pasco, WA Pendleton, OR Pensacola, FL Peoria, IL Philadelphia Int'l, PA Phoenix, AZ Pittsburgh Int'l, PA Pocatello, ID Portland, ME Portland, OR Providence, RI Pullman, WA Raleigh Durham, NC Rapid City, SD Reading, PA Reagan National Airport, VA Reno, NV Richmond, VA Roanoke, VA Rochester, NY Rockford, IL Sacramento Int'l, CA Salisbury, MD Salt Lake City, UT San Antonio, TX San Diego, CA San Francisco, CA San Jose, CA Santa Barbara, CA Sarasota, FL Savannah Int'l Airport, GA Seattle, WA Sioux Falls, SD Sitka, AK St. George, UT St. Louis, MO Steamboat Springs, CO Syracuse, NY Tallahassee, FL Tampa Bay, FL Toledo, OH Topeka, KS Traverse City, MI Tucson, AZ Tulsa, OK Vail, CO Valdosta, GA Walla Walla, WA Walton Beach, FL Westchester County, NY Whistler, Canada Wichita, KS Williamsport, PA Yakima, WA Youngstown, OH To: - Select a destination city - Acapulco Antigua Aruba Aspen, CO Banff / Lake Louise, Canada Barbados Belize Bermuda Bonaire Burlington, VT Cabo San Lucas Cancun - Hotel Zone Resorts Cancun - Riviera Maya Resorts Colorado Springs, CO Cozumel Curacao Denver, CO Eagle / Vail, CO Freeport Grand Cayman Grenada Guadelope Guanacaste, Costa Rica Hayden / Steamboat, CO Huatulco Ixtapa Jackson Hole, WY Jamaica - Braco Resorts Jamaica - Falmouth Resorts Jamaica - Montego Bay Resorts Jamaica - Negril Resorts Jamaica - Ocho Rios Resorts Jamaica - Runaway Bay Resorts La Romana London Gatwick London Heathrow Loreto Los Cabos Madrid Manzanillo Mazatlan Mexico City Nassau Negril Nevis Orlando, Fl Paris Puerto Plata, Domincan Rep. Puerto Vallarta Punta Cana, Domincan Rep. Reno, NV Rome Salt Lake City, UT San Juan Santo Domingo St. Barths St. Croix St. Kitts St. Lucia, Hewanorra St. Lucia, Vigie Fld St. Maarten St. Thomas St. Vincent Tobago Tortola,Vir.Gorda,Peter Isl Turks & Caicos Whistler, Canada Whistler-Vacouver, Canada Depart: Mo 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 Day 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Yr 05 06 Return: Mo 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 Day 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Yr 05 06 Apple Value Package Hotel Only Flight Only Adults: Children: 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 3 4 More Search Options » *Unless otherwise noted,fares do not include all applicable taxes,charges and government imposed fees. More details

Hotel Travel

O'Reilly Emerging Technology Conference 2005 Home Invitation Registration Speakers Program Overview Tutorials Sessions Events BOFs Wiki Community Meetings -- Exhibitors Sponsors Hotel/Travel See & Do Press Mail List Hotel and Travel Information Hotel | Airport Shuttles | Room Sharing | Travel Assistance | Conference Headquarters Hotel Adjacent to the Horton Plaza shopping center and located within walking distance of San Diego's bustling Gaslamp District, the Westin Horton Plaza offers countless opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Westin Horton Plaza San Diego 910 Broadway Circle San Diego, CA 92101 Tel: (619) 239-2200 Fax: (619) 239-0509 Due to the overwhelming popularity of The 4th Annual O'Reilly Emerging Technology Conference, the room block at the Westin Horton Plaza Hotel is currently sold out. The following is a partial list of alternate hotels in downtown San Diego, all within walking distance from the Westin Horton Plaza Hotel. Marriott Courtyard Downtown 530 Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Phone: 619-446-3000 Holiday Inn on the Bay 1355 N. Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101 Phone: 619-232-3861 Gaslamp Plaza Suites 520 E Street San Diego, CA 92101 Phone: 619-232-9500 The Horton Grand Hotel 311 Island Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 Phone: 619-544-1886 More hotel information may be found at the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau . O'Reilly Media, Inc. has no affiliation with these hotels. Getting There Airport Shuttles Convenient shuttle transportation to the Westin Horton Plaza is available for those flying into the San Diego International Airport . Cloud 9 Shuttle Phone: 1 (800) 9-SHUTTLE XPress Shuttle Phone: 1 (800) 900-7433 Driving Directions From Northeast Take I-15 South to 163 South. 163 will end and put you on 10th Avenue. Proceed to Broadway and turn right. Turn left on Broadway Circle. The hotel is on the right. From South Take I-5 North and exit at J Street, which is a one-way street. Take J Street to Market Street and turn left. Proceed to First Avenue and turn right. Then turn right at E Street. The hotel is on the corner. From East Take I-8 East to 163 South. 163 will end and put you on 10th Avenue. Proceed to Broadway and turn right. Turn left on Broadway Circle. The hotel is on the right. From Northwest Take I-5 and exit at Front Street, which is a one-way street. Proceed to E Street and turn left. The hotel is on the right. Parking Valet Parking: $25.00 per night Self-Parking: $15.00 per night Rates are subject to change without prior notice. Room Sharing If you are looking to save money on your housing costs, you may wish to room-share. The ETech wiki contains a Room Sharing page where you can post information about yourself along with the type of room sharing situation with which you are most comfortable. If not comfortable with posting your info, simply peruse the listing of others looking for room sharing situations whom you can contact. Room Sharing page to submit your information and be added to the mailing list. The list will be updated and broadcast weekly. -- Travel Assistance The official O'Reilly conference travel planner offers one-stop shopping for your air travel and other travel needs in connection with your attendance at an O'Reilly conference. Vivian V. Russell Travel Services 182 Farmers Lane, Suite 102 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 Phone: (707) 525-0550 Fax: (707) 525-0560 Email: International Attendees Please visit www.unitedstatesvisas.gov for important information about international travel to the United States. Rental Cars Should you choose to make travel arrangements independently, you may contact Hertz directly to receive the special O'Reilly discount on rental cars at the O'Reilly Emerging Technology Conference. To reserve a car with your special rate, call Hertz : 1 (800) 654-2240 in the U.S. 1 (800) 263-0600 in Canada (405) 749-4434 outside of these areas or call your nearest Hertz reservation center, your corporate travel department, or your travel agent. You must give the agent the Hertz CV #022J1438 . Air Travel United Airlines is the official airline of the O'Reilly Emerging Technology Conference. If you or your travel agent call United's toll-free number (1-800-521-4041) to book your reservations, you will receive 5% discount off the lowest applicable discount fare, including First Class or a 10% discount off full fare unrestricted coach fares, purchased 7 days in advance. An additional 5% discount will apply when tickets are purchased at least 30 days in advance of your travel date. Discounts also apply on Shuttle by United and United Express. Call United's Specialized Meeting Reservations Center at 1-800-521-4041 to obtain the best fares and schedule information. You must refer to Meeting ID #537GM in order to receive the conference attendee discount. Be certain to give either your travel planner or the United reservation agent (1 (800) 521-4041) this number. O'Reilly Media, Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for the facilities or services provided by the vendors and suppliers. Anyone attending this conference releases O'Reilly from any and all claims that may arise out of attending at this conference. Westin Horton Plaza Reservations Choose the "Book Now" button that appears on the left side of the page. Choose your arrival and departure dates, room preference, click "search" and continue through the reservation system. An email confirmation will be sent to you, confirming your hotel reservation at the Westin Horton Plaza for the O'Reilly Emerging Technology Conference. To make your hotel reservations by phone, call: 1 (800) WESTIN-1 or call the hotel directly at (619) 239-2200. Getting There Room Sharing page to submit your information and be added to the mailing list. The list will be updated and broadcast weekly. -- International Attendees Please visit www.unitedstatesvisas.gov for important information about international travel to the United States. Rental Cars Should you choose to make travel arrangements independently, you may contact Hertz directly to receive the special O'Reilly discount on rental cars at the O'Reilly Emerging Technology Conference. To reserve a car with your special rate, call Hertz : 1 (800) 654-2240 in the U.S. 1 (800) 263-0600 in Canada (405) 749-4434 outside of these areas or call your nearest Hertz reservation center, your corporate travel department, or your travel agent. You must give the agent the Hertz CV #022J1438 . Air Travel United Airlines is the official airline of the O'Reilly Emerging Technology Conference. If you or your travel agent call United's toll-free number (1-800-521-4041) to book your reservations, you will receive 5% discount off the lowest applicable discount fare, including First Class or a 10% discount off full fare unrestricted coach fares, purchased 7 days in advance. An additional 5% discount will apply when tickets are purchased at least 30 days in advance of your travel date. Discounts also apply on Shuttle by United and United Express. Call United's Specialized Meeting Reservations Center at 1-800-521-4041 to obtain the best fares and schedule information. You must refer to Meeting ID #537GM in order to receive the conference attendee discount. Be certain to give either your travel planner or the United reservation agent (1 (800) 521-4041) this number. O'Reilly Media, Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for the facilities or services provided by the vendors and suppliers. Anyone attending this conference releases O'Reilly from any and all claims that may arise out of attending at this conference. ! -- O'Reilly Home | Privacy Policy © 2005, O'Reilly Media, Inc.

Cruise Vacation: Call 1-

Windstar Cruises, Windstar Cruise Vacations: Windstar Cruises Guide Windstar Cruises Vacations: Windstar Cruises Information Site Index Windstar Cruises Vacation Guide; Romantic Windstar Cruises Virtuoso, Windstar Cruises Vacation Specialists Windstar Cruise Vacation: Call 1- 800 330 8820 to book. Windstar Cruises Destinations WindStar Caribbean Cruises WindStar The Americas Cruises WindStar Europe Cruises WindStar Greek Isles Cruises WindStar Trans Atlantic Cruises Windstar Cruises Luxury Cruise Vacations Windstar Cruises - A Unique Concept In Cruising "Pioneering Line Celebrates 15th Anniversary" Sailing under the banner of its appropriate tag line "180 From Ordinary," Windstar Cruises was created in the mid-1980''s with the vision to offer an alternative to the typical cruise or resort vacation. The Windstar Cruises passenger sees the world from a romantic sailing ship with luxurious accommodations, a casual yet elegant atmosphere, and exquisite service and cuisine. Well known for cruising off the beaten path, throughout 2002 Windstar Cruises celbrated our 15th year of sailing to exotic locales and hidden harbors that larger ships cannot access. These stately vessels turn heads from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean to the Far East. The Windstar Cruise Ships In late 1986, the first commercial sailing vessel built in 60 years slipped out of a French dry-dock in Le Havre. Although the towering sails echoed a bygone era of explorers, the msy Wind Star, with its sleek lines and computerized controls, was revolutionary in concept and design. Windstar''s ships are officially masted-sail-yachts (msy), but the designation belies the vessels unique rigging. Unfurling in two minutes at the push of a button, billowing white sails reach to the sky. All functions are operated from the bridge by computer micro-chips and navigational devices. The unusual "open-bridge" operation allows guests to drop by and acquaint themselves with the veteran captains and officers who demonstrate the ship''s intriguing capabilities to modern day explorers. The 148-passenger Wind Star was joined by sister ships the msy Wind Song in 1987, and msy Wind Spirit in 1988. A new era in luxury cruising was now being pioneered by Windstar Cruises. Nearly a decade later in 1998, the 308-passenger msy Wind Surf was acquired by Windstar. Sailing originally as Club Med I, the Wind Surf was built in 1990 in the same shipyard to strikingly similar specifications as her sister ships, making her a perfect match for the four fleet family. Windstar Cruises Shipboard Life Windstar''s unique concept of sailing has lead the cruise industry in the luxury small ship, casual attire, and alternative dining arenas. Pioneering and refining these concepts has earned Windstar an excellent reputation and market niche, winning the allegiance of a new generation of contemporary cruise vacationers, one-third of whom are first-time cruisers. Teak decking, rich wood interiors, an attentive service staff, intimate surroundings, eclectic artwork, exceptional signature cuisine featuring both light and vegetarian menu selections, and an extensive wine list are some of the extraordinary elements which have become synonymous with Windstar. Features unique to the Wind Surf include 31 deluxe suites, a Business/Internet Center, The Bistro, and the 10,000 square foot WindSpa offering a full array of spa treatments, consultative, health and fitness programs. Windstar Cruises Passengers are cradled in comfort as all staterooms and suites offer ocean views, sitting area, TV, VCR, CD player, safe, mini-bar/refrigerator, international direct- dial phones, bathroom with toiletries, hair dryer, plush robes, and plenty of closet space. The library on board stocks an array of international newspapers, books and games, as well as a multi-media selection of more than 500 video titles and compact discs available for complimentary check-out. Carrying just 148 to 308 guests, Windstar cruise ships exude a private yacht-like atmosphere creating camaraderie and lasting friendships between fellow sailors. Every day aboard Windstar brings the promise of new horizons and harbors to explore. Windstar Cruises Destinations and Activities Newly announced destinations for 2003 include Northern Europe, Baltic, Malta and Tunisia. New itineraries complement tried and true Windstar favorites such as the Greek and Turkish Isles, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Virgin Islands, French Polynesia and Trans-Atlantic crossings. An interesting mix of shore excursions and complimentary water sports activities are available at each destination. Passengers may find themselves slicing through Caribbean waters aboard an actual America''s Cup racing yacht, or exploring archaeological ruins in Greece, the "Cradle of Civilization." Water buffs can enjoy complimentary water-skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking and "banana" boat rides from the ship''s aft Water Sports Platform. Windstar's cruise vacations offer a sea-side window on the world, combining the refinement of a luxury hotel with a moveable feast of cultural experiences. Seattle-based Windstar Cruises operates the 308-passenger Wind Surf and 148- passenger Wind Star and Wind Spirit. The three sailing yachts cruise to over 47 countries worldwide offering an affordable luxury vacation. Note: The Crystal Cruise prices listed in this guide are published fares - we often have cruise specials at substantially lower rates. Please use our "Cruise Vacation Planner" and our agents will tell you about all available specials. We are a member of Virtuoso - Specialists in the Art of Travel. Described by Conde Nast Traveler as "a network of the finest agencies...a reliable indicator of experience, knowledge, and industry clout." We are recommended by the Discovery Travel Channel, the Today Show, Conde Nast Traveler, ESPN TV, Fine Living TV, and Neiman Marcus Awards Program and National Geographic. During this time of price volatility in the travel and cruise industry, please be advised the pricing can fluctuate within the same day. All of our promotions are subject to change without notice. As a result, prices will not be guaranteed until you make a deposit. Click here to book your Windstar Cruise Vacation Click here to submit a vacation planner to our Virtuoso Travel Specialists Client Testimonials Search Your Vacation, Tour or Cruise Windstar Cruises Cruise Information The Windstar Fleet Wind Spirit & Wind Star Wind Surf Windstar Dining Experience A Typical Day Aboard WindSpa Other Helpful Travel Links Helpful Cruise Info Contact Us Full Service Luxury WindStar Cruise Vacation Planner Click here to save money, time and stress planning, making reservations, or booking your luxury WindStar vacation with our full service Virtuoso Travel Consultants. We are recommended, authorized Virtuoso Travel Consultants, and can arrange every little detail to make sure you have a wonderful, carefree cruise experience at no extra charge! You may call our Virtuoso Travel Consultants, but first, we'd really appreciate it if you complete our "Luxury WindStar Cruise Vacation Planner" so we have all your requirements beforehand and are prepared to present you with all your options and up-to-the-minute specials. Thank you very much! Call 1- 800 -330 -8820 to book your luxury vacation . Full Service, Worldwide Luxury Tour Vacation Planner Click here to save money, time and stress planning, making reservations, or booking your luxury tour vacation with our full service Virtuoso Luxury Tour Consultants. We can arrange every little detail of your tour vacation, including air, and pre-tour and post-tour arrangements to make sure you have a wonderful, carefree vacation experience at no extra charge! When you complete our "Luxury Tour Vacation Planner" our Virtuoso--Travel Consultants will promptly call you, provide you with their direct toll free telephone number, all your options, and up-to-the-minute specials . Call 1- 800 -330 -8820 to book your luxury tour vacation . 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All of our promotions are subject to change without notice. As a result, Windstar Cruises prices will not be guaranteed until booked. State of California seller of travel License # 2061139-40 We are on the Better Business Bureau Honor Roll. Travel Agent Career Opportunities Contact Information Advertise with Travel Wizard 1998 TravelWizard.Com, Windstar Cruises Vacation Dept. All rights reserved.