Windstar Embarks on Upgrade Program

Windstar Cruises is launching an upgrade program similar –albeit smaller in scale- to sister company Holland America Line´s Signature of Excellence program.

The Windstar initiative, called Degrees of Difference, will add new amenities to the cabins and other enhancements around its three-ship fleet. The program was unveiled during the Cruise Lines International Association´s Cruise3Sixty event here.

The highlight of the program is the music: Windstar will let passengers check out Apple iPod Nanos with pre-programmed tunes from the front desk. They´ll connect to Bose SoundDocks in the cabins (passengers can also plug their own iPods into the speakers).

The ships also are being equipped with wireless Internet capability –a long way from just a few years ago, when Windstar passengers used a shared computer to send text messages (reply e-mails were sent to the ship, then printed out and hand-delivered to the appropriate cabin)- although the Wind Surf has its own Internet Cafe.

Windstar also is upgrading its food on all three ships. Of particular note, the Wind Surf´s Bistro will have a steakhouse menu and will be redecorated in a burgundy color scheme.

Other changes include new beds, linens and duvets, towels and bathrobes; new toiletries from L´Occitane; and new hammocks on the flying bridges on all ships. Windstar said its program should be finished by 2007.