Shore Excursions Can Be as Exciting as the Cruise!

Sidetrips from the Windsurf Were Memorable…

Planning is Key
While cruises are all about “getting there is half
the fun,” and Atlas Travel Vacation Manager
Karen McCrink reports that her recent
Windstar cruise was great, she also spoke
enthusiastically about the great shore
adventures she had along the way. When
looking for shore excursions, it pays to discuss
your options and book your favorites with Atlas
before your cruise, so you aren't limited by
what your cruise line offers during your sailing.
Imagine Being in the Midst
of an America's Cup Race…
That's right, in St. Martin, Karen hopped
aboard True North, a 12- Meter Canadian
America's Cup champion and spent 90 minutes
in a three-boat race that was breathtaking and
exhilarating.
“It was so much fun,” reported this experienced
adventure travel enthusiast. “They teach you a
job on board this incredible sailboat and you
are instantly part of an America 's Cup team.
We hit a squall, came in second and I'd spend
the $100 again and would recommend it to my
clients.”
The Newest Kayak Adventure
When in Isles des
Saintes, one of the
ports on the
Windsurf's Caribbean itinerary, Karen discovered a
truly crystal clear experience…exploring in
transparent kayaks. Offering an adventure that is
being called “the dry snorkeling experience,” these
beautiful vessels allow kayakers to skim along the
waterways and see all of the beautiful sea life and
coral reefs below. These opportunities are being
found more and more throughout Mexico and the
Caribbean , but Isles des Saintes is a perfect setting
for this interesting and relaxing tour. It's important to
note when booking a transparent kayak tour, go as
early in the day as possible, as the view below isn't as
good when it starts to get dark!
A Totally Different Vantage Point
In St. Lucia, Karen enjoyed one of her favorite activities, a Rainforest Canopy
Zip Line Adventure. Just an hour-long ride from the ship, with plenty of
opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of St. Lucia 's breathtaking scenery,
you arrive at your zip line location in the heart of the rainforest. Upon arrival,
you are given your equipment, a safety briefing and a demonstration. You rocket
your way through a series of 11 zip lines, about 50 feet off the ground. This is a great, safe way to get an
adrenaline rush of your life!

Meanwhile, Back at the Ship

Sailing under the banner of its appropriate
tag line "180º From Ordinary," Windstar
was created in the mid-1980s with the
vision to offer an alternative to the typical
cruise or resort vacation. According to
Karen (an experienced cruiser on vessels of
all kinds), the Wind Surf is a 312-passenger
sailing ship that offers a very distinctive
small cruise experience.
Windstar's ships are officially motor-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 ships' intriguing
capabilities to modern day explorers.

“I'd recommend this vacation to couples,” explained McCrink. “It tends to attract a crowd in their 50s and
60s who like wonderful, personalized service. This is definitely a premium cruise experience. Not luxury,
not stuffy, but a relaxing, intimate vacation experience.”
Not for cruisers who want big casinos and high-production floor shows, Windstar offers extremely good
food and onboard dining experiences that are memorable. “I enjoyed the outdoor dining,” she said. “One
night all the deck furniture was cleared and candle-lit tables were set around the pool. There was an Asian
cuisine night, an outdoor seafood restaurant. This, along with beautiful cabins, was the highlight of the
cruise.”
While teak decking is a Windstar signature, features unique to the Wind Surf include 31 deluxe suites, 2
Bridge Deck suites, The Yacht Club, Degrees (formerly The Bistro), The Terrace Bar for small intimate
getaways and the nearly 10,000 square foot WindSpa offering a full array of spa treatments, consultative,
health and fitness programs.
For more information on Windstar Cruises or to discuss Atlas shore excursions for any cruise you are
planning, contact:

Karen McCrink, CTC - Vacation Manager

508-488-1110
karen.mccrink@atlastravel.com