WIND SPIRIT to undergo upgrading refit at Lisnave Mitrena shipyard

Windstar Cruises' second of three ships to undergo the latest phase of Degrees of Difference upgrades, the 148-guest motor sailing yacht Wind Spirit, begins a five-week work period on March 17, 2007. Guest upgrades include remodelled bathrooms in all staterooms, an expanded beauty salon and a refurbished lounge.

All stateroom bathrooms will be remodelled for a more contemporary look with new fixtures, open glass shelves, new cabinets, granite countertops, porcelain sinks, and a magnifying mirror. Refinished teak floors retain the popular nautical style. In staterooms, full length mirrors and slippers will be added, and cell phone service will be available at sea.

In the Lounge, the bar will be relocated to a central and visible location near the back of the room. The Lounge will be refreshed with reupholstered furniture, new carpet, ceiling, lighting, and wall coverings.

The Salon will move from deck one to deck three by the Lounge providing a more serene spa experience with space for relaxation. Expanding into the area vacated by the bar, salon space doubles with a new waiting area, two separate massage rooms, an area for facials and hair/nail treatments, and pedicure chair. The number of massage appointments available for guests will double and new spa treatments will be added including La Therapie Hydralift Facial, Elemis Aroma Spa Seaweed Massage, and Ionithermie Cellulite Reduction Program. The expanded spa menu turns the former salon into a complete spa facility.

Other additions in guest areas include new tables and chairs in the Veranda, a new couch and ceiling in the Lobby and upgrades to public bathrooms. In the Pool Bar, a new bottle display area will freshen the look of the bar along with new lighting, and wall and ceiling coverings. Upgrades are also planned for technical operations of the ship.

In 2006, Windstar invested in luxury amenities on board all three ships. Wireless internet is available throughout the ship along with Bose SoundDock speakers in all staterooms, Apple iPod Nanos pre-loaded with music for complimentary check-out and laptops for rent. Plush Euro-Top mattresses, luxury bedding, Egyptian cotton towels and bath amenities by L'Occitane were added to staterooms as well. Other additions include hammocks built for two on deck, and lemon-scented iced towels and orange sorbet served on warm days.

In The Restaurant, enhancements include Riedel stemware and Rosenthal china, new menus by acclaimed Chef Joachim Splichal; an "Amuse Bouche," or "little bite" at dinner; a new wine list featuring more boutique labels plus the flexibility to purchase wine in ports along the ships' itineraries; and Petit-fours, trays of delicate sweet treats, to be served with coffee at the end of dinner.

The two-week wetdock begins on March 17 when the ship sails from St. Thomas (without guests) on its Transatlantic crossing to Portugal. It will then spend three weeks in Lisnave Mitrena shipyard in Portugal. The ship will welcome guests back on its April 21 cruise from Lisbon to Barcelona.

The four-masted Wind Spirit will sail the Greek Isles from May to September along with a few Mediterranean itineraries in early spring and late fall.

The 312-guest Wind Surf sailed with all Degrees of Difference upgrades completed on December 16, 2006. The 148-guest msy Wind Star is scheduled to begin its work period in October 2007