02 July 2010

Windstar has revealed that its 312-passenger yacht, Wind Surf will return to the Greek Isles next year. This is the first time in six years. There are a number of seven-day sailings planned with some departing from Athens and finishing at Istanbul. Dates are: 16th July, 24th September and 8th October 2011. Other sailings depart from Istanbul and finish at Athens. The dates for these are: 23rd July 1st and 15th October 2011. Both voyages will have the same itinerary with stops at Mykonos, Santorini and Rhodes in Greece. Bodrum and Kusadasi in Turkey make up the remaining stops on the itinerary. The Wind Surf will also be undertaking two other 7-day cruises in July and October taking in the Greek Isles and Italy. While it has been six years since the Wind Surf last sailed around Greece, Windstar’s other yachts – the Wind Star and Wind Spirit – are regular visitors to the area. In other news, Royal Caribbean International’s latest liner – the Independence of the Seas - is being officially named in a ceremony in Rockland, Maine, USA. This will take place, appropriately on the 4th July – Independence Day. The ceremony also launches the first of a number cruises for the Independence of the Seas departing from Maine, and which sail around the New England area. There are 13 seven-day cruises planned and a 10-day inaugural voyage from Providence, Rhode Island to Portland, Maine. Guests will also be able to sail in greater comfort as the new ship has more staterooms with balconies than any of the other four ships in the same class. All staterooms also benefit from individual climate control.