As Windstar Cruises gears up to embark on its second consecutive Alaska cruise season, running May 22 through Sept. 12, 2019, the cruise line has also announced a few things guests can expect to see in the 2020 season.
Next year, Windstar will sail a brand-new itinerary, Alaska Glaciers & Prince William Sound, with first time visits to small ports such as Valdez and Petersburg, as well as new scenic cruising to the Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord in northern Prince William Sound, which features five tide-water glaciers where the ice meets the sea.
In addition, Windstar’s newly enhanced Star Breeze, the first Windstar ship to emerge from the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative, will sail Alaska next summer offering 22 different journeys beginning May 16, 2020. The 312-passenger ship will showcase 50 new suites including a 1,374-sq.-ft. Grand Owner’s Suite, new restaurants, enhanced spa and fitness center, elevated pool, and more environmentally friendly engines, among several other enhancements.
Six Signature Expedition experts—naturalists, glaciologists, marine biologists, photographers, historians, and others—are also on board throughout every Alaska voyage. The Expedition Team shares the history of the region, cultural tales, scientific discoveries, insider knowledge and local tips. Guests can attend scheduled lectures and listen in on expert narration while cruising as the team points out wildlife and explains the natural surroundings. The Expedition Team of scientists and naturalists also lead optional shore excursions known as Signature Expeditions. These tours lead guests on kayak and Zodiac excursions directly from the ship allowing more time for extreme close-up views of the icebergs, glaciers, fjords and more.
“Our Alaska destination delivery stands out from all others—our elegant small ship visiting out of the way, small ports, and launching Signature Expeditions right from the ship, to explore nature with expert guides—cruising Alaska doesn’t get any better,” said Windstar Cruises president John Delaney in press materials.
In 2019 and 2020, Windstar offers 45 cruises and Cruise Tours ranging from 11 to 22 days, starting at $2,199 pp. For more information, visit windstarcruises.com. Windstar also recently launched a new travel advisor reward program; get the details here.
