19th Amendment, Guaranteeing The Right For Women To Vote, Exhibit To Open At National Constitution Center For 2020 Centennial Anniversary

           

In summer 2020, the Center will open a new exhibit on the development of the women’s rights movement and the ratification of a voting rights amendment in 1920

Philadelphia, PA  – On August 18, America celebrates the 99th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guaranteed the right of women to vote. In advance of this anniversary, the National Constitution Center announced it will open a new 19th Amendment exhibit in the summer of 2020 in celebration of the centennial.

“The ratification of the 19th Amendment extended the Constitution’s promise of equal citizenship to women, underscoring the core values of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution,” said National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen. “On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, the National Constitution Center is thrilled to open a new exhibit to inspire and educate visitors of all ages about the visionary leaders who worked to secure this landmark amendment and about the constitutional path to voting rights for women.”

Tracing the triumphs and struggles that led to the ratification of the 19th Amendment, the new exhibit will explore the long fight for women’s suffrage, beginning before the Civil War. It will highlight the constitutional arguments and historical context of the movement, as well as spotlight the key advocates for women’s rights and the methods they used to persuade the states and then the nation to recognize equal citizenship for women. Beginning in the early- to mid-1800s, the exhibit will capture the early efforts to secure rights for women and follow the story into the Reconstruction era when the movement grew—and split over women’s rights versus rights for newly freed African Americans. The story will continue with state-level campaigns for suffrage and the push for a national amendment, and will culminate with the ratification of the 19th Amendment, its impact, and the ongoing push for equal rights that followed ratification in 1920.

The 19th Amendment exhibit will build upon the National Constitution Center’s newest permanent exhibit, Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality, which is America’s first exhibit devoted to the constitutional legacy of the Civil War and Reconstruction. The new exhibit, located adjacent to the Civil War and Reconstruction gallery, will explore how the women’s rights movement grew alongside the anti-slavery movement and ultimately gained momentum during Reconstruction as part of the ongoing battle for freedom and equality for all.

The exhibit will be open for the centennial year and beyond. The National Constitution Center is a proud partner of Vision2020’s Women 100, a celebration of American women in the year 2020, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment.

About the National Constitution Center

The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution. A private, nonprofit organization, the Center serves as America’s leading platform for constitutional education and debate, fulfilling our congressional charter “to disseminate information about the U.S. Constitution on a nonpartisan basis.” As theMuseum of We the People, the Center brings the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages through interactive programs and exhibits. As America’s Town Hall, the Center brings the leading conservative and liberal thought leaders together to debate the Constitution on all media platforms. As a Headquarters for Civic Education, the Center delivers the best educational programs and online resources that inspire citizens and engage all Americans in learning about the U.S. Constitution. For more information, call 215-409-6700 or visit constitutioncenter.org.

Latest Study Ranks Average TSA Security Wait Times By U.S. Airport

The best wait time in the country clearly indicated at a specific Utah airport.

 Upgraded Points (https://upgradedpoints.com/average-tsa-security-wait-times-us-airports/) recently offered up its newest informative study that ranks TSA security wait times across the nation from longest to shortest. Drawing directly on data compiled from the TSA, Upgraded Points explored and ranked 10 of the 25 busiest U.S. airports for wait times during specific times and days of the week. The results were then compiled, analyzed and placed in an interactive digital map. Both the shortest and longest wait times were found to be non-localized, and are spread out over multiple major airports across the country.

Analysis Methodology

The study looked at the 25 busiest airports in the U.S., based on 2018 passenger boarding information. The results are compiled from data representing security wait times for specific hours at all airports, from which the day and overall averages were calculated.

To rate the best and worst times for TSA security at each airport, Upgraded Points searched through every day of the week to find the maximum and minimum average wait times. The overall study considered all hours traveled, but only offered times within a single time period — from 4 p.m. through 11 p.m. — in its recommendations for best times to travel. This window was deemed the most realistic time period to suit the largest number of travelers, and also represents the time period used for the majority of flight departures.

Airport Security Wait Times: Longest and Shortest

• Longest — Newark Liberty International (EWR): Located in New Jersey, EWR ranked number one on the list of longest security wait times. With an average security delay of 23.1 minutes, EWR is definitely an airport that requires a bit of patience. With some strategic planning however, it is possible to travel through EWR with a reduced risk of inconvenience. The best time to travel EWR is on a Friday, between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., with an average wait time of around 15 minutes. The absolute worst time to travel through EWR is on a Monday, between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. Those unfortunate enough to hit the security line at that time could be waiting up to an hour.
• Shortest — Salt Lake City International (SLC): Utah's capital can boast the quickest security-line wait times in the nation, with an average of 9.1 minutes. For those interested in visiting some of the nation's state parks, booking a trip through SLC should be relatively quick and convenient. And although it already offers incredibly short wait times on average, the best time to join the security line at SLC is on a Wednesday, between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., with an average wait time of two minutes. The worst time is on a Sunday, from 11 p.m. to 12 a.m., with an average wait time at around 26 minutes.

Other noted airports that made the best and worst lists for this study include Boston Logan, Washington Dulles International, Miami International and George Bush Intercontinental. For a complete list of the airlines reported in the study, as well as detailed graphics and access to the interactive map, please visit HERE.

About Upgraded Points LLC

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Upgraded Points is a travel company that provides insider strategies on maximizing travel points and rewards. Launched in 2016 by Alex Miller, Upgraded Points uses targeted research efforts and in-depth studies to give travelers, as well as those looking to travel a real understanding of how to maximize their points and miles. Learn more at: www.UpgradedPoints.com.

SOURCE Upgraded Points LLC

Travelore Cruise News: Ponant Purchases Paul Gauguin #Cruise #CruiseNews

Ponant has confirmed it has reached a deal to purchase Paul Gauguin Cruises, which will continue operating under its own brand. 

Paul Gauguin will remain an independent company, headquartered in Washington State and under the leadership of Diane Moore, president, according to sources.

Ponant, which has been on an expansion track, adds another company and cruise brand into its portfolio under the ownership of the Pinault family and Groupe Artémis.

In addition, by 2021, French-flagged Ponant will have a strong luxury expedition fleet of four Boreal-class vessels; six Explorer-class vessels; Le Commandant-Charcot, a polar exploration vessel with hybrid propulsion; and Le Ponant, a niche sailing vessel.

Based year-round in Tahiti, Paul Gauguin offers a luxury product and a number of adventurous itineraries, starting at seven days.

A new call introduced last year and being expanded for 2019 and beyond is Tahiti Iti, which is an exclusive destination for the brand. The vessel is generally welcomed by the entire town on port days.

A new children’s program was launched earlier summer, as the Moana Explorer program is a now complementary and replaces a previous for-charge program. Families can opt for additional shore excursions. The hands-on programming focuses on education and environment.

In line with its sustainability commitment, the company has removed plastic straws and other items, as well as mini shampoo and conditioner bottles in staterooms, replacing them with dispensers.

The Seattle-based company is also adding to its culinary line-up with more sailings featuring experts representing wineries and delivering lectures and hosting tastings. In 2020, celebrity chefs will join select voyages.

The biggest market for the line is North America, with most business coming in through the major travel agent networks. International sourcing is limited, reaching Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, the UK and Japan. 

The 332-guest Paul Gauguin was launched in 1997 by Chantiers de l'Atlantique and has sailed for Radisson Seven Seas and Regent Seven Seas. In 2009, Pacific Beachcomber acquired the vessel.

Source: https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com

"Come Aboard… We're Expecting You" - Princess Cruises Seeks Couples For Largest Vow Renewal At Sea Record Attempt In February 2020.

Celebrate Valentine's Day and Set a World Record with The Love Boat's Gavin MacLeod and Jill Whelan on the Most Romantic Cruise of the Year

Cue "The Love Boat" theme song! Princess Cruises - the international premium cruise line known for its legacy of romance and adventure declared today it will attempt to host the largest renewal of vows ceremony at sea in hopes to set a world record onboard a Valentine's Day cruise. Gavin MacLeod, who portrayed the endearing Captain Stubing, will officiate and Jill Whelan, his television daughter Vicki, will serve as matron of honor hosting the ceremony onboard Regal Princess, setting sail February 9-16, 2020. Sailing roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale, guest will visit Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and the cruise line's private, romantic beach Princess Cays.  

"I'm honored to be officiating this ceremony and can't think of a better way to celebrate and commemorate a couple's love, than by reaffirming their commitment to one another onboard the 'Love Boat' over Valentine's Day," said Gavin MacLeod, Princess Cruises ambassador.  

Princess Cruises Celebrations Ambassador Jill Whelan added, "It wouldn't be a Princess cruise unless there's romance. We invite couples of all ages to join us for this celebration of love on the high seas."

"The Love Boat" aired for 10 seasons from 1977 to 1986, and the show sparked the growth of the cruise industry making cruise vacations attainable for the masses. Since then, Princess has been helping guests find and celebrate love each year.

Additional romantic touches will be offered on the cruise, and more details about this special voyage will be announced soon.

Interested couples are encouraged to book now by contacting their travel advisor, calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com. To learn more about celebrating a special occasion with Princess, visit princess.com/Celebrations.

About Princess CruisesOne of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is the fastest growing international premium cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 17 modern cruise ships, carrying two million guests each year to 380 destinations around the globe, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica and World Cruises. A team of professional destination experts have curated 170 itineraries, ranging in length from three to 111 days and Princess Cruises is continuously recognized as "Best Cruise Line for Itineraries." 

In 2017 Princess Cruises, with parent company Carnival Corporation, introduced MedallionClass Vacations enabled by the OceanMedallion, the vacation industry's most advanced wearable device, provided free to each guest sailing on a MedallionClass ship. The award-winning innovation offers the fastest way to a hassle-free, personalized vacation giving guests more time to do the things they love most. MedallionClass Vacations will be activated on five ships by the end of 2019. An activation plan will continue across the global fleet in 2020 and beyond. 

Princess Cruises continues its multi-year, "Come Back New Promise" – a $450 million-dollar product innovation and cruise ship renovation campaign that will continue to enhance the line's onboard guest experience. These enhancements result in more moments of awe, lifetime memories and meaningful stories for guests to share from their cruise vacation. The product innovations include partnerships with award-winning Chef Curtis Stone; engaging entertainment inspired shows with Broadway-legend Stephen Schwartz; immersive activities for the whole family from Discovery and Animal Planet that include exclusive shore excursions to onboard activities; the ultimate sleep at sea with the award-winning Princess Luxury Bed and more. 

Three new Royal-class ships are currently on order with the next new ship under construction, Sky Princess, scheduled for delivery in October 2019, followed by Enchanted Princess in June 2020. Princess previously announced that two new (LNG) ships which will be the largest ships in the Princess fleet, accommodating approximately 4,300 guests are planned for delivery in 2023 and 2025.  Princess now has five ships arriving over the next six years between 2019 and 2025. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK). 

SOURCE Princess Cruises

New Insuite Wellness Menus Bring Unique Spa Experiences to All Suites At Velas Resorts

A La Carte Offerings Complement All-Encompassing Wellness Suites

At Los Cabos, Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta Properties

 

 

Wellnessing by Velas Resorts has now expanded to include an a la carte menu of spa and wellness options for all resort suites. Designed to maximize relaxation—on-demand, upgrades range from a Shamanic life coaching and insuite de-stress or sleep kits to Vitamin C shower, Gem Roller Facial and DIY Dreamcatcher Kit. The new offerings are in addition to the resort collection’s all-encompassing wellness suites and plethora of wellness activities available. Everything from Wellness workshops inspired by local Mexican culture at the Spa Atelier, Muse meditation, state of the art spas and fitness centers, personal training included in the rate, and yoga, to shamanic healing spa treatments, vegan options in all the specialty restaurants, and dedicated Wellnessing getaways with wellness experts are featured at the resorts. 

 

The insuite menu at both Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and Casa Velas allows guests to choose from everything from an aromatherapy neck pillow to a life-coaching class based on ancestral healing techniques with a Shaman. For tired feet, guests can slip on aromatic slippers infused in rosemary, clove, and rice essences; and to revitalize their face, guests can welcome a spa therapist into their room who will apply a cooling lotion with a jade roller to boost skin’s radiance. Stressed guests might appreciate the resorts’ in-suite de-stress kit, a collection of items meant to soothe aching muscles. A full line of shower oils is also an option, with ones that ensure different states of relaxation, revitalization, and comfort. An agate, jade and turquoise pendant Door Hanger ads both a delicate touch to decoration and helps balance your personal space. A MUSE brain sensing headband can also be rented to achieve a calm state of mind. The personal meditation assistant helps novices learn to meditate and form the habit of a regular and rewarding practice. It gives more experienced meditators glimpses into their brain's activity while they meditate.

 

Starting in November, Grand Velas Los Cabos will boast a variety of in-suite add-on amenities. Vitamin C capsules can be added to a shower while an aromatherapy diffuser and special pillow help troubled sleepers fall asleep faster. A special nightly turndown includes an exfoliating body treatment, moisturizing facial treatment, and a third body treatment.

 

Grand Velas Los Cabos, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, and Casa Velas also offer duplex-style wellness suites designed to renew one’s body and mind in every way possible. Amenities and services included in the rate are:

• Personal Spa Concierge to provide counsel on a wide variety of available spa treatments and health offerings at the resorts;
• Artisan soap selection;
• Muse meditation headbands;
• Healthy gluten free snacks and daily juice options;
• In-suite exercise kit comprised of a yoga mat, dumbbells, resistance bands, and even an exercise bike;
• Water menu with a selection from still and sparkling to Coconut and Alkaline;
• Organic skin care products from the spa;
• Aromatherapy Kit with scents ranging from cedar and lavender to tangerine and myrrh;
• Nikken Kenko™ pillow and comforter; and,
• LED Lamp with a clock and timer that increases gradually, simulating the dawn and dusk, which helps guests fall asleep and wake up more naturally. 

 

In-suite add-on spa and wellness experiences range from $10 to $125 each.

 

For reservations or more information, call 1-888-407-4869, email reservations@velasresorts.com or visit https://www.velasresorts.com.

 

About Velas Resorts:

Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, and Los Cabos have earned 56 AAA Diamonds, including the prestigious Five Diamond Award. Other esteemed international awards for their services and facilities include Virtuoso’s “Best Spa,” Forbes’ “Coolest All-Inclusives,” Forbes’ Four Star Award, and TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame, among others. Offering unparalleled all-inclusive experiences, properties include the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas in Los Cabos, with dramatic ocean views and unique spaces infusing every area of the resort; AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, which enjoys a privileged natural setting with flowering, landscaped gardens beside a long stretch of pristine beach and a dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains; and AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya, located five minutes from Playa del Carmen, offering a sophisticated resort experience in the Caribbean with jungle and beach settings. In Puerto Vallarta, Casa Velas is a boutique adults-only hotel and ocean club located on the Marina Vallarta Golf Course, and Velas Vallarta, a family-friendly all suites resort and spa located on Banderas Bay. Mar del Cabo, a boutique hotel on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, opened on December 5th as its only European Plan offering. Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, operates Velas Resorts with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side. For reservations or more information, call 1-888-407-4869, email reservations@velasresorts.com or visit https://www.velasresorts.com.

Portugal: What’s New And What’s Next For 2019-2020

Aerial view of the fortifications of Elvas | Photo: Turismo de Portugal

What’s new?

New Historic Hotel opens in Elvas under Revive Program

Vila Galé Collection Elvas is the newest 4-star historic hotel to open in Elvas, the former frontier fortress-city on the Alentejo-Spanish border, with 79 rooms, two restaurants, bar, spa and indoor pool, and many event rooms. Set in the former Convento de São Paulo in the historic center, the 1721 building, vacant since 2004, is the first hotel to open in Portugal under the Revive Program. This is a Government-sponsored initiative that seeks to rehabilitate public historic buildings and boost tourism in culturally significant locations.

New four-star hotel opens in Alqueva Lake

Across from the Great Alqueva Lake, set in the Alentejo countryside, is the new Herdade dos Delgados – Dark Sky View Hotel & SPA, featuring 24 bedrooms and 3 apartment suites. The new property set on Europe’s largest artificial lake is a prime location to stargaze by night and enjoy nautical activities by day. The hotel’s infrastructure also includes a locally sourced restaurant, terrace bar, pool and spa and sports facility.

Museum Dedicated to Filigree to open in Porto this October

The House of Filigree is set to open in downtown Porto this October to promote and honor the manufacturing of filigree, a traditional Portuguese art that uses thin gold threads to create intricate jewelry and ornaments.  The new House of Filigree will have a filigree exhibition and showcase the manufacturing process, as well as a boutique selling exclusive designs.

Chef Ljubomir Stanisic opens new restaurant at Furnas Lake Forest Living Hotel in Sao Miguel, Azores

Liquen by Ljubomir Stanisic is a culinary tribute to the Azores’ beautiful green landscapes and ocean surroundings and the chef’s first haute cuisine project in the archipelago, featuring a décor inspired by these natural elements and a menu that uses local ingredients. The restaurant is part of the Furnas Lake Forest Living hotel on São Miguel, located in one of the island’s most iconic areas, Furnas – meaning hot springs in Portuguese - which had a major influence on Azorean cuisine.

Two new hotels are set to open next year in Funchal on Madeira Island

Turim Santa Maria Hotel and Caju Design Hotel are two new properties opening on Madeira in 2020. Both hotels are located in the center of Funchal, close to the local farmer’s market Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers' Market), several museums and the oceanfront. Turim Santa Maria Hotel is housed in a classic hotel from the 1960s that has been redone to offer 100 rooms and sophisticated touches. With 26 rooms, Caju Design Hotel is set in one of city’s top shopping streets, in the same building of the island’s first supermarket. The old façade has been kept to preserve the architecture style in downtown Funchal.

Did you know?

Off the beaten path museums in Portugal

For such a small nation, Portugal has a considerable wealth of museums showcasing diverse aspects of both history and society. From eclectic art collections, to transportation and communications, to music and sport, there is a Portuguese museum for every taste. While many are concentrated in the capital, there are severalsmaller and off the beaten path museums scattered across the country, where you will find interesting collections and no lines to get in.

Possibly one of the quirkiest museums in Portugal is Museu dos Fósforos (Match Museum), located in the Templar city of Tomar, holding Europe’s largest collection of matchboxes with more than 43 thousand items from 127 countries. The museum is located inside the former Convent of São Francisco, a monumental mannerist Church dating back to the 17^th century.

An underrated day-trip would be to discover the art of Portuguese tapestry at the Carpet Weaving Museum in Portalegre, a hilltop city in the Alentejo region. This museum preserves the work of Guy Fino, founder of the Manufactura de Tapeçarias de Portalegre (Portalegre Carpet Manufacturing), displaying woven reproductions of modern Portuguese paintings by Almada Negreiros and other national artists, as well as colorful temporary exhibitions.

Not far from Portalegre, there is another unusual museum dedicated to soap. Museu do Sabão is located in castle town of Belver, where the production of soap had a very significant role for the local economy. The archive shows the instruments and molds used to craft, store and transport soap. There are also contemporary art pieces made from soap.

And across the river from Lisbon, in Palmela – known for its ancient fortified castle, is the Museu da Música Mecânica, shaped like a giant music box and dedicated tomechanical music instruments like phonographs or gramophones. The museum displays a private collection of more than 600 artifacts dating from the period between the late 1800s and the 1930s, paying homage to both romantic and mechanical music.

In Ponte de Lima, the oldest village in Portugal, you can find Museu do Brinquedo Português with an extensive collection of traditional toys made in Portugal that evokes feelings of childhood nostalgia. The items in this museum include dolls, figure cars, musical instruments, child-sized furniture, utensils and games that were part of children’s play from the late 19^th century until the late 1980s.  

Also in the North, the Shoe Museum in S. João da Madeira, is in a town where the shoe industry flourished. Here you can explore history of the shoe throughout time and learn about  shoe design in Portugal in the 20th century, and meet the technology and creativity of the 21st century.

Architecture lovers will enjoy Museu Nacional Machado de Castro in Coimbra, named after the celebrated Portuguese sculptor. The museum is housed in the former Bishop’s Palace and maintains its renaissance façade, and in June it became part of the World Heritage Site at University of Coimbra. The museum’s treasures includes artifacts from churches from around the region, such as religious paintings, ceramics, textiles and the country’s biggest sculpture collection. But its big surprise is theRoman cryptoporticus located under it – you can explore these semi-subterranean galleries whose vaulting supported the long lost forum structures above ground.

6 Portuguese pastries that are as good as a Pastel de Nata

There is more to the Portuguese patisserie than the Pastel de Nata, the tasty custard tart that became the trademark of most trips to Portugal. There are more Portuguese sweet recipes than cities and each region has its own specialty. From North to South, you can try many delicious traditional pastries influenced by the local history and ingredients. Here are just a few:

1. Pastel de Tentúgal 

Born in the Convent of Tentúgal in the late 19^th century by the hand of Carmelite Nuns, the Pastel de Tentúgal is a long piece of crunchy puff pastry filled with egg cream and wrapped on both ends. It first became popular around Tentúgal, then spreading to larger surrounding cities like Coimbra and Figueira da Foz, ultimately becoming one of the most beloved national pastries.

2. Pampilhos

This small cake is a regional confection from Santarém, located in the heart of the horse and bullfighting region of Portugal, Ribajtejo. The Pampilho is a long roll of dough filled with egg and cinnamon cream, created to honor the traditional cattle herders from Ribatejo, also known as Campinos, who carry long poles called pampilhos.

3. Ovos Moles

Original from Aveiro in the North of Portugal – a city that is called the Portuguese Venice due to the canals and typical moliceiro boats - the name of this delicacy literally translates to soft eggs. Ovos moles are very sweet pastries made from an egg yolk and sugar filling wrapped in thin rice paper shells, traditionally shaped with marine motifs like fish and sea shells.

4. Morgadinhos

Typical from the Algarve in the South of Portugal, Morgadinhos are sweet spheres made from almond, squash jelly and egg cream, covered in a white sugar glaze. Almonds are widely used in Southern Portuguese recipes due to the abundance of almond trees in the region. These confections can be found in most pastry shops across the Algarve and are the perfect sweet note to wrap up your beach day.

5. Broa de Mel

Madeira Island is also home to a delicious small cake that uses local molasses as its main ingredient. Broa de Mel is a small brownish molasses cake that actually contains no honey in it despite being named after it (in Portuguese, mel means honey, but on Madeira it means molasses). Some variations may contain nuts and spices such as cinnamon and cloves. Molasses is a popular ingredient in cuisine from Madeira due to the sugar cane plantations that once filled the south coast.

6. Pastel de Feijão

Last but not least, and because not all Portuguese pastries are egg based, the Pastel de Feijão is something to try. This is a unique sweet tart made from white beans and almonds with a lightly crunchy shell, created in Torres Vedras in the Lisbon district. The original brand offering these convent-made treats is Casa Brasão, which has several vending points in Lisbon and western Portugal, known for the popular surf destinations Peniche and Nazaré.

Windstar's New 2019-2021 Voyage Collection Debuts 50 New Itineraries Visiting Australia And New Zealand, Indonesia, Israel, Egypt, And New Caribbean Cruises From Miami

Award-winning small ship line increases offerings to 330 ports with more than 2,500 personalized tours exploring international cultures.

In our high-tech digital world, the simple pleasures of a beautifully produced print publication speaks wonders. That's the concept behind Windstar Cruises' new 2019-2021 Voyage Collection. The brochure presents an abundance of colorful choices including 50 brand new itineraries, featured amongst nearly 700 cruise and cruise tour dates available now through 2021. The award-winning small ship line now visits 330 ports of call around the world, and offers more than 2,500 shore excursions to bring cruise guests closer to new destinations and local cultures.

"It's been fun work for our talented team adding more than 200 new ports of call in the last couple of years. Being a leader in destination delivery, we know that the ports we visit and how we visit them makes all the difference. We're up to 330 ports and 2,500 shore excursions and place a monumental effort into designing cruises with more time in port and more overnights. Offering longer cruises on smaller ships, we take an uncommon approach to travel, allowing guests to discover places on a more personal level, in an authentic and culturally immersive way," says Windstar President John Delaney.

The boutique line's deployment expansion includes adding the following regions in 2018: Alaska; Canada & New England; Asia including the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan; increasing Northern Europe sailings with more visits to Norway, United Kingdom, and Greenland; while 2019 saw more ports in Japan, cruises to Indonesia, the U.S. West Coast, and Mexico. In 2020 and 2021, Windstar will sail to: Australia & New Zealand; South Pacific Islands; Western Caribbean featuring cruises homeporting from Miami; Central America; and expanded Mediterranean sailings to Israel and Egypt, as well as returning to Istanbul, Seville, and the Corinth Canal, with more to come.

In addition to providing inspiration for past and prospective Windstar guests, the Voyage Collection brochure is also a resource for industry partners. Travel advisors can find insight about what makes a Windstar experience so unique, details about the line's six ships, and itinerary information. "Travel advisors are vital partners in helping our guests channel their travel aspirations toward a specific region and experience, and to determine the best way of achieving their vision," says Delaney. "Our brochure is an effective tool for our travel partners to use."

With the release of the Voyage Collection, Windstar is using this gorgeous and immersive piece to showcase the programs, shore excursions, and amenities, as well as incredible destinations where Windstar sails. In short, it's everything you need — right at your fingertips — to plan your next travel adventure. Here's a sneak peek at what's inside.

Authentic Excursions

The Voyage Collection starts off with a look at what makes Windstar's shore excursions so special. Find out why the line's shore program keeps winning awards, including the innovative Signature Expeditions that offer biologist-led excursions by kayak and Zodiac launched directly from the ship; expanding next to Australia/New Zealand. Discover Windstar's three tiers of tours, including Essentials, Concierge, and Beyond Ordinary collections, and the more than 2,500 options to choose from. Meet the experts behind every trip, including the people who create all these amazing experiences.

Windstar's Secret Recipe

When it comes to dining, Windstar isn't like any other cruise line. Meals include fresh local ingredients, often selected by the ship's chef on a trip to the local market. There are multiple onboard dining choices with open seating, no surcharges, and no fancy dress codes. Get to know Windstar's own star corporate chef, and learn about the hospitality/cruise expert behind Windstar's new wine list. The Voyage Collection also shows what it means to sail with the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, from meeting culinary superstars on various James Beard Foundation Culinary Themed Cruises to sampling dishes created by the world's best chefs.

The Perfect Ships

Get to know Windstar's fleet and understand why size really matters: six small ships carrying fewer than 350 guests. Find out how Windstar's $250 Million Star Plus Initiative is re-vitalizing the line's three all-suite Star Class ships with new dining experiences and two new restaurants; expanded spa and fitness center; 50 new suites including a small-ship first, the Grand Owner's Suite (3 bedroom/3.5 bathroom) with open living/dining and spacious veranda. Learn about the world's largest sailing, Wind Surf, sailing into 2020 with a renovated lounge and relocated top-deck spa and fitness center.

Beyond Ordinary

Discover how Windstar does everything differently, including local performances and lectures on board, optional amenity packages, its exclusive Open Bridge, and a complimentary Watersports Platform. Get more details on how the line handles travel logistics, including pre- and post-cruise hotels with its Easy Stays program, and air programs. Learn about Select Sailings by Windstar, a collection of special itineraries for travelers who have "been there, and done that" already.

2020: South Pacific & Sailings Down Under

The Voyage Collection showcases Windstar's dazzling expansion of its global footprint with cruises to an entirely new continent and region: Australia and New Zealand. Look for in-depth explorations from Auckland and Sydney taking in the best of both countries from major cities to quaint towns such as Art Deco-inspired Napier, New Zealand; sailings take place on the newly reimagined Star Breeze, an all-suite ship. For sail ship enthusiasts, consider embarking on Wind Spirit as she makes an epic South Pacific round trip trek from Tahiti to Singapore, visiting secluded tropical islands like little known Niue and the white sand beaches of Yasawa-I-Rara.

Exploring Asia

In 2020, Windstar returns to Asia after a one-year hiatus on immersive Southeast Asia and Grand Japan country-intensive cruises, while adding destinations like Indonesia with sailings between Benoa (Bali) and Singapore. Expect amazing sights and natural wonders: the unspoiled beaches of Pantara Island, the UNESCO-designated temple complex of Borobudur, and rarely visited ports like Lembar, where guests can experience true island life.

More Destination Discovery

Throughout the rest of the Voyage Collection guests can explore other new destinations. There's homeporting from Miami — a first for the line — which is part of the 2020 Star Breeze Star Plus maiden voyage. In 2020, Wind Spirit will call for the first time on Fiji, New Caledonia, Tonga, and the Cook Islands. The 2020 Alaska season will feature first-time visits to tiny ports like Petersburg near the spectacular LeConte Glacier, and new scenic cruising to the massive Hubbard Glacier. In Europe, look for themed-cruise events like SAIL Amsterdam or the Grand Prix of Monaco; or opt in to new and newly returning ports in Greece, Turkey, Egypt, France, Israel, and Iceland, just to name a few.

Destination Overviews

Each area visited by Windstar is presented in detail with stunning photography, exciting itineraries, unrivaled shore excursions, and special programs worth noting. Each section begins with highlights of the region and recommended excursions to capture quick points of comparison. The Voyage Collection also showcases hand-picked ports around the world, giving you a taste of what makes sailing with Windstar so unique.

Star Collector Voyages

Windstar offers Star Collector Voyages, a special collection that allows travelers to combine multiple itineraries into a single trip in order to get an in-depth exploration of a region. The brochure presents various Star Collector combinations in an easy-to-digest format that helps guests compare and consider the nearly 200 options, all with complimentary laundry service. Aim long with epic voyages up to 60 days including Grand South Pacific, Grand Caribbean Adventure, and Grand European Tour.

Windstar Yacht Club

Discover the benefits of being a returning guest with Windstar Cruises, which include not only exclusives onboard the ships but also discounts and upgrades at sister companies that are part of the Xanterra Travel Collection.

To receive a copy of the 2019-2021 Voyage Collection, plan an authentic small ship cruise with Windstar, or learn about booking offers, contact a travel advisor, reach out to Windstar Cruises by phone at 855-812-2949, or visit http://www.windstarcruises.com/request-a-brochure.

SOURCE Windstar Cruises