Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations, reports record sales during the first six weeks of the year for 2010 and 2011 sailings.

“Windstar continues to offer great value to guests and a luxurious vacation experience that is 180 Degrees from Ordinary,” said Diane Moore, President, Windstar Cruises. “There has never been a better time to sail on our beautiful ships.”

Net revenue was up 94 percent this year over the same period in 2009 and 13 percent over the same period in 2008. Strong sales were driven by wave season promotions including Windstar’s Europe on Sale offer and a 2010 Costa Rica and Caribbean One-Week Sale. Guests were also intrigued about Windstar’s latest phase of its Degrees of Difference initiative which features added amenities and enhancements in the areas of dining, accommodations, entertainment, spa, fitness and shore excursions.

Due to the strength of Windstar’s charter and incentive business, net revenue for 2011 is almost double the same period in 2010.

Since April 2009, Windstar continues to experience a trend where pace of bookings surpasses booking pace reported for the same period, prior year. To handle increased demand, Windstar’s call center is open 7 days a week.

Windstar has been recognized by notable names in the travel world. Celebrated Living, American Airlines’ prestigious publication for first class passengers, named Windstar Cruises “Best Small-Ship/Mid-Ship Cruise Line” on their 2009 Platinum List for the third time in a row. Windstar received a “Favourite Small-Ship Cruise Line” award in the U.K.‘s Conde Nast Traveller’s 2009 Readers’ Travel Awards and was listed in their “Top 100 of the Best the Travel World has to Offer.” Windstar has been voted the “Most Popular” cruise line in the small-ship category by Zagat. Windstar also received high marks in the categories of Top Overall, Top Cabins, Top Service, Top Dining and Top Facilities in Zagat. Windstar earned top honors in Travel + Leisure’s “World’s 2009 Best Awards,” was lauded among “The World’s Best Small Ships” by Conde Nast Traveler in 2009 and received the “Most Romantic Cruise Line” honor from Porthole Magazine for the fifth time in a row in 2009.