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Windstar Cruises Announces Signature Collection Host Cruise for Chocolate Fans

Windstar Cruises Announces Signature Collection Host Cruise for Chocolate Fans

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, offers guests the opportunity to learn the secrets behind creating extraordinary chocolates from master chocolatier Fran Bigelow aboard Wind Surf’s May 2, 2010, Rome to Rome sailing.

Windstar’s Signature Collection Host Series features distinguished guests and lecturers throughout the 2010 season, including Bigelow. Bigelow will discuss how she creates extraordinary chocolates during a lecture and will conduct chocolate tastings. She will also host an exclusive shore excursion to the Gay-Odin Chocolate Factory in Naples, Italy where guests will enjoy a guided tour and chocolate tasting.

Bigelow is considered one of the best chocolatiers in the country and has been credited for sparking the artisan chocolate renaissance in America. Fran’s Chocolates offers a selection of luxurious chocolate confections and signature truffles created with the finest, all-natural, local and organic ingredients handmade daily in small batches with refined techniques. Bigelow’s cookbook “Pure Chocolate” won a “Best Chocolate Cookbook in the United States” award from Gourmand World Cookbook Awards and was a James Beard Foundation Cookbook Award finalist.  Further accolades include “Ten Best Cookbooks of 2004” by Food & Wine magazine and the “Best Dessert Cookbook” by People magazine. For more information on Fran’s Chocolates, visit www.franschocolates.com.

Wind Surf’s 7-day Rome to Rome itinerary includes ports in Porto-Vecchio, France; Messina, Italy; Sorrento, Italy; Capri, Italy; and Ischia, Italy. Cruise fares start at $1,749 per person, based on double occupancy.

Wind Surf accommodates 312 guests and offers deluxe, oceanview staterooms that include beds with luxury linens and mattresses, flat-screen TV and DVD player, Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods, waffle-weave robes with slippers and sumptuous L’Occitane products. Suites also include an extra bath, TV and sitting area. Bridge Suites give guests the additional luxury of a spacious private living room and relaxing whirlpool spa. Culinary wonders abound in Wind Surf’s The Restaurant, Degrees, Le Marché and Candles. Water sports enthusiasts will appreciate Windstar’s complimentary waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing and kayaking from the ship’s water sports platform. 

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Windstar recently announced the latest phase of its Degrees of Difference initiative featuring added amenities and enhancements to its luxurious ships in the areas of dining, accommodations, entertainment, spa, fitness and shore excursions. With this latest initiative, Windstar continues to raise the bar, delivering a vacation experience that is “180 Degrees from Ordinary.”