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World's First All-Kosher Cruise Ship

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World's First All-Kosher Cruise Ship

'Chosen Voyage' Combines Luxury Amenities, Unmatched Caribbean Islands, Award- Winning Spa, Casino, Water Sports, Most Extensive Kosher Fine Dining Options Ever on a Cruise
May 22, 2003 Never before has an ultra-deluxe cruise experience been all Kosher. Chosen Voyage, a new tour company that is creating high-end Kosher travel experiences, announces the launch of the world''s first all-Kosher cruise ship experience. Meeting the needs of the growing guest market of Kosher-observant Jews, Chosen Voyage''s initial venture will feature unmatched, upscale Kosher dining everything on the entire ship from the three restaurants and the 24-hour room service, down to the pool-side mimosas will be Kosher.
Chosen Voyage has partnered with Windstar Cruises, one of the world''s most highly regarded cruise lines, to offer their largest vessel, the 308-passenger msy Wind Surf, for up to five all- Kosher 7-day sailings in December, 2003 and January, 2004. The company has noted that a strong travel agency response, both domestically and internationally, has been generated by the recent program announcements. The cruise's impressive website (www.chosenvoyage.com) provides a wealth of information for consumers.
"Wind Surf is the perfect vessel to provide an unmatched cruise vacation experience, which will provide the Kosher-observant guest with a luxurious, very inclusive, yet informal getaway," said Matthew Shollar, CEO of Chosen Voyage. "There's no other vessel afloat that offers the combination of choices in dining, activities and itinerary, on what has been called the world''s most romantic ship."
"Windstar Cruises is very pleased to be partnering exclusively with Chosen Voyage on this very unique program," added Tom Russell, VP of Sales and Marketing for Windstar Cruises. "The Wind Surf is an excellent venue for this very exclusive product, bringing together an innovative blend of luxury cruising and a high-end Kosher experience."
The Chosen Voyage ship features fine dining that meets the world's highest levels of Kosher certification. All restaurants, dining rooms, room service, bars, lounges and other food service options will be fully Glatt Kosher and Chalav Yisroel, under the supervision of the Kosher Supervisors of America (KSA), one of the world''s most respected authorities. The KSA symbol can be found on grocery store shelves and at hotels and restaurants across the nation and around the world.
Until now, Kosher-observant passengers on cruises all too often feel like second-class citizens. They are often seated separately from the rest of the passengers during meal times, have limited meal choices and no Kosher options outside of the main dining room. Shabbat observance is sandwiched between aerobics studios, discos, night clubs, gambling and live music.
Chosen Voyage will instead provide passengers with an all-encompassing luxury cruise experience that happens to be Kosher. The cruise will feature an uplifting Shabbat at sea, under full sail, with the azure Caribbean surrounding the guests. The Wind Surf has facilities that provide guests many options for observance from two pools for separate swimming, to a dedicated Beit Medrash for prayers and learning. All cabins are equipped with traditional key locks eliminating the need to have staff open electronic locks on Shabbat.
Dining Choices
Unique for a vessel its size, Wind Surf offers three distinctive dining venues. The 250 seat Restaurant and the 80 seat Bistro can accommodate all passengers at one sitting with no assigned seating. Guests have their choice of a meat or dairy lunch or dinner by selecting their preferred restaurant. The renowned chef Joachim Splichal of the Patina Group in Los Angeles has created all of the menus for Windstar Cruises, and this award-winning cuisine, prepared by the ships' own staff, will make the Chosen Voyage guest's experience very memorable. The Veranda and Terrace serves lavish buffet breakfasts and lunches, while continental breakfast, on-deck barbeques and afternoon tea are served in the Compass Rose. 24-hour room service, incredible Shabbat buffets and the world's largest Kosher wine cellar add to the upscale dining experience. Additionally, all non-alcoholic beverages anywhere on the ship are included, so there is no signing for a Coke at the bar or a bottled water at lunch.
Competitive Pricing
The 7-day Kosher sailings depart San Juan select Sundays in December 2003 and January 2004. The unique Chosen Voyage model is to offer these cruises at prices that make these wonderful vacations competitive not only with other Kosher vacation options, but with non-Kosher premium cruises as well.
Starting prices begin at $1999 per person (plus taxes, gratuities and airfare), placing Chosen Voyage Wind Surf cruises solidly in the range of prices for other Kosher cruises in the competitive market, which often provide a comparably limited product.
Cabin-for-cabin Chosen Voyage prices will be very close in pricing to Windstar's 45% Early Booking Discount prices, offered to all Windstar guests on their non-Kosher sailings. For the Kosher consumer this combination of market-driven pricing and the luxury of choice is both a dream come true and an unparalleled vacation value.
Each week, just 292 fortunate guests will be a part of the Chosen Voyage experience. On Wind Surf, guests are greeted by name. There are no lines, no assigned seats, no crowds, just a luxurious and interactive environment.
Outstanding amenities such as the 154 oversized all-outside staterooms and suites, the 10,000 square foot WindSpa, the Marina with complimentary water sports, and the high staff-to-guest ratio are certain to rapidly attract a loyal clientele. Superlative activities, enriching classes and demonstrations will draw guests to special experiences each day.
The ship's water sports platform, pools and hot tubs, sauna, spa, fitness center and deck provide on-board high-market options for relaxation and exercise. Daily port calls allow guests to go enjoy active off-ship excursions.
The Chosen Voyage exclusive Wind Surf itinerary takes in some of the Caribbean's least crowded and upscale islands, including Virgin Gorda; Marigot, St Martin; St Barthelemy; Nevis; and Dominica. Chosen Voyage guests arrive with 300 friends, not a crowd of thousands.
Unique Themes, Entertainment
This year's cruises will feature unique themes that are tailored for the premium ship's atmosphere and the limited number of clients on each cruise. A "Food and Wine" cruise will feature cooking demonstrations by top chefs and wine tastings of Kosher wines from the world''s finest wineries. A "Jewish Arts" cruise will highlight some of the world's most creative Judaica designers, and will offer demonstrations and workshops. A "Simcha" themed cruise will feature some of the Jewish world''s top comedians.
"On this stunning ship there will not be any over-blown Vegas-style shows," said Shollar. "We have taken a dignified, interactive, educational approach. We offer our guests an active, fun, immersive experience, which is very informal, rather than passive entertainment and overcrowded ports."
About the Ship
Windstar Cruises' Wind Surf ship has 7 decks with over of 22,000 square feet of open deck space. The 175 international staff members provide an impressive staff-to-passenger ratio. The Captain, nautical staff and hotel senior staff are European and American.
There are large community areas throughout the ship including: Wind Surf Lounge, Casino, Video/CD/Games/Books Library, Compass Rose, Pool Bar, Water Sports Platform (aft), 2 Salt- Water Pools, 2 Hot Tubs, WindSpa, Fitness Center and Workout Studio, 24-hour open Bridge, Business/Internet Center, The Bistro, The Restaurant, Reception, Signature Shop and Photo Gallery.
Deluxe suites and staterooms all have ocean views and offer premium amenities. The rooms have closed circuit color televisions, videocassette and CD players, personal safes, refrigerators, mini- bars, international direct-dial phones, private bathrooms with shower toiletries, hair dryers, vanity and plush robes.
Plans are in development to offer the Wind Surf in additional destinations in 2004 and beyond. "We look forward to extending our partnership to offer worldwide destinations to the Chosen Voyage clientele," said Windstar's Tom Russell. European sailings will be available starting in 2004, and a Passover cruise aboard Wind Surf will be offered.
"Chosen Voyage is like no other Kosher vacation option, ever," said Shollar. "Spaces are already filling up rapidly as we announce our plans," Shollar said. "We look forward to fulfilling our promise 'Uncompromising. Kosher.' to the Kosher-observant market, and providing a vacation option that exceeds their every expectation."
For more information, please visit the Chosen Voyage website: http://www.chosenvoyage.com.