Scuba Featured on Windstar!

Hi Everyone,

I received this press release from Windstar and thought it would be of
interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings, they are
available on my web site.

Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com


SPECTACULAR SCUBA DIVING FEATURED ON
WINDSTAR'S MAYAN RIVIERA CRUISES

Guided Dives Visit Dolphin and Whale Shark Habitats, Belize's Famed
Blue Hole

Seattle, WA, September 22, 2004
World-class diving on the spectacular coral reefs and underwater
mountains of Honduras, Belize and Mexico highlight Windstar's
inaugural season of cruising the Mayan Riviera in 2005.

With two-tank dives offered on five of seven cruising days, as well as
post-cruise dive opportunities, the five-masted sailing yacht Wind
Surf will be a diver's paradise during her eleven scheduled cruises in
the region. PADI Diving Society members will receive a $75 diving
credit on board when they identify themselves at booking. Programs are
in place for both advanced divers and novices who wish to experience
the thrills of diving alongside dolphins, turtles, whale sharks and
some of the finest coral environments in the world.

Windstar has extensively surveyed the region and identified the top
diving opportunities at each destination. Teams of PADI-certified
instructors and dive masters will be on board to organize dives and
accompany both experienced and novice divers to sites that match their
ability levels. Check-out dives and pool sessions are available for
divers who wish to brush up on their skills before returning to deeper
waters.

"Our Mayan Riviera voyages are loaded with opportunities for divers,
and they are a great value." says Tom Russell, vice president of
marketing and sales for Windstar Cruises. "Advance booking rates are
as low as $1,295 for guests who book their cruises before November 30
of this year, and dive packages can be purchased for as little as
$360, which includes six dives in Belize and Honduras, a complimentary
dive in Mexico and a souvenir. Combined with the relaxed shipboard
life on our beautifully appointed sailing yachts and the awesome
scenery of the region both above and below water, these cruises are
sure to be an unforgettable experience for divers."

The Wind Surf, which accommodates 308 passengers, will sail eleven
cruises to the Mayan Riviera from January 16 to April 3, 2005. Each
voyage will be a seven-day, roundtrip journey from the island of
Cozumel, Mexico, with calls at the Honduran Bay Islands of Isla de
Utila and West End (Roatan Island); stops on the Honduran mainland at
Puerto Cortez and Omoa; a visit to Belize City, Belize; and a stop at
Costa Maya, Mexico, before returning to Cozumel. Diving will be
available in Cozumel, Utila, Roatan, Belize City and Costa Maya.

Diving Program Delivers Marine Wildlife and Unforgettable Reefs
The opportunities for diving promise to be nothing short of
sensational for both experienced and novice divers. Water
temperatures are typically in the 80s, with hundreds of feet of
visibility, and the region is home to everything from schools of
brightly colored tropical fish to turtles, rays, groupers, large
pelagics and even whale sharks, the largest known fish on Earth. The
marine environment has some of the world's finest assortment of giant
barrel sponges, flower and brain coral and Gorgonian Fans waving in
the nutrient-rich currents.

An Adventure in Diving certification is available for certified
divers. Divers who have already completed the necessary certification
classes plus exam may complete the open water dive portion of their
certification on board. Beginners can enroll in a Discover Scuba
Diving program led by trained PADI instructors that includes classroom
time to teach the basics of scuba, a pool session to acquaint students
with scuba gear and techniques, and a shallow water dive with
instructors leading small groups of students. Dive highlights
include:

DIVING WITH THE DOLPHINS. This reef dive off Roatan is famous for its
encounters with dolphins in an open-water, totally spontaneous
setting. A dolphin behaviorist briefs divers on how to interact with
wild dolphins, and the shallow water dive includes direct contact with
schools of curious dolphins.

ELBOW, TURNEFFE ATOLL, BELIZE. One of the single greatest dive sites
in the world, the marine environment outside of Turneffe Island is
packed with everything from schools of barracuda to majestic flights
of eagle rays, all suspended over a lush reef of multi-hued corals and
outcroppings.

BELIZE'S BLUE HOLE. This amazing circular pit of turquoise water was
explored by Jacques Cousteau. Inside you will see reef sharks
lingering at 140 feet, amazing formations of stalactites and
stalagmites, and a profusion of sea life at shallower depths that
include cleaning shrimp and small tropicals flitting around great
growths of elkhorn coral.

CJ'S DROP OFF AT UTILA. Packed with marine life and extremely
colorful coral in pristine condition, Utila is known as a spot to see
manta rays, turtles, dolphins, reef sharks and possibly whale sharks
which are known to frequent the area. Old Tom, the largest whale shark
seen here is over 50-feet in length and has a mouth that is large
enough for three men to stand upright inside. Luckily for divers,
they are filter feeders.

About Windstar Cruises
Seattle-based Windstar Cruises operates three motor sailing yachts
known for their pampering without pretense and their ability to visit
the hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured
destinations. The unobtrusive service and attentive staff create a
casually elegant atmosphere that effortlessly fosters camaraderie
among guests and crew. Carrying just 148 to 308 guests, the luxurious
ships of Windstar cruise to nearly 50 nations, calling at more than
100 ports throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas.

Rates are quoted per person, double occupancy including
non-discountable amounts. Government fees and taxes are additional.
Windstar offers optional trip cancellation protection that provides
cash back when you cancel for any reason prior to 24-hours before
departure. For more information including brochures, rates and
itineraries contact a professional travel agent.

World's Leading Cruise Lines
Windstar Cruises is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise
Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland
America, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises and the Yachts
of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment
to quality and value, the member lines appeal to a wide range of
lifestyles and budgets. The World's Leading Cruise Lines offer
exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable
destinations.