It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Summer. Small ship line Windstar Cruises is bringing back its annual Christmas in July Sale from July 17-31.
On Windstar European cruises until March 2025, guests receive a complimentary upgrade to the line’s All-Inclusive fares, including onboard Wi-Fi, all gratuities, and unlimited wine, beer, and cocktails. In addition to the free upgrade, guests enjoy a shore excursion credit of up to $500 per person, a 10% double discount for Yacht Club Members (Windstar’s returning guests usually receive a 5% savings), and reduced deposits for 2024 sailings.
For more details, visit https://www.windstarcruises.com/specials/christmas-in-july/ (live on July 17).
While other ongoing Windstar sales offer the included upgrade to All-Inclusive fares, only the limited-time Christmas in July Sale pairs the perk with robust shore excursion credit, which can be used on all of Windstar’s small group, highly-curated excursions in Europe.
“Summer is a popular time for people to plan family vacations, whether for the holidays or later in the year,” says Windstar’s Chief Commercial Officer Janet Bava. “Our Christmas in July sale is the gift of our best offer possible as you review options and plan your vacation. This is one of our most popular sales because of the value it includes combining an all-inclusive amenities package for each person plus a shore excursion credit.”
Windstar now sails year-round in Europe, offering cruisers the chance to explore charming villages and spend overnights in iconic cities – all in Windstar’s destination-centric style. The line is particularly known and lauded for its in-depth explorations of Greece and Iceland but is becoming increasingly popular for its newer Mediterranean offerings from November to March that take advantage of the slower tourism season and boast unique harbours not available during the summer months.
Holiday sailings around Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s are a favourite for couples or families looking to relax and spend time together instead of taking on the stress of cleaning, cooking and hosting parties. Ships are decorated in festive décor in late December, with Christmas trees and winter scenes to highlight the season. Singing traditional carols, watching holiday movies and decorating cookies and gingerbread houses are just a few of the planned activities. Traditional holiday menus include prime ribs of beef, turkey, honey-glazed ham, and all the sides. Local fish and other non-traditional menu items are still available. During Hanukkah, guests may gather to sing blessings while candles are lit on a flameless menorah. Guest-led Hanukkah Menorah Lighting is listed in the Daily Program and Wayfinder for each of the eight days. A special New Year’s Eve dinner with table decorations and festive flair kicks off the night, followed by a deck party with music and games. The evening culminates with a Windstar/seafaring tradition where the oldest crew member rings out the previous year, and the youngest crew member rings in the new one before a special midnight Champagne toast, as well as passed sweets and other late-night indulgences.
Windstar’s Christmas in July Sale is part of a larger, brand-wide sale from Windstar’s parent company, Xanterra Travel Collection.® More land-based Christmas in July special offers from Windstar’s sister companies are listed at http://www.xanterra.com/christmasinjuly.
