SEATTLE, Dec. 11, 2009 -- Windstar Cruises announced today that it will suspend its fuel surcharge on all sailings departing after January 1, 2009, due to declining fuel prices.

Windstar's fuel surcharge applied only to sailings through March 31, 2009. Windstar will automatically refund the fuel surcharge to guests in the form of a shipboard credit to use during their sailing for those sailings departing between January 1 and March 31, 2009.

Windstar reserves the right to impose fuel surcharges if fuel prices escalate.

A leader in defining the small ship luxury cruise experience for more than 20 years, Windstar has won the allegiance of a new generation of contemporary travelers who appreciate the line's luxurious accommodations, alternative dining venues, diversity of shore excursions, complimentary water sports program and deluxe spa facilities. The completed multi-million dollar Degrees of Difference enhancements on all three ships focused on structural and technical operations along with upgrades to guest areas, remodeled bathrooms in staterooms and an expanded beauty salon and spa. Other enhancements include Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPod Nanos, wireless Internet, flat screen televisions, luxury linens and mattresses as well as L'Occitane amenities.

Windstar touts its award-winning reputation for sophisticated, yet casual elegance has been recognized by some of the most notable names in the travel world. Windstar was recently awarded "Favourite Small-Ship Cruise Line" in the U.K.'s Conde Nast Traveller's 2008 Readers' Travel Awards. Windstar received the highest score of any cruise line in the poll and was also only one of three cruise lines that made Conde Nast Traveller's list of the "Top 100 of the Best the Travel World has to Offer." Celebrated Living, American Airlines' prestigious publication for first class passengers, named Windstar Cruises "Best Small-Ship/Mid-Ship Cruise Line" on their 2008 Platinum List for the second time in a row. Readers of Porthole Cruise Magazine awarded Windstar "Most Romantic Cruise Line" and "Best Tall Ship" in the 10th Annual Readers' Choice Awards. Windstar has also earned top honors in Travel + Leisure's World's 2008 Best Awards and was lauded among "The World's Best Small Ships" by Conde Nast Traveler readers in 2008.