April 8, 2004

Last chance to explore the 'Mystery of the Marquesas' on the Wind Star

The romance of the South Pacific's mysterious Marquesas archipelago, among the most beautiful and least visited islands in the world, is revealed aboard two exclusive Windstar cruises departing June 18 and September 17, 2004.

This is the last chance for cruise travelers to explore these exotic islands aboard the motor sailing yacht Wind Star. Windstar Cruises has announced that the msy Wind Star will leave Tahiti at the end of 2004 and begin sailing new itineraries in Costa Rica, the Panama Canal, the Mediterranean and the Greek Islands. The Wind Star will visit the Marquesan islands of Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Ua Pou, and Nuku Hiva, travel to Rangiroa in Tuamatu, and then on to Tahiti's Bora Bora and Moorea.

“The unstructured nature of a Windstar cruise combined with the pure beauty of the Marquesas provides the perfect opportunity for travelers to script their own agendas, making their vacation together as romantic and adventurous as they wish,” says Tom Russell, vice president of marketing and sales for Windstar Cruises. “The casually elegant atmosphere found aboard Wind Star is the perfect complement to the intoxicating landscape of the South Pacific islands.” The Marquesas are unique because they are not surrounded by a reef. The great volcanic cliffs and towering mountains pop out from the deep ocean, making this one of the most scenic regions in all of Tahiti. An inspiration to artists and musicians, and renowned for its dancers, wood carvers and tattooists, the Marquesas offer a countless number of cultural, archeological and manmade wonders.

Days under sail offer breathtaking panoramas of lush, volcanic islands, pristine harbors, dramatic horizons, and at night, the world's best view of the Southern Cross constellation that commands the sky. For more information, call the Travel Desk at (408) 723-0283, or visit their Web site at www.traveldeskonline.com

Get Ready To Say ‘Happy 100th, Las Vegas!’
May 15, 2005 will mark the 100th anniversary of Las Vegas. The city famous for its excess and extravagance will stay true to form, with a series of celebratory events recently unveiled by the city's Centennial Committee and Mayor Oscar Goodman. The kickoff will come this New Year's Eve with the annual fireworks spectacular, which will be kicked up a notch or 10 with bigger and better pyrotechnics and a host of cutting-edge multimedia tricks designed to spotlight the city's history. Although plans are not finalized yet, the wish list includes a historical video, projected media, 200 light cannons, and a satellite feed. A time capsule, the world's largest birthday cake, an antique air show parade, historical markers, a mass wedding and much more are in the planning stages. You can keep track of what's going on with the Las Vegas Centennial Celebration at www.LasVegas2005.org. For more information, call the Travel Desk at (408) 723-0283.

—By Sean Eastwood