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Windstar President's Cruise features Panama, owner's suite give-away

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John Delaney - will host events on the Feb. 25 sailing when one passenger gets a free upgrade to owner's suite accommodations
John Delaney, who assumed the presidency of Windstar Cruises last summer, will host his first President's Cruise, a 'Costa Rica & Panama' sailing aboard Star Pride.

'Sailing through the Panama Canal is one of my bucket list experiences,' Delaney said. 'It’s iconic for a reason, and we make the week-long journey very accessible with a convenient and action-packed cruise.'

The Feb. 25 voyage will feature several events hosted by Delaney, a gala dinner, commemorative gifts and surprises.

Plus, one passenger will receive a free upgrade to one of the two owner’s suites. During Star Pride's recent upgrade, both underwent complete structural and interior million-dollar makeovers and offer sweeping views and modern décor. The random drawing for the most luxurious accommodations aboard Star Pride will take place during the sail-away party from Colón, Panama.

Besides a day-long celebration on board during the Canal transit, the itinerary adds the rich wildlife, beaches and excitement of Costa Rica, with educational presentations by a Costa Rican naturalist, Costa Rican dancers and entertainers, a beach barbecue at Windstar's new port of Isla Parida and active shore excursions like ziplining, kayaking and visits to remote national parks.

Windstar recently added a daylight Canal transit with a festival on deck offering narration by a local expert, music, local beverages, a mobile bar for drink service and a champagne toast with the captain to commemorate the passage.

New for the 2017/18 winter season, the line will be introducing the classic four-masted sailing yacht Wind Star, which accommodates 148 passengers, to its 'Costa Rica & Panama Canal' lineup.

For the current 2016/17 season, power yachts Star Pride and Star Breeze, each carrying 212 passengers, are operating the voyage. The cruise sails from Colón or Costa Rica's Puerto Caldera, includes the Canal transit, and stops at the Costa Rican ports of Isla Parida, Golfo Dulce (Puerto Jiménez), Bahia Drake and Quepos.

Windstar will operate more than 50 sailings of the itinerary, now through spring 2018.

Many offer reduced fares and a choice of perks for the 'Star Perks Event' with 'Costa Rica & Panama Canal' fares starting at $1,779 and 'Naturally Costa Rica' cruises priced from $1,279.