[jackz]

"Ambassadors International Inc (AMIE.O), the parent of Windstar Cruises, filed for bankruptcy protection on Friday and said it plans to sell itself to Whippoorwill Associates Inc, its largest shareholder.

Windstar operates three internationally flagged luxury yachts with sailings in the Americas including the Caribbean, and Europe including the Baltic region and the Greek Isles, according to the Chapter 11 petition filed with the U.S. bankruptcy court in Delaware."

For cruise enthusiasts among us this is not a great sign of things to come.

My wife and I have sailed with Windstar Cruises in the Caribbean as well as in Europe on the Windspirit and the Windsurf ships. These are great ships that are 5 masted sailboats with Engines that accomodate 312 or so on the largest ship and 148 on the two smaller ships. A fantastic crew to passenger ratio, great food and best of all a USA owned company in Seattle, Washington.

Hopefully the reorganization will help this cruiseline and it will remain around for sometime.

If the idea of mega ships with thousands of passengers doesn't appeal to you, try Windstar Cruises for a unique experience. Check them out at Windstar.com