CAI sets sail with Windstar Cruises

Vienna – Casinos Austria International is delighted to announce the launch of three new cruising casinos on board the Windstar Cruises unique fleet of exclusive five-star sailing yachts.

The first of the three casinos opened on board the Wind Star on 16 June 2007 and offers top class gaming entertainment at 2 Blackjack and Poker tables and 11 slot machines. It will be followed by the casino on board its sister ship, the Wind Spirit, on 23 June 2007 with an identical gaming mix. The two luxury multi-sail-yachts each accommodate only 148 passengers in 73 deluxe, ocean-view staterooms. The casino on board the largest vessel in the Windstar Cruises fleet, the 308-passenger Wind Surf, commences operations on 1 July 2007 with a choice of 3 Blackjack tables, 1 Poker table and 27 slot machines. The Wind Surf offers deluxe ocean-view accommodation in 123 staterooms and 31 suites as well as a state-of the-art spa.

Seattle-based Windstar Cruises offers a new generation of cruise vacationers the chance to see the world in five-star contemporary luxury from the romantic, intimate setting of an elegant yet informal yacht. A market leader in luxury small ship cruising, Windstar Cruises‘ unique sailing concept takes its guests to some 50 specially selected destinations from the Caribbean to the Greek Islands and from Costa Rica to St. Tropez.

Casinos Austria International began its shipboard activities in 1981 and has since established a long tradition of operating casinos on board luxury cruise ships. Operation of the new Windstar casinos will be managed by its specialized subsidiary, Shipboard Casino Services, based in Piraeus, Greece.

A leading player in the international casino industry, Casinos Austria International currently operates 75 casinos in 19 countries and on board 13 cruise ships, with further casinos under development in Chile and South Africa. In 2006, Casinos Austria International and its parent company, Casinos Austria AG, together posted record revenues (wins, registered tips, entrance) of 1.26 billion euros (+ 7.6%), welcomed 19 million guests (+ 2.7 %) and employed around 10,545 staff.