Celebrate the holidays in style on board one of three Windstar Cruises’ luxury yachts exploring the hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most sought- after destinations. Windstar provides the perfect winter holiday vacation in an elegant and relaxed atmosphere in the Caribbean or Costa Rica to rejoice with travel companions.

Wind Spirit’s 7-day holiday cruise features sparkling white sands, tropical fish and turquoise waters and departs from St. Thomas on December 20 visiting St. John, St. Martin, St. Barts, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda. Cruise rates begin at $2,249 per person, double occupancy.

For many, the Caribbean evokes visions of sunbathing, shopping and sightseeing. Those looking for a more experiential Caribbean vacation, however, need look no further than an MSC Cruises sailing.

MSC Cruises offers guests the opportunity for some exciting — even adventurous — experiences on its 2008-09 Caribbean itineraries. Several shore excursion options enable guests to explore the Caribbean over land (by motorcycle, bicycle, ATV or horseback), under the sea (snorkeling, SCUBA diving and glass-bottomed kayak) and through the air (attached to a cable between 100-foot-high trees). There is also the chance for unique ecological experiences and, of course, plenty of fun and sun.

Alaska Airlines today will inaugurate daily, year-round service between Seattle and Kahului, Hawaii, on the island of Maui. Flights from Seattle will depart daily at 8:20 a.m. Pacific time and arrive at 11:35 a.m. Hawaii time. Return flights will depart at 1:05 p.m. Hawaii time and arrive at 9:45 p.m. Pacific time.

“Our customers have welcomed our new Hawaii service with open arms,” said Gregg Saretsky, Alaska Airlines’ executive vice president of flight and marketing. “In addition to Kauai and Honolulu, which we began serving last winter, customers now can enjoy Alaska’s unique brand of service and earn Mileage Plan miles to the beautiful island of Maui.”

Visitors to Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve, one of the largest protected intact ecosystems in the world, will now have the opportunity to explore the park with the aid of an environmentally friendly vehicle — a fuel-efficient and emissions-reducing hybrid bus. IC Bus, North America’s largest school bus and commercial bus manufacturer, is delivering the Park’s first hybrid bus on July 17.

Assigned for use as part of the park’s shuttle service which extends 90 miles into the wilderness, the hybrid bus will transport visitors along a 45- mile route through August 30, during the Park’s peak season, enhancing visitors’ experience. A quieter engine will improve wildlife viewing as visitors see and hear nature in a way the other buses do not allow.