Windstar Cruises to Celebrate 40 Years of Small Ship Sailing

Two Ships Will Meet in Turkey for a Celebration Event at Ephesus in October; Extended Ruby Anniversary Season Will Include Special Giveaways, Crew Commemorations, Signature Cocktails, and More

 

MIAMI, FL, July 30, 2024 – Windstar Cruises will commemorate its 40th anniversary season starting in October of 2024. To mark this milestone and kick off the celebration, guests are invited to join the festivities on board Star Legend’s Aegean Sea Odyssey Via the Corinth Canal cruise departing October 12 or Wind Spirit’s Treasures of the Greek Isles cruise departing October 13. The two yachts (one Wind Class and one Star Class – the two styles of Windstar’s elegant small ships) will come together in Kusadasi on October 16 for a special celebration in Ephesus. 

 

Founded by ship entrepreneurs Karl G. Andrén and Jean-Claude Potier, Windstar Cruises began as Windstar Sail Cruises in October of 1984 with motor sailing ships. Now with six small ships, three Wind Class sailing ships and three Star Class motor yachts, the line is considered the leader in small ship cruising and is experiencing a period of unprecedented success and growth, including the addition of two new all-suite motor yachts in 2025 and 2026.  

 

“Windstar has had a remarkable 40 years in which the company has remained devoted to small-ship cruising with long-standing sailings in Tahiti, the Caribbean, and Europe,” said Windstar President Christopher Prelog, who has been at Windstar for nearly eight years but began his career nearly 30 years ago as a waiter on board what is now Windstar’s Star Legend. “Windstar has carved its own niche with upscale yachts that provide a welcoming ambiance and the luxury of space and freedom to explore scenic regions and smaller ports, but it’s truly our crew that have made our brand successful, standing the test of time with a friendly smile, remembering our past guests and greeting them by name – often with a big hug. These are the moments that have made our guests return again and again over our 40 years, and that’s what we want to focus on this anniversary – our relationships and our devoted team.” 

 

To recognize the outstanding crew, many who have served for decades, Windstar is encouraging guests to share their favorite crew stories (and tag #WayBackWindstar) on Windstar’s social channels beginning in October. 

 

The line’s ruby anniversary officially kicks off on October 16 when the 148-guest Wind Spirit and the 312-guest Star Legend come together for an event in the City of Ephesus for live music and a five-course dinner under the stars. This longtime, complimentary offering has been wildly popular with Windstar guests over the years, so it’s a fitting venue and moment to celebrate the anniversary. 

 

Windstar will celebrate its 40-year anniversary across the fleet from October 2024 through October 2025 with additional activations and memorable moments – with more details to come. Guests should expect the following: 

• Complimentary Ruby Anniversary cocktails served at a special 40 years of Windstar trivia event on board
• 40 years of Windstar trivia winners will be entered into a random drawing held in December 2025 to win a cruise for two aboard Star Seeker’s inaugural cruise
• Limited edition Seabags, a 40th anniversary series that is crafted from recycled Wind Surf sails, will be on board for purchase in the ship’s shops

 

About Windstar Cruises:

 

With a fleet of six boutique all-suite and sailing yachts, each carrying between 148 to 342 guests, Windstar Cruises, voted #1 boutique cruise line, offers an intimate experience like no other. Guests can explore enchanting destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, the Panama Canal, New England, Eastern Canada, South America, and the South Pacific. Plus, Windstar operates year-round in Europe and will offer two unique ship experiences in Tahiti starting in 2027. Windstar will introduce two new ships to its Star Class starting in December 2025 – the Star Seeker and Star Explorer. At Windstar Cruises, it’s not just about travel – it’s about creating experiences that resonate with the soul. With port-intensive itineraries, iconic destinations, exceptional service, and an innovative culinary program, every moment with Windstar is an opportunity for discovery and delight.

 

Windstar Cruises is proud to be part of the Xanterra Travel Collection®, a distinguished group of global hospitality and travel companies with a legacy that spans over a hundred years operating our country’s iconic national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, Death Valley, and many others. Xanterra Travel Collection®, is owned by The Anschutz Corporation, the ultimate owner of the Broadmoor, Sea Island, and entertainment giant AEG, Anschutz Entertainment Group.