Celebrating 40 Years of Windstar Cruises: A Journey Through Time and Sea

Windstar Cruises is about to embark on a milestone season as it celebrates its 40th anniversary starting in October 2024. This momentous occasion will be marked by special events, exciting cruises, and a nostalgic look back at four decades of unforgettable voyages. To kick off the celebration, guests are invited to join the festivities aboard two of Windstar’s elegant yachts: Star Legend and Wind Spirit.

The festivities begin with Star Legend’s Aegean Sea Odyssey via the Corinth Canal cruise, departing on October 12th, 2024, and Wind Spirit’s Treasures of the Greek Isles cruise, which sets sail on October 13th, 2024. These two yachts, representing the distinct Wind Class and Star Class, will converge in the picturesque port of Kusadasi on October 16th, 2024. Here, in the ancient city of Ephesus, a special celebration awaits, featuring live music and an exquisite five-course dinner under the stars—an experience that has become a beloved tradition among Windstar guests.

Windstar Cruises was founded in October 1984 by visionary ship entrepreneurs Karl G. Andrén and Jean-Claude Potier. What began as Windstar Sail Cruises with a fleet of motor sailing ships has evolved into a leader in small ship cruising. Today, Windstar boasts six intimate vessels, including three Wind Class sailing ships and three Star Class motor yachts. The company is in the midst of a period of unprecedented growth and success, with plans to add two new all-suite motor yachts to its fleet in 2025 and 2026.

Reflecting on this remarkable journey, Windstar President Christopher Prelog—who joined the company nearly eight years ago and started his career as a waiter on what is now Star Legend nearly 30 years ago—said, “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. 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 has 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.”

In recognition of the dedicated crew members, many of whom have been with Windstar for decades, the company is encouraging guests to share their favorite crew stories on social media using the hashtag #WayBackWindstar. This initiative will launch in October and aims to celebrate the exceptional service that has been the cornerstone of Windstar’s success.

The official start of the ruby anniversary celebration will take place on October 16th, 2024, when the 148-guest Wind Spirit and the 312-guest Star Legend come together in Ephesus for an evening of celebration. The event will include live music and a stunning five-course dinner under the night sky—a complimentary offering that has been a highlight for Windstar guests over the years.

Windstar’s 40th anniversary celebration will continue fleet-wide from October 2024 through October 2025, with a series of special events and memorable moments planned throughout the year. Guests can look forward to:

• Complimentary Ruby Anniversary cocktails served during a special “40 Years of Windstar” trivia event on board.

• Trivia winners will be entered into a random draw in December 2025 for a chance to win a cruise for two aboard Star Seeker’s inaugural voyage.

• Limited edition Seabags, part of a 40th-anniversary series crafted from recycled Wind Surf sails, will be available for purchase in the ship’s shops.

As Windstar Cruises embarks on this milestone year, it invites guests old and new to join in the celebration of 40 years of exceptional cruising, unforgettable experiences, and cherished relationships. The adventure continues—here’s to the next 40 years!