by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 10:35 AM ET, Tue July 30, 2024
Windstar Cruises has been sailing the world’s oceans for 40 years. To celebrate this big milestone, two of the luxury small-ship line’s vessels will meet in Turkey for special festivities in October.
Windstar is inviting guests to sail aboard the 312-guest Star Legend’s “Aegean Sea Odyssey Via the Corinth Canal” cruise departing on October 12 or the 148-guest Wind Spirit’s “Treasures of the Greek Isles” cruise departing on October 13. The two vessels will meet in Kusadasi on October 16 for a special celebration in Ephesus that includes live music and a five-course meal under the stars.
“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,” says Christopher Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises.
Windstar will also celebrate its 40th anniversary in other ways from October 2024 to October 2025. The line plans to share more details soon but, for now, it has revealed that guests can enjoy free ruby anniversary cocktails, anniversary-themed trivia events, giveaways and other activations. Travelers will also be able to purchase limited edition, 40th anniversary Seabags, which are made from recycled Wind Surf sails.
The company is also encouraging guests to share their favorite crew stories using the hashtag #WayBackWindstar on Windstar’s social channels starting in October.
In October 1984, entrepreneurs Karl G. Andrén and Jean-Claude Potier founded Windstar Cruises. Today, the line is part of Xanterra Travel Collection and has expanded its fleet to include three Wind Class sailing ships and three Star Class motor yachts. Two new ships—all-suite motor yachts—are also slated to join the Windstar fleet in 2025 and 2026.
“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,” says Prelog. “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.”
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