Cruise & Cruise Line

Windstar Cruises Joins USTOA

Image: Star Breeze. (Photo via Windstar Cruises)
Image: Star Breeze. (Photo via Windstar Cruises)
TravelPulse Staff
by TravelPulse Staff
Last updated: 4:53 PM ET, Thu March 18, 2021

WHY IT RATES: USTOA proudly welcomes Windstar Cruises, an award-winning small ship cruise line, which sails all over the globe with its fleet of six boutique all-suite and sailing yachts, delivering incredibly immersive, intimate and authentic travel experiences. - Laurie Baratti, TravelPulse Associate Writer


Terry Dale, president and CEO of United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), announced today that Windstar Cruises has joined USTOA as its newest Active Member. This brings the current total to 49 Active Members representing 143 brands.

"Windstar Cruises is known for immersive experiences, destination authenticity, and exceptional service," added Dale. "These types of attributes are highly valued by today's traveler and are at the core of what USTOA tour operator members aim to deliver. We are delighted to welcome this award-winning small ship cruise line to the USTOA family."

"Windstar Cruises is thrilled to join the United States Tour Operators Association as an Active Member, including the $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program that gives travelers additional peace of mind about their travel purchase," says Windstar Cruises' President Christopher Prelog. "We look forward to working with USTOA to help us tell the story of our unique style of private-yacht cruising that's 180 degrees from ordinary, with enhanced visibility and exposure to new consumers and travel advisors."

Windstar Cruises operates a fleet of six boutique all-suite and sailing yachts carrying 148-342 guests. Small ship cruises sail throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Asia, Alaska and British Columbia, Canada and New England, Tahiti and the South Pacific, Mexico and U.S. Coastal and Australia.

Windstar Cruises is part of the Xanterra Travel Collection, a group of global hospitality and travel companies, one of which traces its history back over a hundred years of operating our country's iconic national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, Death Valley and many others. Tour operators VBT, Country Walkers and Holiday Vacations are also part of the Xanterra Travel Collection and Active Members of USTOA. Xanterra Travel Collection is owned by The Anschutz Corporation, the ultimate owner of the Broadmoor, Sea Island, and entertainment giant AEG, Anschutz Entertainment Group.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Every Island Tells a Story: Part 2 – Selling the Caribbean Through Immersive ExperiencesWednesday, August 19, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Continue the journey in the second installment of our Every Island Tells a Story webinar series. This...
Upcoming Webinar
The Art of Destination Recommendation: Alternative Destination Strategies for Travel AdvisorsTuesday, August 18, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
What if your next best sale is a destination your client hasn’t considered—and you’ve never visited?...
Upcoming Webinar
From Interest to Booking: Selling HANKYU × PONANT Japan CruisesFriday, August 21, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Take the next step in selling HANKYU × PONANT Japan cruises with a practical, advisor focused look at...
Upcoming Webinar
Every Island Tells a Story: Part 2 – Selling the Caribbean Through Immersive ExperiencesWednesday, August 19, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Continue the journey in the second installment of our Every Island Tells a Story webinar series. This...
Upcoming Webinar
The Art of Destination Recommendation: Alternative Destination Strategies for Travel AdvisorsTuesday, August 18, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
What if your next best sale is a destination your client hasn’t considered—and you’ve never visited?...
Upcoming Webinar
From Interest to Booking: Selling HANKYU × PONANT Japan CruisesFriday, August 21, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Take the next step in selling HANKYU × PONANT Japan cruises with a practical, advisor focused look at...