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 Oct. 12 or Wind Spirit’s Treasures of the Greek Isles cruise departing Oct. 13. The yachts (one Wind Class and one Star Class – the two styles of Windstar’s elegant small ships) will come together in Kusadasi on Oct. 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 Oct. 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
Photo Courtesy of Windstar Cruises