Windstar Cruises turns 40 this year with bevy of events planned

They are Star Legend on an 'Aegean Sea Odyssey Via the Corinth Canal' cruise departing Oct. 12 and Wind Spirit on a 'Treasures of the Greek Isles' voyage departing Oct. 13.

Windstar Sail Cruises born in October 1984

Founded by entrepreneurs Karl G. Andrén and Jean-Claude Potier, Windstar Cruises began as Windstar Sail Cruises in October 1984 with motor sailing ships. Now with six small ships, three Wind-class sailing ships and three Star-class motor yachts, the line is a leader in small ship cruising with 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,' President Christopher Prelog said. He has been at Windstar nearly eight years but began his career nearly 30 years ago as a waiter aboard 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,' Prelog continued. '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.'

Share favorite crew stories

Windstar is encouraging passengers 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 Oct. 16 when the 148-passenger Wind Spirit and the 312-passenger Star Legend come together for an event in ancient Ephesus with live music and a five-course dinner under the stars. This longtime, complimentary offering has been wildly popular with Windstar cruisers over the years, so the line considers it a fitting venue for the anniversary celebration.

Windstar will commemorate its 40 years across the fleet from October 2024 through October 2025 with additional activations and memorable moments, details to come.

A couple highlights

Among the plans: Complimentary ruby anniversary cocktails served at a special 40 years of Windstar trivia event on board. 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.