MIAMI — Windstar Cruises is commemorating its 40th anniversary season with special festivities on board both the Star Legend and Wind Spirit.

The milestone season, which begins in October 2024, will kick off with festivities aboard Star Legend’s ‘Aegean Sea Odyssey Via the Corinth Canal’ cruise departing Oct. 12, and Wind Spirit’s ‘Treasures of the Greek Isles’ cruise departing Oct. 13. The two yachts – one Wind Class and one Star Class – will come together in Kusadasi, Turkey on Oct. 16 for a special celebration in Ephesus.

“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, began his career nearly 30 years ago as a waiter on 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 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,” Prelog added.

To recognize its crew, many of whom have served for decades, Windstar is encouraging guests to share their favourite 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 Ephesus, complete with live music and a five-course dinner under the stars. Windstar will be celebrating its 40-year anniversary across its fleet from October 2024 through October 2025 with additional activations and events, including: 

• 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

Founded by ship entrepreneurs Karl G. Andrén and Jean-Claude Potier, Windstar Cruise began as Windstar Sail Cruises in October 1984 with motor sailing ships. It now boasts a fleet of six small ships, three Wind Class sailing ships and three Star Class motor yachts, with two new all-suite motor yachts coming in 2025 and 2026.