Windstar Cruises: 40 Years of Sailing
Windstar Cruises, founded by maritime entrepreneurs Karl G. Andrén and Jean-Claude Potier in October 1984, is celebrating 40 years of sailing this year.
To mark this significant milestone, the company has planned two special cruises for next October aboard Star Legend and Wind Spirit, departing on October 12 and 13. A special celebration will take place in Ephesus on October 16, where both ships will gather in Kusadasi to officially commemorate the 40th anniversary with a starlit dinner and live music.
Windstar, Star Plus Wind
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Originally featuring only sail-powered ships, the company now boasts a fleet of six small ships: three Wind Class sailing yachts and three Star Class motor yachts. Windstar is recognized as a leader in the small ship cruise sector and is experiencing unprecedented success and growth, including the addition of two new motor yachts in 2025 and 2026. To celebrate this major achievement, Windstar will mark its 40th anniversary across the fleet from October 2024 to October 2025 with additional activations and memorable moments, details of which will be revealed later.
Furthermore, to honor the exceptional commitment of its crew, many of whom have served for decades, Windstar encourages guests to share their favorite crew stories and tag #WayBackWindstar on Windstar’s social media channels starting in October.
The celebration will kick off with two cruises: the Aegean Sea Odyssey Via the Corinth Canal itinerary on Star Legend departing October 12, and the Treasures of the Greek Isles trip on Wind Spirit departing October 13.
A highlight of the commemoration will be a joint celebration in Ephesus on October 16, where Star Legend and Wind Spirit, representing the brand’s two ship styles, will come together for a special event featuring live music and a five-course dinner.
“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 Christopher Prelog, president of Windstar. “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,” he said.
Stay tuned for news, updates, and reviews of Windstar Cruises on Cruising Journal, including photos, videos, and special cruise offers.
