Windstar celebrates 40th anniversary with cruises to Kusadasi

In celebration of Windstar Cruises’ milestone 40^th anniversary, guests are invited to join the festivities onboard Star Legend’s Aegean Sea Odyssey Via the Corinth Canal cruise or Wind Spirit’s Treasures of the Greek Isles cruise.

The two yachts, departing Oct. 12 and 13, respectively, 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 1984 with motor sailing ships.

Now with six small ships, three Wind Class sailing ships and three Star Class motor yachts, the line 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 the company for nearly eight years. “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.”

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.

Windstar will celebrate its 40-year anniversary across the fleet from October 2024 through October 2025, with more details to come about additional activations and memorable moments.

Guests can expect complimentary ruby anniversary cocktails served at a special 40 Years of Windstar trivia event onboard.

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 40^th anniversary series that is crafted from recycled Wind Surf sails, will also be on board for purchase in the ship’s shops.

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