Windstar Cruises, renowned for its intimate and luxurious small-ship cruises, celebrated its 40th anniversary in grand fashion with a memorable event in Kusadasi, Turkey. The celebration kicked off a year-long series of activations, marking a significant milestone for the cruise line and the industry as a whole.
The highlight of the anniversary celebration was a unique rendezvous between two of Windstar’s iconic ships, the Wind Spirit and Star Legend. The gathering culminated in a lavish dinner event held at the ancient archaeological site of Ephesus on Thursday night, providing a setting of historical grandeur for this monumental occasion.
The event brought together Windstar executives, crew members, loyal guests, and first-time passengers, all united in their appreciation for the cruise line’s distinctive, personalized experiences. The atmosphere was a blend of elegance and nostalgia, reflecting Windstar’s rich history and its exciting future.
This anniversary dinner marked the largest event ever hosted by Windstar, a company known for its intimate and high-end cruise experiences. Passengers from both ships, alongside Windstar’s executives, captains, and crew, gathered for a four-course alfresco dining experience under the stars.
The Aegean Chamber Orchestra provided live music, accompanied by vocalists, adding a touch of classical elegance to the evening. Guests enjoyed a progressive cocktail party before dinner, where speeches celebrating Windstar’s achievements over the past 40 years were delivered.
Chief Commercial Officer Janet Bava and Chief Operations Officer Stijn Creupelandt addressed the attendees, reflecting on the company’s journey and acknowledging both loyal Yacht Club members and new guests. Bava highlighted the crucial role of Windstar’s owners, Xanterra Travel Collection and the Anschutz Corporation, in supporting the company through challenging times, particularly during the pandemic.
A particularly touching moment came when Wind Spirit Captain Mark Rowden and Star Legend Captain Pedro Pinto took the stage. Both captains, with extensive careers in the maritime world, shared their experiences and the enduring relationships they have built with Windstar and its crew, many of whom have been with the company for over two decades.
The captains praised the crew’s commitment and passion, emphasizing their dedication as a key factor in the company’s success. Windstar’s ability to foster a familial environment on board, where both crew and guests feel valued, was highlighted as a cornerstone of its philosophy. This personalized and intimate atmosphere differentiates Windstar from larger, more commercial cruise lines.
The event also offered a glimpse into Windstar’s future. As Bava noted, the company has ambitious plans to expand its fleet and renovate existing ships. With the acquisition of two new vessels and significant investments being made to update its Wind-class ships, Windstar is positioning itself for another successful four decades. Renovations are expected to be completed by 2027, bringing a modern touch to its much-loved fleet while retaining the charm that Windstar is known for.
This commitment to innovation and growth is significant for the cruise industry, as Windstar has continuously prioritized enhancing passenger experience while maintaining a small-ship feel. Bava’s speech reflected on the challenges the company has faced, particularly during the pandemic, but emphasized how Windstar has emerged stronger with a fleet that continues to grow and evolve.
The anniversary celebrations in Kusadasi are just the beginning. Windstar has planned a series of activations and events across its entire fleet that will continue until October 2025. These activations will create memorable experiences for guests, including complimentary Ruby Anniversary cocktails served at special trivia events on board. Winners from these trivia sessions will be entered into a drawing to win a cruise for two aboard the Star Seeker’s inaugural voyage, adding excitement to the festivities.
In addition, Windstar has collaborated with Seabags to offer limited-edition bags crafted from the cruise line’s recycled sails. These sustainable products will be available for purchase during the anniversary year, allowing guests to take home a piece of Windstar’s history. Meanwhile, Windstar’s social media channels are sharing historical moments and crew stories, giving followers a deeper insight into the company’s rich history (#40yearsofWindstar).
Windstar’s anniversary celebration is not just a milestone for the company but for the cruise industry at large. The fact that Windstar has continued to grow and thrive, despite the immense challenges faced by the cruise sector, sets an example for smaller, more personalized cruise lines. Windstar’s focus on small-ship cruising, personalized service, and unique itineraries has helped differentiate it in an increasingly competitive industry, where larger ships often dominate the market.
Windstar’s ability to maintain a luxury experience while expanding and modernizing its fleet reflects broader trends within the travel industry. More travelers are seeking intimate, personalized experiences, and Windstar’s focus on smaller vessels, where passengers can develop meaningful relationships with the crew and fellow travelers, taps into this growing demand. The expansion of the fleet and the ongoing renovation efforts also indicate a commitment to sustainability, which is increasingly important for travelers in a post-pandemic world.
As Windstar continues its anniversary celebrations and prepares for the future, the impact on global travelers is clear. The cruise line’s ability to offer a highly personalized and luxurious experience on a small scale, while still maintaining the amenities of larger ships, has attracted a loyal following. Windstar’s focus on expanding its fleet and renovating its ships means that more travelers will have access to these unique experiences in the coming years.
Moreover, as Windstar rolls out more events and activations throughout 2025, it will undoubtedly create excitement and anticipation among loyal customers and new cruisers alike. With its focus on sustainability, intimate experiences, and innovation, Windstar will continue to shape the future of luxury cruising.
Windstar Cruises’ 40th anniversary is more than just a celebration of its past; it is a testament to the company’s resilience and innovative spirit. With a blend of tradition and forward-thinking, Windstar is poised to continue offering intimate, luxurious, and memorable experiences for travelers around the globe. As it expands its fleet and modernizes its existing ships, Windstar is setting itself up for success in the next four decades, all while maintaining the personal touch that has made it a favorite among cruisers.