♦ The Windstar ships are referred to as motor-sailed-
yachts (msy), because of their unique
rigging. The eye-catching white sails of the
Windstar ships unfurl in only two minutes,
with the simple touch of a button.
♦ The Windstar Cruises slogan is “180 Degrees
from Ordinary.” This is based on their goal
of creating a holiday experience unlike any
other. Their yacht-like ships are geared
towards active adults, seeking five-star
dining, top quality service, and interesting
itineraries.
♦ The line was established as Windstar Sail
Cruises in 1984, and its first ship, the Wind
Star, launched in 1986, followed by the Wind
Song and Wind Spirit.
♦ Windstar attracts many honeymooners,
couples celebrating anniversaries and family
reunions. Windstar averages ten honeymoon
and anniversary couples a week on their
ships.
♦ Holland America Line purchased 50% of
Windstar Sail Cruises in 1987 and bought
the balance of the company in 1988,
selling it to Ambassadors International
in 2007. The company is now owned by
Xanterra Parks and Resorts which bought
it after Ambassadors went into bankruptcy
protection in 2011.
♦ The ships are registered in the Bahamas.
Under this flag they are some of the few
cruise ships in the world where passengers
are still allowed on the bridge (though not
when entering or leaving port).
♦ Complimentary water sports are available
(including water-skiing, windsurfing,
snorkelling, sailing, ski-tubing, and
kayaking), via the water sports platform
located in the rear (aft) of the Windstar
ships.
♦ With a shallow draft of only 14 feet (4.3
metres) the ships can enter ports that are
inaccessible to larger cruise liners.
♦ In 2013 Windstar announced the purchase
of Seabourn Cruise Line’s Seabourn Pride,
Seabourn Legend, Seabourn Spirit. The
Seabourn Pride will enter service in May
2014, sisters Seabourn Legend & Seabourn
Spirit will enter service in May 2015.
♦ The latest innovation from Windstar is
‘Signature Sailings’ which is a unique
collection of themed voyages.
