Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises is a privately held Miami-based luxury small-ship cruise operator owned by The Anschutz Corporation's Xanterra Travel Collection, sailing a fleet of eight yachts carrying 148-342 guests to 330+ ports with all-inclusive itineraries for affluent leisure travelers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1984
- HeadquartersMiami Beach, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Windstar Cruises does
Windstar Cruises is a privately held Miami-based small-ship cruise operator founded in 1984, currently operating a fleet of eight yachts — three Wind Class sailing yachts (Wind Star, Wind Spirit, Wind Surf, 148-342 guests) and five Star Class all-suite motor yachts (Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride, Star Seeker, Star Explorer). The company is owned by Xanterra Leisure Holding, part of The Anschutz Corporation's Xanterra Travel Collection (which also includes The Broadmoor and Sea Island), and employs 1,001-5,000 staff. Windstar sails to over 330 ports across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, Alaska, Tahiti, Asia, and Latin America, positioning itself in the luxury small-ship segment that competes on access to city-center and river destinations that large vessels cannot reach.
The company's core differentiators include its 224-passenger Star Class all-suite vessels, its proprietary River-to-Ocean Cruising concept (hybrid itineraries on the Guadalquivir, Chao Phraya, and other rivers without ship changes), a decade-long James Beard Foundation culinary partnership, and signature themed voyages (culinary, wellness, mystery, Star Collector). Revenue is generated primarily through all-inclusive cruise fares, with ancillary streams from shore excursions, air-and-hotel packages (notably Dreams of Tahiti), private yacht charters, and specialty dining (Basil + Bamboo, Cuadro 44). Distribution runs through direct website/phone sales and a heavy travel-advisor channel (Virtuoso, ASTA), supported by an Advisor Hub portal, fam trips, and commission incentives.
Windstar is in an active expansion phase: Star Seeker was delivered in December 2025 (first newbuild in 17 years) and Star Explorer is scheduled for December 2026, expanding the fleet to eight vessels. The company deployed the IDeaS Cruise Revenue Management System (AI/ML-driven dynamic pricing) in April 2026, is densifying its Asian deployment (25 departures for 2028/2029 after near-doubling of 2027 Asia bookings), and has rebuilt its senior leadership to support fleet and commercial growth. Pricing is all-inclusive with transparent bundling, promoted through Wave Season, Early Booking Offers, and complimentary upgrade packages.
Windstar Cruises firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Windstar Cruises
- Legal name
- Windstar Cruises, LLC
- Website
- https://windstarcruises.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1984
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Windstar Cruises is a privately held Miami-based luxury small-ship cruise operator owned by The Anschutz Corporation's Xanterra Travel Collection, sailing a fleet of eight yachts carrying 148-342 guests to 330+ ports with all-inclusive itineraries for affluent leisure travelers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Windstar Cruises industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Luxury Cruise Vacations
- NAICS
- Deep Sea Passenger Transportation (483112), Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water (48721), Coastal and Great Lakes Passenger Transportation (483114)
- SIC
- Water Transportation (4400)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Luxury Yacht & Small-Ship Expedition Cruises (THAEABAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Luxury Sailing Cruises (Windjammers & Tall Ships) (THAEADAB), Small-Ship Expedition Cruises (Under ~500 Guests) (THAEADAC), Luxury Ocean Cruise Lines (THAEABAB)
Keywords
Where Windstar Cruises is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Miami Beach
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Windstar Cruises business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Cruise Fares: Primary revenue stream from cruise fares across all itineraries. Pricing is all-inclusive with base fares that include accommodations, meals, entertainment, and port access. Early Booking Offers and Wave Season promotions drive advanced bookings with complimentary All-Inclusive upgrades (Wi-Fi, gratuities, select beverages) valued at over $1,300 for a 7-night voyage for two guests.
- Shore Excursions: Additional revenue from curated shore excursions in ports of call, including culinary tours, cultural experiences, adventure activities, and exclusive experiences like shopping with the chef.
- Air and Hotel Packages: Bundled packages combining airfare, hotel stays, and cruise itineraries, particularly for Tahiti Dreams packages and other destinations requiring flight connections.
- Charters and Group Bookings: Private yacht charters for groups, corporate events, and incentive travel, with dedicated Charters & Incentives division.
- Specialty Dining: Specialty restaurant experiences including Basil + Bamboo (Mediterranean-Asian fusion), with certain dining venues complimentary for guests.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | All-Inclusive cruise fares including suite accommodations, all meals, entertainment, and port charges |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Premium suite categories including Owner's Suite, Grand Owner's Suite with enhanced amenities |
| Hybrid | Pay-as-you-go | Complimentary All-Inclusive upgrade promotion (April-June 2026, travel through June 2027) |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Windstar Cruises product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Windstar Cruises operates a fleet of eight small luxury yachts (sailing and all-suite motor yachts carrying 148-342 guests) offering intimate cruise vacations to over 330 ports across Europe, the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Latin America, Alaska, the South Pacific, Asia, and Tahiti. The company sells all-inclusive cruise fares, shore excursions, air and hotel packages, specialty dining experiences, and private yacht charters, distributed primarily through its website and a global network of travel advisors.
Product overview
Windstar Cruises operates a fleet of eight small-ship yachts offering intimate luxury cruising experiences. The fleet consists of three classic Wind Class sailing yachts (Wind Star, Wind Spirit, Wind Surf) and five Star Class vessels (Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride, Star Seeker, Star Explorer). The company pioneered small-ship sailing cruising and now offers both traditional sailing experiences and modern all-suite motor yacht accommodations. Key differentiating products include River-Ocean Voyages (hybrid itineraries combining river and ocean cruising without ship changes), James Beard Foundation Culinary Cruises (chef-hosted culinary sailings now in their 11th year), and Dreams of Tahiti packages (air + hotel + cruise bundles). The company added its first newbuild vessel, Star Seeker, in December 2025, with Star Explorer following in December 2026, both designed for the river-to-ocean cruising concept. All-inclusive packages, specialty dining (Basil + Bamboo, Cuadro 44), and unique experiences like Mystery Cruises and Themed Voyages round out the portfolio.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Wind Class Sailing Yachts Windstar's three classic sailing yachts (Wind Star, Wind Spirit, Wind Surf) offering traditional motorsail cruising experiences carrying 148-342 guests to ports inaccessible to larger vessels, for affluent travelers seeking authentic small-ship sailing.
- Star Class Motor Yachts Windstar's all-suite motor yachts (Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride) offering contemporary luxury cruising with 312-guest capacity, providing modern amenities while maintaining intimate small-ship access.
- Star Seeker Yacht Windstar's newest all-suite 224-passenger yacht delivered December 2025 with 112 spacious suites (nearly all with private veranda or infinity window), forward Yacht Club with oculus skylight, and Basil + Bamboo specialty restaurant. Operating in Caribbean, Alaska, and Japan.
- Star Explorer River-to-Ocean Yacht Windstar's second newbuild 224-passenger all-suite yacht scheduled to debut December 2026, purpose-built for hybrid river-to-ocean cruising enabling seamless navigation from rivers to open seas and access to destinations beyond traditional cruise ships.
- River-Ocean Voyages Windstar's signature hybrid itineraries combining river and ocean cruising in a single continuous journey without ship changes. Routes include Spain's Guadalquivir River, Thailand's Chao Phraya River, France, Malaysia, and Singapore.
- James Beard Foundation Culinary Cruises Chef-hosted themed cruises featuring renowned James Beard Foundation-affiliated chefs leading culinary-focused itineraries with regional expertise, market tours, and signature dishes across Caribbean, French, Alaskan, Italian, and Spanish destinations.
- Star Collector Voyages Extended voyage combining multiple itineraries into one continuous adventure for travelers seeking longer, more comprehensive cruise experiences.
- Yacht Club Voyages Exclusive voyages for repeat Windstar guests offering opportunities to sail with company leaders, explore unique destinations, and enjoy exclusive onboard events designed for loyal travelers.
- All-Inclusive Cruise Package All-Inclusive package including unlimited Wi-Fi, gratuities, and select beer, cocktails, and wine by the glass, with stated value of more than $1,300 for two guests on a 7-night cruise.
- Dreams of Tahiti Air and Cruise Package Combined air, hotel, and small-ship cruise packages for French Polynesia travel including roundtrip air from Los Angeles (LAX), hotel stays, and all airport, hotel, and ship transfers in Tahiti.
- Basil + Bamboo Specialty Restaurant Specialty restaurant aboard Star Seeker featuring a fusion of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, with limited seating for intimate dining experiences. Reservations required, dinner service only.
- Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso Specialty dining venue featuring creative Spanish-inspired cuisine by chef Anthony Sasso, debuting on Star Breeze in 2020 and expanded to Star Legend and Star Pride.
- Signature Expeditions Adventure-focused shore excursion program offering immersive destination experiences including Zodiac/wet landings, kayak adventures, hiking, and exploration activities in remote destinations.
- Mystery Cruise Unique themed voyage where guests embark without knowing their destination, creating an element of adventure and surprise.
- Quick Getaways Short 3- to 5-night European yacht voyages launching spring 2026, offering bite-sized cruise experiences for travelers with limited time.
- Wellness Cruises Mind, Body, and Spirit Collection cruises featuring wellness expert hosts combining immersive travel with mindfulness, exercise, and healthy diet options for holistic transformation experiences.
- Themed Voyages Collection Beyond-ordinary sailings featuring themed experiences such as artist workshops, tall ship sailing instruction, yoga on deck, and other passion-focused activities with intimate yacht-style journeys.
- Peace of Mind Promise Complimentary itinerary protection program for 2026 and 2027 sailings, allowing guests to modify or change reservations with flexibility and full-itinerary protection.
Quantifiable outcome
- 36+ years of sailing expertise in Tahiti, making Windstar the expert at Polynesian vacations
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Windstar Cruises
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Windstar Cruises technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
AI capability4 records
Feature5 records
Windstar Cruises partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.
- Air Tahiti NuicorePartnership with French Polynesia's flagship carrier providing air connections for Tahiti cruise packages. Combined air, hotel, and cruise offerings simplify travel logistics for North American and European travelers.
- IDeaS (SAS subsidiary)coreIDeaS implemented its Cruise Revenue Management System across Windstar's fleet of eight ships, enabling dynamic pricing and real-time demand forecasting through AI and machine learning algorithms. Partnership helps optimize pricing for various cabin types and itineraries.
- GALLO Luxury Wine GroupcoreExclusive wine partnership providing curated wine experiences across James Beard Foundation cruises and other itineraries. Features wines from renowned vineyards and winemakers complementing culinary programming.
- Pacific BeachcombercorePartnership with luxury operator of seven hotels in French Polynesia including InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG), Maitai Hotels, and The Brando. Supports Tahiti cruise and hotel package offerings.
- National Health AssociationminorPartnership to create new whole-food, plant-based menu options prepared without added salt, oil, and sugar and are gluten-free on all six yachts.
- James Beard FoundationflagshipDecade-long culinary partnership featuring James Beard Foundation-affiliated guest chefs on themed culinary cruises. Five new chefs announced for 2026 including José Garzón, Belinda Bishop, Kirsten and Mandy Dixon, Gabriel Kreuther, and David Uygur. Chefs bring regional culinary expertise and host market tours on Caribbean, French, Alaskan, Italian, and Spanish itineraries.
- Stitch LabminorFashion platform collaboration celebrating International Women's Day and Women's History Month. Hosted International Women's Cruise aboard Wind Surf featuring Latin American fashion designers. Includes pop-up events in Miami Design District.
- Crypto.com ArenaflagshipOfficial cruise line sponsorship of Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, connecting Windstar with live sports and entertainment audiences.
- Winds of Change PodcastminorWindstar launched its own podcast 'Winds of Change' in 2025 to reach new audiences through audio storytelling about travel experiences.
- AEG (Anschutz Entertainment Group)flagshipMajor sponsorship partnership making Windstar the official cruise line of Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles) and The O2 (London). Includes presenting sponsorship of Latin GRAMMY Week's Special Awards Presentation.
- The O2 (London)flagshipOfficial cruise line sponsorship of The O2 venue in London, one of the world's most popular live entertainment destinations.
- Serenity Farm Show StablesminorEquestrian partnership with Grand Prix rider Kelli Cruciotti Vanderveen and Serenity Farm Show Stables. First-ever cruise line to align with international show-jumping athlete and horse named Windstar, targeting 2028 Olympics.
- LDPRminorTravel and lifestyle PR firm appointed agency of record for 2025, handling public relations and media relations.
- The Golden BacheloretteminorTelevision collaboration with Hulu's 'The Golden Bachelorette' for filming in Tahiti, inspiring romantic cruise and overwater bungalow vacation packages.
- Coral GardenerscorePartnership with Moorea-based coral reef conservation organization. Windstar's $35,000 donation adopted coral for all guests sailing in French Polynesia. Celebrates reef restoration and ocean conservation awareness.
- Fountainhead ArtsminorMiami arts organization collaboration commissioning local artists to paint murals on each of the three Star Plus Class yachts and in Windstar's new Miami office.
- Reach the WorldminorPilot program with New York-based nonprofit bringing destinations into underserved K-12 classrooms through virtual exchange.
- Xanterra Travel CollectionflagshipWindstar Cruises is part of the Xanterra Travel Collection, a distinguished group of global hospitality and travel companies with legacy spanning over 100 years. Xanterra operates iconic national parks including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, and Death Valley. Owned by The Anschutz Corporation.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Windstar Cruises competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Seabourn: Seabourn operates ultra-luxury small ships (264-604 guests) with all-suite accommodations and globally itineraries. It is the most direct peer to Windstar in the luxury small-ship cruise segment, with comparable pricing tiers, service philosophy, and target affluent demographic.
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Regent Seven Seas operates all-suite, all-balcony small-to-mid-size luxury ships with inclusive pricing similar to Windstar's all-inclusive model. Both compete in the luxury segment emphasizing destination immersion and high-touch service.
- Silversea Cruises: Silversea operates intimate luxury ships (100-728 guests) with expedition capabilities and global itineraries. It is owned by Royal Caribbean Group but competes directly with Windstar in the luxury small-ship space, including in expedition-style itineraries.
- Ponant: Ponant is a French luxury expedition cruise line operating small ships (typically under 250 guests) focused on polar and remote destinations. It competes with Windstar's small-ship luxury proposition and is similarly positioned against mass-market cruising.
- Azamara Cruises: Azamara operates small-to-mid-size premium cruise ships emphasizing destination-immersive itineraries and longer stays in port. It targets a similar upper-premium demographic to Windstar, though with somewhat larger ships (684-702 guests).
- Hapag-Lloyd Cruises: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is a German luxury and expedition cruise line operating small ships (under 250 guests) focused on premium experiential cruising. Comparable to Windstar's small-ship luxury positioning, particularly in expedition and luxury segments.
- Crystal Cruises: Crystal Cruises historically operated ultra-luxury small-to-mid-size ships (under 1,000 guests) with high-end service and global itineraries. It is a direct peer in the luxury small-ship cruise space and has been in transition following ownership changes.
Broad incumbents
- Viking Ocean Cruises: Viking Ocean operates a fleet of small-to-mid-size ships (around 250-930 guests) with all-veranda accommodations and destination-focused itineraries. It is a much larger, broader-scoped competitor in the small-ship ocean cruise space with an extensive river cruise portfolio.
Emerging players
- Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours: Scenic operates luxury river cruise ships and is expanding into ocean cruising with Discovery Yachts (small luxury yachts). Overlaps with Windstar's luxury positioning and emerging river-to-ocean theme.
- Lindblad Expeditions: Lindblad operates small expedition cruise ships (under 200 guests) with a focus on experiential and educational itineraries in remote destinations. Comparable to Windstar's small-ship format and Signature Expeditions program, though more expedition-focused.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Windstar Cruises social profiles
Digital presenceWindstar Cruises compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Windstar Cruises financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Windstar Cruises leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles21 records
Windstar Cruises funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Windstar Cruises M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Windstar Cruises
What does Windstar Cruises do?
Windstar Cruises operates a fleet of eight small luxury yachts (sailing and all-suite motor yachts carrying 148-342 guests) offering intimate cruise vacations to over 330 ports across Europe, the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Latin America, Alaska, the South Pacific, Asia, and Tahiti. The company sells all-inclusive cruise fares, shore excursions, air and hotel packages, specialty dining experiences, and private yacht charters, distributed primarily through its website and a global network of travel advisors.
Is Windstar Cruises a public or private company?
Windstar Cruises is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Windstar Cruises founded?
Windstar Cruises was founded in 1984. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Windstar Cruises based?
Windstar Cruises is headquartered in Miami Beach, United States, in the North America region.
How does Windstar Cruises make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Cruise Fares are the primary driver. The others are shore Excursions, air and Hotel Packages, charters and Group Bookings and specialty Dining.
Who are Windstar Cruises's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Ponant, Azamara Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and Crystal Cruises. Viking Ocean Cruises is listed as a broad incumbent. Emerging players are Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Lindblad Expeditions.
Does Windstar Cruises have an API?
No public API is recorded for Windstar Cruises.
What industry is Windstar Cruises in?
Windstar Cruises's product category is Luxury Cruise Vacations. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAEABAF, Luxury Yacht & Small-Ship Expedition Cruises, with a secondary code of THAEADAB, Luxury Sailing Cruises (Windjammers & Tall Ships). Its NAICS code is 483112 and its SIC code is 4400.