Windstar Cruises

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.

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

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

• Small ship cruising
• Luxury cruise vacations
• Yacht-style cruises
• River ocean voyages
• Small ship cruise line

Headquarters

HQ city

Miami Beach

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Air and Hotel Packages: Bundled packages combining airfare, hotel stays, and cruise itineraries, particularly for Tahiti Dreams packages and other destinations requiring flight connections.
4. Charters and Group Bookings: Private yacht charters for groups, corporate events, and incentive travel, with dedicated Charters & Incentives division.
5. Specialty Dining: Specialty restaurant experiences including Basil + Bamboo (Mediterranean-Asian fusion), with certain dining venues complimentary for guests.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core 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

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability4 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• Air Tahiti NuicoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 16 April 2026Partnership 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)coreTechnology or Integration · 14 April 2026IDeaS 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 GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 April 2026Exclusive 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 BeachcombercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 March 2026Partnership 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 AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 March 2026Partnership 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 FoundationflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 October 2025Decade-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 LabminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 20 October 2025Fashion 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 ArenaflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 April 2025Official cruise line sponsorship of Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, connecting Windstar with live sports and entertainment audiences.
• Winds of Change PodcastminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 7 April 2025Windstar launched its own podcast 'Winds of Change' in 2025 to reach new audiences through audio storytelling about travel experiences.
• AEG (Anschutz Entertainment Group)flagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 20 February 2025Major 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)flagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 20 February 2025Official cruise line sponsorship of The O2 venue in London, one of the world's most popular live entertainment destinations.
• Serenity Farm Show StablesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 January 2025Equestrian 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.
• LDPRminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 December 2024Travel and lifestyle PR firm appointed agency of record for 2025, handling public relations and media relations.
• The Golden BacheloretteminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 November 2024Television collaboration with Hulu's 'The Golden Bachelorette' for filming in Tahiti, inspiring romantic cruise and overwater bungalow vacation packages.
• Coral GardenerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 November 2023Partnership 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 ArtsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 April 2022Miami 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 WorldminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 January 2020Pilot program with New York-based nonprofit bringing destinations into underserved K-12 classrooms through virtual exchange.
• Xanterra Travel CollectionflagshipOthersWindstar 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

Direct 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

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/windstarcruises
• Facebookfacebook.com/windstarcruises
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/windstar-cruises
• Instagraminstagram.com/windstarcruises
• TikToktiktok.com/@windstarcruisesofficial
• Xx.com/windstarcruises

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles21 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Windstar Cruises