October 24, 2026 — Windstar Cruises’ first ship, the 148-passenger sailing yacht Wind Star, has completed 40 years of service. It started its maiden Caribbean season in December 1986 and was the world’s largest sailing cruise ship when it entered service.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Built | Le Havre, France, for about $35 million, with computer-controlled sails developed with Wärtsilä |
| Latest refit | “Setting Sails” refit at Navantia, Cádiz, Spain, finished April 2026 — new public areas, staterooms and venues |
| Summer 2026 | Mediterranean: Spain, Greece, Turkey and more |
| From November 2026 | Caribbean winter season, including Panama Canal and Central America itineraries (exact dates TBA) |
What it means for airline travelers
- Wind Star’s Caribbean and Panama Canal sailings often start or end at smaller Caribbean or Central American airports. Check your exact ports before booking flights, as some have only a few flights a day.
- With only 148 guests, the ship will not wait for late arrivals. If you are flying standby, plan a day early.
- No travel-industry or interline rates were mentioned.
Sources
- Cruise Industry News: Wind Star Completes 40 Years of Service
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