56 Windstar Sail Cruises embarked on its first cruises in October 1984 onboard motor sailing ships. Forty years later, the cruise line now known simply as Windstar Cruises is celebrating its anniversary with a fleet of three sailing ships and three motor yachts. It is also set to welcome two more ships in 2025 and 2026. Janet Bava, chief commercial officer for Windstar Cruises, suggests an outstanding guest experience has been a key contributor to the cruise line’s success over the past four decades. “Windstar Cruises offers an extraordinary travel experience from the moment guests step onboard and the crew really stand out as exceptional,” says Bava. “Windstar is a leader in luxury smallship cruising because of its personalised service, immersive cultural experiences, and culinary excellence.” This luxury offering has resulted in loyal guests, leading many to return again and again for new voyages. The secret to attracting these “world-travellers”, as Bava describes the cruise line’s regular guests, is to design itineraries that connect them with their destination. “Windstar guests are people who want to explore the globe’s most iconic destinations, but also lesser-known cultural landmarks and historic sites,” says Bava. “They’re looking to explore new cultures and destinations, not just be tourists. Windstar designs its itineraries to provide unique opportunities to truly explore the ports we are visiting with Windstar Cruises prioritises lesser-known destinations that provide opportunities for small group excursions that showcase local culture PLANNER PERSPECTIVE Four decades of exploration Janet Bava speaks with Alex Smith on Windstar Cruises 40th anniversary to explain how the cruise line designs itineraries that satisfy the wanderlust of its guests “ Sailing French Polynesia with Windstar is always an extraordinary experience”
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