Cruise line names horse after itself, sponsors elite CSI2* competition, and introduces new in-arena Clear Round celebration on the sands of Miami Beach
Edited Press Release
Miami Beach, FL, March 31, 2026 — When Kelli Cruciotti-Vanderveen guides Windstar into the arena at Longines Global Champions Tour Miami Beach this April, the horse and the cruise line will share more than a name. Windstar Cruises today announced its sponsorship of Longines Global Champions Tour Miami Beach (April 3–5, 2026), serving as Official Clear Round Sponsor of the CSI2* division and bringing its luxury small-ship cruise brand into one of show jumping’s most recognized beachfront venues.
Windstar the horse, owned by Windstar Cruises and ridden by top American show jumper Cruciotti-Vanderveen, will compete in the CSI2* division across all three competition days. The pairing reflects the brand’s own philosophy: grace under pressure, precision at every turn, and the willingness to go somewhere extraordinary.
As Official Clear Round Sponsor, Windstar Cruises will recognize each fault-free performance in the CSI2* division, including the 1.40m classes on Friday and Saturday and the 1.45m Grand Prix on Sunday, through a dedicated in-arena activation that engages spectators and underscores the brand’s signature promise of being “180 degrees from ordinary.”
Windstar Cruises will also present an award to the leading CSI2* rider, recognizing the athlete with the strongest overall performance across the three featured CSI2* classes. Award criteria will be announced prior to the event.
“It is an honor for Windstar Cruises to participate in the Longines Global Champions Tour Miami Beach and to debut a fresh approach to celebrating achievement in the sport,” said Chris Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises. “This sponsorship demonstrates our mutual dedication to excellence and creating unforgettable moments, both on the water and in the arena.”
The sponsorship connects naturally with Windstar Cruises’ Caribbean sailing program, which takes guests to the hidden coves, volcanic islands, and vibrant local ports that larger ships can’t reach. For those who discover Windstar at Miami Beach, the brand’s Caribbean itineraries offer a compelling next chapter, aboard intimate yachts accommodating just 148 to 342 guests.
The Longines Global Champions Tour Miami Beach will be broadcast internationally, bringing the competition and Windstar’s presence in the arena to audiences around the world throughout the weekend.
Follow Windstar EQ on Instagram @windstar.eq. For more information or to book a small-ship cruise, visit windstarcruises.com, contact a travel advisor, call 866-258-7245, or request a call from a Windstar vacation planner.
About Longines Global Champions Tour Miami Beach
The Longines Global Champions Tour Miami Beach brings the world’s top show jumping riders to compete in a stunning beachfront setting. Held on the iconic sands of Miami Beach, the event blends elite sport with a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere.
About Windstar Cruises
For four decades, Windstar Cruises has been reimagining small-ship cruising with a distinctive blend of relaxed luxury and genuine connection to the world’s most captivating destinations. From its origins with motor sailing yachts tailored for upscale yet casual travel, Windstar has grown into a diverse fleet of four Star Class all-suite yachts—including its newest addition of Star Seekerin December 2025—and three Wind Class sailing yachts, offering voyages that are both intimate and inspiring. It’s highly anticipated yacht, Star Explorer, is set to debut in December 2026, expanding the fleet to eight yachts accommodating 150-350 guests. Windstar’s legendary Wind Class sailing yachts are also undergoing a meticulous two-phase redesign to be completed by 2027. Windstar yachts sail to more than 330 ports across Europe, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Alaska, Canada and New England, Japan, the South Pacific, and Asia. Unlike most cruise lines, Windstar sails year-round in the Mediterranean and Tahiti, offering different destination experiences seasonally. Each Windstar voyage is designed to immerse guests in authentic cultural experiences, all while delivering the comfort, service, and style that define the Windstar difference.
Windstar Cruises is proud to be part of the Xanterra Travel Collection®, a distinguished group of global hospitality and travel companies with a legacy spanning over a hundred years. Xanterra operates iconic national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, and Death Valley. The Xanterra Travel Collection® is owned by The Anschutz Corporation, the ultimate owner of the Broadmoor, Sea Island, and entertainment giant AEG, Anschutz Entertainment Group.
