The Port of Taranto finally revealed itself as the first port in the context of the President’s mystery cruise by Windstar Cruises, which saw the exclusive ship “Star Legend” arrive on the morning of April 22nd in the port of Taranto.
This luxury superyacht, a true jewel of the seas belonging to the American company Windstar Cruises, touched the port of Taranto for the first time as part of a ‘secret’ itinerary in the Mediterranean.
Until two days before was known as a “Mystery cruise” because the cruise line chose to reveal the itinerary only 36 hours before departure, making the event even more special and surprising. A true journey of adventure and discovery for the exclusive group of passengers on board the Star Legend: the ship, in fact, hosts the top management of the Company and a representation of international media from the cruise sector, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Windstar Cruises.
The traditional maiden call ceremony hosted on board by Captain Pedro Montes Pinto saw the participation of a delegation of institutions and port operators, who had the chance to meet the President of Windstar Cruises, Chris Prelog and his management team. The ceremony was enriched by a colorful music and dance show of “pizzica”, a traditional regional dance show offerred to passengers to make them know and appreciate the peculiarities of the local culture.
This call represents the outcome of a marketing campaign launched by the Port of Taranto in previous years and which, in 2024, also saw Windstar executives among the guests of a familiarization trip organized by the Port Network Authority of the Ionian Sea and Taranto Cruise Port. This initiative is part of the Port Network Authority’s strategy aiming at promoting a sustainable cruise business that encourages the growth of the local community of suppliers and tourism operators. The Taranto destination has been included in Windstar’s itineraries in both 2025 and 2026.
Tours included the whitewashed town of Ostuni, a wine tasting in a “masseria” (ancient farmhouse) hosting a unique vineyard, as well as must-see destinations such as UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Alberobello, famous for its “trulli” houses, and Matera, one of the most ancient cities in the world where the prehistoric stone dwellings called “sassi” can still be visited.
