By Shane Cullen Stephen Aherne
Next winter, Windstar Cruises is making the Mediterranean sparkle with the debut of its newest yacht, Star Explorer, and the return of its popular winter sailings to Europe. Launching 28th December 2026, the 224-guest vessel marks the latest addition to Windstar’s Star Class fleet and brings a stylish new chapter to Windstar’s year-round European offerings – this time with more immersive cultural experiences, off-season perks and hidden harbours waiting to be discovered without the summer crowds.
Crafted for discovery, Star Explorer is perfectly built for exploring small ports. Her inaugural local season includes longer stays and local festivals in the off-season – from twinkling winter markets to colourful Venetian Carnevale celebrations. And with Windstar’s signature yacht-style warmth and comfort, it’s like having the Med all to yourself, with a chilled glass of wine in hand. Guests will enjoy overnight stays in Florence (Livorno), Barcelona and Nice — plus lesser-visited ports such as Genoa, Catania and Malaga. Seasonal highlights include Carnevale in Venice, Epiphany in Greece and cosy winter markets lit by Mediterranean sunshine.
“Winter is when the Mediterranean slows down, and that’s when Windstar steps in,” says Jess Peterson, director of destination experience and itinerary planning. “With Star Explorer, we’re offering guests a chance to see these iconic places with fresh eyes and fewer crowds, all in the comfort of our newest yacht.”
Early Booking Offer
Windstar Cruises is running an Early Booking Offer available through 31st July 2025. Travellers who book now will receive a complimentary All-Inclusive package, featuring Wi-Fi, unlimited select wine, beer and cocktails and gratuities — a value of more than £500 per person on a seven-day cruise. Guests will also enjoy up to $200 in onboard credit per stateroom, redeemable for curated shore excursions, rejuvenating treatments at World Spa by Windstar and other onboard amenities.
For added value, Windstar has introduced its newPay Now, Save More promotion. Those who pay in full at the time of booking will receive an additional 5% discount on cruise fare (including non-discountable fares). This promotion is only available with cruises booked using the Early Booking Offer.
Star Explorer’s itineraries include:
Star Explorer’s Inaugural Voyage: Southern Spain Winter Escapes (9 nights) – wander through GaudĂ’s architecture in Barcelona and master the art of paella in a cosy home kitchen in Málaga. Soak up the warmth of Europe’s mildest winter city, explore Picasso’s legacy and gaze across the sea to North Africa from the historic rock of Gibraltar. Guests have the option to extend the experience inland with the Madrid & Southern Spain Cruise Tour for the best of both worlds.
Europe’s Winter Riviera (7 nights) – indulge in the Riviera’s off-season charm with overnight stays in Florence (Livorno) and Barcelona. Enjoy unobstructed views of Renaissance masterpieces in Tuscany, discover Genoa’s golden-age grandeur and sip sangria in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.
Winter Italy & the Dalmatian Coast (8 nights) – step behind the scenes of Europe’s most iconic sites – think Michelangelo’s frescoes, Venice’s serene canals and the ancient ruins of Pompeii minus the crowds. From learning to make pizza in Sicily to watching winter lights shimmer in Dubrovnik, this journey blends history, hospitality and festive magic.
Star Collector Voyages + optional Madrid Cruise Tours (13+ nights) – dive deeper into Europe with extended itineraries that combine multiple voyages into one seamless adventure.
On board, Star Explorer offers 112 spacious suites, including two Horizon Owner’s Suites with expansive wraparound balconies ideal for catching winter sunrises. Guests will enjoy Windstar favourites like the Yacht Club Café, the signature Marina deck and the friendly crew delivering personalised service that feels like home – only better.
This season marks Windstar’s fourth winter season sailing the Mediterranean, yet with the addition of Star Explorer, the experience is reimagined and elevated for returning guests and first-timers alike.
To plan a small ship cruise with Windstar, contact Windstar Cruises’ UK General Sales Agent on 0800 008 6682. For more details https://www.windstarcruises.co.uk/booking-in-the-uk/. For more information visit www.windstarcruises.co.uk
Windstar Cruises – Relaxed Luxury & Genuine Connection
Windstar Cruises offers 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, over the last 4 decades, Windstar has grown into a diverse fleet of three Star Class all-suite yachts and three Wind Class sailing yachts, offering voyages that are both intimate and inspiring. Two highly anticipated new yachts, Star Seeker and Star Explorer, set to debut in December 2025 and 2026, expand 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. Windstar sails year-round in the Mediterranean and Tahiti, offering different destination experiences seasonally.
Windstar Cruises is part of the Xanterra Travel Collection®, a 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.