Want a unique winter experience? How about sailing from Barcelona to Rome –in January. Or, trading ski season for a cruise in the Greek Isles?.
While most cruise ships migrate to warmer oceans in the winter. Windstar is joining a new homing trend with plans to sail its newest ship, Star Explorer year-round in Europe. Accommodating just 224 guests, and launching in December 2026 her itineraries are dedicated to Europe, with an extensive lineup of journeys from Circumnavigating Ireland to discovering the Seven Gems of the Baltic.
It’s following on the success of Windstar’s 2026 season that has Star Legend wintering in Europe with Mediterranean as well as Canary Islands itineraries.
Star Explorer is all about immersive, port-intensive experiences with longer stays and overnight visits in the heart of Europe’s most captivating cities, says Christopher Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises. “The small size of this ship opens even more interesting places– including rivers,.“We specialize in creating itineraries that meld the bucket list with the unknown and unexpected that we know our guests will love.”
Star Explorer was built to navigate where big ships can’t—visiting places like Rouen, Caen, Bordeaux, and even right into central London. Itineraries include overnights and longer stays in port for more exploration time ashore. She’ll also debut Windstar’s first call to Puerto Banús in Spain, the stylish marina gateway to Marbella, and return to San Sebastián and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, bringing guests closer to the Basque coast’s culinary soul.
On board, Star Explorer offers 112 spacious suites, including two Horizon Owner’s Suites with expansive wraparound balconies ideal for catching sunrises, and many suites with full verandas or infinity windows. Guests will enjoy Windstar favorites like the Yacht Club Café, the signature Marina with watersports activities, the line’s famously friendly crew, and a relaxed, upscale ambiance.
Star Explorer launches in December 2026 and will enjoy a stylish welcoming ceremony with a May 31, 2027 christening on London’s River Thames—a scene perfectly matched to her personality: refined, intimate, and full of possibility. The next morning, she’ll pass under Tower Bridge and set sail on a circumnavigation of Ireland filled with cliffs, castles and pubs.
Highlights for 2027 include:
Seven Gems of the Baltic – an eight-night itinerary visiting seven countries in one swoop: Denmark, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Sweden, Finland, and Estonia; spends two nights in the trend-setting city of Stockholm; a night in medieval Tallinn where bustling nightlife meets perfectly preserved history; visits UNESCO-designated Riga Central Market; stops by the island of Bornholm– dubbed Denmark in miniature– complete with forests, craggy cliffs, and bleach-blond beaches, and ends in Copenhagen.
Connoisseur’s Delight– Northern Spain & Portugal – an eight-night voyage from Lisbon to Bordeaux visits Vigo, Gijon, Bilbao and San Sebastian, Spain; spends an overnight in Biarritz, a historic French seaside resort, and ends with another overnight in Bordeaux’s city center. The distinct food cultures of Northern Spain are a highlight – cider in Gijon and Michelin-starred restaurants in San Sebastian.
Impressionist France – a 10-night journey from Bordeaux to London offers extended time to explore with overnight stays in three places – Bordeaux, St. Malo and Paris/Rouen. The cruise also visits La Rochelle, Belle-Ile and Caen, France with a cruise on the iconic Seine River. Normandy D-day beaches and the Bayeux Tapestry are accessible from Caen.
Star Explorer launches in December 2026 and will enjoy a stylish welcoming ceremony with a May 31, 2027 christening on London’s River Thames—a scene perfectly matched to her personality: refined, intimate, and full of possibility. The next morning, she’ll pass under Tower Bridge and set sail on a circumnavigation of Ireland filled with cliffs, castles and pubs.
Wallace Immen, The Cruisington Times
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