Windstar Cruises opens 2027 Europe voyages for new all-suite yacht Star Explorer - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Windstar Cruises is expanding its fleet and reimagining small-ship travel with the launch of Star Explorer, the second of two new all-suite yachts joining the company. Designed for immersive exploration and refined comfort, Star Explorer will carry 224 guests on year-round European itineraries starting in December 2026, with her first full season running through March 2028.

The ship will be christened on May 31, 2027, on London’s River Thames, an elegant ceremony befitting her boutique style. The following morning, she will sail under Tower Bridge on her maiden voyage — a 10-night circumnavigation of Ireland, showcasing the island’s dramatic coastlines, castles, and pubs.

Boutique cruising, big horizons

“Windstar has a long history of exploring Europe, and the small size of this ship opens even more fascinating places — including rivers,” said Christopher Prelog, President of Windstar Cruises. “We design itineraries that blend the bucket list with the undiscovered and unexpected — the kind of experiences our guests treasure.”

Star Explorer was purpose-built to reach ports inaccessible to large ships, including Rouen, Caen, Bordeaux, and central London itself. The itineraries feature overnight stays and extended port calls, offering more time to explore each destination. Highlights include the line’s first call to Puerto Banús on Spain’s Costa del Sol and returns to San Sebastián and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, gateways to the Basque coast’s celebrated culinary scene.

Suites and onboard experiences

The yacht features 112 spacious suites, most with private verandas or infinity windows, and two Horizon Owner’s Suites with wraparound balconies. Guests can enjoy signature Windstar spaces such as the Yacht Club Café, the Marina platform for water sports, and the line’s famously warm, relaxed service.

2027 European highlights

·         Seven Gems of the Baltic – An 8-night itinerary spanning seven countries: Denmark, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Sweden, Finland, and Estonia. Includes two nights in Stockholm, one in Tallinn, and visits to UNESCO-listed Riga and Denmark’s picturesque island of Bornholm, ending in Copenhagen.

·         Circumnavigating Ireland – A 10-night journey filled with local charm and spectacular scenery, featuring stops in Cork, Dingle, Galway, Londonderry, Belfast, and more. Guests will also experience Waterford’s Viking Triangle and a unique view of the Cliffs of Moher from the sea.

·         Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain & Portugal – From Lisbon to Bordeaux, this 8-night voyage visits Vigo, Gijón, Bilbao, San Sebastián, and Biarritz, concluding with an overnight stay in Bordeaux.

·         Impressionist France – A 10-night cruise from Bordeaux to London, featuring overnights in Bordeaux, St. Malo, and Paris/Rouen, plus visits to La Rochelle, Belle-Île, and Caen, with excursions to the Normandy D-Day beaches and Bayeux Tapestry.

These routes showcase Star Explorer’s ability to combine cultural depth and coastal intimacy, sailing directly into historic city centers and scenic river ports.

Booking and early offers

Windstar is offering early booking savings through November 15, 2025, plus an additional 5% discount for guests who pay in full at booking (Pay Now, Save More). For full itineraries and pricing, visit Windstar Cruises – Europe Voyages.

Travelers eager to experience Windstar before 2027 can also choose from the line’s 2026 European sailings, now open for booking.

Small ship cruising, big adventures — Windstar’s Star Explorer will chart a new course through the heart of Europe, one intimate port at a time.

Image Credit: © Windstar Cruises