Windstar Cruises is set to transform luxury cruising in Europe with the highly anticipated debut of its new small-ship yacht, Star Explorer, launching December 28, 2026. Designed for sophisticated travelers seeking an intimate, crowd-free journey, the Star Explorer will offer immersive Mediterranean winter itineraries—a rare seasonal alternative in an otherwise summer-dominated region.
The new ship marks Windstar’s fourth consecutive winter season in the Mediterranean and is poised to become a flagship experience for culturally curious travelers. With stops in historic destinations such as Florence, Barcelona, Venice, Nice, and Málaga, Star Explorer aims to offer guests a refined perspective of Europe’s cultural heartland—minus the summer congestion.
Why Winter Cruising in the Mediterranean?
While most cruise lines pull out of the Mediterranean during colder months, Windstar is capitalizing on the untapped magic of European winter travel. From fewer crowds to lower tourism pressure, winter in the Mediterranean offers a serene ambiance, allowing deeper immersion into local traditions and everyday life.
Guests aboard the Star Explorer will enjoy overnight stays in world-class destinations like Florence, Barcelona, and Nice, offering ample time to explore renowned art, architecture, cuisine, and nightlife without time constraints.
- Florence (Livorno): Explore the Uffizi Gallery, Renaissance piazzas, and Tuscany’s rolling countryside.
- Barcelona: Discover Gaudí’s masterpieces, tapas bars, and the enchanting Gothic Quarter at a relaxed pace.
- Nice: Wander cobblestone streets in the French Riviera’s winter sun, visit art museums, and savor local cuisine in quiet bistros.
Cultural Highlights: Carnevale in Venice and Epiphany in Greece
Windstar Cruises is enhancing its winter offering with exclusive seasonal events, including:
- Carnevale in Venice: A breathtaking spectacle of baroque costumes, canal parades, and masquerade balls. Guests will have front-row access to one of the world’s most legendary winter festivals.
- Epiphany Celebrations in Greece: Experience authentic Greek traditions, including the Blessing of the Waters—an Orthodox ritual marking the baptism of Jesus.
These events offer rare opportunities to experience Europe’s living heritage, far removed from the crowds typical of summer festivals.
Boutique Luxury at Sea
The Star Explorer will feature 112 lavish suites, including two Horizon Owner’s Suites with wraparound balconies—perfect for panoramic views of the Mediterranean’s winter landscapes. The yacht’s smaller size allows access to charming ports and ensures a high staff-to-guest ratio, providing highly personalized service.
Onboard highlights include:
- World-class dining
- Spa and wellness treatments
- Cocktail lounges and entertainment
- Cultural enrichment programs
Each detail is designed to offer a yacht-like ambiance, making Star Explorer a floating boutique hotel on the sea.
Early Booking Offers and Exclusive Benefits
Travelers eager to reserve their spot on this limited-capacity vessel can benefit from Windstar’s Early Booking Offer, available until July 31, 2025. The package includes:
- All-inclusive amenities: unlimited Wi-Fi, select wines, beers, and cocktails
- Pre-paid gratuities (value of $1,300+ per stateroom for a 7-day cruise)
- Up to $200 in onboard credit per stateroom
Windstar has also launched a “Pay Now, Save More” promotion, offering 5% additional savings when fares are paid in full at the time of booking—including non-discountable fares.
Star Explorer’s Inaugural Itineraries
Star Explorer’s winter 2026–27 season will feature a curated selection of itineraries combining cultural depth with scenic beauty:
- Southern Spain Winter Escapes (9 nights): Discover Barcelona’s architecture and Málaga’s coastal charm, with optional inland tours to Madrid.
- Europe’s Winter Riviera (7 nights): Highlights include Florence, Genoa, and Nice, capturing the essence of Italy and France in a quieter season.
- Winter Italy & the Dalmatian Coast (8 nights): Explore Venice’s canals, the ruins of Pompeii, and the lights of Dubrovnik, paired with hands-on experiences like pizza-making in Sicily.
- Star Collector Voyages (13+ nights): Combine multiple routes for extended journeys with optional Madrid Cruise Tours, ideal for travelers looking for a deep dive into the Mediterranean’s cultural mosaic.
These expertly crafted voyages aim to blend relaxation, learning, and adventure, setting a new standard for seasonal cruising in Europe.
A New Chapter for Mediterranean Cruising
The debut of Star Explorer comes at a time when demand for immersive, off-season travel is growing. With global travelers increasingly seeking sustainable, crowd-free, and meaningful experiences, Windstar’s approach is aligned with both evolving tourism trends and environmental considerations.
As destinations like Greece, Italy, Spain, and France look to decentralize tourism flows and promote year-round visitation, Windstar Cruises positions itself as a forward-thinking partner in responsible luxury tourism.
Final Thoughts
For seasoned travelers and first-time cruisers alike, the Star Explorer’s inaugural Mediterranean season offers a rare blend of luxury, culture, and authenticity—set against the backdrop of Europe’s most storied cities in their most peaceful season.
Whether it’s watching fireworks in Florence on New Year’s Eve, savoring tapas in a quiet Barcelona alley, or donning a Venetian mask for Carnevale, Windstar’s winter cruises are shaping up to be the ultimate cold-weather escape.
With limited availability and high interest, travelers are encouraged to book early and be part of a new tradition of Mediterranean winter cruising.
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