Windstar Cruises Launches Star Explorer with Winter Mediterranean Voyages to Barcelona, Florence, Nice & More
[Barcelona, Spain | July 2025] – Windstar Cruises is charting a bold new course in luxury travel with the upcoming debut of its latest vessel, Star Explorer. Beginning December 28, 2026, this boutique, yacht-style cruise ship will sail a collection of immersive winter itineraries through the Mediterranean, offering travelers a rare chance to experience Europe’s most iconic and lesser-known destinations with fewer crowds and milder weather.
Accommodating just 224 guests, Star Explorer is designed for travelers seeking an exclusive and intimate voyage. The vessel is uniquely built to access small ports that are typically off-limits to larger cruise ships, enabling a more authentic and up-close experience across Southern Europe’s rich tapestry of cultures.
Mediterranean Magic, Minus the Crowds
According to Jess Peterson, Director of Destination Experience and Itinerary Planning at Windstar Cruises, Star Explorer represents a new way to experience the Mediterranean: “Winter is when the Mediterranean slows down—and that’s when Windstar steps in. With Star Explorer, we’re offering guests a chance to see these legendary places with fresh eyes and fewer crowds.”
The cruise line’s winter routes will combine world-famous cities with under-the-radar gems. Featured stops include Florence via Livorno, the artistic capital of the Renaissance; Barcelona, known for its Gaudí landmarks and vibrant culture; and Nice, the heart of the French Riviera. Other ports of call such as Genoa, Malaga, and Catania add a layer of discovery, allowing guests to enjoy the quieter side of the Mediterranean.
Inaugural Itineraries
Windstar’s inaugural lineup for Star Explorer includes a mix of 7-, 8-, and 9-night cruises. Highlights include:
- 9-Night Southern Spain Cruise: Launching Star Explorer’s maiden season, this itinerary explores Andalusia’s coastal jewels, with optional inland tours for deeper cultural immersion.
- “Europe’s Winter Riviera” (7 Nights): This route captures the off-season charm of the Mediterranean’s most iconic coastal towns from Spain to France and Italy, offering serene landscapes and relaxed explorations.
- “Winter Italy & the Dalmatian Coast” (8 Nights): A sweeping journey through Venice, Dubrovnik, Zadar, and more—perfect for guests seeking historical depth and natural beauty without the summer crowds.
These thoughtfully designed voyages strike a balance between leisurely sightseeing and cultural exploration, all while offering the luxuries of small-ship cruising.
Early Booking Promotions Add Value
To commemorate the launch of Star Explorer, Windstar Cruises is offering a compelling early booking incentive valid through July 31, 2025. Guests who reserve their sailing in advance will receive a complimentary all-inclusive package valued at over $1,300 per stateroom. The package includes Wi-Fi, select unlimited wine, beer and cocktails, and gratuities.
Additionally, travelers who opt to pay in full at the time of booking will benefit from Windstar’s “Pay Now, Save More” promotion—earning an extra 5% discount off the cruise fare. Guests will also receive up to $200 in onboard credit per stateroom, usable for spa treatments, shore excursions, or premium dining.
Designed for Destination Immersion
Windstar Cruises has built its reputation around access to authentic experiences, and Star Explorer continues this legacy. With overnight stays in key ports such as Livorno, guests will have ample time to immerse themselves in the historic and cultural riches of cities like Florence.
In Barcelona, cruisers can take in vibrant neighborhoods like the Gothic Quarter, explore Antoni Gaudí’s iconic Sagrada Familia, or indulge in local flavors through curated tapas tours. Nice offers a chance to slow down and enjoy the pastel-toned promenades and Provençal markets of the Côte d’Azur without the summertime frenzy.
Smaller ports like Genoa and Catania, meanwhile, promise discovery without distraction—offering hidden palazzos, authentic cuisine, and centuries of maritime heritage.
A Fleet Expansion with Global Reach
Star Explorer is just one half of Windstar’s current expansion plans. Sister ship Star Seeker will launch a year earlier in December 2025. Following a transatlantic crossing from Málaga, Spain, Star Seeker will be christened in Miami before sailing throughout the Caribbean, Alaska, and Japan in 2026. Together, the two ships mark a significant growth milestone for Windstar Cruises, which continues to focus on small-ship journeys that favor cultural immersion over conventional cruising.
This dual-vessel investment underscores Windstar’s mission to offer guests a fresh, up-close approach to global cruising while maintaining the brand’s signature relaxed luxury and personalized service.
A Winter Journey Like No Other
Windstar Cruises’ Star Explorer is poised to redefine the Mediterranean cruise experience for off-season travelers. With its nimble design, immersive itineraries, and early booking perks, the new ship presents a unique invitation to explore Europe’s cultural coastlines during one of its most tranquil and atmospheric seasons.
For discerning travelers who crave crowd-free discovery, Mediterranean warmth, and the charm of yacht-style sailing, Star Explorer is more than a cruise—it’s an intimate passage into the heart of Europe’s timeless allure.
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