Star Explorer, Windstar
Cruises’ second yacht offering immersive, small-ship adventures to
hard-to-reach ports is set to debut in December 2026.
The 224-guest all-suite yacht with 112 spacious suites is
scheduled for christening on May 31, 2027 on London’s River Thames, and will
sail Europe year-round with a mix of classic and new itineraries.
“Windstar has a long history of exploring in the Mediterranean
and Europe, and the small size of this ship opens even more interesting
places– including rivers,” says Christopher Prelog, president of Windstar
Cruises. “We specialize in creating itineraries that meld the bucket list with
the unknown and unexpected that we know our guests will love.”
2027 itinerary highlights include:
- Longtime favorites like Norway’s fjords,
the Baltics, and the British Isles.
- Seven Gems of the Baltic – an 8-night
itinerary visiting Denmark, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Sweden, Finland, and
Estonia with two nights in the trend-setting city of Stockholm, a night in
medieval Tallin, UNESCO-designated Riga’s famous Central Market, the island of
Bornholm– dubbed Denmark in miniature– complete with forests, craggy cliffs,
and bleach-blond beaches before ending in Copenhagen.
- Circumnavigating Ireland – a 10-night
journey with pub sessions, dramatic cliffs, and warm welcomes, exploring the
Isles of Scilly, a pristine archipelago off the coast of Cornwall accessible
only by helicopter or ferry, moors in Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city from the
Viking Triangle, stops in Killybegs, known for its rich tapestries &
carpets and a striking view of the Cliffs of Mohr from a lesser-seen vantage
point, followed by stops in Cork, Dingle, Galway, Londonderry and Belfast.
- A collection of France & Northern Spain voyages takes full advantage of Star Explorer's small size and maneuverability.
Cruises start or end in Bordeaux, Rouen, and London - all river ports with
central docking locations. Ports of call include small-ships exclusives like
Caen and San Sebastián with access via locks or narrow and scenic harbor
entrances.
- Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain &
Portugal – an 8-night voyage from Lisbon to Bordeaux, visits to Vigo,
Gijon, Bilbao and San Sebastian, Spain, an overnight in Biarritz, a historic
French seaside resort, ending with an overnight in Bordeaux. 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 with overnight stays in Bordeaux,
St. Malo and Paris/Rouen. The yacht 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.
Voyages are available for reservations with an early booking
rate through November 15, 2025, and an additional five percent off with a pay in
full option.
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