Windstar Cruises is charting new territory in 2027 with the debut of Star Explorer, the second of two new all-suite yachts being added to the fleet. Hosting just 224 guests, this new ship will sail year-round in Europe. Now open for booking, Star Explorer’s first full season of Europe cruises runs through March 2028, featuring a lineup of classic journeys and new itineraries. From “Circumnavigating Ireland” to discovering the “Seven Gems of the Baltic,” Star Explorer is all about immersive, port-intensive experiences with longer stays and overnight visits in the heart of Europe’s most captivating cities.
Launching in December 2026, Star Explorer will be christened on London’s Thames River on May 31, 2027. The next morning, the ship will pass under Tower Bridge and set sail on a circumnavigation of Ireland, offering an itinerary featuring cliffs, castles and pubs.
“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,” said 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.”
Star Explorer was built to navigate where big ships can’t—gliding into places like Rouen, Caen, Bordeaux, and even right into central London. Itineraries include overnights and longer stays in port for more exploration time ashore. The ship will also debut Windstar’s first call to Puerto Banús in Spain, the marina gateway to Marbella, and return to San Sebastián and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, bringing guests closer to the Basque coast’s culinary soul.
Star Explorer features 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 and the signature Marina with water sports activities.
Highlights of 2027 Europe season
In addition to longtime favorites like Norway’s fjords, the Baltics, and the British Isles, Star Explorer’s 2027 season features the return of fan-favorites in Northern Europe:
- “Seven Gems of the Baltic” – This eight-night itinerary visits seven countries in one swoop: Denmark, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Sweden, Finland and Estonia. Guests will spend two nights in Stockholm, and a night in medieval Tallinn. They will also visit UNESCO-designated Riga’s Central Market and enjoy stops by the island of Bornholm—dubbed Denmark in miniature—complete with forests, craggy cliffs and bleach-blond beaches. The itinerary ends in Copenhagen.
- “Circumnavigating Ireland” – This 10-night journey, packed with pub sessions and dramatic cliffs, explores the Isles of Scilly—an 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 gives a striking view of the Cliffs of Moher from a lesser-seen vantage point. Ports of call include Cork, Dingle, Galway, Londonderry and Belfast.
A collection of France & Northern Spain voyages take 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. Highlights include:
- “Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain & Portugal” – This 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” – This 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 Seine River. Normandy D-day beaches and the Bayeux Tapestry are accessible from Caen.
Save with early booking rates through November 15, 2025, and get an additional 5 percent off with “Pay Now, Save More” when paying in full at time of booking. Offers are combinable and subject to availability.
For those who don’t want to wait until 2027, Windstar also offers a full season of European voyages in 2026 that are available to book now.
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