Published on
October 27, 2025
Windstar Cruises will launch Star Explorer from London in 2027 offering luxury small ship voyages to Ireland France Spain Portugal Denmark and Baltic ports with immersive cultural access.
A new legacy in luxury exploration is ready to set sail as Windstar Cruises prepares to introduce Star Explorer, its most anticipated yacht-inspired cruise ship, in December 2026. Designed for travelers who value authenticity over crowds, Star Explorer will be officially christened during a refined ceremony on London’s River Thames on May 31, 2027. The next morning, she will glide gracefully under Tower Bridge, marking the ceremonial start of her maiden season. Her inaugural journey will trace a full circumnavigation of Ireland, a poetic tribute to Windstar Cruises’ philosophy of slow travel, cultural immersion, and unexpected discovery.
Small Ship Freedom – Big World Discovery
Star Explorer represents a proud evolution for Windstar Cruises, a brand celebrated for delivering intimate voyages with no more than 350 guests. The ship is engineered to reach destinations that are impossible for large vessels, unlocking rare maritime routes and rivers across Europe.
Thanks to her sleek hull and agile size, Star Explorer will carry guests to small yet remarkable ports including:
- Rouen and Caen in Normandy, with direct access to medieval quarters
- Bordeaux via the Garonne River, docking near wine-country boulevards
- London city center, a rare cruising achievement via the River Thames
- Puerto Banús, Spain, Windstar Cruises’ exclusive debut in a luxury marina near Marbella
- San Sebastián and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, jewels of the Basque coast
Windstar Cruises continues to bridge the gap between ocean cruising and yacht-style exploration. With overnight stays and extended port times, guests will have true cultural freedom—time to dine at Michelin-starred bistros, stroll quiet old towns at dusk, and enjoy waterfront music under the stars.
Refined Onboard Elegance, Crafted for Comfort
Star Explorer embraces Windstar Cruises’ signature “casual luxury” ambience—no crowds, no formality, only comfort and style:
- 112 spacious oceanview suites, many with private verandas
- Two Horizon Owner’s Suites with 180° wraparound balconies
- Infinity-style panoramic windows in select staterooms
- Elegant lounges and promenades designed for open-sea viewing
- Yacht Club Café with artisanal beverages and light dining
- Signature Watersports Marina Platform offering snorkeling, kayaking, and ocean swimming directly from the ship
- Thoughtful public spaces that create a warm, social atmosphere without sacrificing privacy
Hospitality aboard Star Explorer is anchored by Windstar Cruises’ award-winning crew, renowned worldwide for personalized attention and genuine service.
Signature Itineraries Across Europe in 2027
Windstar Cruises has curated a bold collection of European voyages for Star Explorer—mixing legendary cultural capitals with hidden harbors far from mass tourism.
Seven Gems of the Baltic – 8 Nights
A cultural sprint through seven countries in one journey:
- Denmark
- Poland
- Lithuania
- Latvia
- Sweden
- Finland
- Estonia
Highlights:
- Two overnights in Stockholm, Scandinavia’s cultural heart
- Evening in Tallinn, where medieval stone meets creative nightlife
- Visit to Riga Central Market, a UNESCO cultural site
- Call to Bornholm, Denmark’s secret island paradise
- Grand finale in Copenhagen
Circumnavigating Ireland – 10 Nights
Rugged coastline meets Celtic charm:
- Isles of Scilly – remote English archipelago
- Waterford – Ireland’s oldest Viking city
- Killybegs – famed for tapestry craftsmanship
- Scenic sail-by of the Cliffs of Moher
- Coastal ports including Cork, Galway, Richmond, Belfast
This itinerary captures the soul of Ireland: warm pub music, castle ruins, hidden coves, and windswept cliffs under endless skies.
France and Northern Spain Collection
These itineraries highlight Windstar Cruises’ river access advantage:
- Central docking in Bordeaux, Rouen and London
- Small-ship exclusives: Caen, La Rochelle, San Sebastián, Saint-Jean-de-Luz
- Scenic cruises through river valleys and narrow harbors
Connoisseur Delight – Northern Spain & Portugal – 8 Nights
An indulgent gastronomic route:
- Lisbon departure
- Vigo, Gijon, Bilbao, San Sebastián
- Overnight stay in Biarritz
- Bordeaux finale with riverside dining
- Highlights include Basque seafood, Rioja wine, cider traditions and regional tapas trails
Impressionist France – 10 Nights
River romance meets coastal charm:
- Bordeaux to London
- Overnights in Bordeaux, Saint-Malo and Rouen
- Seine River cruising to Paris region
- Visits to Normandy D-Day beaches and Bayeux Tapestry
- French ports including La Rochelle, Belle-Île and Caen
Travel Planning with Windstar CruisesEarly Booking Savings
Travelers who book by November 15, 2025 can enjoy:
- Early booking rates
- Additional 5% off with Pay Now, Save More
- Combinable offers, subject to availability
Best Suite Selection
Booking early ensures access to Owner’s Suites, balcony suites and preferred midship locations.
Travelers can explore itineraries through Windstar Cruises’ Northern Europe and Mediterranean collections, featuring cultural extensions and pre- and post-cruise land journeys.
