Small ship cruising with big adventures: Windstar’s new 224-guest yacht debuts with access to Europe’s beloved – and hard-to-reach –ports

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 sleek new ship will sail year-round in Europe. Now open for booking, her first full season of Europe cruises runs through March 2028, featuring an irresistible 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.

Star Explorer launches in December 2026 and will enjoy a stylish welcoming ceremony with a May 31, 2027 christening on London’s River Thames—a scene perfectly matched to her personality: refined, intimate, and full of possibility. The next morning, she’ll pass under Tower Bridge and set sail on a circumnavigation of Ireland filled with 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,” 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.”What Makes Star Explorer Unique 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. She’ll also debut Windstar’s first call to Puerto Banús in Spain, the stylish marina gateway to Marbella, and return to San Sebastián and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, bringing guests closer to the Basque coast’s culinary soul.

On board, Star Explorer offers 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, the signature Marina with watersports activities, the line’s famously friendly crew, and a relaxed, upscale ambiance.

Europe Cruises to Remember – 2027 Highlights

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 – an 8-night itinerary visiting seven countries in one swoop:

Denmark, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Sweden, Finland, and Estonia; spends two nights in the trend-setting city of Stockholm; a night in medieval Tallinn where bustling nightlife meets perfectly preserved history; visits UNESCO-designated Riga’s famous Central

Market; stops by the island of Bornholm– dubbed Denmark in miniature– complete with forests, craggy cliffs, and bleach-blond beaches, and ends in Copenhagen.

• Circumnavigating Ireland – a 10-night journey packed with pub sessions, dramatic cliffs, and warm welcomes; explores 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 gives a striking view of the Cliffs of Mohr from a lesser-seen vantage point; also stops in 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.

• Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain & Portugal – an 8-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 – a 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 cruiseNeed to Know on the iconic Seine River. Normandy D-day beaches and the Bayeux Tapestry are accessible from Caen.

• Early Booking Offer: Save with early booking rates through November 15, 2025, and get an additional 5% off with Pay Now, Save More when paying in full at time of booking.

Offers are combinable and subject to availability.

• For more details or to explore itineraries visit:

o Northern Europe Voyages

o Mediterranean Voyages

• Best Suite Selection: Booking early ensures access to the most desirable suites.

How To Book: To plan a small ship cruise with Windstar book online here, contact a travel advisor, reach out to Windstar Cruises by phone at 866-258-7245, or request a call by a Windstar vacation planner.

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.