The most valuable Wave Season offer yet, paired with new itineraries, gives travelers even more reason to plan their next getaway now

Smaller ships. Smarter itineraries. Access to ports and waterways that larger vessels can’t reach. That is what sets Windstar Cruises apart. In 2026, the leading small ship cruise line is introducing nearly 30 new voyages while offering a final chance to take advantage of the line’s most valuable Wave Season promotion to date.

Available for bookings made through March 31, 2026, the promotion includes a complimentary all-inclusive upgrade (select unlimited alcohol, Wi-Fi and gratuities), a pre-cruise hotel night with transfer (where available) and up to $1,000 in onboard credit per guest on select voyages sailing through March 31, 2027. Windstar’s “Beyond Inclusive” Wave Season offer unlocks more opportunities to experience sought-after destinations—like Europe in summer—where Windstar’s small yachts invite travelers to explore the coastline and dock close to the action, all while avoiding the inland crowds.

“There are so many incredible moments throughout the year to plan a Windstar voyage — from summer along Europe’s storied coastlines to shoulder-season escapes in the Mediterranean,” says Janet Bava, chief commercial officer at Windstar Cruises. “Our yachts are designed to bring you closer to the places you’re exploring, whether that’s sailing into Venice’s lagoon, dropping anchor off a quiet Greek island, or stepping ashore in a tucked-away harbor. When you pair that kind of access and intimacy with our most compelling Wave Season offer to date, it becomes the perfect time to turn those travel plans into something truly unforgettable.”

What Makes Windstar’s Small Ship Cruises Beyond Ordinary?

With just 148 to 342 guests per yacht, Windstar delivers an intentionally intimate experience. On board, the atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, with attentive service and open bridge access that invites guests behind the scenes. Food is another signature. As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar elevates every voyage with destination-inspired cuisine, complimentary specialty dining, and curated culinary experiences ashore.

What are the New Highlights for Windstar Cruises in 2026?

Windstar’s 2026 lineup spans bucket-list moments and off-the-beaten-path discovery. Here are five of the most anticipated additions to the 2026 lineup.

• Tulip Season in Holland & Belgium (7 nights on Star Pride): Timed to the brief eight-week bloom at Keukenhof Gardens, this spring-only sailing highlights the Netherlands at peak tulip season. The voyage includes an overnight in Antwerp (a port that welcomes just one ship per day), plus time in iconic locations like Amsterdam and Bruges.
• Bella Italia – A Southern Italian Romance (8 nights on Wind Surf) — Designed around southern Italy’s lesser-visited corners, this Rome-to-Venice itinerary explores Calabria and Puglia with calls in ports such as Taranto, Otranto and Vibo Valentia. Highlights include the famed Riace Bronzes, along with the small-ship advantage of docking closer to the heart of each location.
• Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast (8 Nights on Wind Surf) — A greatest-hits sailing from Venice to Rome pairs marquee Italian stops with Adriatic showpieces. Expect a mix of iconic coastlines and storied cities, with time to explore places like Dubrovnik and the Bay of Kotor, plus opportunities to swim, kayak or discover tucked-away coves along the way.
• Far Flung French Polynesia & Marquesas Magic (11 Nights on Star Breeze) — This deep dive into the South Pacific combines the Society Islands with the remote Marquesas. This itinerary reaches dramatic volcanic landscapes and far-flung villages, with standout stops such as Fakarava (a UNESCO biosphere reserve) and an overnight in Bora Bora.
• Spanish Mystery Cruise (8 nights on Star Legend) — This limited-departure sailing is built around surprise and discovery. Ports are announced 36 hours before arrival, heightening anticipation and delivering fresh experiences even for seasoned Windstar guests. The itinerary also includes a surprise Destination Discovery Event designed to immerse travelers in local culture.

Where and When to Make the Most of Windstar’s Wave Season Offer

Certain seasons are simply meant to be experienced from the water. The buzz of summer in Europe unfolds along its coastlines, where islands, seaside villages, and café-lined harbors come alive. On board, the ship’s Marina transforms the stern into a private waterfront playground, where guests can lounge, swim, paddleboard, and kayak in scenic bays. With the surge in European travel in the summer, sailings such as Treasure Troves of Corsica & Sardinia spotlight dramatic limestone cliffs, vineyard-lined hillsides and intimate anchorages, while Italy and the Allure of the Aeolian Islands explores volcanic landscapes and seaside villages best approached by water. September in Italy offers softer light and harvest-season flavors that create a more intimate rhythm along the Mediterranean. In December, French Polynesia invites warm breezes, turquoise lagoons, and days spent swimming straight from the yacht’s Marina.

Looking for a Shorter Escape?

In response to growing demand for shorter vacations across Europe, Windstar has introduced a collection of Quick Getaways with three- to five-night sailings designed for travelers who want meaningful coastal access in just a few days. Ideal as standalone escapes or paired with a land stay, these Quick Getaways offer a flexible way to experience Europe at its peak, with the same intimate scale and elevated onboard experience that defines Windstar’s longer itineraries. Options range from La Dolce Vita in Italy & France (a Rome roundtrip with Riviera flair) and A Taste of Southern France (a Mediterranean escape from Barcelona) to a delicious Northern European adventure in Belgium: A Sweet Getaway.

When to Book for the Best Value?

Windstar’s “Beyond Inclusive” Wave Season promotion is available for bookings made by March 31, 2026, on select voyages sailing through March 31, 2027. The offer gives travelers a limited window to lock in added value and secure preferred stateroom categories on popular itineraries.

Highlights of the offer include:

• Complimentary all-inclusive upgrade (select beverages, Wi-Fi and gratuities)
• A pre-cruise hotel night with transfer to yacht (where available)
• Up to $1,000 onboard credit per guest

Source: BUSINESS WIRE