Windstar Cruises is introducing Star Explorer in 2027, the second of two new all-suite yachts joining its fleet. This vessel accommodates 224 guests and will operate year-round in Europe. The ship’s inaugural full season runs through March 2028, featuring a mix of established routes and new itineraries with extended port stays and overnight visits in key European cities. Star Explorer’s December 2026 launch will be followed by a christening on May 31, 2027, on London’s River Thames. The following day, the ship will begin a circumnavigation of Ireland, highlighting coastal cliffs, historic castles and local 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, in a press statement. “We specialize in creating itineraries that meld the bucket list with the unknown and unexpected that we know our guests will love.”
Windstar: Exploring New Destinations
Designed for access to smaller, less accessible ports, Star Explorer will visit destinations such as Rouen, Caen, Bordeaux and central London. The itineraries include Windstar’s first call at Puerto Banus, Spain, a gateway to Marbella, and a revisit to San Sebastian and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, providing proximity to the Basque coast’s culinary offerings. Onboard, the yacht features 112 suites, including two Horizon Owner’s Suites with wraparound balconies, alongside suites with verandas or infinity windows. Amenities include the Yacht Club Cafe, the Marina for watersports and a crew known for attentive service.
The 2027 Europe season highlights include Northern Europe itineraries such as the Seven Gems of the Baltic, an 8-night itinerary covering Denmark, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Sweden, Finland and Estonia, with extended stays in Stockholm and Tallinn. The 10-night Circumnavigating Ireland voyage visits the Isles of Scilly, Waterford, Killybegs, Cork, Dingle, Galway, Londonderry and Belfast, offering unique views of the Cliffs of Mohr.
French and Northern Spanish cruises take advantage of the yacht’s size, docking centrally in Bordeaux, Rouen and London. The Connoisseur’s Delight itinerary spans Lisbon to Bordeaux in eight nights, featuring stops in Vigo, Gijon, Bilbao, San Sebastian and overnight stays in Biarritz and Bordeaux. The Impressionist France cruise lasts 10 nights from Bordeaux to London, including overnight stays in Bordeaux, St. Malo, and Paris/Rouen, with visits to La Rochelle, Belle-Ile, Caen and a Seine River cruise. Normandy D-Day beaches and the Bayeux Tapestry are accessible from Caen.
Early booking offers provide discounts through Nov. 15, 2025, with an additional 5 percent off for full payment at the time of booking. Booking early secures preferred suite selections.
For more information, visit windstarcruises.com.
