Windstar launches river-to-ocean cruise concept

Windstar Cruises is introducing what it calls a new river-to-ocean cruising category, aimed at helping travel advisors grow their river cruise business and keep repeat clients engaged.

The idea is to connect river and ocean experiences in one trip, giving advisors another option for clients who have already sailed major waterways such as the Rhine, Danube, Douro and Mekong. 

Windstar said the concept could also create opportunities for group bookings and specialty travel, including wine-focused sailings.

At the centre of the push is Star Explorer, Windstar’s new all-suite yacht, which is set to launch in December 2026. 

The 224-guest ship is being positioned as a vessel that can navigate waterways too small for larger ocean ships while also reaching coastal destinations that traditional river vessels can’t access.

“River cruisers are among the most loyal and engaged travelers, but many have already explored the world’s most iconic waterways,” says Janet Bava, chief commercial officer at Windstar Cruises. 

“With Windstar, advisors now have a seamless way to retain those clients by offering something new: yachts that move from rivers to the open sea, unlocking destinations that traditional river ships and large ocean vessels simply can’t reach. It’s a natural next step for clients and a growth opportunity for advisors.”

Windstar said its flexible group program is part of the pitch for advisors. 

Group sailings can be created with as few as 10 guests, with benefits including complimentary staterooms, shipboard credit and added commission opportunities. 

Under its Star Advantage Groups program, advisors can also access a 1:7 tour conductor credit, bonus commission and onboard amenities.

The line is also pointing to wine-focused travel as another selling opportunity, particularly on itineraries in Bordeaux, Portugal and other culinary destinations. 

Windstar said advisors can book existing culinary sailings or create customized group departures for wine-focused clients. 

Group rates vary by sailing, with savings typically ranging from 5 per cent to 10 per cent depending on availability.

For 2027, Star Explorer itineraries include Impressionist France, a 10-night sailing from Bordeaux to London/HMS Belfast, Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain & Portugal, an eight-night voyage linking France, Spain and Portugal, Moroccan Markets & Iberian Icons, an eight-night itinerary that includes Seville via the Guadalquivir, and Ireland Circumnavigation, a 10-night sailing that calls at Cork City Quay on the River Lee.

Windstar is also highlighting other itineraries it says will appeal to river cruise clients, including French Feast: Normandy, Brittany & Aquitaine on Star Legend, British Isles Medley on Star Legend, Tulip Season in Holland & Belgium and two shorter “Quick Getaways” on Star Pride, Quebec and Newfoundland Adventure on Star Pride, and Ancient Wonders of Vietnam & Angkor Wat on Star Seeker.

The river-to-ocean concept is designed to give advisors a way to build on the familiarity of river cruising while moving clients into new destinations and higher-value bookings.

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