Windstar's Star Explorer yacht to sail Europe year-round

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

From Circumnavigating Ireland to discovering the Seven Gems of the Baltic, Star Explorer is all about port-intensive experiences with longer stays and overnight visits.

Star Explorer launches in December 2026 with a May 31, 2027 christening on London’s River Thames .

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,” said Christopher Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises, in a press release. “We specialize in creating itineraries that meld the bucket list with the unknown and unexpected that we know our guests will love.”

Star Explorer was built to navigate where big ships can't—gliding into places like Rouen, Caen, Bordeaux, and even right into central London.

She’ll debut Windstar’s first call to Puerto Banús in Spain, a marina gateway to Marbella, and return to San Sebastián and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, bringing guests closer to the Basque coast.

On board, Star Explorer offers 112 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 favourites like the Yacht Club Café, the Marina with watersports activities, the line’s friendly crew, and a relaxed, upscale ambiance. 

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: Northern Europe Voyages and Mediterranean Voyages.

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