Windstar to Launch Star Explorer With New River-and-Ocean Voyages
This 224-passenger yacht is capable of sailing both European rivers and open ocean.
Star Explorer Genoa. Photo: Courtesy of Star Explorer
Windstar Cruises will debut Star Explorer in December 2026, adding a 224-passenger yacht capable of sailing both European rivers and open ocean.
The all-suite vessel will begin its first full season in the Mediterranean from January through April 2027 before launching Windstar’s new RiverOcean Voyages later in the year. The program will combine river and ocean cruising on a single itinerary, allowing guests to visit inland destinations before continuing along the European coast without changing ships.
As an example, itineraries will pair Bordeaux’s wine country with ports in Spain and Portugal, while another will sail the Guadalquivir River into Seville before crossing to Morocco. But before the river program begins, Star Explorer will spend the winter in the Mediterranean as part of Windstar’s Local Season program, which focuses on European sailings outside the peak summer travel period.
Among the first itineraries is an eight-night Carnival of Venice: Winter Italy and the Dalmatian Coast sailing, which includes an overnight stay in Venice during the Carnival. Meanwhile, a 24-night Star Collector: Winter Mediterranean Adventure itinerary will visit destinations including Málaga and Cartagena, Spain; Nice, France; Genoa and Naples, Italy; and Dubrovnik, Croatia.
The RiverOcean program will include a 10-night Impressionist France itinerary from Bordeaux to London, combining the Garonne and Gironde rivers with the Seine and Thames. The sailing will include overnights in Bordeaux, St. Malo and Rouen, along with access to Normandy’s D-Day beaches.
The eight-night Moroccan Markets & Iberian Icons itinerary will sail into central Seville on the Guadalquivir before crossing to Morocco, while a 10-night Ireland Circumnavigation will include a call at Cork City Quay on the River Lee.
Star Explorer will accommodate 224 guests in 112 suites and is based on the design of sister ship Star Seeker, which entered service in December 2025.
Onboard amenities will include five complimentary dining venues, a full-service World Spa, an aft marina platform with watersports equipment, and Windstar’s Open Bridge, which allows guests to visit the bridge and interact with the captain and crew.
