Windstar Cruises is broadening its appeal with new ships, shorter sailings and destination-focused experiences aimed at introducing more travellers to small-ship cruising. 

That was a key message from Windstar executives during a media briefing yesterday, Oct. 8. President Christopher Prelog, Chief Commercial Officer Janet Bava and Chief Operating Officer Stijn Creupelandt outlined the company’s evolving product strategy, from new ships and shorter sailings to river-ocean itineraries, destination experiences and expanded opportunities in French Polynesia.

The common thread? Windstar says it is expanding its options while staying firmly in the small-ship category, with ships ranging from about 150 to 350 guests.

Convincing Non-Cruisers

One of the biggest selling opportunities highlighted during the presentation is Windstar’s growing appeal to travellers who might not otherwise consider cruising.

The line is introducing more short cruises alongside its traditional seven-night-plus itineraries and longer Star Collector journeys. The shorter sailings are designed as an easy way for clients to “get a taste” of Windstar, particularly when paired with a land vacation.

Executives suggested advisors position them as a three- or four-night add-on to a European trip, for example, giving clients a chance to experience Windstar without committing to a full week.

The line is also targeting river cruisers with its river-ocean concept, taking advantage of its small ships’ ability to sail into waterways and dock close to city centres. Itineraries can include the Thames, Rhône, Bordeaux and Seville, with the ships offering the combination of river-style access and ocean cruising.

For advisors with river-cruise clients looking for something different, Windstar sees this as a natural crossover opportunity. Executives noted that river cruisers already value smaller ships, close-to-city-centre access and destination immersion – all areas where Windstar can offer a different take on the experience.

Star Seeker And Star Explorer

Windstar’s newer Star Class ships are central to its efforts to attract new-to-brand travellers, particularly those who enjoy river cruising but have not yet considered a small-ship ocean voyage.

Star Seeker, which entered service in 2026, has exceeded targets and become one of the fleet’s highest-rated ships, according to the briefing. Executives also highlighted operational improvements introduced aboard the ship, including tablet technology that sends restaurant orders directly to the galley, reducing the need for staff to travel back and forth between decks. The technology is expected to roll out across the fleet, with Star Explorer also set to feature it.

Launching Dec. 28, 2026, Star Explorer carries 224 guests in 112 suites and will spend its inaugural winter and spring season in the Mediterranean rather than repositioning to the Caribbean.

Its nine-night inaugural ‘Southern Spain Winter Escapes’ itinerary is roundtrip from Barcelona, while the broader program includes overnights in Florence (Livorno), Barcelona and Nice, as well as access to seasonal events such as Carnevale in Venice.

The ships’ small size also allows them to navigate rivers and reach city centres, including sailing along the Thames beneath London’s Tower Bridge – an experience executives described as a compelling way to introduce river cruisers to ocean travel.

Wind Star In Tahiti

Windstar is also doubling down on French Polynesia in 2027, with Wind Star returning to the region alongside Star Breeze.

The 148-guest Wind Star, which has completed both phases of a major refurbishment, will focus on the seven-day Dreams of Tahiti itinerary through the Society Islands, including Bora Bora and Moorea. Star Breeze, at 312 guests and all-suite, offers longer voyages and access to different island groups.

The expanded program also reaches beyond the Society Islands to the Tuamotus and Marquesas, with select voyages extending into the wider South Pacific.

Advisors can also sell Air Tahiti Nui packages combining flights from Los Angeles, hotel transfers, overwater bungalows and post-cruise stays at The Brando, with the packages commissionable.

The newly refurbished Wind Star features a new pool, Jacuzzi and extended bar, fully redecorated dining venues, a refreshed World Spa, gym and Yacht Club lounge, expanded reception, remodelled staterooms plus a redesigned Owner’s Suite, as well as Starlink and larger on-demand TVs.

More Ways To Sell

Windstar is expanding its destination-led programming as well.

Its Destination Discovery Events will go fleetwide in 2027, with four new complimentary private events in Livorno (Italy), Tomonoura (Japan), London and Dubrovnik. The events are shared with fewer than 350 guests and are designed to provide a more intimate connection to the destination.

Food is another selling point, with five James Beard Foundation sailings planned for 2027. The destination-focused culinary sailings pair James Beard chefs with the regions they are visiting, with some incorporating vineyards and wine experiences.

Importantly for advisors, group space is available on the 2027 James Beard sailings, opening another opportunity to sell the product to culinary and wine-focused groups.

Windstar says its decade-long James Beard partnership has also resulted in more than 80 destination-inspired recipes and dishes being incorporated into its menus.

Wind Surf is also entering the spotlight following a major refresh, with the first phase already complete and the second phase adding refreshed staterooms and suites, new Basil + Bamboo dining, a redesigned fitness centre, Motion Studio and dry sauna. The 346-guest sailing yacht will spend winter 2026-27 in the Caribbean before heading to Europe, including a Total Solar Eclipse voyage departing Athens July 27, 2027.

For more information, go to windstarcruises.com.

Source: Travelweek