Photo: Rendering of Star Explorer

Windstar Cruises is expanding its small-ship fleet with the launch of Star Explorer, a new 224-passenger, all-suite yacht that will debut in Europe in 2027.

The ship, now open for booking, will sail a full season of European itineraries through March 2028, featuring a mix of classic journeys and new itineraries that focus on smaller ports, longer stays and overnight visits in the heart of Europe.

Officially launching in December 2026, Star Explorer will be christened on May 31, 2027, on London’s River Thames before setting off on a circumnavigation of Ireland.

Built for exploration, Star Explorer will be able to navigate to ports inaccessible to larger ships, including Rouen, Caen, Bordeaux and central London. The yacht will also introduce new destinations for Windstar such as Puerto Banús in Spain, while returning to favourites like San Sebastián and Saint-Jean-de-Luz along the Basque coast.

On board, the ship features 112 suites, including two Horizon Owner’s Suites with wraparound balconies. Many staterooms offer verandas or infinity windows. Guests can enjoy familiar Windstar touches such as the Yacht Club Café, a watersports platform and the line’s signature casual-luxury atmosphere.

Highlights from Star Explorer’s 2027 European season include:

• The ‘Seven Gems of the Baltic’ is an eight-night journey through seven countries – Denmark, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Sweden, Finland and Estonia – with overnight stays in Stockholm and Tallinn, and stops in Riga and Bornholm.
• The 10-night ‘Circumnavigating Ireland’ explores the Isles od Scilly, an archipelago off the coast of Cornwall accessible only by helicopter or ferry. The ship will also moor in Waterford and stop in Killybegs, Cork, Dingle, Galway, Londonderry and Belfast.
• The eight-night ‘Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain & Portugal’ itinerary sails from Lisbon to Bordeaux, featuring Vigo, Bilbao, San Sebastián and an overnight in Biarritz, an historic French seaside resort. The voyage ends with another overnight in Bordeaux’s city centre.
• The 10-night ‘Impressionist France’ voyage sails from Bordeaux to London and includes overnights in Bordeaux, St. Malo and Paris/Rouen. The ship will also visit La Rochelle, Belle-Ile and Caen, France, plus sail on the iconic Seine River.

Travellers can save with early booking rates through Nov. 15, 2025, and receive an additional 5% off with Pay Now, Save More when paying in full at time of booking. Offers are combinable.

For more details, click here.

Source: Travelweek