Cruise Insider has secured exclusive early access to Windstar’s newest all-suite yacht — Star Explorer — setting sail December 28, 2026. Bookings open only through Cruise Insider beginning June 11, 2025.
A First-of-Its-Kind Launch: Europe’s Off-Season, Reimagined in Luxury
While other cruise lines wind down their European sailings in winter, Windstar is boldly doing the opposite — launching its most refined yacht yet into the heart of the Mediterranean’s most serene season. Purpose-built for off-season exploration, Star Explorer delivers immersive itineraries, seasonal cuisine, and a quieter, more elegant side of Europe.
Debuting a Collection of Culturally Rich, Crowd-Free Voyages
The inaugural season — from December 2026 through March 2027 — features a handpicked collection of sailings through Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, and Greece, with carefully timed departures that align with the region’s most festive and atmospheric events.
Inaugural Itinerary Highlights:
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A New Year in Catalonia
9 Nights | Roundtrip Barcelona | Departs Dec 28, 2026
Celebrate the ship’s maiden voyage with Andalusian charm, Catalonian cuisine, and Spanish holiday traditions. -
Winter Escapes Along Spain’s Southern Coast
9 Nights | Jan & Feb 2027 | Roundtrip Barcelona
Enjoy immersive port calls in Cádiz, Málaga, Cartagena and optional inland Madrid extensions. -
The Riviera in Winter’s Light
7 Nights | Jan 15, Feb 7, Mar 4, 2027 | Barcelona to Rome
Discover the Côte d’Azur and Italian coast with overnight stays and exclusive Cruise Tour options. -
Dalmatian Coast & Winter in Venice
8 Nights | Jan–Mar 2027 | Rome to Venice or reverse
Off-season beauty at its finest — from Naples and Catania to Split, Dubrovnik, and a hushed Grand Canal. -
Extended Star Collector Voyages
Combine select sailings into 13+ night back-to-back journeys for a richer, more in-depth European experience.
Explore When Europe Shines Brightest — And Quietest
Cruising in winter offers more than savings and solitude — it brings guests face-to-face with Europe’s cultural heartbeat, far from the crowds.
Many Star Explorer sailings are timed to coincide with:
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Venice Carnevale (late January through February)
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Three Kings Day celebrations in Spain (Jan 6)
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Epiphany in the Greek Isles
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Holiday markets and winter festivals across Barcelona, Nice, and Florence
These are moments traditional cruisers miss — but Cruise Insider guests will have front-row access.
About the Yacht: Star Explorer Redefines Small-Ship Elegance
Windstar’s newest vessel is intimate in scale yet expansive in experience. Built for just 224 guests, Star Explorer boasts:
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112 all-suite accommodations, each with a veranda or infinity window
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Heated outdoor decks and cozy lounges for off-season comfort
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Sophisticated winter-inspired menus in Windstar’s open-seating dining venues
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A relaxed, yacht-like atmosphere with highly personalized service
This is Europe’s hidden season, seen from the quiet luxury of your own suite — without crowds, without compromise.
Cruise Insider Exclusive: Early Access and Premier Perks
Cruise Insider is the first and only agency offering early access to Star Explorer’s inaugural season, with sailings bookable beginning June 11, 2025 — well before Windstar’s public release.
Early Booking Benefits Through Cruise Insider:
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Complimentary All-Inclusive Package
Includes unlimited Wi-Fi, select beer, wine, cocktails, and gratuities -
Up to $300 Onboard Credit per stateroom when booked through Cruise Insider
(Enhanced offer — higher than Windstar’s general promotion) -
5% Additional Savings when the voyage is paid in full at time of booking
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First Choice of Suites and Itineraries before public access
Offers are available for a limited time only and are expected to end July 31, 2025, or sooner as suites sell out.
Why Book With Cruise Insider?
With more than 15 years of experience in luxury cruising — and longstanding relationships with Windstar’s leadership — Cruise Insider is uniquely positioned to offer:
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Exclusive access to new ship deployments ahead of public release
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Expert advisors trained in Windstar’s full portfolio of Cruise Tours and land programs
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Priority suite selection and guidance on extended itineraries or custom combinations
For travelers who want more than just a cruise — who want access, insight, and personalized luxury — Cruise Insider is your behind-the-scenes connection to the best Windstar has to offer.
The Mediterranean, Without the Masses — Only Through Cruise Insider
Availability for Star Explorer is limited, and as news of this launch spreads, demand will rise quickly. Booking now ensures:
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First pick of the most desirable suites
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Access to exclusive pricing and perks
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A chance to sail a brand-new yacht before the rest of the world catches on
📅 Book now starting June 11, 2025
🎁 Early booking perks expire July 31, 2025
Call our experts at 1 (877) 734-6858 or fill out the form below to get updates and early access to Star Explorer!
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