Windstar Cruises, a Miami-based company, has officially announced the launch of its newest yacht i.e. Star Explorer.
According to certain reports, the stated yacht will jump into action on December 28, 2026, bringing to the fore a 224-guest vessel. More on that would reveal how the guests, who get on Windstar’s latest brainchild, can come expecting an assortment of more immersive cultural experiences, off-season perks, and hidden harbors waiting to be discovered without the summer crowds.
Markedly enough, the same guests can also access an early booking offer, available through July 31, 2025. You see, travellers who book now will receive a complimentary All-Inclusive package, made up with Wi-Fi, unlimited select wine, beer and cocktails, and gratuities, translating to a value of more than $1,300 per stateroom on a 7-day cruise. On top of that, they can further enjoy up to $200 in onboard credit per stateroom, redeemable for curated shore excursions, rejuvenating treatments at World Spa by Windstar, and other onboard amenities.
In case that wasn’t enough, guests can also access the Pay Now, Save More promotion. Hence, those who pay in full at the time of booking will receive a bonus 5% discount on cruise fare (including non-discountable fares).
All in all, guests onboard the new Star Explorer yacht will get to enjoy overnight stays in Florence (Livorno), Barcelona, and Nice, along with lesser-traveled ports like Genoa, Catania, and Malaga. As for the seasonal highlights, they are going to include Carnevale in Venice, Epiphany in Greece, and cozy winter markets lit by Mediterranean sunshine.
“Winter is when the Mediterranean slows down — and that’s when Windstar steps in,” said Jess Peterson, director of destination experience & itinerary planning at Windstar Cruises. “With Star Explorer, we’re offering guests a chance to see these legendary places with fresh eyes and fewer crowds, all in the comfort of our newest yacht.”
Taking a deeper view of the yacht’s itinerary on its very first trip, it will allow guests to enjoy Gaudí’s whimsical architecture in Barcelona, as well as brush up on their paella skills from a cozy home kitchen in sun-drenched Málaga.
Further enabling you to see across the sea to North Africa from the historic rock of Gibraltar, this part of the voyage comes bearing an option to extend the experience inland with the Madrid & Southern Spain Cruise Tour.
Next up, guests can enjoy Riviera’s off-season charm with overnight stays in Florence (Livorno) and Barcelona. This they can do while simultaneously enjoying unobstructed views of Renaissance masterpieces in Tuscany, discovering Genoa’s golden-age grandeur, and sipping sangria in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.
Building upon that would be e chance for guests to experience Michelangelo’s frescoes, Venice’s serene canals, and the ancient ruins of Pompeii, only without having to struggle through throngs of people. All in all, this particular leg will combine history, hospitality, and holiday magic.
In case that wasn’t enough, you can also package multiple voyages into one seamless adventure. The idea here is to let guests spend more time in more places with fewer repeated ports and rare perks like free daily laundry.
Among other things, we ought to mention that Star Explorer will offer, at launch, 112 spacious suites, including two Horizon Owner’s Suites with expansive wraparound balconies ideal for catching winter sunrises. Guests can also come expecting to enjoy Windstar favorites like the Yacht Club Café, the signature Marina deck, and the line’s famously friendly crew delivering personalized service.
