Windstar’s New All-Suite Yacht, Star Explorer, Docks in Europe for Big Adventures

Cruising gets a fresh, chic twist in 2027 with the arrival of Star Explorer, the second of two brand-new all-suite yachts joining Windstar’s fleet. With just 224 guests on board, this sleek vessel offers an intimate small ship experience with access to Europe’s most beloved—and often hard-to-reach—ports.

Star Explorer is set to sail year-round across Europe, showcasing a fabulous lineup of classic and new cruise itineraries right through to March 2028. Whether it’s circumnavigating Ireland or exploring the Seven Gems of the Baltic, this yacht delivers immersive journeys packed with longer stays and overnight visits that let travellers soak up the atmosphere in the heart of Europe’s captivating cities.

Launching in December 2026, Star Explorer will have a swish christening on May 31, 2027, on London’s River Thames—an elegant welcome perfectly matched to her style. The very next day, she’ll glide under Tower Bridge and embark on a stunning circumnavigation of Ireland, with stops themed around dramatic cliffs, historic castles and cosy pubs.

What Makes Star Explorer Stand Out?
Built to slip into spots where big ships can’t venture, Star Explorer brings guests right into the heart of cities like Rouen, Caen, Bordeaux and even central London. Her itineraries feature overnights and longer harbour stays for more time ashore to explore. Notably, the yacht will make Windstar’s first call to Puerto Banús, the stylish marina gateway to Marbella, Spain. Regulars to the Basque coast will enjoy revisiting gems like San Sebastián and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, rich in culinary delights.

Onboard, guests can relax in one of 112 roomy suites, including a couple of Horizon Owner’s Suites with wraparound balconies perfect for catching sunrises. Many suites feature full verandas or infinity windows, pairing elegance with comfort. Windstar’s signature touches like the Yacht Club Café, the Marina with water sports, friendly crew and a laid-back yet upscale vibe complete the picture.

Top Picks for 2027’s Europe Adventures
The 2027 season offers favourites like Norway’s fjords and the British Isles, alongside new Northern Europe highlights:

• The Seven Gems of the Baltic: An 8-night cruise visiting Denmark, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Sweden, Finland and Estonia, with extended stops in trend-setting Stockholm and medieval Tallinn; a visit to UNESCO-listed Riga’s famous Central Market; and a finale in Copenhagen.
• Circumnavigating Ireland: A 10-night journey with visits to Waterford—the oldest city in Ireland—scenic Cliffs of Moher views, and stops in Cork, Dingle, Galway, Londonderry and Belfast, alongside the pristine Isles of Scilly.
• Northern Spain & Portugal: An 8-night voyage from Lisbon to Bordeaux calling into Vigo, Gijon, Bilbao and San Sebastián, including overnights in the historic French seaside resort of Biarritz and Bordeaux’s city centre.
• Impressionist France: A 10-night trip from Bordeaux to London with extended stays in Bordeaux, St Malo, Paris and Rouen; includes a cruise on the iconic Seine River and access to Normandy’s D-Day beaches.

Book Early for Best Suites and Savings
Booking early means better suite choices and savings, with early bird rates available through November 15, 2025, plus extra discounts when paying in full at booking.

For travellers eager to sample Windstar’s small ship style before 2027, a full season of Europe cruises for 2026 is also open for booking now.

Star Explorer embodies Windstar’s four decades of small ship cruising, blending luxury and genuine connections to extraordinary destinations. From stylish suites to exclusive ports, this yacht promises a fresh way to experience Europe’s cultural and scenic treasures up close.

For bookings and more details, visit Windstar Cruises online or contact a travel advisor.