• Windstar Cruises is launching the all-suite yacht Star Explorer in 2027, which will accommodate 224 guests.
• The ship will operate year-round in Europe starting December 2026 and be christened on the River Thames in London in May 2027.
• Its small size allows it to access unique, smaller ports like Rouen, Caen, and central London for a more intimate travel experience.
• Featured itineraries include “Seven Gems of the Baltic,” “Circumnavigating Ireland,” and “Impressionist France” voyages.

Windstar Cruises is poised to enhance its European luxury offerings with the introduction of the new all-suite yacht, the Star Explorer, set to debut in 2027. This expansion reinforces the cruise line’s reputation for intimate, small-ship voyages. The Star Explorer will accommodate 224 guests across 112 spacious suites, including two Horizon Owner’s Suites with wraparound balconies, offering an exclusive way to explore the continent.

The yacht will begin year-round operation in Europe starting in December 2026. Its maiden season will be inaugurated with a christening ceremony on May 31, 2027, on the River Thames in London. Following the christening, the ship will embark on its inaugural voyage, a circumnavigation of Ireland.

A key advantage of the Star Explorer is its small size, which allows it to access smaller, less-visited destinations and inland waterways that are inaccessible to larger vessels. This flexibility enables the ship to dock directly in central locations such as London, Rouen, and Bordeaux, providing guests with a more immersive cultural experience away from crowded major ports. Itineraries will feature longer stays and overnight visits, with new stops planned for Puerto Banús and San Sebastián. Standout voyages include the “Seven Gems of the Baltic,” “Circumnavigating Ireland,” and an “Impressionist France” journey. The vessel will feature luxurious amenities, including the Yacht Club Café and a watersports marina.