Windstar Star Explorer: New River-to-Ocean Cruises for 2027
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Windstar Cruises is introducing a new concept with its Star Explorer, a small ship perfectly designed for river-to-ocean cruising. It offers a way to continue that same style of slow, immersive travel, just on a broader scale.
It’s another way to experience river cruising, especially for those who have already spent time along Europe’s well-known rivers and waterways. The smaller ships and slower pace are part of the appeal, but there comes a point, after several Rhine, Danube and Douro cruises, when familiar routes start to feel, well, familiar.
With Star Explorer, Windstar extends that experience beyond the rivers. The ship can move from inland waterways to coastal routes in one continuous journey, opening up destinations that are not always part of a traditional itinerary.
A New River-to-Ocean Cruise Concept from Windstar
Windstar is blending river and ocean cruising into one continuous experience. Instead of choosing between the two, travelers can now enjoy both in a single itinerary without changing ships.
At the center of this idea is Star Explorer, Windstar’s newest all-suite yacht, scheduled to debut in December 2026. Designed for just 224 guests, the yacht can navigate smaller waterways while still handling open ocean passages.
That flexibility allows guests to sail directly into city centers by river, then continue on to coastal regions, islands, and smaller ports that larger ships often miss. It is a quieter, more connected way to travel, and one that avoids some of the more crowded destinations.
Janet Bava, Chief Commercial Officer at Windstar Cruises, explains that this approach is designed for experienced travelers who are ready to move beyond the classic river routes while keeping the same sense of connection to place.
Where Will Star Explorer Sail in 2027?
The first collection of voyages shows how this concept works in practice, combining inland waterways with coastal exploration across Europe and beyond.
2027 Star Explorer Itineraries at a Glance
Impressionist France (10 nights)
Sailing from Bordeaux to London (HMS Belfast), this itinerary links the Seine and Thames rivers. Overnight stays in Bordeaux, St. Malo and Paris or Rouen allow time to explore at a slower pace. Guests can also visit the historic D-Day beaches along the Normandy coast.
Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain and Portugal (8 nights)
This voyage connects Bordeaux’s Garonne and Gironde rivers with Spain’s northern coastline and Portugal’s Douro region. It is especially appealing for travelers interested in wine, regional cuisine, and smaller coastal towns.
Moroccan Markets and Iberian Icons (8 nights)
Guests sail into Seville via the Guadalquivir River before continuing to ports in Spain and Morocco. The mix of cultures, architecture, and markets offers a deeper look at the region.
Ireland Circumnavigation (10 nights)
Beginning with a call at Cork City Quay on the River Lee, this journey continues around Ireland’s rugged coastline. Expect dramatic cliffs, castles, and ports that are less visited by larger ships.
More Windstar Cruises for River-to-Ocean Cruises
Beyond Star Explorer, Windstar offers several itineraries that combine river access with coastal sailing, giving travelers more ways to explore.
French Feast: Normandy, Brittany and Aquitaine (7 nights) aboard Star Legend blends Bordeaux with Rouen and Paris, along with nearby coastal regions.
British Isles Medley (10 nights) aboard Star Legend sails from Paris or Rouen to Leith, including smaller ports such as Swansea and Fort William.
Tulip Season in Holland and Belgium (7 nights) aboard Star Pride focuses on canal-lined cities, with an overnight stay in Antwerp.
Shorter options include quick getaways from London to St. Malo or Belgium, both designed as easy extensions to longer European travel.
Beyond Europe
Windstar also reaches beyond Europe. A 14-night Quebec and Newfoundland Adventure follows the St. Lawrence River into Canada’s eastern coastline. In Southeast Asia, Ancient Wonders of Vietnam and Angkor Wat combines river cruising with coastal sailing and inland cultural highlights.
Why This New Cruise Style Matters
For travelers who enjoy river cruising, this new approach feels familiar while offering more range. The smaller ships, slower pace, and focus on destination remain the same, but the experience expands beyond inland waterways.
By moving easily between rivers and open sea, these itineraries reach places that would otherwise require multiple trips or a change of ships. It is a simple idea, but one that opens up a broader way to explore.
Windstar’s Star Explorer is designed for travelers who are not finished with slow travel, just ready to see where it can go next.
