Windstar Cruises unveils the 2027 European season


Windstar Cruises continues to delight travel enthusiasts with a 2027 European season full of new experiences, designed for those seeking a different way to explore the continent.

With twelve new itineraries, special events, and five yachts sailing across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, the company reaffirms its philosophy: the best stories are found where large ships cannot reach. In 2027, Windstar will deploy five vessels in Europe: four seasonal ships and the new Star Explorer, which will sail year-round. From the elegant, full-sail grandeur of Wind Surf, one of the world’s largest sailing yachts, to the comfortable suites of the Star Class, each ship is designed to immerse guests in an exclusive and intimate atmosphere.

The regions touched will be many: Greece, the Adriatic, Southern Italy, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Norway, and even Iceland—each explored through a slow-travel lens, with extended calls and dockings in the historic hearts of cities.

In the Mediterranean, Windstar doubles down on its commitment to a more authentic way of exploring. Wind Surf will spend the summer among the Greek islands with two beloved itineraries: Off The Beaten Path Greek Islands, which reveals lesser-known ports, and Treasures of the Greek Isles, enriched with evening excursions onshore in magical locations like Santorini and Kusadasi. A highlight is the elegant after-hours dinner in Ephesus, one of Windstar travelers’ most cherished Signature Experiences. Meanwhile, Wind Spirit will be based in Dubrovnik and Venice, where it will have the exceptional privilege of navigating the Giudecca Canal—a rare opportunity reserved for smaller ships—before exploring coastal villages and islands along the Adriatic. Guests can even combine cruises into a single 14-night journey, broadening their perspective on a region steeped in history and culture.

In Southern Italy, Star Legend invites guests to discover gems such as Gallipoli, Taranto, and Reggio Calabria, including a spectacular passage through the Corinth Canal—a moment only compact yachts can offer. Those drawn to northern landscapes will find their ideal companion in Star Pride, whose routes between Amsterdam, London, the Baltic capitals, and Norwegian fjords provide a perfect blend of culture and nature. Among the season’s highlights is the circumnavigation of Iceland, offering an unparalleled perspective on geysers, volcanoes, and cliffs. The new Star Explorer, meanwhile, will be the tireless nomad of 2027, sailing nonstop across the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Northern Europe, alternating between major capitals and small, undiscovered ports.

Windstar’s 2027 season goes beyond new itineraries, offering three truly unique experiences designed for travelers who want their journey to be an event in itself. One of the most anticipated is the Monaco Grand Prix cruise, an exclusive opportunity that includes official tickets to witness the world’s most glamorous race up close, immersed in the magic of the Riviera. Equally captivating is the voyage centered on the total solar eclipse of 2027. Departing from and returning to Athens, the ship will position itself near Malta at the exact moment of the astronomical event on August 2, offering guests an unforgettable cosmic spectacle.

For those drawn to mystery and surprise, Windstar introduces a new edition of its Mystery Cruise in Northern Europe: an adventure revealed step by step, with each port announced only 36 hours before arrival. Set during the peak of tulip season, the northern landscapes are awash with color, making each stop even more enchanting. For travelers seeking a shorter yet immersive experience, the ever-popular Quick Getaways return, lasting four to five days in the Mediterranean or three to five days in Northern Europe—perfect for combining with a land stay or creating a longer journey with consecutive back-to-back cruises.

From the lesser-known Adriatic to Sicily and France, from fjords to maritime capitals, the 2027 program broadens the range of possible experiences while maintaining the intimacy and attention to detail that define Windstar. A selection designed for travelers who want more than a standard cruise, favoring a human pace, close to people and places.

Windstar Cruises delivers a European season promising authentic emotions, privileged access, and a style of travel that blends comfort with mindful exploration. Whether experiencing the adrenaline of the Grand Prix, witnessing a solar eclipse at sea, or discovering an unknown island by diving straight from the ship’s stern platform, every itinerary offers something truly unique.

Don’t miss news, updates, and reviews from Windstar Cruises on Cruising Journal, complete with photos, videos, and special cruise offers.

Angela Messineo

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