Windstar, a cruise line known for its small ships, is expanding its presence and partnerships in several regions, including Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Europe, and the UK. According to Helen Beck, Windstar’s managing director of global commercial, the line has added two new ships to its fleet: Star Seeker and Star Explorer.
Star Seeker was the line’s first new-build ship in almost 40 years, and Star Explorer is a sister ship that is currently being refurbished. Both ships accommodate a maximum of 224 guests and feature five complimentary dining venues, two lounge-bars, a spa, fitness center, pool, and whirlpools.
Refurbishment Program
Windstar’s fleet of eight small ships includes three original Wind Class yachts, which are being extensively redesigned as part of the line’s multi-million-dollar ‘Setting Sails’ initiative. The 312-guest Star Class ships, which were bought from Seabourn, were famously stretched between 2019 and 2022 as part of Windstar’s US$250 million Star Plus refurb program.
The line is also deploying two ships in French Polynesia in 2027, with Air Tahiti Nui launching direct flights from Sydney to Papeete. This will provide an ideal opportunity for Windstar to showcase its ships and operations to more Australian and New Zealand guests.
Next year, Windstar will celebrate its 40th year of sailing in French Polynesia, with a year-round presence in the South Pacific and voyages ranging from seven-day Papeete roundtrips to longer itineraries that take in the Marquesas and Tuamotu Islands, and also sail further afield to Fiji and the Cook Islands.
River-to-Ocean Cruising
Windstar is introducing a new category of cruising in 2027, with river-to-ocean itineraries that allow guests to sail on both oceans and rivers without changing vessels. The line’s small ships can sail through famous canals such as Greece’s Corinth Canal and Germany’s Kiel Canal, and can dock in historic city centers like Venice.
According to Beck, Windstar’s small ships are the bridge between river cruisers and ocean cruisers, offering a unique experience for guests who may have started with river cruises but are looking to try ocean cruising. The line’s top speed is 15 knots, allowing for a more relaxed pace and access to smaller ports and scenic spots.
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Windstar’s destination planning team works hard to find the balance between introducing new itineraries and retaining destinations that guests rate highly. The line calls at 32 ports in Italy, 26 in Spain, and 26 in Greece and the Greek islands, offering different itineraries to mainstream lines.
New complimentary Destination Discovery Events are scheduled for 2027 in Livorno, Dubrovnik, and London, alongside Star Explorer’s inaugural European season. For example, in London, guests will have the Tower of London to themselves for an evening, including a private viewing of the Crown Jewels, as part of a guided tour that Beck says will be a highlight of the season.
The line’s crew-to-guest ratio is 1:1.5, with some crew members having been with Windstar for 30 years. This, combined with the small size of the ships, allows for a more personalized and laid-back onboard experience.
Windstar’s Star Seeker sailed her inaugural Alaska season this year, with bookings already strong for 2027. Feedback from guests has been positive, with one couple commenting that it was their best Alaskan cruise yet, and they intend to be back in 2028, praising Captain Tom for getting the ship close to Dawes Glacier.
The river-to-ocean itineraries include combinations such as the Garonne/Gironde in Bordeaux and the Douro, across France, Spain, and Portugal. A Montreal round-trip takes in the St Lawrence River, and Spain’s Guadalquivir River goes into Seville and then to Iberian and Moroccan destinations.
Small Ship Advantages
Beck emphasizes the importance of ship size, noting that Windstar’s largest ship, Wind Surf, accommodates 342 guests. The two newest ships, Star Seeker and Star Explorer, are even smaller, with a maximum of 224 guests.