Windstar Cruises is introducing a new type of journey that connects river and ocean cruising in a single seamless itinerary, allowing travellers to sail from inland waterways to coastal destinations without changing ships.
The concept will be led by the launch of the 224-guest all-suite yacht Star Explorer, scheduled to enter service in December 2026.
The new approach targets experienced river cruise passengers who have already explored Europe’s major waterways and are looking for broader, less crowded destinations. By combining rivers, coastlines and smaller ports in one voyage, Windstar aims to expand access to places that are typically unreachable for larger ocean ships or traditional river vessels.
Purpose-built for this hybrid style of travel, Star Explorer can navigate narrow waterways while also operating in open seas. This flexibility allows itineraries to move directly from city centres along rivers to coastal regions, islands and more remote ports, creating a continuous travel experience without logistical interruptions.
“Seasoned river cruisers have fallen in love with a way of traveling that’s intimate and deeply connected to place. But many have already sailed all the iconic rivers and are ready for the next frontier,” said Janet Bava, Chief Commercial Officer.
“We’re introducing a new way to cruise, with yachts that move seamlessly from rivers to the open sea, unlocking destinations that are inaccessible to traditional river ships or large ocean vessels. It’s 180 degrees from ordinary and a fundamentally different way to experience the world,” she added.
Where Does Star Explorer Sail?
Star Explorer’s 2027 voyages showcase exactly what makes this concept so appealing: sailings that bring guests into city centers by river, then continue on to coastlines, islands and unexpected ports beyond.
Impressionist France (10 nights on Star Explorer) – Ideal for Seine veterans ready to go further, this trip from Bordeaux to London / HMS Belfast pairs the Seine and the Thames with overnights in Bordeaux, St. Malo and Paris/Rouen, plus access to the D-Day beaches.
Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain & Portugal (8 nights on Star Explorer) – Perfect for travelers who have sailed the Rhône and are ready to expand their wine-focused journeys, this voyage extends from France into Spain and Portugal, pairing Bordeaux’s Garonne and Gironde rivers with culinary discoveries along the Spanish coast and time in Portugal’s Douro region.
Moroccan Markets & Iberian Icons (8 nights on Star Explorer) – Danube cruisers seeking deeper cultural exploration will find a natural next step with this journey into Seville via the Guadalquivir, continuing on to a broader mix of Iberian and Moroccan destinations.
Ireland Circumnavigation (10 nights on Star Explorer) – For travelers who have sailed past the castles of the Rhine and are ready for a wilder, more dramatic landscape, this sailing includes a call at Cork City Quay on the River Lee, then continues along Ireland’s rugged coastline of cliffs and castles.
Which Other Windstar Sailings Should River Cruise Lovers Consider?
Beyond Star Explorer, Windstar offers a range of itineraries that build on the same river-meets-ocean approach, giving travelers more ways to experience small-ship cruising across Europe and beyond.
French Feast: Normandy, Brittany & Aquitaine (7 nights on Star Legend) – A natural extension for Seine cruisers, this culinary-focused itinerary blends Bordeaux and Rouen/Paris with nearby coastal regions.
British Isles Medley (10 nights on Star Legend) – Offering a perspective beyond traditional river routes like the Rhône and Danube, this sailing from Paris/Rouen to Leith includes small-ship-only ports like Swansea and Fort William.
Tulip Season in Holland & Belgium (7 nights on Star Pride) – An easy transition for Rhine cruisers drawn to canal-laced cities and seasonal landscapes, this itinerary includes an overnight in Antwerp, an exclusive port that welcomes just one ship per day.
Quick Getaways: St. Malo Getaway (4 nights on Star Pride) – A natural add-on for Thames and Seine cruisers, this roundtrip from London / HMS Belfast includes visits to St. Malo and Brittany.
Quick Getaways: Belgium: A Sweet Getaway (3 nights on Star Pride) – River cruisers seeking a shorter escape will love this compact trip that combines London and Antwerp via the Scheldt, offering Belgian charm, historic streets and culinary pleasures.
Quebec and Newfoundland Adventure (14 nights on Star Pride) – Sailing roundtrip from Montreal, this itinerary follows the St. Lawrence River and extends into Canada’s dramatic eastern coastline, appealing to travelers who have sailed Europe’s great rivers and want something new.
Ancient Wonders of Vietnam & Angkor Wat (14 nights on Star Seeker) – Ideal for Mekong cruisers interested in a new Southeast Asia option, this journey sails through Halong Bay and along the Saigon River into Ho Chi Minh City, then continues to Bangkok via the Chao Phraya River, with inland stops like Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh.
How To Book: To plan a small ship cruise with Windstar, book online here, contact a travel advisor, reach out to Windstar Cruises by phone at 866-258-7245, or visit Cruise Critic to research and plan your future cruises, connect with other cruisers, and share your passion for cruising.
Photo Credit: Windstar Cruises
