Posted on 04/09/2026
If you love river cruising and you love ocean cruising… then there’s a new cruise style on the horizon for you. Beginning December 2026, Windstar’s newest ship, Star Explorer, will offer new river-to-ocean cruises combining the best of both experiences.
No changing ships. Your floating boutique hotel seamlessly transitions from a river cruise to an ocean voyage, and your trip continues from an intimate river experience into equally compelling coastlines.
Purpose-built for river-to-ocean travel, the 224-guest, all-suite yacht can navigate waterways that are too small for larger ocean ships and reach coastal destinations that traditional river vessels can’t access.
Even if you’ve already sailed aboard the world’s iconic rivers, this new way of cruising offers the next frontier. Think cultural connections, the opportunity to immerse yourself in less-traveled ports, and authentic maritime exploration.
Where Does Star Explorer Sail on Her River-to-Ocean Voyages?
Star Explorer’s 2027 itineraries 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) – 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) – 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) –Journey into Seville via the Guadalquivir, continuing on to a broader mix of Iberian and Moroccan destinations.
- Ireland Circumnavigation (10 nights) – Craving wild and dramatic landscapes? This sailing includes a call at Cork City Quay on the River Lee, then continues along Ireland’s rugged coastline of cliffs and castles.
Other River-Meets-Ocean Inspired Windstar Cruises
- Beyond Star Explorer, Windstar offers travelers more ways to experience small-ship cruising across Europe and beyond.
- French Feast: Normandy, Brittany & Aquitaine – A natural extension for Seine cruisers, this culinary-focused itinerary blends Bordeaux and Rouen/Paris with nearby coastal regions.
- British Isles Medley This sailing from Paris/Rouen to Leith includes small-ship-only ports like Swansea and Fort William.
- Quick Getaways: St. Malo Getaway A natural add-on for Thames and Seine cruisers, this round-trip from London / HMS Belfast includes visits to St. Malo and Brittany.
- Quick Getaways: Belgium: A Sweet Getaway River cruisers seeking a shorter escape will love this 3-day trip that combines London and Antwerp via the Scheldt, offering Belgian charm, historic streets, and culinary pleasures.
- Ancient Wonders of Vietnam & Angkor Wat 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.
Growing Windstar Fleet
Star Explorer will be the 8th yacht-sized ship in the Windstar fleet. Over four decades, Windstar has grown into a diverse fleet of four Star Class all-suite vessels and three Wind Class sailing yachts, accommodating 150-350 guests. In addition to the arrival of Star Explorer, Windstar’s legendary Wind Class sailing yachts are also undergoing a two-phase redesign to be completed by 2027.
START YOUR TRIP!
Image courtesy of Windstar Cruises
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