Windstar Cruises has confirmed its second new all-suite yacht, Star Explorer, will debut in Europe in late 2026. Star Explorer‘s first full season of Europe cruises runs through March 2028, and is centred around immersive, port-intensive experiences with longer stays and overnight visits in the heart of Europe’s most captivating cities.

A welcoming ceremony for Star Explorer will be held on 31 May 2027, with a christening on London’s River Thames. The next morning, she’ll pass under Tower Bridge and set sail on a circumnavigation of Ireland filled with cliffs, castles and pubs.

“Windstar has a long history of exploring in the Mediterranean and Europe, and the small size of this ship opens even more interesting places– including rivers,” said Christopher Prelog, President of Windstar Cruises.

“We specialise in creating itineraries that meld the bucket list with the unknown and unexpected that we know our guests will love,” Prelog added.

In addition to longtime favourites like Norway’s fjords, the Baltics, and the British Isles, Star Explorer‘s 2027 season features the return of voyages in Northern Europe, namely:

• Seven Gems of the Baltic – an 8-night itinerary visiting seven countries in one swoop: Denmark, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Sweden, Finland, and Estonia;
• Circumnavigating Ireland – a 10-night journey packed with pub sessions, dramatic cliffs, and warm welcomes; explores the Isles of Scilly; moors in Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city from the Viking Triangle; stops in Killybegs; and gives a striking view of the Cliffs of Mohr from a lesser-seen vantage point; also stops in Cork, Dingle, Galway, Londonderry and Belfast.
• Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain & Portugal – an 8-night voyage from Lisbon to Bordeaux visits Vigo, Gijon, Bilbao and San Sebastian, Spain
• Impressionist France – a 10-night journey from Bordeaux to London offers extended time to explore with overnight stays in three places – Bordeaux, St. Malo and Paris/Rouen.

“We specialise in creating itineraries that meld the bucket list with the unknown and unexpected that we know our guests will love.”

Star Explorer offers 112 suites, including two Horizon Owner’s Suites with expansive wraparound balcony. Many suites have full verandas or infinity windows.

View the full programs for Northern Europe voyages here, and for Mediterranean voyages here.