Windstar Cruises Star Explorer to be Christened in London
Windstar Cruises to Christen Star Explorer in London on 31 May 2027e
New Windstar Star Explorer to be christened in London. Image: Windstar Cruises
New all-suite yacht to sail year-round European voyages now open for booking, withsc departures from December 2026 through March 2028.
Star Explorer – the newest addition to Windstar Cruises’ boutique fleet – will make history on 31 May 2027 when she’s officially christened beneath London’s Tower Bridge. It will be the first time in over two decades that a cruise ship has been christened at this iconic landmark. Following a stylish ceremony, the sleek new yacht will pass under Tower Bridge and embark on a circumnavigation of Ireland, filled with dramatic cliffs, castles and coastal charm.
Small Ship Cruising in Europe, Reimagined
Hosting just 224 guests, Star Explorer brings Windstar’s signature small-ship experience to Europe year-round. Her debut season, sailing from December 2026 through March 2028, is now open for booking and features an enticing mix of classic routes and new itineraries. Expect immersive, port-intensive journeys with longer stays and overnight visits in the heart of Europe’s most captivating cities.
“Windstar has a long history of exploring the Mediterranean and Europe, and the small size of this ship opens even more interesting places – including rivers,” says 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.”
What Makes Star Explorer Unique
Built to navigate where larger ships can’t, Star Explorer can glide into Rouen, Caen, Bordeaux and even central London. Guests can enjoy overnight stays and extended port calls for more time ashore, including Windstar’s first-ever call to Puerto Banús – the chic marina gateway to Marbella – plus returns to San Sebastián and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, known for their Basque cuisine and coastal charm.
On board, guests will find 112 all-suite accommodations, including two Horizon Owner’s Suites with wraparound balconies perfect for sunrise views. Most suites feature full verandas or infinity windows. Expect Windstar favourites like the Yacht Club Café, the Marina platform for watersports, a famously friendly crew, and an atmosphere that’s relaxed yet elegant.
Europe Cruises to Remember – 2027 Highlights
Seven Gems of the Baltic – An eight-night voyage visiting seven countries: Denmark, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Sweden, Finland and Estonia. Includes two nights in Stockholm, a night in medieval Tallinn, and stops in UNESCO-designated Riga and Bornholm before ending in Copenhagen.
Circumnavigating Ireland – A ten-night adventure through Ireland’s coastal highlights, from Waterford and Cork to Galway, Dingle, Londonderry and Belfast, plus a stunning sea view of the Cliffs of Moher.
France & Northern Spain Collection – Sail between Bordeaux, Rouen and London, exploring small-ship-only ports like Caen and San Sebastián with central city docking.
Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain & Portugal – An eight-night journey from Lisbon to Bordeaux, visiting Vigo, Gijon, Bilbao and San Sebastián, with overnights in Biarritz and Bordeaux. Expect cider tastings, Michelin-starred dining and Basque charm.
Impressionist France – A ten-night cruise from Bordeaux to London featuring overnight stays in Bordeaux, St. Malo and Rouen/Paris, plus visits to La Rochelle, Belle-Île and Caen, with access to Normandy’s D-Day beaches and the Bayeux Tapestry.
Need to Know
Early Booking Offer: Save with early booking rates through 15 November 2025 and get an additional 5% off with Pay Now, Save More when paying in full at time of booking.
Best Suite Selection: Booking early ensures access to the most desirable suites.
For more details or to explore itineraries, visit Windstar’s Northern Europe and Mediterranean voyage pages.
How to Book
To plan a small ship cruise with Windstar, contact your travel advisor or the UK General Sales Agent on 0800 008 6682.
For more details visit www.windstarcruises.co.uk.