Windstar Completes First-Ever President’s Mystery Cruise
Windstar Transports Destination Discovery to a New Level with the First-Ever President’s Mystery Cruise
Windstar’s President’s Mystery Cruise on Star Legend
Imagine taking a cruise without knowing the itinerary - risky or adventurous? Windstar Cruises guests did just that when they embarked on the line’s first ever President’s mystery cruise. The Athens-based voyage was such a hit that the just-announced second sailing in 2026 is already nearly sold out.
Windstar Cruises, the small ship cruise line renowned for its immersive destination discovery, has successfully wrapped up its first-ever President’s Mystery Cruise—a bold new voyage concept that took spontaneity and surprise to the high seas.
Sailing aboard Star Legend from 19th to 27th April 2025, this inaugural mystery sailing explored lesser-known corners of the Mediterranean. Departing from Athens (Piraeus), the journey surprised guests with a curated collection of ports that were not only fresh for many of the passengers but were also new territory for Windstar itself.
A Cruise Full of Surprises
The itinerary was kept under wraps, with guests receiving intriguing clues just 36 hours before arriving at each port. This added a thrilling element of suspense to the voyage. The cruise revealed three completely new ports of call for Windstar: the vibrant Greek city of Kalamata, and two southern Italian gems, Taranto and Reggio Calabria. The line also included a return visit to the Sicilian port of Naxos Giardini, near picturesque Taormina – a Windstar signature destination.
Onboard and ashore, guests enjoyed a variety of culturally immersive experiences. In Reggio Calabria, a destination discovery event – a hallmark of Windstar voyages – took place on a stunning coastal hilltop, while in Taranto, guests were treated to an onboard performance of the Tarantella, the spirited and romantic dance native to the Puglia region.
Discovering the World, Spontaneously
Chris Prelog, President of Windstar Cruises, hosts President’s Mystery Cruise
Chris Prelog, President of Windstar Cruises and host of the voyage, explained the thinking behind the concept:
“So many of Windstar’s guests are wonderfully adventurous and curious about the world they live in that we wanted to create a trip around the idea of discovering new destinations in a spontaneous fashion,” he said.
Prelog highlighted how the Mediterranean’s undiscovered coastline offered the perfect backdrop, with places like Puglia and Calabria providing unforgettable moments for guests, many of whom had never ventured to these areas before. So successful was the concept that several of these ports are already being incorporated into Windstar’s 2026 itineraries.
“Letting go of the daily planning that happens in advance to instead live in the moment and embrace your current destination is thrilling and liberating,” Prelog added. “I highly recommend it as a new travel experience. We are all ready for the next Mystery Cruise in the Caribbean!”
Mystery Cruising Goes Caribbean in 2026
San Juan to… Where? Windstar’s Caribbean President’s Mystery Cruise
That next adventure is already on the horizon. Windstar’s second President’s Mystery Cruise is set to sail on 20th March 2026, thitime aboard the brand-new, 224-guest Star Seeker, the latest addition to the Windstar fleet. Departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, this Caribbean edition has already seen exceptional demand, surpassing all other 2026 cruise bookings.
The resounding success of the first mystery sailing, coupled with soaring demand for the next, indicates a growing appetite among travellers for curated surprise experiences, especially when backed by a trusted, high-service brand like Windstar.
Small Ship Cruising with a Twist
Render of new Windstar ship, Star Seeker
Windstar has long been known for its intimate ships, immersive itineraries, and expert-led destination discovery. With the introduction of these Mystery Cruises, the line is now adding a spontaneous, adventurous element to its offering—ideal for seasoned travellers looking for something refreshingly different.
To plan your own small ship adventure or to learn more about Windstar’s growing collection of surprise-filled voyages, call Windstar’s UK General Sales Agent on 0800 008 6682 or visit www.windstarcruises.co.uk.