The ultra-premium travel brand Windstar has announced its 2026 European voyages, unveiling an impressive array of new ports and itineraries.
The 2026 season will see 15 new itineraries, 34 maiden ports (to be visited for the first time) and the introduction of the Star Collector/B2B voyages combining multiple itineraries.
Additionally, Windstar will host its first-ever Solar Eclipse cruise (August 2026) allowing guests to experience the total eclipse while sailing around Iceland.
Among the highlights is the 81-day Star Collector voyage, "2026 Grand Europe Adventure," which begins in Helsinki (Finland) on July 14, 2026, and visits 20 countries and 67 ports before concluding in Athens (Piraeus, Greece). This itinerary, along with others, offers extended stays and late-night departures, allowing guests to explore destinations more thoroughly. New cruise tours will also be introduced, including options from Madrid (Spain), a circumnavigation of Ireland, a deep dive into the Aeolian Islands, and an exploration of Northern Greece.
To celebrate the launch, Windstar is offering an early booking incentive for those who reserve a 2026 European cruise by October 31, 2024. This includes a complimentary All-Inclusive experience, featuring Wi-Fi, unlimited beverages, gratuities, and a US$100 onboard credit per stateroom. The new itineraries and ports will also introduce a range of new shore excursions, all curated to provide unique and local experiences.
Selected highlights from the 2026 itineraries include:
- 7-night Atlantic France: A detailed exploration of France, starting from Bordeaux and including stops at La Rochelle, St. Malo, and a scenic cruise on the Seine, concluding with an overnight in Paris.
- 7-night Treasure Troves of Corsica & Sardinia: A roundtrip voyage from Rome (Civitavecchia, Italy), featuring dolphin watching, wine tasting, and exploring Ajaccio Corsica (Napoleon's birthplace).
- 8-night Norway’s Southern Splendors: Visits to lesser-known fishing ports and scenic inlets along Norway's southern coast, with stops at UNESCO sites and natural wonders like Sognefjord.
- 7-night Off-the-Beaten-Path Greek Islands: Exploration of lesser-known Greek islands such as Syros, Samos, and Naxos, with experiences like a moonlight concert in Ephesus. (Turkey) and sampling local wines in Samos.
- 7-night Tulip Season in Holland & Belgium: A voyage timed to coincide with Holland’s vibrant tulip season, including a visit to Lisse-Keukenhof Gardens and new-to-Windstar Belgium ports.
Windstar’s Star Collectors/longer voyages combine several itineraries into comprehensive adventures (13 days or longer), with few repeated ports and free daily laundry for convenience.