Windstar Cruises has announced that Star Explorer, the second of two new all-suite yachts being added to the fleet, will be christened at London’s Tower Bridge on 31st May 2027, the first time that a cruise ship has been christened here since 2003.
Following a stylish welcoming ceremony, Star Explorer will pass under Tower Bridge and set sail on a circumnavigation of Ireland filled with cliffs, castles and pubs.
Hosting just 224 guests, this sleek new ship will sail year-round in Europe, starting in December 2026. Now open for booking, her first full season of Europe cruises runs through March 2028, featuring an irresistible lineup of classic journeys and new itineraries.
From ‘Circumnavigating Ireland’ to discovering the ‘Seven Gems of the Baltic’, Star Explorer is all about immersive, port-intensive experiences with longer stays and overnight visits in the heart of Europe’s most captivating cities.
“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,” 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:
Star Explorer was built to navigate where big ships can’t – gliding into places like Rouen, Caen, Bordeaux and even right into central London.
Itineraries include overnights and longer stays in port for more exploration time ashore. She’ll also debut Windstar’s first call to Puerto Banús in Spain, the stylish marina gateway to Marbella, and return to San Sebastián and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, bringing guests closer to the Basque coast’s culinary soul.
On board, Star Explorer offers 112 spacious suites, including two Horizon Owner’s Suites with expansive wraparound balconies ideal for catching sunrises, and many suites with full verandas or infinity windows.
Guests will enjoy Windstar favourites like the Yacht Club Café, the signature Marina with watersports activities, the line’s famously friendly crew, and a relaxed, upscale ambiance.
Europe Cruises to Remember – 2027 Highlights:
In addition to longtime favourites like Norway’s fjords, the Baltics and the British Isles, Star Explorer’s 2027 season features the return of fan-favourites in Northern Europe:
- Seven Gems of the Baltic – an eight-night itinerary visiting seven countries in one swoop: Denmark, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Sweden, Finland and Estonia; spends two nights in the trend-setting city of Stockholm; a night in medieval Tallinn where bustling nightlife meets perfectly preserved history; visits UNESCO-designated Riga’s famous Central Market; stops by the island of Bornholm – dubbed Denmark in miniature – complete with forests, craggy cliffs, and bleach-blonde beaches, and ends in Copenhagen.
- Circumnavigating Ireland – a ten-night journey packed with visits to pubs, dramatic cliffs and warm welcomes; explores the Isles of Scilly, a pristine archipelago off the coast of Cornwall accessible only by helicopter or ferry; moors in Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city from the Viking Triangle; stops in Killybegs, known for its rich tapestries and carpets; 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.
- A collection of France & Northern Spain voyages take full advantage of Star Explorer’s small size and manoeuvrability. Cruises start or end in Bordeaux, Rouen and London – all river ports with central docking locations. Ports of call include small-ships exclusives like Caen and San Sebastián with access via locks or narrow and scenic harbour entrances.
- Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain & Portugal – an eight-night voyage from Lisbon to Bordeaux visits Vigo, Gijon, Bilbao and San Sebastian; spends an overnight in Biarritz, a historic French seaside resort, and ends with another overnight in Bordeaux’s city centre. The distinct food cultures of Northern Spain are a highlight – cider in Gijon and Michelin-starred restaurants in San Sebastian.
- Impressionist France – a ten-night journey from Bordeaux to London offers extended time to explore with overnight stays in three places – Bordeaux, St. Malo and Paris/Rouen. The cruise also visits La Rochelle, Belle-Ile and Caen, with a cruise on the iconic Seine River. Normandy D-day beaches and the Bayeux Tapestry are accessible from Caen.
Need to Know:
- Early booking offer – save with early booking rates through 15th November 2025 and get an additional 5% off with Pay Now, Save More when paying in full at time of booking. Offers are combinable and subject to availability.
- Best Suite Selection: Booking early ensures access to the most desirable suites.
- For more details or to explore itineraries visit:
- Northern Europe voyages
- Mediterranean voyages
How To Book:
To plan a small ship cruise with Windstar, contact a travel advisor or book through Windstar Cruises’ UK General Sales Agent on 0800 008 6682.
For more details https://www.windstarcruises.co.uk/booking-in-the-uk/.
For more information visit www.windstarcruises.co.uk
Source: Kate Selley PR
Images: © 2025 Windstar Cruises. All rights reserved.
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