Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises is unveiling a first look at its Star Seeker – a 224-guest, brand-new ship that will debut in January 2026.   Star Seeker will have 112 spacious suites, all but ten featuring a full private veranda or floor-to-ceiling infinity window. The ship also boasts five dining options (all are included in Windstar’s cruise fare), a full-service spa with a grand entrance from the deck above, a fitness facility and a fresh take on the line’s iconic Watersports Platform, which turns the ocean into an infinity pool by letting guests access the sea directly from the ship.   “Guests aboard Star Seeker will experience a sense of tranquility in their suites; they are designed to be an oasis for relaxation,” says Stijn Creupelandt, vice president of hotel operations at Windstar Cruises. “We used light wood and a soothing colour palette of light blues, greens and natural browns – elements that reflect our Star Class style. Inspired by the sea, sky and landscapes, these colours and textures create a serene atmosphere perfect for a relaxing getaway. In the ship’s public spaces and restaurants, you’ll find more vibrant hues inspired by sunrises and sunsets, including warm yellows, golds and oranges, ensuring a harmonious blend of elegance and comfort throughout the ship.”   Star Seeker features two Horizon Owner’s Suites, a new suite category for the line, at the aft of the ship on deck 7, which can be combined with adjacent suites for more space and multi-generational families. Each comes with a wrap-around balcony offering spectacular vistas — perfect for evening cocktails or a private dinner. The two suites are Star Seeker’s most luxurious and spacious offerings; however, the ship has a full menu of suite offerings with 12 different accommodation types to choose from, many allowing triple occupancy. Star Seeker has 72 suites with large verandas where guests may sit outside and enjoy the view and fresh air.  New for Windstar, 30 infinity suites feature a large floor-to-ceiling infinity window that slides down half-way from the top to open the suite to refreshing sea breezes.   As on all Windstar ships, there are no interior cabins. Star Seeker’s 10 Oceanview suites have plenty of natural light and a view of the sea, a walk-in mosaic glass shower and an inviting queen bed which can be converted into twins if desired. All suites include a fully stocked mini-bar and refrigerator, interactive TV, safe, fresh fruit and waffle weave robe and slippers. The four highest suite categories – Horizon, Star, Classic, Deluxe – add other amenities such as an Illy espresso machine, Canapes service and fresh flowers.   Star Seeker is under construction in Portugal. The maiden voyage will be a Transatlantic sailing in early January from Malaga to Miami. After a christening event in Miami where the cruise line is headquartered, Star Seeker will sail its first voyage in the Caribbean and offer more cruises in the Caribbean before heading up the West Coast of the United States to Alaska for a full season of summer cruises. From there, the ship will sail to Japan and bring back the line’s popular Japan itineraries before heading to Southeast Asia. Details of Star Seeker’s Caribbean, Alaska and Japan cruises will be announced first to Yacht Club members (loyalty members) and travel advisors - giving them priority access to book. In early September, Star Seeker’s itineraries will be announced publicly and available for all to book.   Windstar will debut an additional new sister ship, Star Explorer, in December of 2026.

 

- Early booking offer available through 31^st October 2024 -

  Windstar Cruises has today unveiled its 2026 European voyages, with more new ports and itineraries than the line has ever debuted in a single season.   There are 15 brand-new itineraries, 34 first-time ports, a litany of new Star Collector sailings (which combine several itineraries into one epic/longer adventure) and a first-ever Windstar Solar Eclipse. The 12^th August 2026 Around Iceland: A Total Solar Eclipse will place Windstar guests in the path of totality.   A new 81-day Star Collector 2026 Grand Europe Adventure, begins in Helsinki on 14^th July and visits 20 countries and 67 ports of call before ending in Athens. Overnight stays for up to four days in a single destination and late-night departures allow guests to travel further inland.   The line will also debut new cruise tours from Madrid, allowing guests to explore further inland in Spain; a brand-new circumnavigation of Ireland; a deep dive into the Aeolian Islands; and an exploration of Northern Greece with highlights including chance to visit the Meteora Monasteries from the port of Volos. A larger sampling of new itineraries is listed below.   To celebrate the news, Windstar is concurrently launching an early booking offer. Those who book a 2026 European cruise by 31^st October 2024, will enjoy a complimentary All-Inclusive experience worth £73 per person per day and featuring Wi-Fi, unlimited wine, beer and cocktails, and all gratuities, plus a $100 onboard credit per stateroom.   “Our year-round cruises in the Mediterranean and Europe have more small-ship only destinations than ever before,” says Jess Peterson, Windstar’s itinerary planner. “We’ve designed these voyages with a focus on regional exploration, so that means more overnight stays and off-the-beaten-path experiences to help give you a deeper, more genuine look at some of Europe’s best spots.”   New itineraries and ports mean a host of new shore excursions, and Windstar’s team vets every offering to bring a truly special and uniquely local experience to life – like creating moulded chocolates in Bruges or learning the lyra in Thessaloniki.   Selected 2026 New Itinerary Highlights:  

• Atlantic France (7 nights): Get an in-depth exploration of France on a single cruise. Embark from Bordeaux and its unmatched wineries before sailing down the Dordogne River to the Atlantic and La Rochelle for feasting on oysters; then to Lorient, which accepts just one ship per day; followed by St. Malo, where a late night makes it easy to also visit Mont Saint-Michel. A mid-cruise jaunt to the UK with a visit to Guernsey is an interlude before returning to France and Cherbourg, where one can retrace the footsteps of WWII soldiers at the landing beach sites in Normandy. Finally, there is scenic cruising on the Seine before overnighting in Paris.
• Treasure Troves of Corsica & Sardinia (7 nights): Holiday where the Italians and French do on this roundtrip voyage from Rome. Dolphin watching in Golfo Aranci; promenading at sunset on an overnight in Alghero; coastal driving in Bonifacio; wine tasting in Bastia; and exploring Napoleon’s birthplace in Ajaccio are highlights.
• Northern Spain & Portugal (8 nights): Leave from Lisbon and end with an overnight in Bordeaux. This sailing gives a chance to explore destinations outside of Portugal and Spain’s major cities with stops in small ports of the Galicia and Asturias regions of Spain (plus an overnight in Bilbao) as well as charming Porto and Lisbon.
• Norway’s Southern Splendors (8 nights): Explore little-known fishing ports and scenic inlets along Norway’s southern coastline including charming Rosendal and cozy Egersund, both first-time ports for Windstar. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites like Urnes Stave Church, savour local cuisine and marvel at natural wonders like Sognefjord, the majestic “King of Fjords.”
• Off-the-Beaten-Path Greek Islands (7 nights): Sail to less popular islands in Greece like Syros, Samos, Naxos, Folegandrosand Milos, enjoying secluded beaches, hidden harbours and romantic ruins. Experience a moonlight concert in Ephesus, sample local Muscat wines in Samos and wander ancient temples.
• Tulip Season in Holland & Belgium (7 nights): Breathe in the height of tulip season in Holland, when the fields explode with vibrant colours. Visit the Keukenhof Gardens, explore new-to-Windstar destinations and overnight in Antwerp, whose exclusive seaport accepts only one ship per day. Cyclists will especially enjoy chances for rides in the countryside outside Harlingen.
• Bella Italia: A Southern Italian Romance (8 nights): Travel like a local in southern Italy’s Calabria and Puglia regions. Explore the winding lanes of Taranto — a coastal city rich in Greek ruins and medieval fortification — before visiting Otranto’s picturesque harbour and Croatia’s Island of Rab.
• Treasures of Southern Spain & Morocco (8 nights): Have a brilliant combination of desirable ports on this Barcelona to Lisbon sailing, including the return of Windstar to Seville. (Windstar is one of the few cruise lines that can do the 50-mile scenic sailing up theGuadalquivir River to access this cultural capital of Southern Spain.) A visit to Tangier is another highlight.

  Star Collectors are longer voyages combining one or more cruises into a comprehensive voyage of 13+ days with few repeated ports. Windstar’s itinerary planning team selects popular itineraries to link up for longer adventures allowing guests to make the most of their time away. As a bonus, free daily laundry is provided so guests can still pack light.   The lead-in price for the 2026 European voyages is £1,897 per person for the five-day Yachtsman’s Harbors of the Rivieras cruise departing 25^th October. Price includes all meals and drinks, gratuities, WiFi and port taxes.   The lead-in price for the new itineraries is £2,614 per person for the seven-day Italy & the Allure of the Aeolian Islands cruise departing 16^th July. Price includes all meals and drinks, gratuities, WiFi and port taxes.

  Windstar Cruises has invested in tech to streamline travel agents’ ease of booking with the cruise line. Windstar announced a new integration with its first booking engine partner - Revelex. Revelex aggregates cruise inventory (across 40+ major lines) and makes it seamless for travel agents to book cruises on a global scale. "Revelex's Power Agent 5 offers access to a global cruise API, allowing our travel advisor customers greater control of the booking process," said Revelex SVP of Sales Joe Romans. "Travel advisors are able to pull web and private fares, search and book multiple cruise products, and apply mark-ups and discounts.” Windstar's CCO Janet Bava said: "We've been searching for and identifying the best and most impactful ways to increase our distribution worldwide.”   

Related News Stories:  

Small ship line Windstar Cruises unveiled its 2025/2026 Winter Mediterranean cruise programme which includes six Star Collectors. These sailings combine itineraries for more in-depth exploration. With the new sailings open for sale, Windstar has introduced an Early Booking Offer with a $200 onboard credit per stateroom plus a complimentary upgrade to All-Inclusive fares. This provides Wi-Fi, gratuities and unlimited beer, wine and cocktails at no additional charge. The offer expires on 31 October 2025. Additionally, Winter Mediterranean cruises departing from December through February are part of Windstar's Star Group Sailings incentive programme. Travel agents can earn one free berth for every seven sold, compared to the standard tour conductor credit of one for every nine sold. The groups offer also includes 10% savings, a guest amenity of $100 per person shipboard credit and a further travel agent bonus commission once the Tour Conductor Credit is earned. Windstar's winter sailings highlight ports that Windstar doesn't normally visit during the summer such as Valencia, Crotone and Catania. Windstar's 2025/2026 season also debuts a brand-new port - Genoa. In addition, the cruise season features overnights in Dubrovnik, Venice, Nice, Barcelona, Malaga and Livorno. "Winter in the Mediterranean is a fantastic time to see a different side of the region and celebrate special holidays such as Christmas in Florence," said Windstar's President Christopher Prelog. All sailings take place aboard the 312-guest, all-suite Star Legend. Sailings depart from Athens, Barcelona, Malaga, Rome and Venice from October 2025 through March 2026: 

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Small ship line Windstar Cruises is holding its largest ever ship visit programme in the UK this year. There are up to 450 places available for travel agent and trade partners at 11 different ports of call. The 2024 ship visit programme will take place in June, July and August with agents spending time on two of Windstar's all-suite Star Class yachts, Star Legend and Star Pride. Visits include a tour of the ship and a short Windstar update. Details:   Monday 3^rd June @ 10.30am – Star Pride in Dublin Saturday 8^th June @ 10.30am – Star Legend in Glasgow (Greenock) Monday 10^th June @ 10.30am – Star Pride in Edinburgh (Leith) Tuesday 11^th June @ 10.30am – Star Legend in Cork Wednesday 12^th June @ 10.30am – Star Legend in Milford Haven (on request only, subject to numbers) Friday 14^th June @ 10.30am – Star Legend in Portsmouth Saturday 15^th June @ 10.30am – Star Legend in London (Tower Bridge) Sunday 16^th June @ 10.30am – Star Legend in London (Tower Bridge) Saturday 22^nd June @ 10.30am – Star Legend in Holyhead (on request only and subject to numbers) Sunday 23^rd June @ 10.30am – Star Legend in Belfast Thursday 4^th July @ 10.30am – Star Legend in Douglas, Isle of Man Friday 5^th July @ 10.30am – Star Legend in Dublin Thursday 11^th July @ 10.30am – Star Legend in Invergordon Friday 12^th July @ 10.30am – Star Legend in Edinburgh (Leith) Friday 30^th August @ 10.30am – Star Legend in Dublin   All visits are subject to availability and minimum numbers, so agents should register as soon as possible. Augustus Lonsdale, Windstar's head of sales UK & Ireland, said: "I'm delighted that so many UK travel agents will have the chance to come onboard Star Legend and Star Pride this year.” “Windstar Cruises is fully committed to the UK, especially after a record start to the year, and we are continuing to increase sales and visibility within this important market."

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  Windstar Cruises, a leader in small-ship luxury cruising, is excited to announce the expansion of its fleet with the addition of two all-suite motor yachts, Star Seeker and Star Explorer. The first of the two ships, new-build Star Seeker which is currently being constructed in the WestSEA shipyard, is expected to be delivered in December of 2025, followed by Star Explorer in December, 2026.   “Our goal was to ensure these ships are unmistakably Windstar, and a significant amount of effort has gone into achieving this,” says Windstar Cruises’ President Christopher Prelog. “We are thrilled for this expansion, building on the success of our game-changing Star Class in small-ship cruising with guests and travel partners, while offering new experiences. This growth reflects the dedication of our incredible crew and team, allowing us to broaden our destination portfolio and even bring one of our Wind Class sail ships back to Tahiti.”   Each ship has 112 suites, featuring full private verandas and infinity windows, ensuring unparalleled views for every guest onboard. Additionally, two new Owner’s Suites with wrap-around balconies have been added to the aft of the ship, perfect for evening cocktails or a private dinner. With a capacity for 224 guests and a staff to guest ratio of 1:2, the ships maintain an intimate atmosphere, ensuring personalized service at every turn.   Guests will also enjoy access to several newly added Windstar guest favorites, including the brand’s iconic Watersports Platform with all-new staircase access, the cozy Yacht Club café and lounge, a two-story spa and fitness facility, an intimate forward whirlpool on the bow, and a spacious open deck perfect for sunbathing and Windstar’s famous deck barbeques.   As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation^® (JBF), Windstar’s commitment to exceptional cuisine will continue to be a priority for the guest experience. The re-imagined main dining room, Amphora, will serve a variety of upscale and inventive dishes, including rotating items from James Beard Foundation–affiliated guest chefs. Al fresco dining will now be available at both Amphora and the Star Grill. A no-charge specialty restaurant and 24-hr room service rounds out the four dining options.   Star Seeker and Star Explorer both have ice-strengthened hulls, unlocking access to new destinations. The ships are equipped with the latest technology in safety, propulsion, and navigation, including pump jet thrusters and forward-facing Sonar. To minimize their environmental footprint and uphold the brand’s commitment to sustainability, the ships have tier III Nox rated Rolls Royce engines and can connect to shore power minimizing port emissions. In addition, the ships have advanced wastewater treatment systems that meet all global standards. Every aspect of their design reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to preserving the environment while providing unforgettable experiences to travelers.   Andrew N. Todd, President & CEO of parent company Xanterra Travel Collection said, “As part of our company’s expanding portfolio, Windstar Cruises is poised for remarkable growth and an exciting future ahead. We’re excited about the possibilities of where Windstar will sail and the opportunities it brings our officers, crew and staff, and our guests.”   The expansion also allows Windstar to bring back one of its beloved Wind Class ships, Wind Star, to Tahiti, where it will join Star Breeze in 2027, adding more capacity to meet the growing demand for French Polynesian sailings. With more than 36 years’ experience operating cruises in French Polynesia and a longtime guest favorite, travelers will now have a choice between sailing among the islands on a Wind or Star Class ship.   Full itineraries and booking details for Star Seeker will be announced in late June 2024.   For more information or to sign up for the latest updates, including when both ships open for sale, please sign up here https://www.windstarcruises.com/newships/

Windstar Cruises  is expanding its cruise groups offering. The line is introducing complimentary all-inclusive packages on all Winter Mediterranean sailings, as well as enhanced benefits on select cruises. For the first time ever, Windstar is offering the complimentary all-inclusive package on all Winter Mediterranean sailings for the entire lifetime of the group up to the departure date. The package is worth £73 per person per day and the  offer is combinable with all other benefits. These other benefits include $100 per guest onboard credit, 5% additional discount, one Tour Conductor Credit earned for every nine guests and a complimentary cocktail party for groups of over 18 guests. Windstar has also expanded its Star Advantage group programme to include one Tour Conductor Credit for every seven guests booked, 10% additional group savings and $100 per guest onboard credit. Also there is bonus commission per guest once minimum numbers are secured. This applies to a range of 2024 and 2025 sailings in the Greek Isles, Tahiti, the Mediterranean, Iceland, Costa Rica and the Caribbean. To qualify, new group contracts must be signed with no financial commitment by 31^t March 2024. Augustus Lonsdale, Head of Sales UK & Ireland said: "Groups represent a fantastic way for agents to create their own bespoke offers which can be used for collections of FIT bookings as well as ready-made or hosted groups.” “Our new Winter Mediterranean groups programme will allow our agents to offer best in market deals for early bookings." 

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  After pivoting to a first-ever winter cruise season in the Mediterranean this year, Windstar Cruises has announced its intent to keep Star Legend sailing in the region for another winter season, providing guests with the opportunity to explore Europe and the Mediterranean’s allure year-round.  Positive feedback and an influx of bookings and demand have led the luxury small ship cruise line to enhance its winter Mediterranean deployment with new itineraries and opportunities to book longer voyages in 2024/2025.   “On our inaugural sailing in December, every single travel advisor and guest on board told me ‘this is genius’ as we enjoyed the sunny weather of Europe’s most walkable cities at a time when few cruise lines sail Europe’s oceans,” explains Windstar’s Chief Commercial Officer Janet Bava. “Our biggest learning from this winter’s season was that we were limited by the possibilities and experiences we could offer with just the one itinerary - from Rome to Barcelona and the reverse - and we have responded to that with a variety of new itineraries for our guests to enjoy the Mediterranean’s most storied destinations in the winter.”   Prompted by positive feedback from the inaugural sailings, including the desire for more overnight stays, Windstar will now offer five itineraries in the Mediterranean for the 2025 season, plus three special holiday and event sailings. The expansion also allows guests to combine back-to-back itineraries, providing a unique opportunity to experience different destinations while unpacking just once.   New Itinerary Highlights for 2024/2025  

• Winter Italy & the Dalmatian Coastwill set sail on five dates in 2024/25. The eight-day itinerary sails from Rome with stops in Naples, Taormina (Sicily), an overnight in Dubrovnik (Croatia), a full day in Zadar (Croatia), before ending with an overnight in Venice. The route and timing, particularly the beginning of January, will take advantage of Italy’s strict rules surrounding retail sales (with just winter and summer sales allowed and items up to 70% off).

 

• Europe Winter Rivierawill have eight departure dates on a seven-day cruise. From Rome, guests will sail to Livorno (Italy) for an overnight stay, followed by a day in Genoa and then Nice, before ending with an overnight in Barcelona.

 

• Winter in Italy and the Adriatic,an eight-day cruise, will take place on just one sail date. Leaving from Athens, the yacht will sail through the tiny Corinth Canal to Itea (Delphi) before overnighting in Corfu. Then it’s off to Crotone followed by an overnight in Taormina before a day in Naples, ending the journey in Rome.

 

• Southern Spain Winter Escapeswill be a nine-day round-trip sailing from Barcelona offered on four departure dates. Starting with an overnight in Barcelona means plenty of time to explore the city centre before sailing to Valencia, Cartagena, Malaga (for an overnight), Gibraltar and Palma before returning to Barcelona. Guests will easily be able to hop on the high speed train to/from Madrid in order to extend their explorations inland either pre- or post-cruise.

 

• Winter in Croatia & Greecedeparts 26^th March 2025 for an eight-day sailing from Venice to Athens. An overnight in Venice lets guests explore the historic city from the ship’s convenient city dock location. Port calls include Koper, Zadar, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Delphi and a transit of the scenic, narrow Corinth Canal.

  Special Holiday and Event Sailings:   

• AChristmas holiday cruise will sail from Rome to Barcelona form 23^rd to 30^th December 2024. It includes an overnight in Livorno for the opportunity to attend Christmas Eve mass at the Duomo followed by stops in Genoa and Nice before ending in Barcelona with an overnight stay. Festive decorations, traditional dishes and activities bring the holiday spirit on board the ship.

 

• A New Year cruisesails roundtrip from Barcelona from 30^th December 2024 to 8^th January 2025. New Year’s Eve itself is an overnight in Palma, one of Europe’s ultimate party meccas for an epic celebration. Then it’s onto Cartagena, an overnight in Malaga, followed by stops in Gibraltar and Valencia, before returning to Barcelona.

  Additionally, Star Legend will return for a special appearance at the International Luxury Travel Market Cannes travel expo, which takes place in December 2024. The ship will sail from Rome to Barcelona from 30^th November to 7^th December 2024. It includes stops in Livorno, Genoa, Cannes (overnight) and Barcelona (also an overnight). Ship visits will be available in Cannes for conference attendees.   Find more details on Windstar’s Mediterranean cruises.

Windstar Cruises has unveiled a new groups programme to help boost travel agent earnings. It enables travel partners to build tailored promotions, earn a tour conductor credit and help grow their business. For a limited time, agents receive a bonus commission after booking seven guests in addition to the tour conductor credit. "We are committed to helping our partners create bespoke promotions for their UK guests and maximise their Windstar sales," said Augustus Lonsdale, Head of Sales UK & Ireland. "Our group promotions are a fantastic way to create a unique proposition and show yourself as a Windstar expert." The group promotion is combinable with Windstar's lowest available fare, plus a 10% group saving. In addition, travel agents can offer their clients an exclusive $100 per guest onboard credit, as well as a complimentary cocktail party. The offer is available through 30 November 2023. Travel agents can select their group date by the deadline and then sell into it. The offer is valid on new bookings only for select fares and subject to availability  

 

Fewer crowds, cool weather, and better access to museums, cultural events, and restaurants

 

Windstar Cruises Unveils “Legendary” Winter and Holiday Sailings –

Including Christmas in Rome and Ringing in the New Year in Barcelona

  Windstar Cruises has announced its new winter and holiday sailing itineraries from December 2023 to April 2024, offering travelers the opportunity to discover iconic ports like Barcelona, Nice, Florence/Livorno , Marseille, and Rome in an entirely different light aboard the award-winning all-suite, 312-guest, Star Legend.   "The ship was originally scheduled to sail in the Middle East. We’ve postponed our launch in that region to begin in November 2024,” said Windstar Cruises President Christopher Prelog. "With a ship in the Mediterranean, we saw an opportunity to offer guests a legendary winter season in Europe. Our small ships and intimate atmosphere provide a truly unique way to explore Europe's winter wonderlands, while enjoying the magic of the season and the comforts and casual luxury that Windstar is known for."   While the allure of summer in the Mediterranean is undeniable, the quieter, more intimate charm of the winter months offers an exclusive perspective on these timeless destinations. These seven-night itineraries have been carefully designed for guests to take advantage of fewer crowds and easier access to museums, cultural events, historical landmarks, as well as local cuisine and genuine engagement with locals. The itineraries offer guests a blend of cultural exploration and festive celebrations that can only be enjoyed during the winter season through Spring.   New weeklong cruises in the Mediterranean will be offered from December 2023 through April 2024. Sixteen cruises sail between Rome and Barcelona (or reverse) visiting Florence & Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Marseille, France with overnights in the iconic cities of Rome, Barcelona and Monte Carlo. The last of the new Mediterranean series is an eight-night cruise from Rome to Athens visiting the Amalfi Coast and Greece. A Christmas holiday sailing can be booked as a 8- or 9-day cruise, the latter including New Year’s Eve.   Travelers can participate in some of Europe’s most magical winter experiences including holiday markets and ice skating in Nice, France; Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Trevi Fountain excursions in Rome during the holidays; and Florence’s spectacular Light Festival, among many other once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Guests will also have several extraordinary holiday opportunities including the option to celebrate Christmas eve and day in Rome; ring in the New Year in Barcelona; spend Valentine’s Day in Nice; or enjoy Carnevale celebrations in both Spain and Italy at the end of February.   The schedule change has presented Windstar with the opportunity to position its all-suite Star Legend in Cannes in early December to coincide with the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) conference. Windstar executives including Prelog, Vice President of Sales Dianna Rom, and Chief Commercial Officer Janet Bava will be on hand to showcase to those in attendance the ship’s renovation completed as part of the   $250 Million Star Plus Initiative and with an opportunity to sail on a two -night cruise to Rome after the event. For travel partners and media interested in touring or sailing, please contact [email protected].   Windstar Cruises’ new winter sailings will be ready for purchase on November 6, 2023.  

Windstar Cruises hosted a record number of UK agents on its all-suite yacht, Star Legend, during its time in the UK & Ireland. The 250+ agents experienced Windstar hospitality. The ship's British Isles itinerary, which finished in London on 3 August, visited Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin and London as well as five trade events in London. The ship, which was docked at Tower Bridge in London last week, also hosted nearly 70 travel journalists and industry partners. Augustus Lonsdale, Windstar's Head of Sales UK & Ireland, said: "Having Star Legend in the UK gave us opportunity to host a huge number of travel agents, including many new to Windstar.” “With 100% of our UK business coming through the trade, it was fantastic to be able to show off the newly-transformed Star Legend to our agent partners." It garnered excellent feedback from travel agents who visited Star Legend in London. Windstar Cruises plans to run further fam trips for UK travel agents in 2023 and 2024. It is also offering generous agent rates for cruises.

  Windstar Cruises has announced that it hosted a record number of UK agents on its all-suite yacht, Star Legend, during its time in the UK &  Ireland. The 250+ agents got to experience Windstar’s renowned hospitality and style of casual, fun cruising in a number of ways including fam trips on the ship’s British Isles itinerary which finished in London on 3^rd August, ship visits in Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin and London as well as five trade events in London. The ship, which was docked at Tower Bridge in London on 3^rd and 4^th August, also hosted nearly 70 travel journalists and industry partners.   Augustus Lonsdale, Windstar’s Head of Sales UK & Ireland, comments: “Having Star Legend in the UK, including two days docked at Tower Bridge in London, provided us with a great opportunity to host a huge number of agents, including many who are new to Windstar. With 100% of our UK business coming through the trade, it was fantastic to be able to show off the newly-transformed Star Legend to our agent partners and to let them experience just what Windstar is all about.”   Feedback from agents who visited Star Legend in London included:  

• John Warr, Group Managing Director, The Travel Village Group: “The highlight for me was the size of the ship versus capacity. It really felt like an intimate experience and I was impressed with the size of the entry level suites. I was also pleased to see the equipment in the gym and the SPA facilities. Although we did not experience the other restaurants, the menus looked awesome and the customers who had boarded the day before were very complimentary of the broad selection of items on the menu. The other thing that struck me was the friendliness of the crew who were always willing to help.”

 

• Alex Loizou, Sales & Marketing Director, Mundy Cruising: “Seeing Star Legend really highlighted just how much space is offered on board this wonderful small ship. The sizable suites and dining choices really stood out, not to mention the now generous deck area, inviting pool and excellent spa. Being able to tour the ship also gave a hint of just how wonderful the fabulously welcoming crew are.”

 

• Kerry Rogers, Media &  Marketing, Eagle Executive Travel: “Star Legend is a lovely ship that provides a home from home experience. Luxury and comfort is all rolled in to one, with the friendliest and most helpful crew.”

  Windstar Cruises plans to run further fam trips for UK agents in 2023 and 2024 and is also offering generous travel agent rates for those wishing to experience the product for themselves. For further information and to apply, agents should email Augustus Lonsdale at [email protected]