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: 

Related News Stories:  P&O Cruises Unveils Exciting Summer 2026 Program with Special ...     Princess Cruises unveils new exclusive Sanctuary Collection ...     CLIA announces new trade events     American Cruise Lines settles ADA lawsuit - TravelMole     P&O Cruises offering agents tickets to BAFTA Television Awards     Traveltek - TravelMole     Ponant to sail Mediterranean cruises on new catamaran     Ambassador cruise ship collides with cargo vessel     Partner News - TravelMole     MSC reveals name of third World-Class ship    

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."

Related News Stories:  Windstar Cruises to Set Sail on a Unprecedented 2023/2024 Winter ...     Windstar partners with Traveltek to expand UK distribution ...     Windstar Cruises showcases Tahiti on Cruising with Susan Calman ...     Windstar Cruises expanding fleet with two new ships     Star Breeze expands Windstar's year-round Tahiti cruises - TravelMole     Ponant to sail Mediterranean cruises on new catamaran     Princess Cruises unveils new exclusive Sanctuary Collection ...     Traveltek - TravelMole     Viking Cruises parent reveals US IPO price     Cruising with Susan Calman proves ratings hit for Riviera Travel ...

  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." 

Related News Stories:  Star Breeze expands Windstar's year-round Tahiti cruises - TravelMole     Windstar partners with Traveltek to expand UK distribution ...     Traveltek - TravelMole     Cunard to sail Caribbean cruises from Miami     Cruising with Susan Calman proves ratings hit for Riviera Travel ...     American Cruise Lines begins Mississippi cruise season     Partner News - TravelMole     Abercrombie & Kent - TravelMole     Cunard - TravelMole     Abercrombie & Kent - TravelMole    

  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]

  Small ship line Windstar Cruises has added a new Formula 1® experience for its guests, this time at the final race of the 2023 season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November. The racing excursion is in addition to Windstar’s long-standing themed F1® cruise to the Monaco Grand Prix, with this year’s Rome & Prix du Monde of Monaco slated for 21^st to 28^th May aboard Windstar’s flagship, the 342-passenger sailing yacht Wind Surf.   Offered by no other cruise line, the Windstar shore excursion to the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 is available as part of Windstar’s first-ever sailings in the Middle East on board the all-suite, 312-passenger Star Legend.   During an overnight in Abu Dhabi as part of the inaugural 10-day Sparkling Sands & Cities of the Persian Gulf voyage departing Dubai on 23^rd November, guests will have the option to experience the climactic race of the F1® season on 25^th and 26^th November with premium grandstand seats for the time trials and the race, transfers to and from Yas Marina Circuit, English-speaking coordinators and onboard perks such as an exclusive cocktail party. Guests will also be joined by F1® Sports Broadcaster Bob Varsha, who will provide insights and expert analysis of the race and drivers. Pricing for the excursion is $1,599 per person.   “I’m a huge fan of F1® racing as are many of our Windstar customers,” explains Windstar President Christopher Prelog. “When we were planning our first-ever sailings in the Middle East, which begin in November, I had hoped a 2023 race date would overlap. And lucky us: our inaugural Middle East voyage aligns with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It’s a green flag for Windstar’s sailing in a new, exciting region and a chequered flag for the 2023 racing season… a perfect fit.”   Prices for the 10-day Sparkling Sands & Cites of the Persian Gulf start from ££2,950 per person for return flights from the UK, overseas transfers, one night pre-cruise hotel stay in Dubai, one night post-cruise hotel stay in Muscat and the cruise with all meals and entertainment and port fees.

  Windstar will lift its COVID-19 vaccine requirement on 1^st June 2023, no longer requiring guests to be vaccinated against the virus in order to sail with the small ship cruise line.   Crew, however, will still be required to be vaccinated and will be tested upon their first arrival to work, during their first week and as needed moving forward.   “We’ve invested in, and improved, our health and safety processes, including upgrading the HVAC systems on all of our ships, which has led to a cleaner and safer environment on board,” said Windstar Cruises President Christopher Prelog. “When combined with the widespread availability of vaccines and medical treatments, the risk factors are considerably lower now, giving us the confidence to lift the requirement. We’ve learned much over the past few years and will continue to follow the policies of each country we visit, as well as evaluate and use public health tools at our disposal to continue to safely sail and travel the world.”   Windstar will continue to carry diagnostic tests on board for guests and remains committed to onboard cleanliness and sanitation measures, including accessible and well-stocked handwashing stations plus sanitizer dispensers. Though no longer required, Windstar recommends guests remain up to date with vaccinations.   Prompted by the pandemic, the line invested millions in upgrading the entire six ship fleet’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to incorporate high-tech air filtration with HEPA filters and UV-C irradiation. The hospital-grade UV-C lights are proven to kill germs and microbes like mould, bacteria and fungi, creating cleaner air on board and combating the spread of illness.   For more details on Windstar Cruises’ health and safety measures, visit https://www.windstarcruises.com/health-safety/overview/.

Windstar Cruises has stated Starlink Maritime cruise ship Wi-Fi connectivity. Windstar Cruises debuted the new Wi-Fi technology on Star Pride during a recent Caribbean voyage and plans to implement Starlink across most of its global fleet by mid-2023. Star Legend will offer the cruise ship Wi-Fi service this spring, followed by Wind Surf, Wind Star and Star Breeze. Wind Spirit will activate it as it's available in French Polynesia. Currently, all Windstar Cruises use geostationary satellite service, Anuvu, for internet services. The addition of Starlink technology will amplify Anuvu, delivering more reliable and faster internet. Starlink is the largest low Earth orbit satellite constellation. Gregg Wagner, technology director, Windstar Cruises said, "When the ships are inside the service area, faster speeds will alleviate much of the frustration felt at peak use times." " The addition of high-speed internet service will enable guests to stay connected to family and friends." Starlink will be available on select Windstar voyages where the service is active. Not all global destinations are available yet.