Windstar Unveils Hybrid River and Ocean Cruise Concept

A view across the River Seine in Paris to the Eiffel Tower
Cruise Industry Europe
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Updated Published

Windstar Cruises is introducing a new approach to small-ship travel, combining river and ocean cruising into a single, seamless experience.

At the heart of this concept is the upcoming Star Explorer, a 224-guest, all-suite yacht scheduled to launch in December 2026. Built specifically for this hybrid style of travel, the vessel will be able to navigate both inland waterways and open seas, allowing guests to journey from city-center rivers directly to coastal destinations and islands without switching ships.

This new offering is designed with experienced river cruisers in mind, particularly those who have already explored Europe’s most popular routes and are looking for something new.

By linking rivers, coastlines, and smaller ports within one itinerary, Windstar aims to open up destinations that are often inaccessible to larger ocean ships or traditional river vessels.

The result is a more connected and immersive travel experience, eliminating the need for transfers, repacking, or changing ships along the way.

The Star Explorer’s debut itineraries showcase the flexibility of this concept:

  • Impressionist France (10 nights): Sailing from Bordeaux to London, combining the Seine and Thames, with stops in St. Malo and access to D-Day beaches
  • Northern Spain & Portugal (8 nights): A wine-focused journey linking Bordeaux with Spain’s coastline and Portugal’s Douro region
  • Moroccan Markets & Iberian Icons (8 nights): Featuring river access to Seville alongside visits to ports across Iberia and Morocco
  • Ireland Circumnavigation (10 nights): Beginning in Cork’s river port and exploring Ireland’s dramatic coastline of cliffs and castles

Windstar is already incorporating similar hybrid itineraries across its existing fleet, blending rivers, canals, and coastal routes.

These include seasonal sailings in Holland and Belgium during tulip season, as well as longer itineraries in regions such as Canada and Southeast Asia, reflecting growing demand for more intimate and destination-focused travel.

With the introduction of Star Explorer, Windstar is positioning itself at the forefront of an emerging trend that merges river and ocean cruising. For travelers who prefer smaller ships but want greater variety, fewer crowds, and deeper access to destinations, this new approach could represent the next step in the evolution of cruising.