Windstar Cruises Introduces Star Explorer and New European Cultural Journeys for 2027

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Windstar Cruises unveils new European voyage experiences for 2027 including exclusive destinations experiences granting access to historic sites after hours. The luxury small-ship cruise line will introduce new Destination Discovery Events in Livorno, Italy, Dubrovnik, Croatia and London, England, offering a chance for guests to enjoy a history tour of the Tower of London outside of normal hours of operation. The new experiences will be offered alongside Windstar’s first European season of Star Explorer, the company’s newest and only all-suite yacht carrying just 224 guests.

The ship is designed to give travellers an up-close and personal view of the more unique ports along Europe’s coast lines.

Windstar’s 2027 programme will expand the number of its Destination Discovery Events across the seven destinations and all eight ships and 165 sailings. The events are created for guests who want a deeper understanding of local culture, history, food and stories.

Windstar Guests Can Explore European Landmarks After Hours

The 2027 cruise programme introduces exclusive evenings where travellers can experience iconic locations away from daytime crowds. These events combine private access, local performances, regional cuisine and cultural storytelling.

The three new experiences include:

• Livorno, Italy: Medici Fortress Wine Experience
• Dubrovnik, Croatia: Croatian Heritage Evening
• London, England: Tower of London After-Hours Visit

Each event provides guests with a different perspective of Europe’s historic destinations, allowing them to experience famous landmarks through local traditions and private gatherings.

Livorno Cruise Experience Brings Guests Inside Historic Medici Fortress

Travellers visiting Livorno, Italy, will have the opportunity to attend an evening event inside Fortezza Vecchia, a 16th-century Medici fortress overlooking the city’s historic harbour.

The exclusive gathering will feature Tuscan-inspired refreshments, local cocktails, regional canapés and live entertainment. Guests will also hear stories about the fortress and Livorno’s maritime heritage from local experts.

The experience is planned for selected Windstar itineraries, including the Europe’s Winter Riviera sailing. It gives cruise passengers a chance to discover Tuscany’s cultural identity through food, history and architecture.

Dubrovnik Cruise Guests Discover Croatian Culture Inside Historic Cloister

In Dubrovnik, Croatia, Windstar is creating an evening focused on traditional music, historic spaces and local customs.

Guests will begin the experience inside a 15th-century Dominican cloister, where they can enjoy sparkling wine while listening to performances by traditional klapa singers, a Croatian style of vocal music recognised for its cultural importance.

The evening continues at the historic Marin Držić Theatre, where travellers will watch Croatian music and dance performances.

The event will be available on selected sailings, including Iconic & Hidden Croatia and Off the Beaten Path Adriatic itineraries. The programme offers visitors a more personal way to understand Dubrovnik beyond its famous city walls.

Tower of London Opens After Dark for Limited Windstar Cruise Guests

One of the most exclusive additions for 2027 will be Windstar’s Tower of London After-Hours Experience.

The event will take place after the historic landmark closes to the public. Only three Windstar sailings will include access to this special evening programme.

Guests will receive private entry to selected areas of the Tower, including:

• Viewing of the Crown Jewels
• Access to the White Tower
• Visits to the historic Battlements
• Stories from Yeoman Warders
• British-inspired hospitality in the New Armouries Courtyard

The experience will be available on:

Because availability is limited to three voyages, travellers interested in this experience will need to reserve early.

Star Explorer Brings a New Small Ship Cruise Experience to Europe

The launch of Star Explorer marks a major addition to Windstar’s European cruise network. The 224-guest all-suite yacht features 112 suites, with most offering private verandas or floor-to-ceiling infinity windows.

The ship will allow guests to access destinations that larger cruise vessels cannot easily reach. Planned routes include sailing through the Venice lagoon, travelling along the Thames towards central London and exploring European waterways.

Onboard facilities include Basil + Bamboo, a specialty restaurant combining Asian and Mediterranean influences, along with a spa, fitness centre and Windstar’s signature marina platform for water activities.

Windstar Expands Seasonal Europe Cruises With Longer Destination Time

Slower travel will be the theme of the ship’s trips to Europe in 2027 with the new Local Season programme. It will focus on longer stay, overnight and seasonal cultural experiences. Among the highlights will be more time in ports like Barcelona and Venice to take part in local festivals, discover the arts and visit world-famous sites.

The early 2027 Mediterranean routes will be timed to coincide with events including Venice’s Carnevale and Epiphany, and visitors will have time to see attractions including the Royal Palace of Caserta near Naples and Barcelona’s architectural wonders.

The emphasis is on passengers having the space and time to embrace the local culture, not ticking off as many quick sightseeing attractions as possible.

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