Windstar Joins Azamara, Uniworld, Silversea, Oceania, and Cunard to Unveil Unmissable Europe Cruise Season for 2027!

Published on November 13, 2025

If you’re a traveller who dreams of exploring Europe beyond the usual crowds, then the 2027 season of the cruise world is shaping up to be remarkable. At the forefront is Windstar Cruises, which is launching its newest all‑suite yacht, the Star Explorer, and unveiling 12 brand‑new itineraries across Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. With small‑ship access, fewer passengers, and exclusive event sailings, this season offers a fresh way to experience Europe’s coasts, rivers and cultural hotspots. We’ll also explore what other leading lines like Azamara Cruises, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Oceania Cruises and Cunard are doing in 2027, so you can compare and pick your perfect voyage.

Windstar Cruises 2027 Season: What’s New

Windstar is elevating its European game in 2027. The Star Explorer will sail year‑round in Europe starting then, delivering an all‑suite experience aboard a small luxury yacht. According to Windstar, the ship is designed to reach ports inaccessible to larger vessels.

The line is also offering 12 new itineraries, stretching across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. These voyages highlight the smaller‑ship advantage: overnight stays, late evening departures and docking in charming central harbours.

Some of the key destination access includes river ports like Rouen, Caen and Bordeaux in France, and even docking in central London under Tower Bridge – a luxury most large ships cannot provide.

In short, for a global traveller, Windstar 2027 means exploring Europe’s iconic places and lesser‑known gems in style, with comfort, intimacy and unique access.

Highlight Voyages on Windstar’s 2027 Line‑up

Circumnavigating Ireland – 10 nights
Sail around Ireland’s storied coastline, with dramatic cliff views, historic castles and lively village pubs. This journey is perfect for travellers who want both nature and culture: rugged West Coast scenery, quaint harbours, and warm Irish hospitality. Small ship docking means you’ll spend more time exploring and less time in transit.

Seven Gems of the Baltic – 8 nights
A rapid yet rich Baltic adventure visiting seven countries in eight nights, including overnight stays in Stockholm and Tallinn. You’ll explore medieval towns, modern capitals and the scenic archipelagos of Northern Europe. Ideal for travellers wanting to pack variety into a short but deep voyage.

Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain & Portugal – 8 nights
From Lisbon to Bordeaux, this cruise is for food‑and‑wine lovers. Expect Portuguese port wine tastings, Basque coast flavours, and French culinary treasures. The smaller ship size ensures access to charming villages and coastline that often elude larger cruise liners. This is a voyage that blends gastronomy, culture and scenic beauty.

Special Event Voyages

• Monaco Grand Prix Cruises: Sail timed to include exclusive race tickets and special access to the Monaco Grand Prix. A rare chance to merge sailing luxury with high‑profile motorsport.
• Total Solar Eclipse Voyage: Departing from Athens aboard Wind Surf, this voyage allows guests prime viewing of the August 2 2027 solar eclipse near Malta, combined with classic Greek and Italian ports.
• Mystery Cruise – Northern Europe (7 nights): Ports are revealed just 36 hours before arrival, adding an element of surprise for adventurous travellers who want something off‑script.

Other Cruise Lines to Know in 2027

Azamara Cruises

Azamara is another strong option for travellers seeking immersive, destination‑focused depatures. The line offers small‑ship cruises with longer stays in port and overnights, allowing deeper access to local life. Their 2027 announcements include 68 new immersive cruises and “Grand Voyages” across Europe and beyond.

One example: a Northern Europe & Baltic cruise from London to Copenhagen in 2027.
If you prioritise staying longer in each port and experiencing culture after dark, this line is worth serious consideration.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

For travellers who favour rivers over seas, Uniworld offers luxury river cruising in Europe. Their 2027 collection features new ships and itineraries along Europe’s rivers: the Rhine, Danube, Douro and more.

For example: a “Rhine, Moselle & Belgium Grand Discovery” from Basel to Brussels through six countries in 15 days.
If your travel style is slow‑paced, inland, and culturally deep, river cruising could feel more like a floating boutique hotel than a ship.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea’s 2027‑2028 Voyage Collection emphasises ultra‑luxury, immersive experiences and off‑the‑beaten‑path destinations. Their new collection includes world‑class festivals and adventure sailing.
If you want to travel with opulence, exceptional service and visit remote or lesser‑known destinations, Silversea delivers.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania’s 2027‑2028 Voyage Collection offers more extensive European coverage than ever before. It spans the French Riviera, Turkish Coast, British Isles and Norwegian fjords.
Ideal for food‑centric travellers who want comfort, luxury and variety in destinations.

Cunard

The iconic Cunard line is also stepping up for 2027‑2028, offering new voyages on Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Anne. It includes world‑voyages and overnight stays in key cities.
For those who enjoy the grand tradition of ocean liners, and longer voyage durations, Cunard is a strong option.

How to Choose the Right Voyage for Your Travel Style

When picking your cruise for 2027, think about what kind of travel you prefer:

• Small‑ship, intimate harbours, flexible ports → Windstar is hard to beat, especially with its new Star Explorer and exclusive destinations.
• Destination‑immersion & long stays → Azamara delivers great port‑time and culture‑heavy experiences.
• Inland rivers, boutique feel, slow pace → Uniworld offers floating hotel‑style river cruises through Europe’s interior.
• Ultra‑luxury, refined service, remote and special‑event itineraries → Silversea provides top‑tier indulgence and adventure.
• Luxury ocean voyages with gourmet focus and wide destination variety → Oceania offers strong value for travellers who want comfort and cuisine.
• Classic liner style, world‑voyages, overnight stays, heritage cruise experience → Cunard is the choice for those looking for tradition and extended exploration.

Why 2027 Is a Special Year for European Cruises

2027 stands out for a few reasons:

• More small‑ship access to harbours large vessels cannot reach (e.g., Windstar’s docking in central London, Rouen, Caen, Bordeaux).
• Special‑event voyages (Monaco Grand Prix, solar eclipse) add unique value beyond just ports and scenery.
• Year‑round sailing in Europe by lines like Windstar marks a shift away from strictly seasonal itineraries.
• Increased river and boutique cruising options (Uniworld) as travellers seek deeper connection with destinations.
• More flexibility for travellers: shorter itineraries, back‑to‑back sailing options (Windstar offers 3‑5 day getaways), and diversified itinerary lengths.

For global travellers, this means your European vacation choices in 2027 will be richer, more varied and more tailored than ever before.

Travel‑Friendly Tips for Booking & Enjoying a 2027 Cruise

• Book early: Many of these new itineraries and special sailings will fill fast.
• Choose your season wisely: Northern Europe is stunning in summer; Mediterranean can be good in shoulder seasons.
• Consider port access: Small‑ship lines offer access to harbours others can’t reach—makes a big difference.
• Look for special events: If you’re into culture, festival, astronomy, or sport (e.g., Monaco GP or solar eclipse), pick a cruise that includes one.
• Shorter voyages work: If you have limited time, many of the cruises above offer 7‑10 day options with big experiences.
• Think about your travel style: Sea vs river, all‐inclusive luxury vs immersive destination stay, big ship vs small ship.

Conclusion

Europe’s cruising scene is entering a new and exciting phase in 2027. With the launch of Windstar’s Star Explorer and its 12 new itineraries, combined with offers from Azamara, Uniworld, Silversea, Oceania and Cunard, travellers have more choice, better access and more innovation than ever before. Whether you want to sail under Tower Bridge in London, witness a total solar eclipse at sea, taste world‑class wines along the Douro, or take a luxury liner across historic seas, there’s a voyage designed for you. Pick your style, book early, and prepare to explore Europe from the sea in a way you’ll remember for life.