Windstar’s Star Explorer Connects River and Ocean Journeys
Ocean cruising and river cruising have mostly operated as separate segments, each with its own ships, itineraries, and loyal following. Ocean ships offer range and variety, while river vessels focus on access and proximity to city centers.
Between those two formats sits a smaller group of ships capable of doing both.
These vessels are compact enough to navigate select rivers, yet capable of handling open ocean crossings and even polar waters. For travelers, these ships offer a different kind of itinerary: one that combines inland access with broader coastal exploration in a single voyage.
Windstar Cruises’ upcoming Star Explorer is one of those ships.
Set to debut in December 2026, the 224-passenger yacht will operate in Europe year-round with itineraries that move between rivers and open sea, connecting inland European cities with coastal destinations.
Where Rivers Meet the Ocean
In early and late summer 2027, Star Explorer will sail a series of itineraries that move between coastal routes and inland waterways within the same voyage.
On the Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain & Portugal voyage, the ship combines coastal calls including Bilbao, Gijón, Vigo, and Porto. Explorer then cruises up the Garonne River, roughly 60 miles, into Bordeaux.
The 10-night Impressionist France itinerary begins in Bordeaux. The ship then heads out to sea, and returns about 75 miles upriver via the Seine to Rouen, where passengers stay overnight to explore the city. It continues on to London, approximately 45 miles on the Thames. Travelers also visit ports such as La Rochelle and St. Malo on this itinerary.
The Moroccan Markets & Iberian Icons itinerary includes a roughly 50-mile transit up the Guadalquivir River to Seville, following calls in Barcelona, Valencia, Cartagena, Marbella, and Tangier. This cruise also stays overnight in Seville, giving travelers time to experience the city beyond a daytime visit.
Further north, the 10-night Circumnavigating Ireland sailing focuses on smaller coastal ports including Galway, Dingle, and Killybegs. The sailing also includes scenic cruising past the Cliffs of Moher, and concludes with a return inland along the Seine to Rouen for an overnight stay before disembarkation.
Throughout 2027, Star Explorer will cruise the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The ship measures about 432 feet in length and features 112 all-suite accommodations, nearly all featuring either a private veranda or a floor-to-ceiling infinity window.
