New complimentary experiences in Livorno, Dubrovnik and London pair rare after-hours access with the intimate scale of Windstar’s new 224-guest Star Explorer
MIAMI, FL, September 14, 2026 – Windstar Cruises is opening the doors to three remarkable European landmarks in 2027 with new complimentary Destination Discovery Events in Livorno, Dubrovnik and London — including after-hours access to the Tower of London. The experiences debut alongside the inaugural European season of Star Explorer, Windstar’s newest 224-guest all-suite yacht.
Each Destination Discovery Event is a complimentary, immersive evening ashore, open to every guest on an eligible voyage. These three new experiences are part of a broader expansion in 2027, bringing the program to seven unique events across seven destinations, all eight Windstar yachts and 165 sailings – more than doubling fleet coverage. Windstar’s small-ship cruise size keeps each experience intimate, whether it’s dinner among the ruins of Ephesus under the stars or a Polynesian feast on a private motu near Bora Bora.
“Destination Discovery Events are about having an extraordinary place feel like it’s yours for the evening,” said Stijn Creupelandt, chief operating officer at Windstar Cruises. “In 2027, we’re bringing that experience to more of our guests across the fleet. It’s 180° from Ordinary brought to life — opening doors, staying after hours and experiencing a destination in a way that feels distinctly Windstar. With Star Explorer beginning her inaugural year, travel advisors have an entirely new way to introduce their clients to the oceans and rivers of Europe with Windstar.”
- Livorno, Italy: A Medici Wine Tasting – Guests will enjoy private after-hours access to Livorno’s historic Fortezza Vecchia, where locally inspired cocktails, Tuscan canapés, live music and local docents invite guests inside the 16th-century Medici fortress. Featured on: Europe’s Winter Riviera.
- Dubrovnik, Croatia: The Spirit of Croatia – The evening begins with sparkling wine and traditional klapa singers inside a 15th-century Dominican cloister, before guests continue to Dubrovnik’s landmark Marin Držić Theatre for Croatian music and dance. Featured on: Iconic & Hidden Croatia and Off the Beaten Path Adriatic
- London, England: Tower of London at Sunset – On just three 2027 sailings, guests will experience the Tower of London once the public has gone home. The evening includes private viewing of the Crown Jewels, access to select areas including the White Tower and Battlements, stories shared by Yeoman Warders, live music and a British-inspired reception in the historic New Armouries Courtyard. The event is available on just three 2027 sailings:
- Star Pride’s April 29th departure of the 7-night Tulip Season in Holland & Belgium (with the event taking place on May 6th)
- Star Pride’s May 13th departure of the 5-night Timeless Maritime Powerhouses of Northern Europe (with the event taking place on May 17th)
- Star Explorer’s 10-night Christening Voyage: Circumnavigating Ireland, departing June 1st (with the event on June 1st)
Star Explorer: A New Way to Experience Europe
Welcoming just 224 guests in 112 suites, Star Explorer is designed to go where larger vessels cannot. Nearly every suite features either a full private veranda or a floor-to-ceiling infinity window that opens to the breeze.
Her small-yacht scale also translates directly into destination access. Star Explorer will dock in the Venice lagoon steps from the heart of the city, sail up the Thames beneath Tower Bridge into central London, and venture inland on European river journeys larger cruise ships cannot navigate.
On board, guests will find Basil + Bamboo, Windstar’s newest specialty restaurant blending Asian and Mediterranean influences; a full-service spa and fitness facility; and a fresh take on Windstar’s signature Marina water-access platform.
Following her Mediterranean debut, Star Explorer will spend summer 2027 exploring Northern Europe, including the British Isles, Ireland, Norway, Scotland and the Baltic, before returning to the Mediterranean in fall.
Mediterranean Local Season: Europe at a Different Rhythm
Windstar calls its fall and winter Mediterranean program Local Season: a time designed around experiencing destinations as locals do, with more time ashore, seasonal traditions and itineraries that differ from summer.
In early 2027, Star Explorer’s Local Season includes overnights on most itineraries, longer stays, later departures, and double overnights in Venice and Barcelona. Seasonal experiences include Venice’s Carnevale, Epiphany celebrations, the Royal Palace of Caserta from Naples and extended time to experience Gaudí’s Barcelona. Featured fall and winter ports include Nice, Genoa, Naples and Catania.
For travel advisors, the selling story is clear: clients can be among the first guests aboard Windstar’s newest yacht while experiencing Europe during a season built around more time in destination, distinctive local traditions and new complimentary Destination Discovery Events.
Booking Star Explorer’s Inaugural Year
Star Explorer sets sail December 28, 2026, on her maiden voyage round-trip from Barcelona across Southern Spain. Her inaugural Mediterranean Local Season follows in early 2027, with voyages through Spain, Italy, Southern France and Croatia before she heads north for summer.