Europe 2026? Windstar Unveils New Itineraries, First-Time Ports

Dreaming of vacationing in Europe during 2026? Desire to set sail on a small ocean ship? Then check out what Windstar Cruises has unveiled for its 2026 Europe 2026 voyage lineup.

Top news? Look for 15 fresh itineraries, 24 first-time ports and a new Iceland solar eclipse sailing. New Star Collector sailings also combine several itineraries into one epic/longer adventure.

“Together, all those new options are more than the line has ever debuted in a single season,” says Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel. “Best of all, early booking offers — providing value-added savings — are available through October 31, 2024.”

With that early booking offer, those travelers who book a 2026 European cruise by that date will enjoy a complimentary all-inclusive experience. Included will be Wi-Fi; unlimited wine, beer and cocktails; all gratuities; and a $100 onboard credit per stateroom.

So, chat with your personal travel planner if anything below interests you. “We’ll happily provide more detail and get you the best deal with top-notch service,” she emphasizes. Here’s the basic scoop on the many new Windstar options!

(Photo above shows Windstar’s Star Legend, which will operate some new Europe 2026 voyages. Photo by Windstar Cruises.)

Windstar’s New 81-Day Star Collector

A new 81-day “Star Collector: 2026 Grand Europe Adventure” itinerary begins in Helsinki, Finland on July 14, 2026. Guests will sail on the 312-passenger Star Legend. They’ll explore 20 countries and 67 ports of call before the voyage ends in Athens, Greece.

Star Collector voyages are longer (13-plus days) and typically combine several cruises. Windstar’s itinerary planning team also selects popular itineraries to create these longer adventures. Yet, there are few repeated ports.

What’s another top perk of the new 81-day Star Collector itinerary? Guests will enjoy many late-night port departures plus overnight stays of up to four days in a single destination. So, if desired, guests can travel farther inland.

Bonus? Free daily laundry is provided so guests can still pack light — even while sailing on an itinerary of nearly three months.

Pricing for the “Star Collector: 2026 Grand Europe Adventure” started at $31,099 per person, double occupancy, at press time. Just click the link for the complete itinerary. Contact a skilled personal travel planner for any questions and booking.

Europe 2026: Windstar’s New Lineup

Other top highlights of Europe 2026:

• The line is expected to debut new cruise tours from Madrid, allowing guests to explore further inland in Spain.
• A new Ireland circumnavigation by Star Pride will sail June 9, 2026, roundtrip from Dublin, with fares from $3,999 per person, double occupancy. 
• In Greece for 2026, Windstar’s guests can take a “deep dive” into the Aeolian Islands. Plus, they can explore Northern Greece. One highlight is the opportunity to visit the Meteora Monasteries from the port of Volos, Greece.
• And the new Windstar “Around Iceland: A Total Solar Eclipse“ cruise will depart on August 12, 2026, roundtrip from Reykjavik, Iceland. At press time, fares started at $4,199 per person, double occupancy. 

Snazzy New Offerings: Europe 2026

“Our year-round cruises in the Mediterranean and Europe have more small-ship-only destinations than ever before,” says Jess Peterson, Windstar’s itinerary planner. “We’ve designed these voyages with a focus on regional exploration. So, that means more overnight stays and off-the-beaten-path experiences.”

The goal is to give guests “a deeper, more genuine look at some of Europe’s best spots,” he adds. On the shore excursion side, look for such local experiences as creating molded chocolates in Bruges, Belgium. All we can say to that is “yum, yum.”

Alternatively, guests might learn how to play the lyra in Thessaloniki, Greece. What’s a lyra? That’s a Greek pear-shaped, three-stringed bowed musical instrument. It’s often used to play the traditional music of Crete and other Dodecanese isles.

Top Itinerary Highlights 

Check out these additional highlights of Windstar’s new Europe 2026 lineup of voyages.

“French Feast: Normandy, Brittany and Aquitaine”

Embarking from Bordeaux, France, the seven-night “French Feast: Normandy, Brittany and Aquitaine” itinerary will provide in-depth exploration of Atlantic France.

Departing June 3, 2026, the 312-passenger Star Legend will sail along the Dordogne River to the Atlantic Ocean and La Rochelle for oysters. Then, the ship will head for Lorient, France, which accepts just one ship per day.

Next is St. Malo, where a late-night departure makes it easy to head out to the abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. A mid-cruise jaunt to the U.K. follows with a visit to Guernsey in the U.K.’s Channel Islands.

Then the ship will return to France. In Cherbourg, France, guests can delve into World War II history at the Normandy landing beach sites. Finally, guests will enjoy scenic Seine River cruising, before the vacation ends with a Paris overnight.

At press time, pricing for this “French Feast: Normandy, Brittany and Aquitaine” itinerary started at $3,299 per person, double occupancy.

“Treasure Troves of Corsica & Sardinia”

Exploring both Italian and French culture is Windstar’s new seven-night “Treasure Troves of Corsica & Sardinia“ itinerary. It’s operated by the 312-passenger Wind Spirit.

Sailing roundtrip from Civitavecchia (Rome) on August 6, 2026, Windstar’s guests will head out to destinations that even repeat European visitors may not have previously explored.

For example, in Corsica, activities might include a scenic coastal drive in Bonifacio; wine tasting in Bastia; and exploration of Napoleon’s birthplace in Ajaccio.

In Sardinia, travelers might opt for dolphin watching in Golfo Aranci. Or they might enjoy a promenade sunset walk during an overnight in Alghero.

Fares at press time started at $3,599 per person, double occupancy.

Europe 2026: “Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain & Portugal”

Departing from Lisbon on May 26, 2026, the “Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain & Portugal” itinerary will end with an overnight in Bordeaux, France. During the eight-day voyage, Star Legend will call at destinations “beyond” both countries’ major cities.

So, guests will enjoy time in the smaller ports of Spain’s Galicia and Asturias regions. Another perk is an overnight in Bilbao, Portugal.

Wine aficionados will likely appreciate this itinerary’s day ashore at Porto, the gateway to the Douro River Valley’s vineyards. Be sure to enjoy a glass of port if you opt to sail! And for those not familiar with port wine, here’s a primer. 

Pricing for this itinerary starts at $3,999 per person, double occupancy.  

“Norway’s Southern Splendors”

If you’re interested in northern Europe, check out Windstar’s new seven-day “Norway’s Southern Splendors” itinerary. On June 20, 2026, Star Legend will set sail from Edinburgh (Leith), Scotland, U.K., for Bergen, Norway.

“Edinburgh is a fantastic city,” emphasizes Erin Conner, Pavlus Travel‘s manager of leisure sales. “The Royal Mile is a ‘must see’ as is Edinburgh Castle. That site hosts the annual Military Tattoo but even outside of that event, the castle is incredible.”

In addition, “walking through any of the alleyways – known as ‘closes’ – will always reveal amazing shops, cafes, bars, bistros and more,” she adds. “There are incredible Harry Potter themed cocktail bars, amazing historical sites, a royal residence, and more.”

As their cruise begins, Windstar’s travelers will sail to little-known fishing ports and scenic inlets along Norway’s southern coastline. Those include charming Rosendal and cozy Egersund, both first-time ports for Windstar.

In addition, guests will head out to tour UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Urnes Stave Church. They’ll also taste the local cuisine, and marvel at natural wonders like Sognefjord, the majestic “King of Fjords.”

At press time, fares, started at $4,499 per person, double occupancy.

Europe 2026: “Off-the-Beaten-Path Greek Islands”

On the seven-night “Off-the-Beaten-Path Greek Islands” itinerary, Windstar’s Wind Spirit will sail to less well-known isles. These include Syros, Samos, Naxos, Folegandros and Milos, home to secluded crystalline beaches, hidden harbors, and romantic ruins.

Guests can sample local Muscat wines in Samos, the island of the ancient goddess Hera. Another top draw is the opportunity to attend a moonlight concert in ancient Ephesus, Turkey.

Departures of this “Off-the-Beaten-Path Greek Islands” itinerary are scheduled for June 4, June 18, September 10 and September 24, all in 2026.

Fares at press time started at $4,799 per person, double occupancy.

“Tulip Season in Holland & Belgium”

To enjoy gorgeous blooms, travelers might check out Windstar’s seven-night “Tulip Season in Holland & Belgium” itinerary. The 312-passenger Star Pride sails roundtrip from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on April 28, 2026.

In a previous blog, The Meandering Traveler provided firsthand feedback about top features of the revitalized Star Pride. 

Heading out on the “Tulip Season in Holland and Belgium” itinerary, guests will “ooh” and “aah” at tulip fields blanketed with vibrant colors. Also on tap is a visit to Keukenhof Gardens, also a top spot to view tulip blooms.

Are you an active traveler? Well, if you enjoy cycling, you can look forward to a scenic ride in the Dutch countryside outside Harlingen.

This itinerary also includes several new-to-Windstar destinations, plus an overnight call in Antwerp, Belgium.

Fares this past week started at $3,699 per person, double occupancy. Contact your personal travel planner for more details and to ask questions.

Europe 2026: “Bella Italia: A Southern Italian Romance”

Another new Europe 2026 itinerary is the eight-night “Bella Italia: A Southern Italian Romance.” Traveling aboard the 342-passenger Wind Surf, guests will explore southern Italy’s lovely Calabria and Puglia regions.

For instance, guests might stroll lovely winding lanes and savor tasty local dishes in Taranto. That coastal city is also rich in both Greek ruins and medieval fortifications.

Other itinerary highlights include visits to Otranto’s picturesque harbor and to Croatia’s Island of Rab. That isle appeals to travelers for many reasons, most notably for its 30 sandy beaches.

At press time, fares started at $3,999 per person, double occupancy.

“Treasures of Southern Spain & Morocco”

The eight-night “Treasures of Southern Spain & Morocco” itinerary is another new Europe 2026 itinerary. Sailing from Barcelona to Lisbon on October 30, 2026, the 148-passenger Wind Star will call at many desirable ports.

It also celebrates the return of Windstar to Seville, Spain. One differentiator for Windstar? Given its small size, Wind Star is one of the industry’s few ships that can navigate the 50-mile sailing along the Guadalquivir River to Seville. 

As a result, Wind Star can dock right in the heart of southern Spain’s cultural capital.  In contrast, larger cruise ships must dock in Cadiz. That means their guests must be transported to Seville by motorcoach.

Another highlight? It’s Wind Star’s exotic call at Tangier, Morocco.

At press time, pricing began at $3,999 per person, double occupancy.

For a full list of voyages, visit this official Windstar Cruises website.  “For any itinerary questions, to discuss accommodations, air flights and anything else related to a potential Europe 2026 voyage on Windstar, just check out the resources below,” says Pavlus‘ Steudle. “We’re here to assist you.”

Important Information from Pavlus Travel