MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 9, 2026--
Smaller ships. Smarter itineraries. Access to ports and waterways that larger vessels can’t reach. That is what sets Windstar Cruises apart. In 2026, the leading small ship cruise line is introducing nearly 30 new voyages while offering a final chance to take advantage of the line’s most valuable Wave Season promotion to date.
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Available for bookings made through March 31, 2026, the promotion includes a complimentary all-inclusive upgrade (select unlimited alcohol, Wi-Fi and gratuities), a pre-cruise hotel night with transfer (where available) and up to $1,000 in onboard credit per guest on select voyages sailing through March 31, 2027. Windstar’s “ Beyond Inclusive ” Wave Season offer unlocks more opportunities to experience sought-after destinations—like Europe in summer—where Windstar’s small yachts invite travelers to explore the coastline and dock close to the action, all while avoiding the inland crowds.
“There are so many incredible moments throughout the year to plan a Windstar voyage — from summer along Europe’s storied coastlines to shoulder-season escapes in the Mediterranean,” says Janet Bava, chief commercial officer at Windstar Cruises. “Our yachts are designed to bring you closer to the places you’re exploring, whether that’s sailing into Venice’s lagoon, dropping anchor off a quiet Greek island, or stepping ashore in a tucked-away harbor. When you pair that kind of access and intimacy with our most compelling Wave Season offer to date, it becomes the perfect time to turn those travel plans into something truly unforgettable.”
What Makes Windstar’s Small Ship Cruises Beyond Ordinary?
With just 148 to 342 guests per yacht, Windstar delivers an intentionally intimate experience. On board, the atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, with attentive service and open bridge access that invites guests behind the scenes. Food is another signature. As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar elevates every voyage with destination-inspired cuisine, complimentary specialty dining, and curated culinary experiences ashore.
What are the New Highlights for Windstar Cruises in 2026?
Windstar’s 2026 lineup spans bucket-list moments and off-the-beaten-path discovery. Here are five of the most anticipated additions to the 2026 lineup.
Where and When to Make the Most of Windstar’s Wave Season Offer
Certain seasons are simply meant to be experienced from the water. The buzz of summer in Europe unfolds along its coastlines, where islands, seaside villages, and café-lined harbors come alive. On board, the ship’s Marina transforms the stern into a private waterfront playground, where guests can lounge, swim, paddleboard, and kayak in scenic bays. With the surge in European travel in the summer, sailings such as Treasure Troves of Corsica & Sardinia spotlight dramatic limestone cliffs, vineyard-lined hillsides and intimate anchorages, while Italy and the Allure of the Aeolian Islands explores volcanic landscapes and seaside villages best approached by water. September in Italy offers softer light and harvest-season flavors that create a more intimate rhythm along the Mediterranean. In December, French Polynesia invites warm breezes, turquoise lagoons, and days spent swimming straight from the yacht’s Marina.
Looking for a Shorter Escape?
In response to growing demand for shorter vacations across Europe, Windstar has introduced a collection of Quick Getaways with three- to five-night sailings designed for travelers who want meaningful coastal access in just a few days. Ideal as standalone escapes or paired with a land stay, these Quick Getaways offer a flexible way to experience Europe at its peak, with the same intimate scale and elevated onboard experience that defines Windstar’s longer itineraries. Options range from La Dolce Vita in Italy & France (a Rome roundtrip with Riviera flair) and A Taste of Southern France (a Mediterranean escape from Barcelona) to a delicious Northern European adventure in Belgium: A Sweet Getaway.
When to Book for the Best Value?
Windstar’s “Beyond Inclusive” Wave Season promotion is available for bookings made by March 31, 2026, on select voyages sailing through March 31, 2027. The offer gives travelers a limited window to lock in added value and secure preferred stateroom categories on popular itineraries.
Highlights of the offer include:
For more information, visit WindstarCruises.com, contact a Windstar vacation planner or call 866-258-7245
Windstar Cruises imagery here, credit to Windstar Cruises.
About Windstar Cruises:
For four decades, Windstar Cruises has been reimagining small-ship cruising with a distinctive blend of relaxed luxury and genuine connection to the world’s most captivating destinations. From its origins with motor sailing yachts tailored for upscale yet casual travel, Windstar has grown into a diverse fleet of four Star Class all-suite yachts—including its newest addition of Star Seeker in December 2025—and three Wind Class sailing yachts, offering voyages that are both intimate and inspiring. It’s highly anticipated yacht, Star Explorer, is set to debut in December 2026, expanding the fleet to eight yachts accommodating 150-350 guests. Windstar’s legendary Wind Class sailing yachts are also undergoing a meticulous two-phase redesign to be completed by 2027. Windstar yachts sail to more than 330 ports across Europe, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Alaska, Canada and New England, Japan, the South Pacific, and Asia. Unlike most cruise lines, Windstar sails year-round in the Mediterranean and Tahiti, offering different destination experiences seasonally. Each Windstar voyage is designed to immerse guests in authentic cultural experiences, all while delivering the comfort, service, and style that define the Windstar difference.
Windstar Cruises is proud to be part of the Xanterra Travel Collection®, a distinguished group of global hospitality and travel companies with a legacy spanning over a hundred years. Xanterra operates iconic national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, and Death Valley. The Xanterra Travel Collection® is owned by The Anschutz Corporation, the ultimate owner of the Broadmoor, Sea Island, and entertainment giant AEG, Anschutz Entertainment Group.
Wind Surf sails off Gythion, Greece
