As one of very few cruise lines to sail in the Mediterranean during the winter, Windstar Cruises is leaning into the growing trend of off-season travel. The small ship cruise line announced its 2025/2026 Winter Mediterranean voyages and sail dates including six unique itineraries plus six Star Collectors, which are sailings that combine itineraries for more in-depth exploration. Windstar has learned that many guests wish to make the most of their travels, and these competitively priced Star Collector sailings (which also include complimentary laundry service) entice travellers to stay longer and experience even more of Europe.
Along with the opening of new sailings, Windstar is pairing an Early Booking Offer which includes a US$200 onboard credit per stateroom plus a complimentary upgrade to All-Inclusive Fares. That means Wi-Fi; gratuities; and unlimited beer, wine, and cocktails are provided at no additional charge. The offer expires on October 31, 2024.
Additionally, Winter Mediterranean sailings departing from December through February are part of Windstar’s Star Group Sailings incentive program, where group leaders can earn one free berth for every seven sold. Typically, tour conductor credit is set at one free for every nine sold. The groups offer also includes a 10 percent savings beyond the listed fare, a guest amenity of $100 per person shipboard credit, and a $100 per person Travel Advisor Bonus Commission with Tour Conductor Credit earned.
“Winter in the Mediterranean is a fantastic time to see a different side of this magical region, get to know the locals, and celebrate special holidays like Christmas in Florence, New Years in Dubrovnik, and Carnevale across Italy,” says Windstar’s President Christopher Prelog. “Sailing year-round in the Mediterranean has been very successful for Windstar, so much so that we are now expanding our winter offerings due to its popularity.”
Prelog says it’s worthwhile to note that airfare to Europe in the winter season is a great value.
Windstar’s winter sailings highlight ports that Windstar doesn’t normally visit during the summer like Valencia, Spain; Crotone, Italy; and Catania in Sicily. A full complement of shore excursions will be available to book in each port and offer experiences for first time and returning visitors.
Windstar’s 2025/2026 season also debuts a brand-new port: Genoa, Italy. There, guests can visit the most important maritime museum in the Mediterranean, experience the biggest aquarium in Europe, or wander the Palazzi dei Rolli, a group of stunning palaces from the late 16th and early 17th centuries. In addition, the season boasts overnights in Dubrovnik, Venice, Nice, Barcelona, Malaga, and Livorno (Florence) making long days of exploration possible, as well as late drinks and dinners while in port.
All sailings take place aboard 312-guest, all-suite Star Legend, which has a minimum of 277 square feet accommodations – all with ocean views and some with step out verandas. As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, guests dine on innovative cuisine in five dining venues: Amphora, Veranda, Candles, Star Grill by Stephen Raichlen and Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso. Chefs continue to shop for fresh seafood, produce, and local specialty items to bring the flavours of the destination on board even during the winter months. Additionally, sailing just after the harvest is a plus for wine tours when winemakers have more time for personalised attention amidst the cellar season. Not to mention, guests have a chance to savour treats from the region’s sparkling Christmas markets during this time of year.
Sailings depart from Athens, Barcelona, Malaga, Rome and Venice from November 2025 through March 2026.
