What comes next after travellers have sailed the world’s great rivers, the Rhine, Danube, Douro and Mekong?
Windstar Cruises answers that question with a new category of travel: river-to-ocean cruising, a way to connect both experiences in a single journey. No changing ships. No interruptions. Just a seamless way to move beyond the river into a much broader world of exploration.
Windstar has designed the category to help advisors retain and grow their most valuable clients. These sailings also create new opportunities for group bookings and specialty travel, including wine-focused sailings.
Windstar’s newest all-suite yacht, Star Explorer — to launch December 2026 — is driving the new category forward. Purpose-built for river-to-ocean travel, the 224-guest yacht is designed to navigate waterways too small for larger ocean ships and reach coastal destinations traditional river vessels can’t access. That capability speaks directly to discerning travellers who seek deeper cultural and are eager to experience places that feel more authentic and less traveled.
“With Windstar, advisors now have a seamless way to retain those clients by offering something new: yachts that move from rivers to the open sea, unlocking destinations that traditional river ships and large ocean vessels simply can’t reach,” says Janet Bava, chief commercial officer at Windstar Cruises.
The opportunity grows with Windstar’s flexible group program. Advisors can easily create group sailings with as few as 10 guests, unlocking valuable benefits including complimentary staterooms, shipboard credit and additional commission opportunities.
Wine-focused travel presents a compelling opportunity. With itineraries that explore regions such as Bordeaux, Portugal and beyond, Windstar is a natural fit for advisors working with wine groups or clients interested in culinary travel. Advisors can take advantage of existing culinary sailings or create their own customized group departures tailored to wine enthusiasts.
Group rates vary by sailing, typically offering 5% to 10% savings depending on availability, giving advisors flexibility in how they package and position these experiences for their clients.
Where Star Explorer Sails
- Impressionist France (10 nights on Star Explorer)
- Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain & Portugal (Eight nights on Star Explorer)
- Moroccan Markets & Iberian Icons (Eight nights on Star Explorer)
- Ireland Circumnavigation (10 nights on Star Explorer)
