Windstar Cruises has launched itineraries in South America beginning in DEC 2025 onboard its all-suite yacht, 'Star Pride.'
The new 16-day Marvels of Latin America Cruise Tour sailing from Colón, Panama to Lima, Peru (or reverse) adds a pre-or post-cruise tour to Machu Picchu, with an option for a mid-cruise overland tour to the Galapagos Islands. For a shorter version, an 11-day Marvels of Ecuador, Peru, and the Panama Canal includes the cruise and the optional Galapagos Island overland tour.
"Our new cruise tour in Machu Picchu and overland tour to Galapagos allow our guests to see more of South America," explains Windstar Cruises President Christopher Prelog. "I'm excited to offer our loyal guests new destinations to visit with Windstar. We're taking care of the complicated logistics to get you to all these spectacular places."
Starting with the New Year's sailing on 27DEC 2025 through January, the itinerary includes a daylight transit of the iconic Panama Canal. According to Windstar, overnight stays allow ample time for multi-day exploration in Manta, Guayaquil, and Lima. Additional port visits include Machala and Trujillo, where guests can visit the nearby pre-Colombian Chimu tribe archaeological site of Chan Chan.
The Machu Picchu tour is a pre-or post-cruise excursion over five days. Overnight stays during the tour are in luxury boutique hotels, and included meals focus on local ingredients and flavours for which Peru is best known.
Windstar has significantly increased the number of cruise tours on offer in every region the small ship line sails, including these first-time offerings in South America. The move is in response to customers' demands to spend more time soaking in the sights and spirit of each destination.
"These tours take care of every detail while also getting you closer to the wildlife, culture, and history of the region in a way that's respectful of the land and the locals," Prelog says. "Since we begin or end in Panama versus Florida where traditionally these itineraries depart from, we have fewer sea days and more port calls in South America for a rich destination experience."
More details on Windstar Cruises are on its website.
