After guests have sailed the world’s great rivers, like the Rhine, Danube, Douro and Mekong, they often ask travel advisors what’s next?
Windstar Cruises has an answer now, with a new category of travel: river-to-ocean cruising, were both experiences are connected in one journey. This seamless way to move beyond the river and into a much broader world of exploration is designed to help advisors retain and grow their most valuable clients.
Driving this new category forward is Windstar’s newest all-suite yacht, Star Explorer, which is set to launch in December 2026. Purpose-built for river-to-ocean travel, the 224-guest yacht can navigate waterways too small for larger ocean ships as well as reach coastal destinations that traditional river vessels can’t. That is key for discerning travelers seeking deeper cultural connection and looking to get away from crowded destinations.
“River cruisers are among the most loyal and engaged travelers, but many have already explored the world’s most iconic waterways,” said Janet Bava, Chief Commercial Officer at Windstar Cruises. “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. It’s a natural next step for clients and a growth opportunity for advisors.”
This river-to-ocean cruising model gives travel advisors a way to expand their river cruise business while retaining their most loyal clients. Instead of losing guests who have already sailed Europe’s major rivers, advisors can build on the same intimate, destination-focused experience while opening the door to new regions and itineraries.
Wine-focused travel presents another opportunity, with itineraries exploring regions such as Bordeaux and Portugal. 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.
Star Explorer’s 2027 voyages include:
- Impressionist France (10 nights): This trip from Bordeaux to London/HMS Belfast pairs the Seine and the Thames with overnights in Bordeaux, St. Malo and Paris/Rouen.
- Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain & Portugal (8 nights): This voyage extends from France into Spain and Portugal, pairing Bordeaux’s Garonne and Gironde rivers with culinary discoveries along the Spanish coast and time in Portugal’s Douro region.
- Moroccan Markets & Iberian Icons (8 nights):This journey into Seville via the Guadalquivir, continues on to a broader mix of Iberian and Moroccan destinations.
- Ireland Circumnavigation (10 nights): This sailing includes a call at Cork City Quay on the River Lee and then continues along Ireland’s rugged coastline of cliffs and castles.
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