Windstar Cruises will open the doors to three prominent European locations with the addition of new free Destination Discovery experiences in Livorno, Dubrovnik and London, the latter with exclusive access to the Tower of London outside of regular visiting hours.
The experiences will coincide with the first European season of the Star Explorer, Windstar's new yacht with capacity for 224 passengers, all of them staying in suites.
Each Destination Discovery Event is a complimentary, immersive evening experience ashore, available to all eligible cruise passengers. These three new offerings are part of an expanded program by 2027, which will feature seven different experiences in seven destinations, aboard Windstar's eight yachts and on 165 sailings—more than double the fleet's coverage. The company's smaller ships allow for the exclusive and intimate nature of these experiences, from dining among the ruins of Ephesus under the stars to a Polynesian feast on a private motu near Bora Bora.
"Destination Discovery experiences aim to make an extraordinary place feel like it's all yours for one night," explains Stijn Creupelandt, Chief Operating Officer of Windstar Cruises.
New Destination Discovery experiences for 2027
Livorno, Italy: a Medici wine tasting
Passengers will enjoy private, after-hours access to Livorno's historic Fortezza Vecchia, where they can sample cocktails inspired by local cuisine and Tuscan canapés, accompanied by live music and explanations from local experts in this 16th-century fortress. The experience is included in the Europe's Winter Riviera.
Dubrovnik, Croatia: The Spirit of Croatia
The evening will begin with sparkling wine and a performance by traditional klapa singers inside a 15th-century Dominican cloister. Afterward, passengers will travel to Dubrovnik's iconic Marin Držić Theatre for a Croatian music and dance performance. This experience is part of the Iconic & Hidden Croatia and Off the Beaten Path Adriatic.
London, England: The Tower of London at sunset
On just three sailings in 2027, passengers will be able to visit the Tower of London after the general public has left. The experience includes a private tour of the Crown Jewels, access to select areas of the fortress, including the White Tower and the walls, stories from the Yeoman Warders, live music, and a reception inspired by British tradition in the historic New Armouries Courtyard.
This experience will only be available on three departures in 2027:
Windstar calls its autumn and winter program in the Mediterranean Local Season, designed to discover destinations as their own inhabitants would, with more time on land, traditions specific to each season and itineraries different from those usual during the summer months.
Starting in early 2027, Star Explorer's Local Season will include overnight stays on most itineraries, longer stays, later departures, and two consecutive nights in Venice and Barcelona. Seasonal experiences include the Venice Carnival, the Epiphany celebrations, a visit to the Royal Palace of Caserta from Naples, and more time to discover Barcelona and Gaudí's work. Highlighted ports of call in autumn and winter include Nice, Genoa, Naples, and Catania.
The first year of the Star Explorer
The Star Explorer will make its maiden voyage on December 28, 2026, with a round-trip itinerary from Barcelona along southern Spain. In early 2027, it will continue its first Mediterranean season, cruising through Spain, Italy, southern France, and Croatia, before heading to northern Europe for the summer.
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