Cruise & Cruise Line

Windstar Cruises Is Leaning Into Off-Season Travel With 2025-26 Winter Sailings in the Mediterranean

Image: Windstar Cruises' Star Legend (Photo Credit: Windstar Cruises)
Image: Windstar Cruises' Star Legend (Photo Credit: Windstar Cruises)
Sarah Kuta
by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 11:15 AM ET, Thu May 23, 2024

Windstar Cruises’ winter sailings in the Mediterranean have been so popular the small-ship line is expanding its off-season offerings.

The cruise line unveiled its line-up of 2025-26 winter Mediterranean sailings, which includes six unique itineraries and six “Star Collector” sailings that combine itineraries for longer journeys. The cruises will be offered onboard the 312-guest Star Legend from November 2025 to March 2026.

The Star Collector sailings include free laundry service, and many guests are opting to stay longer and explore more of Europe. 

From now through October 31, 2025, the company is also offering an early booking offer that includes a $200 onboard credit per stateroom, plus free WiFi, included gratuities, and unlimited beer, wine and cocktails.

“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 Christopher Prelog, Windstar’s president. 

The lack of crowds, mile temperatures and comparatively cheaper airfares are helping drive demand for Windstar’s winter cruises in Europe. In the winter, the cruise line is also able to include destinations that it doesn’t typically visit in the summer, such as Valencia, Spain; Crotone, Italy; and Catania in Sicily.  

In the winter of 2025-26, the cruise line will also visit a new port: Genoa, Italy. The season also includes overnight stays in Dubrovnik, Venice, Nice, Barcelona, Malaga and Livorno (Florence), giving guests more time to explore and stay out late.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
Journey to HawaiiWednesday, September 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us on Wednesday, September 30th, 2026 as we take a virtual journey to the islands of Hawaii....
Upcoming Webinar
The Return of Grand VoyagesThursday, October 1, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
As luxury travelers seek deeper, more immersive ways to explore the world, demand for extended voyages...
Upcoming Webinar
Who is Exoticca and bucket list destinationsFriday, October 2, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover the world of Exoticca and see why extraordinary travel doesn’t have to come with an...
Watch Now!
Journey to HawaiiWednesday, September 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us on Wednesday, September 30th, 2026 as we take a virtual journey to the islands of Hawaii....
Upcoming Webinar
The Return of Grand VoyagesThursday, October 1, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
As luxury travelers seek deeper, more immersive ways to explore the world, demand for extended voyages...
Upcoming Webinar
Who is Exoticca and bucket list destinationsFriday, October 2, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover the world of Exoticca and see why extraordinary travel doesn’t have to come with an...