by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 10:20 AM ET, Mon August 4, 2025
No PTO? No problem.
Windstar Cruises is unveiling a new series of shorter European cruises, designed for travelers who need a quick vacation.
Debuting in the spring of 2026, the brand’s new “Quick Getaways” collection includes 3- to 5-night European yacht voyages.
Travelers can fly overnight from the East Coast, then board the vessel in Europe that same day. The compact itineraries include a mix of iconic sites and hidden gems, like sailing under London’s Tower Bridge before exploring France’s northern coast.
Windstar is unveiling five itineraries with nine total departure dates, perfect for adding a mini vacation to a work trip or tacking onto a longer adventure. The company plans to add even more short and sweet European getaways in 2027, with more details to come in September.
Guests who book by August 31 can enjoy special pricing, up to $200 in onboard credits per stateroom and an all-in package that includes select alcohol, gratuities and Wi-Fi. Guests who pay in full at the time of booking can save an additional 5 percent.
"These new sailings are designed for spontaneity and simplicity," says Jess Peterson, director of itinerary planning for Windstar Cruises. "They're the perfect way to experience the Windstar style of travel—especially if you're already traveling for work or play in Europe. With overnight flights from the East Coast, you can be sailing beneath the Tower Bridge or sipping wine in Southern France with minimal jet lag and no time wasted.”
The collection includes:
- A Taste of Southern France (3 nights) – Kayak near Sète, wander Collioure and ride to the storybook citadel of Carcassonne.
- La Dolce Vita in Italy & France (3 nights) – Sail past seaside villages, roam Corsican markets and raise a glass in Tuscany.
- Belgium: A Sweet Getaway (3 nights) – Discover Bruges’ canals, snack on Belgian chocolates and admire fairytale architecture.
- St. Malo Getaway (4 nights) – Sail through London’s Tower Bridge, then dive into the windswept beauty of France’s northern coast, Mont St. Michel and beyond.
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