Southern Spain Winter Escapes, 6 January 2027

Accommodation aboard Star Explorer is entirely suite-based, with 112 suites for a maximum of just 224 guests. More than 90% feature either a private veranda or one of Windstar’s new floor-to-ceiling Infinity windows, which can be lowered from the top to let fresh air into the suite. There are no interior cabins, and accommodation ranges from 203-square-foot Oceanview Suites through to the impressive Horizon Owner’s Suites, giving guests plenty of choice depending on how much space and outdoor access they prefer.

Regardless of category, Star Explorer’s suites are designed for comfort, with queen-size beds dressed in luxury linens, L’Occitane bathroom amenities, a minibar and refrigerator, filtered water, ample storage, and on-demand entertainment. Bathrooms feature spacious showers, while many categories provide separate living areas alongside their private veranda or Infinity window. At the top end, the Horizon Owner’s Suites offer separate living and dining spaces and a wraparound balcony, while selected suites can accommodate a third guest or connect with neighbouring accommodation, which is particularly useful for families travelling together.

Dining aboard Star Explorer is relaxed and flexible, with five options ranging from the main Amphora restaurant to casual alfresco dining at Star Grill. No tables are assigned and dining times are flexible, while menus increasingly draw inspiration from the regions the ship sails through. Windstar is also the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, with dishes created by affiliated guest chefs appearing alongside the line’s own contemporary cuisine.

New at Star Explorer is Basil + Bamboo, Windstar’s speciality restaurant that blends Asian and Mediterranean influences, with dishes ranging from sushi and sashimi to Mediterranean-inspired plates and fusion dishes. Elsewhere, Amphora serves buffet-style breakfast and lunch before becoming an à la carte restaurant for dinner, with both indoor and outdoor seating, while Star Grill specialises in casual grilled, smoked and barbecued dishes served alfresco. The Yacht Club Café serves coffee, breakfast, and lighter bites throughout the day before becoming an intimate cocktail lounge in the evening, and complimentary 24-hour room service is also available for those who prefer to dine in their suite.

Despite carrying just 224 guests, Star Explorer offers plenty of outdoor space, with large open decks designed to make the most of her small-ship surroundings. The upper deck features the main pool and whirlpool, along with the alfresco Star Bar, while an additional whirlpool toward the bow offers another quiet spot to relax with uninterrupted views ahead. Inside, the Yacht Club combines panoramic views with comfortable lounge space, serving as an all-day coffee bar before transitioning into an intimate cocktail venue in the evening.

One of Star Explorer’s standout features is Windstar’s signature Marina, which opens directly from the stern when conditions permit. From here, guests can swim straight from the yacht or make complimentary use of kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling equipment, floating mats and Aquabana floating islands – effectively turning the sea into an extension of the ship. Elsewhere onboard, you’ll find the Star Boutique, Destination Desk, and Windstar’s popular Open Bridge policy, which allows guests to visit the bridge, meet the officers on watch, and learn more about the ship’s navigation.

World Spa by Windstar provides a dedicated retreat for relaxation aboard Star Explorer, with a range of treatments inspired by wellness traditions from around the world. The spa features three massage rooms, a relaxation area, sauna, shower and a separate space for hair and nail treatments, with a menu encompassing massages, facials, body treatments, manicures and pedicures. Its unusual two-deck arrangement also gives the spa a grand entrance from the deck above.

The Fitness Center & Motion Studio provides a dedicated space for guests who prefer to stay active while travelling. Equipped with Technogym equipment and free weights, the fitness centre supports both cardio and strength training, while the adjoining Motion Studio is used for organised fitness classes. Complimentary gym access and yoga classes form part of Windstar’s wider onboard offering, making it easy to maintain your usual routine between days exploring ashore.

Days aboard Star Explorer are deliberately unstructured, with the destinations themselves providing much of the entertainment. When you’re not exploring ashore, time onboard can be spent around the pool, relaxing on the open decks or enjoying the Marina when conditions permit. Windstar also offers destination-focused presentations and opportunities to visit the ship’s Open Bridge, where you can meet the officers and learn more about life and navigation at sea.

Evenings aboard Star Explorer are similarly relaxed, with entertainment centred around the ship’s intimate bars and lounges rather than large-scale theatre productions. The main Lounge hosts live music and other performances, while the Yacht Club transforms from its daytime café setting into a cocktail lounge after dark. Alternatively, head outside for drinks at the Star Bar, with Windstar’s informal atmosphere making it easy to spend the evening exactly as you please.