- Home>
- Cruise Lines>
- Windstar Cruises>
- Star Explorer>
- Star Explorer Maiden Voyage: Mediterranean New Year Fly-Cruise
Star Explorer Maiden Voyage: Mediterranean New Year Fly-Cruise, 28 December 2026
New ship sails into the new year
Welcome 2027 aboard the newly launched Star Explorer during nine nights through the Mediterranean, calling at Barcelona, Valencia and Palma de Mallorca.
9 nights
Star Explorer
28 Dec '26Cruise overview
Be one of the first passengers to sail aboard Windstar’s newest yacht, Star Explorer, on an inaugural nine-night voyage along Spain’s captivating Mediterranean coast. Discover Valencia’s lively markets and historic landmarks, explore Gibraltar beneath its iconic Rock, linger in Málaga with an overnight stay, and uncover the atmospheric Drach Caves of Mallorca. With airy suites, welcoming spaces and delicious new cuisine, this is your invitation to experience a brand-new yacht as it begins its journey.
At midnight on New Year’s Eve, Star Explorer will be moored in Cartagena, welcoming 2027 from a historic Roman port steeped in centuries of Mediterranean history. The following morning, sail into Gibraltar beneath the great limestone Rock, beginning a new year with a journey filled with remarkable places, unhurried exploration and the excitement of being among the very first to experience Star Explorer.
Itinerary
Fly to Barcelona and embark
Your journey begins with a flight from the UK to Barcelona. On arrival, your private transfer will meet you at Barcelona Airport and take you directly to the port, where the brand-new Star Explorer awaits. Step aboard, settle into your surroundings and spend the night moored in Barcelona as your maiden voyage gets underway.
The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí’s majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain’s second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona’s vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.
Read More
Barcelona, Spain
Valencia, Spain
Cartagena, Spain
Gibraltar
Málaga, Spain
At sea
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Disembark at Barcelona
What's Included
This exclusive cruise and stay experience includes:
- Return flights from London (alternative airports available on request)
- Private overseas transfers
- 9-night Mediterranean cruise aboard Star Explorer
- Unlimited beer, wine, and cocktails
- All meals onboard, including specialty restaurants
- Unlimited Wi-Fi access
- All service and bar gratuities
- Complimentary use of gym and spa amenities
- Cruise taxes, fees and port expenses
Oceanview Suite
Oceanview Suites provide a comfortable introduction to Star Explorer, with a large picture window bringing plenty of natural light into the accommodation. Each features a queen-size bed that can convert into twins, a comfortable seating area and well-appointed ensuite bathroom, alongside the storage and thoughtful in-suite amenities found throughout the ship.
Amenities
- Queen or Twin Configuration
- Vanity Area
- Shower
- Room Service Available
- TV
- Media/Entertainment Station
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
- Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
- Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
Ship features
Star Explorer brings Windstar’s distinctive yacht-style approach to a new generation of ships. With light-filled interiors, generous outdoor decks and intimate social spaces, she’s designed to feel relaxed and spacious while retaining the character that our clients love about the Windstar experience.
- Intimate yacht experience for just 224 guests
- 112 suites, with no interior accommodation
- Over 90% of suites feature a balcony or Infinity window
- Five dining options, with all dining included
- New Basil + Bamboo Asian-Mediterranean restaurant
- Signature Marina with complimentary watersports
- World Spa and dedicated Fitness Center
- Open Bridge policy offering access to the navigation team
- Small enough to access ports larger ships cannot reach
- 1. 2027 voyages throughout the Mediterranean and Northern Europe