Windstar Cruises extends its Mediterranean sailings into a second winter season due to high demand and positive feedback.
- The cruise line redeployed its ship, Star Legend, from the Middle East amidst the Israel-Gaza conflict in October, seeking safer waters.
- Following an inaugural winter season, Windstar plans to offer five distinct itineraries from 2025, enhancing the Mediterranean experience.
- Three special holiday and event sailings will be introduced, offering more varied travel options for passengers.
- Feedback highlights the unique appeal of Mediterranean cities during winter, prompting itinerary expansions.
Windstar Cruises is capitalising on demand by extending its Mediterranean sailings into a second consecutive winter season. This decision follows a successful inaugural season that involved the redeployment of their ship, Star Legend, from the Middle East due to regional conflicts. The move to the western Mediterranean was driven by both security considerations and the strong market response.
Windstar has been encouraged by the extensive bookings and enthusiastic guest feedback, leading to the confirmation of five varied itineraries for the 2025 season. Travellers will have the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque yet less crowded locales of the Mediterranean, experiencing the distinct charm of this region during the winter months.
Furthermore, Windstar is set to introduce three special holiday and event sailings, increasing its offerings to meet diverse traveller interests. This expansion allows passengers to enjoy back-to-back itineraries, crafting a uniquely extended cruise experience through Europe’s historic and scenic coastal cities.
Janet Bava, Windstar’s chief commercial officer, noted the positive reception from passengers and travel advisors alike, highlighting the innovative appeal of the winter cruises. She remarked, “Every single travel advisor and guest on board told me ‘this is genius’ as we enjoyed the sunny weather of Europe’s most walkable cities.”
Reflecting on the lessons of their initial winter season, Bava emphasised that limited itinerary options last year highlighted the potential for greater variety. The new offerings aim to address this by presenting more of the Mediterranean’s storied destinations, thus enriching the traveller experience.
Windstar Cruises continues to innovate with expanded winter itineraries in response to strong demand.
