As one of very few cruise lines to sail in the Mediterranean during the winter, Windstar Cruises is leaning into the growing trend of off-season travel. Today, the small ship cruise line announces its 2025/2026 Winter Mediterranean voyages and sail dates including six unique itineraries plus six Star Collectors, which are sailings that combine itineraries for more in-depth exploration. Windstar has learned that many guests wish to make the most of their travels, and these competitively priced Star Collector sailings (which also include complimentary laundry service) entice travellers to stay longer and experience even more of Europe.
To celebrate these new sailings, Windstar is introducing an Early Booking Offer which includes a $200 onboard credit per stateroom plus a complimentary upgrade to All-Inclusive fares which means that Wi-Fi, gratuities and unlimited beer, wine and cocktails are provided at no additional charge. The offer expires on 31stOctober 2025.
“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 such as Christmas in Florence, New Year in Dubrovnik and Carnevale across Italy,” says Windstar’s President Christopher Prelog. “Sailing year-round in the Mediterranean has been very successful for Windstar, so much so that we are now expanding our winter offerings due to its popularity.”
Prelog adds that it’s worthwhile to note that airfare to Europe in the winter season is a great value.
Windstar’s winter sailings highlight ports that Windstar doesn’t normally visit during the summer such as Valencia, Crotone and Catania. A full complement of shore excursions will be available to book in each port and offer experiences for first time and returning visitors.
Windstar’s 2025/2026 season also debuts a brand-new port - Genoa. There, guests can visit the most important maritime museum in the Mediterranean, experience the biggest aquarium in Europe or wander the Palazzi dei Rolli, a group of stunning palaces from the late 16th and early 17th centuries. In addition, the season boasts overnights in Dubrovnik, Venice, Nice, Barcelona, Malaga and Livorno, making long days of exploration possible as well as late drinks and dinners while in port.
All sailings take place aboard the 312-guest, all-suite Star Legend which has a minimum of 277 square feet accommodations, all with ocean views and some with step out verandas. As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, guests dine on innovative cuisine in five dining venues: Amphora, Veranda, Candles, Star Grill by Stephen Raichlen and Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso. Chefs continue to shop for fresh seafood, produce and local specialty items to bring the flavours of the destination on board even during the winter months. Additionally, sailing just after the harvest is a plus for wine tours when winemakers have more time for personalised attention amidst the cellar season. Not to mention that guests have a chance to savour treats from the region’s sparkling Christmas markets during this time of year.
Sailings depart from Athens, Barcelona, Malaga, Rome and Venice from October 2025 through March 2026:
Eight-day Myths & Marvels of the Aegean cruise round trip Athens calling in Kusadasi, Bodrum, Rhodes, Heraklion and Mykonos. Departures on 14th and 22nd October 2025. Prices from £2,841 per person.
Eight-day A Piece of Greece, A Slice of Sicily & the Corinth Canal cruise between Athens and Barcelona calling in Delphi, Corfu, Argostoli, Messina, Trapani and Cagliari. Departs 30thOctober 2025. Prices from £3,414 per person.
Seven-day Southern Spain Winter Escapescruise between Malaga and Barcelona calling in Gibraltar, Cartagena, Valenica and Palma de Mallorca. Departs 7th November and 13thDecember 2025; and 19th January and 27thFebruary 2026. Prices from £2,183 per person.
Seven-day Europe’s Winter Riviera cruise between Barcelona and Rome calling in Nice, Genoa and Livorno. Departs 20th December 2025; and 12th and 28th January, 20th Februaryand 8th March 2026. Prices from £2,410 per person.
Eight-day Winter in Italy & the Dalmatian Coastcruise from Rome to Venice calling in Naples, Messina, Dubrovnik and Zadar. Departs 27thDecember 2025; and 4th January, 4th and 12thFebruary and 15th and 23rd March 2026. Prices from £2,569 per person.
Eight-day Winter in Italy & the Adriatic cruise from Rome to Athens calling in Naples, Catania, Crotone, Corfu, Delphi and the Corinth Canal. Departs 31st March 2026. Prices from £2,711 per person.
Prices include all meals, soft drinks and port fees as well as the complimentary all-inclusive package (WiFi, gratuities and all alcoholic beverages) and a $200 onboard credit per stateroom.
For reservations call 0808 178 2233 or visit www.windstarcruises.com
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