Windstar Cruises to Set Sail on a Unprecedented 2023-2024 Winter Season in Europe

Fewer crowds, cool weather, and better access to museums, cultural events, and restaurants

Windstar Cruises swaps Middle East debut for a 2023-2024 winter season in Europe. These new winter and holiday itineraries from December 2023 to April 2024 offer travelers the opportunity to discover iconic ports like Barcelona, Nice, Florence/Livorno, Marseille, and Rome in an entirely different light aboard the award-winning all-suite, 312-guest, Star Legend.

“The ship was originally scheduled to sail in the Middle East. We’ve postponed our launch in that region to begin in November 2024,” said Windstar Cruises President Christopher Prelog. “With a ship in the Mediterranean, we saw an opportunity to offer guests a legendary winter season in Europe. Our small ships and intimate atmosphere provide a truly unique way to explore Europe’s winter wonderlands, while enjoying the magic of the season and the comforts and casual luxury that Windstar is known for.”

While the allure of summer in the Mediterranean is undeniable, the quieter, more intimate charm of the winter months offers an exclusive perspective on these timeless destinations. These seven-night itineraries have been carefully designed for guests to take advantage of fewer crowds and easier access to museums, cultural events, historical landmarks, as well as local cuisine and genuine engagement with locals. The itineraries offer guests a blend of cultural exploration and festive celebrations that can only be enjoyed during the winter season.

Star Legend’s Winter 2023-2024 Itineraries

New weeklong cruises in the Mediterranean will be offered from December 2023 through April 2024. Sixteen cruises sail between Rome and Barcelona (or reverse) visiting Florence & Pisa (Livorno), Italy and Marseille, France with overnights in Rome, Barcelona, and Monte Carlo.

The last of the new Mediterranean series is an eight-night cruise from Rome to Athens visiting the Amalfi Coast and Greece. Also, Christmas holiday sailing can be booked as a 8- or 9-day cruise, the latter including New Year’s Eve. 

Travelers can participate in some of Europe’s most magical winter experiences during these sailings. This includes holiday markets and ice skating in Nice, France; Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Trevi Fountain excursions in Rome during the holidays; and Florence’s spectacular Light Festival, among many other once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Guests will also have the option to celebrate Christmas eve and day in Rome or ring in the New Year in Barcelona. Further, they can spend Valentine’s Day in Nice or enjoy Carnevale celebrations in both Spain and Italy at the end of February.  

Additionally, the schedule change has presented Windstar with the opportunity to position its all-suite Star Legend in Cannes in early December to coincide with the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) conference. Windstar executives including Prelog, Vice President of Sales Dianna Rom, and Chief Commercial Officer Janet Bava will be on hand to showcase the ship’s renovation completed as part of the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative.

Windstar Cruises’ new winter sailings will be ready for purchase on November 6, 2023. 

SOURCE Windstar Cruises

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