Windstar Cruises is to continue year-round sailings in the Mediterranean after starting its first winter season in the region.
The small ship line withdrew the ship Star Legend from the Middle East in October and re-deployed it to the western Med due to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Windstar cited “positive feedback and an influx of bookings and demand” for the decision to maintain a presence in the Med in 2024-25.
The company confirmed that five itineraries will be offered for the 2025 season, plus three special holiday and event sailings.
The expansion also allows passengers to combine back-to-back itineraries.
Chief commercial officer Janet Bava said: “On our inaugural sailing in December, 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 at a time when few cruise lines sail Europe’s oceans.
“Our biggest learning from this winter’s season was that we were limited by the possibilities and experiences we could offer with just the one itinerary – from Rome to Barcelona and the reverse – and we have responded to that with a variety of new itineraries for our guests to enjoy the Mediterranean’s most storied destinations in the winter.”