Bridging waterways: How Windstar Cruises blends river and ocean exploration
If your clients love the intimacy of river cruising but want open ocean adventures, Windstar Cruises’ RiverOcean Voyages are the perfect step up
With ships that carry no more than 350 guests, Windstar reaches places larger vessels simply can’t. Sailing through rivers, canals, fjords, archipelagos and narrow waterways, its range of RiverOcean Voyages bring guests closer to the heart of a destination while retaining the space, facilities and freedom of an ocean cruise.
Think sailing along the River Thames, through Venice’s waterways or into the centre of Ho Chi Minh City via the Saigon River. With fewer guests on board and destination-focused itineraries, clients spend more time exploring the countries on their wish list.
Ocean cruising with deeper access
For clients who want the destination immersion often associated with river cruising, but with the amenities and flexibility of a small ocean ship, Windstar offers the best of both worlds. Guests can enjoy spacious suites, multiple dining venues, a spa and fitness facilities, expansive outdoor decks and, on many sailings, a watersports marina.
Introducing Star Explorer
Launching this December, Star Explorer brings Windstar’s signature yacht-style experience to just 224 guests on board. The all-suite ship features 112 spacious suites, nearly all with either a private veranda or a floor-to-ceiling infinity window.
On board, guests can enjoy the new speciality restaurant Basil + Bamboo, upgraded public spaces and thoughtful touches including waffle-weave robes, slippers, L’Occitane bath amenities and granite vanity units.
Extraordinary passage
Windstar’s itineraries showcase some of the world’s most scenic and fascinating waterways. In Europe, guests can sail the Seine to Rouen, the Guadalquivir to Seville and the Scheldt to Antwerp. Elsewhere, itineraries navigate the St Lawrence River to Montréal, Japan’s Seto Inland Sea separating Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu and Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River.
The line also transits iconic passages including the Panama Canal and Greece’s Corinth Canal, while its small ships are perfectly suited to exploring spectacular fjords, sounds and coastal passages. Guests can cruise through Norway’s dramatic Sognefjord, Nordfjord and Romsdalsfjord, sail among the islands of the Stockholm Archipelago and discover remote landscapes in Greenland’s Prince Christian Sound or Tasermiut Fjord. Further afield, itineraries venture into Canada’s Saguenay Fjord, Alaska’s Tracy Arm, Rudyerd Bay and Kenai Fjords, plus the limestone karsts of Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, delivering unforgettable scenery throughout.
Other itineraries are island focused. Highlights include circling Japan’s abandoned Hashima Island, Iceland’s uninhabited volcanic Surtsey island and the dramatic Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.
Windstar’s must-book itineraries
Vietnam & Cambodia Revealed
Bangkok to Ha Long Bay (or reverse). 10 nights all-inclusive from £3,711 per person based on two sharing.
Tulip Season in Holland & Belgium
Amsterdam round trip. Seven nights all-inclusive from £2,450 per person based on two sharing.
Quick Getaways: Seaside Charms & Dutch Waterways
London Tower Bridge to Amsterdam. Three nights all-inclusive from £993 per person based on two sharing.
Southern Italy & Greece via the Corinth Canal
Athens to Rome (or reverse). Six nights all-inclusive from £1,726 per person based on two sharing.
Become an expert
To learn more about Windstar and discuss working with us, contact augustus.lonsdale@windstarcruises.com. To book call 0800 0086682 or email windstaruk@cruiseline.co.uk”
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