Cruise Frog guide
Star Explorer
Star Explorer is joining Windstar Cruises of the Star class: in service since 2019, she is due to start sailing for the line on December 28, 2026. She will measure 9,923 gross tons and will carry 224 guests with a crew of 130. She is set to sail Mediterranean, Northern Europe itineraries.
Star Explorer, in service since 2019, is joining Windstar Cruises. Her first cruise for the line is scheduled for December 28, 2026. Every new ship on the way
About Star Explorer
Star Explorer is joining Windstar's fleet in December 2026 as the sister of Star Seeker, a 224-guest all-suite ship built by WestSEA Shipyard in 2019. She has been sailing as World Explorer, most recently on charter to Quark Expeditions, and moves to Windstar when that charter ends. Her first Windstar cruise, billed as her maiden voyage, is scheduled to leave Barcelona on December 28, 2026, for southern Spain. Windstar plans winter Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona, Rome and Venice followed by Northern Europe in summer 2027.
Deck plans
Where she will sail
- MediterraneanWestern Med, Greek Isles and Adriatic, mostly April to November
- Northern Europethe Baltic, British Isles and Iceland, May to September
Home port: Barcelona, Spain.
Flying in for your cruise?
Star Explorer sails from Barcelona, Spain. The airport is Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat (BCN), with 5 lounges to wait in before you board.
- Sala VIP CanudasBCN Terminal 23.3 ★
- Sala VIP Joan MiróBCN Terminal 13.0 ★
- Sala VIP Pau CasalsBCN Terminal 13.0 ★
Quick answers
Which cruise line operates Star Explorer?
Star Explorer is being built for Windstar Cruises and belongs to its Star class.
When does Star Explorer join Windstar Cruises?
Star Explorer, in service since 2019, is joining Windstar Cruises. Her first cruise for the line is scheduled for December 28, 2026.
How big is Star Explorer?
Star Explorer measures 9,923 gross tons.
How crowded does Star Explorer feel?
Star Explorer has a passenger space ratio of 44.3: 9,923 gross tons for 224 guests. Ratios over 50 feel spacious and under 30 busy, so Star Explorer feels comfortable for her size.
How many passengers does Star Explorer carry?
Star Explorer will carry 224 guests at double occupancy, with a crew of 130 (about 1.7 guests per crew member).
Where does Star Explorer sail?
Star Explorer is set to sail Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries. Her home port will be Barcelona, Spain.
Which airport should I fly into for Star Explorer?
Star Explorer sails from Barcelona, Spain. Fly into Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat (BCN), which has 5 airport lounges listed on Lounge Frog.
Where can I find the deck plans for Star Explorer?
Windstar Cruises publishes the deck plans for Star Explorer; this page links to Deck plans (PDF, shared with Star Seeker).
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