CruiseNew itineraries cater to the trend for off-season travel in Europe.

Winter in the Med? It’s a breeze with Windstar

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Windstar’s Star Legend will be sailing the Med in winter.
Windstar’s Star Legend will be sailing the Med in winter.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like sailing the Mediterranean in winter, Windstar Cruises is showcasing the best of the region during less crowded times.

The small ship cruise line says off-season travel is becoming a trend that will be accommodated in its 2025/2026 Winter Mediterranean voyages.

Sail dates include six unique itineraries plus six Star Collectors, which are sailings that combine itineraries for more in-depth exploration.

Along with the opening of new sailings, Windstar is pairing an early booking offer which includes a US$200 onboard credit per stateroom plus a complimentary upgrade to all-Inclusive fares. That means Wi-Fi, gratuities, and unlimited beer, wine, and cocktails are provided at no additional charge. The offer expires on 31 October 2024.

Additionally, winter Mediterranean sailings departing from December through February are part of Windstar’s Star Group Sailings incentive programme, where group leaders can earn one free berth for every seven sold.

“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 like Christmas in Florence, New Year in Dubrovnik and Carnevale across Italy,” says Windstar’s president Christopher Prelog.

Prelog says an additional incentive to travel to Europe off-season is that airfares are great value.

Windstar’s winter sailings highlight ports that Windstar doesn’t normally visit during the summer like Valencia, Spain; Crotone, Italy; and Catania in Sicily.

All sailings take place aboard 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.

Sailings depart from Athens, Barcelona, Malaga, Rome and Venice from November 2025 through March 2026.

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