Meet Windstar Cruises’ New "Quick Getaways” – Short, Chic, Bite-Sized Cruises Through Europe

Breaking from its own tradition, Windstar is crafting more under-a-week escapes for 2026 and 2027 because great things come in shorter sailings

MIAMI, FL, August 4, 2025 -- Think sailing with Windstar Cruises requires a full week? Windstar is now offering “Quick Getaways”, a new collection of 3- to 5-night European yacht voyages launching in spring 2026. These short-but-sweet journeys bring together a mix of iconic cities and tucked-away ports that rarely fit into one itinerary — all with the same relaxed, friendly atmosphere you'll find on every Windstar voyage.

With nine departure dates and five fresh itineraries, these escapes punch way above their weight — perfect for squeezing in more without depleting PTO. Quick Getaways take guests to places most cruises can’t — from sailing under London’s Tower Bridge, a rare thrill reserved for small ships, to sipping wine in tucked-away Collioure.

Why They Work:

  • Overnight flight from the East Coast, board same day in Europe
  • Add a mini vacation to your work trip or tag it onto a longer land adventure
  • Compact itineraries that mix iconic cities with postcard-worthy hidden gems – think sailing under London’s Tower Bridge!
  • The perfect taste-test of Windstar’s relaxed, yacht-style cruising
  • Pair with a longer voyage for the ultimate European sampler

Quick Getaway Itineraries:

  • A Taste of Southern France (3 nights) – Kayak near Sète, wander Collioure, and ride to the storybook citadel of Carcassonne.
  • La Dolce Vita in Italy & France (3 nights) – Sail past seaside villages, roam Corsican markets, and raise a glass in Tuscany.
  • Belgium: A Sweet Getaway (3 nights) – Discover Bruges’ canals, snack on Belgian chocolates, and admire fairytale architecture.
  • St. Malo Getaway (4 nights) – Sail through London’s Tower Bridge, then dive into the windswept beauty of France’s northern coast, Mont St. Michel, and beyond.

Early Booking Offer: Book by August 31, 2025, for special pricing, up to $200 in onboard credit per stateroom and an All-In package (select alcohol, gratuities, Wi-Fi) valued at $99/day per person – almost $1,400 for two on a weeklong cruise. Best of all, call first dibs on premium suites. For further savings, a Pay Now, Save More offer saves you an extra 5% with booking code PIF when you pay in full at the time of booking.

More Quick Getaways? Coming in 2027!

Windstar is setting its sights on more short and sweet European getaways in 2027. Stay tuned! More details will be revealed when the new Europe deployment drops in September 2025.

To plan a small ship cruise with Windstar book online here or reach out to Windstar Cruises by phone at 866-258-7245 or request a call by a Windstar vacation planner. Find more information on Windstar Cruises here.

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Photos: Press Images Here, credit to Windstar Cruises.

Contacts:

Sarah Scoltock, Director of Public Relations, Windstar Cruises /

sarah.scoltock@windstarcruises.com

Claire Skinner, Vice President, LDPR, windstar@ldpr.com

About Windstar Cruises:

For four decades, Windstar Cruises has been reimagining small-ship cruising with a distinctive blend of relaxed luxury and genuine connection to the world’s most captivating destinations. From its origins with motor sailing yachts tailored for upscale yet casual travel, Windstar has grown into a diverse fleet of three Star Class all-suite yachts and three Wind Class sailing yachts, offering voyages that are both intimate and inspiring. Two highly anticipated new yachts, Star Seeker and Star Explorer, set to debut in December 2025 and 2026, expand the fleet to eight yachts accommodating 150-350 guests. Windstar’s legendary Wind Class sailing yachts are also undergoing a meticulous two-phase redesign to be completed by 2027. Windstar yachts sail to more than 330 ports across Europe, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Alaska, Canada and New England, Japan, the South Pacific, and Asia. Unlike most cruise lines, Windstar sails year-round in the Mediterranean and Tahiti, offering different destination experiences seasonally. Each Windstar voyage is designed to immerse guests in authentic cultural experiences, all while delivering the comfort, service, and style that define the Windstar difference.

Windstar Cruises is proud to be part of the Xanterra Travel Collection®, a distinguished group of global hospitality and travel companies with a legacy spanning over a hundred years. Xanterra operates iconic national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, and Death Valley. The Xanterra Travel Collection® is owned by The Anschutz Corporation, the ultimate owner of the Broadmoor, Sea Island, and entertainment giant AEG, Anschutz Entertainment Group.

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