A new cruise trend lets travelers sail rivers and seas together
Windstar Cruises is launching itineraries that combine river and ocean cruising without switching vessels.
If you’re torn between an ocean and river cruise, why not take both?
Windstar Cruises is leaning into river-to-ocean voyages, allowing guests to explore both kinds of waterways without changing vessels.
"Seasoned river cruisers have fallen in love with a way of traveling that’s intimate and deeply connected to place," the small-ship cruise line’s Chief Commercial Officer Janet Bava said in a news release. "But many have already sailed all the iconic rivers and are ready for the next frontier. We’re introducing a new way to cruise, with yachts that move seamlessly from rivers to the open sea, unlocking destinations that are inaccessible to traditional river ships or large ocean vessels."
Guests can choose from a range of itineraries, with a number of 2027 departures aboard Windstar’s newest yacht, the 224-guest Star Explorer, debuting in December. Those include the eight-night Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain & Portugal sailing through the Garonne and Gironde rivers, the coast of Spain and more, and a 10-night Ireland Circumnavigation, where passengers can explore the River Lee and take in cliffs from beyond the shoreline.
On the eight-night Moroccan Markets & Iberian Icons itinerary, meanwhile, passengers will sail Spain’s Guadalquivir river with an extended visit to Seville, along with other stops in Valencia, Cartagena and Tangier.
River-to-cruise itineraries are available on other Windstar ships, including on Star Seeker, Star Pride and Star Legend. Prices vary by sailing, but a three-night Quick Getaways: Belgium departing on May 19, 2026, currently starts at $1,258 per person based on double occupancy.
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