Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain & Portugal
Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain & Portugal
Cruise overview
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About Lisbon
Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city's terraced hillsides. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.
About Leixões
Ever since the Romans constructed a fort here and began using it as a trading post, Oporto has been a prosperous commercial centre. In the 15th and 16th centuries the city benefited from the wealth generated by Portugal’s maritime discoveries, and later, the establishment of a lucrative wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade. Today, Portugal’s second-largest city is a thriving, cosmopolitan place and is famous for its production of the fortified, sweet 'port' wine. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city was also awarded the status of European Capital of Culture in 2001. A large sandbar prevents ships from sailing into Oporto itself, so for over a century they have used nearby Leixões instead, a man-made seaport constructed nine miles from the city. Leixões is one of Portugal's major sea ports and is also home to one of the country's oldest football clubs, winners of the Taça de Portugal cup in 1961.
About Vigo
Dating from Roman times, the Galician city of Vigo has a fine natural harbour and is renowned as the biggest fishing port in the world. It is also full of history - it was in this fjord-like quay that the English and Dutch defeated the French and Spanish fleets in 1702. Today, the attractive marinas stand in contrast to the industrialised areas of the city, while further exploration will reveal the characteristic 17th-century architecture and attractive countryside beyond. The charming Old Town is a delight, with its labyrinth of winding narrow streets and shaded squares. Nearby is the Cathedral city of Tui, and further to the north is the pilgrimage centre of Santiago de Compostela, which can be reached by car in approximately 1¼ hours.
About Gijón
The Campo Valdés baths, dating back to the 1st century AD, and other reminders of Gijón's time as an ancient Roman port remain visible downtown. Gijón was almost destroyed in a 14th-century struggle over the Castilian throne, but by the 19th century it was a thriving port and industrial city. The modern-day city is part fishing port, part summer resort, and part university town, packed with cafés, restaurants, and sidrerías.
About Bilbao
Time in Bilbao (Bilbo, in Euskera) may be recorded as BG or AG (Before Guggenheim or After Guggenheim). Never has a single monument of art and architecture so radically changed a city. Frank Gehry's stunning museum, Norman Foster's sleek subway system, the Santiago Calatrava glass footbridge and airport, the leafy César Pelli Abandoibarra park and commercial complex next to the Guggenheim, and the Philippe Starck AlhóndigaBilbao cultural center have contributed to an unprecedented cultural revolution in what was once the industry capital of the Basque Country.Greater Bilbao contains almost 1 million inhabitants, nearly half the total population of the Basque Country. Founded in 1300 by Vizcayan noble Diego López de Haro, Bilbao became an industrial center in the mid-19th century, largely because of the abundance of minerals in the surrounding hills. An affluent industrial class grew up here, as did the working class in suburbs that line the Margen Izquierda (Left Bank) of the Nervión estuary.Bilbao's new attractions get more press, but the city's old treasures still quietly line the banks of the rust-color Nervión River. The Casco Viejo (Old Quarter)—also known as Siete Calles (Seven Streets)—is a charming jumble of shops, bars, and restaurants on the river's Right Bank, near the Puente del Arenal bridge. This elegant proto-Bilbao nucleus was carefully restored after devastating floods in 1983. Throughout the Casco Viejo are ancient mansions emblazoned with family coats of arms, wooden doors, and fine ironwork balconies. The most interesting square is the 64-arch Plaza Nueva, where an outdoor market is pitched every Sunday morning.Walking the banks of the Nervión is a satisfying jaunt. After all, this was how—while out on a morning jog—Guggenheim director Thomas Krens first discovered the perfect spot for his project, nearly opposite the right bank's Deusto University. From the Palacio de Euskalduna upstream to the colossal Mercado de la Ribera, parks and green zones line the river. César Pelli's Abandoibarra project fills in the half mile between the Guggenheim and the Euskalduna bridge with a series of parks, the Deusto University library, the Meliá Bilbao Hotel, and a major shopping center.On the left bank, the wide, late-19th-century boulevards of the Ensanche neighborhood, such as Gran Vía (the main shopping artery) and Alameda de Mazarredo, are the city's more formal face. Bilbao's cultural institutions include, along with the Guggenheim, a major museum of fine arts (the Museo de Bellas Artes) and an opera society (Asociación Bilbaína de Amigos de la Ópera, or ABAO) with 7,000 members from Spain and southern France. In addition, epicureans have long ranked Bilbao's culinary offerings among the best in Spain. Don't miss a chance to ride the trolley line, the Euskotram, for a trip along the river from Atxuri Station to Basurto's San Mamés soccer stadium, reverently dubbed "la Catedral del Fútbol" (the Cathedral of Football).
About San Sebastian
About Biarritz
About Biarritz
About Bordeaux
Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.
About Bordeaux
Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.
DECK | CABIN TYPE: Suite | 548 SQ FT
This luxurious 548-square-foot suite combines floor-to-ceiling windows and a wrap-around balcony for an unparalleled cruising experience. Perfect for evening cocktails or a private dinner, the wrap-around balcony adds 248 square feet of space and offers unobstructed views of the sea. The suite boasts a separate entryway — as well as separate dining and living areas — and a guest powder room. The bedroom includes an inviting king bed (convertible into two XL twin beds if desired), and the bathroom features a luxurious double walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets. For family bookings, the adjacent suite can be combined to provide extra bedrooms and space for entertaining.
All Accommodations Feature
- Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
- Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
- Interactive TV
- Mini Bar/Refrigerator
- Safe
- Direct Dial Phone
- L'Occitane Bath Amenities
- Fresh Fruit
- Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
- Wi-Fi Internet Access (various plans available for purchase)
- Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
- Vanity with magnifying mirror and chair
DECK | CABIN TYPE: Suite | 380 SQ FT
Step into a stylish and bright open living area with a spacious adjacent bedroom. This 380-square-foot suite welcomes you with spectacular views, courtesy of the sliding glass doors that lead out to your private balcony. The outdoor space adds another 110 square feet, enough to sit outside comfortably and enjoy the breeze. The bedroom features an inviting queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired) and its own sliding glass door with balcony access, while the bathroom includes a bathtub and walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets.
All Accommodations Feature
- Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
- Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
- Interactive TV
- Mini Bar/Refrigerator
- Safe
- Direct Dial Phone
- L'Occitane Bath Amenities
- Fresh Fruit
- Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
- Wi-Fi Internet Access (various plans available for purchase)
- Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
- Vanity with magnifying mirror and chair
DECK | CABIN TYPE: Suite | 288 SQ FT
This 288-square-foot suite welcomes you with spectacular views, courtesy of the sliding glass doors that lead out to your private balcony. The outdoor space adds another 110 square feet, enough to sit outside comfortably and enjoy the breeze. The bedroom features an inviting queen bed and its own sliding glass door with balcony access, while the bathroom includes a luxurious walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets.
All Accommodations Feature
- Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
- Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
- Interactive TV
- Mini Bar/Refrigerator
- Safe
- Direct Dial Phone
- L'Occitane Bath Amenities
- Fresh Fruit
- Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
- Wi-Fi Internet Access (various plans available for purchase)
- Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
- Vanity with magnifying mirror and chair
DECK | CABIN TYPE: Suite | 353 SQ FT
Step into a stylish and bright open living area with a spacious adjacent bedroom. This 353-square-foot suite welcomes you with spectacular views, courtesy of the sliding glass doors that lead out to your private balcony. The outdoor space adds another 110 square feet, enough to sit outside comfortably and enjoy the breeze. The bedroom features an inviting queen bed that can be converted into two twins if desired, while the bathroom includes a luxurious walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets.
All Accommodations Feature
- Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
- Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
- Interactive TV
- Mini Bar/Refrigerator
- Safe
- Direct Dial Phone
- L'Occitane Bath Amenities
- Fresh Fruit
- Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
- Wi-Fi Internet Access (various plans available for purchase)
- Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
- Vanity with magnifying mirror and chair
DECK 7 | CABIN TYPE: SUite | 268 SQ FT
Located on deck 7, this 268-square-foot suite welcomes you with stylish comfort and stunning ocean views. Relax on your queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired) or lounge in the nearby living area. The outdoor space adds another 55 square feet, enough to sit outside comfortably and enjoy the breeze. In the bathroom, you’ll find a luxurious walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets.
All Accommodations Feature
- Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
- Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
- Interactive TV
- Mini Bar/Refrigerator
- Safe
- Direct Dial Phone
- L'Occitane Bath Amenities
- Fresh Fruit
- Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
- Wi-Fi Internet Access (various plans available for purchase)
- Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
- Vanity with magnifying mirror and chair
DECK 6 | CABIN TYPE: Suite | 246 SQ FT
Located on deck 6, this 246-square-foot suite welcomes you with stylish comfort and stunning ocean views. Featuring an inviting queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired) and a pull-out sofa in the living area, the suite allows for triple occupancy. The outdoor space adds another 55 square feet, enough to sit outside comfortably and enjoy the breeze. In the bathroom, you’ll find a luxurious walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets.
All Accommodations Feature
- Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
- Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
- Interactive TV
- Mini Bar/Refrigerator
- Safe
- Direct Dial Phone
- L'Occitane Bath Amenities
- Fresh Fruit
- Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
- Wi-Fi Internet Access (various plans available for purchase)
- Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
- Vanity with magnifying mirror and chair
DECK | CABIN TYPE: Suite | 225 SQ FT
Located at the middle of the ship, these 225-square-foot suites welcome you with stylish comfort and beautiful ocean views. Relax on your queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired) or lounge in the nearby living area. The outdoor space adds another 55 square feet, enough to sit outside comfortably and enjoy the breeze. In the bathroom, you’ll find a luxurious walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets.
All Accommodations Feature
- Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
- Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
- Interactive TV
- Mini Bar/Refrigerator
- Safe
- Direct Dial Phone
- L'Occitane Bath Amenities
- Fresh Fruit
- Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
- Wi-Fi Internet Access (various plans available for purchase)
- Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
- Vanity with magnifying mirror and chair
DECK | CABIN TYPE: Suite | 225 SQ FT
Stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you to this 225-square-foot suite. Relax on your queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired) or lounge in the nearby living area. The outdoor space adds another 55 square feet, enough to sit outside comfortably and enjoy the breeze. In the bathroom, you’ll find a luxurious walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets.
All Accommodations Feature
- Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
- Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
- Interactive TV
- Mini Bar/Refrigerator
- Safe
- Direct Dial Phone
- L'Occitane Bath Amenities
- Fresh Fruit
- Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
- Wi-Fi Internet Access (various plans available for purchase)
- Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
- Vanity with magnifying mirror and chair
DECK | CABIN TYPE: Suite | 301 SQ FT
This roomy 301-square-foot suite features a wide floor-to-ceiling infinity window in the bedroom, allowing for stunning ocean views. You can even open the top half to enjoy the cool ocean breeze. This suite also features an inviting queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired) and a pull-out sofa in the separate living area, allowing for triple occupancy. In the bathroom, you’ll find a luxurious walk-in mosaic glass shower with rain head and body jets.
All Accommodations Feature
- Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
- Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
- Interactive TV
- Mini Bar/Refrigerator
- Safe
- Direct Dial Phone
- L'Occitane Bath Amenities
- Fresh Fruit
- Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
- Wi-Fi Internet Access (various plans available for purchase)
- Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
- Vanity with magnifying mirror and chair
DECK 7 | CABIN TYPE: Suite | 280 SQ FT
Located on deck 7, this 280-square-foot suite features a wide floor-to-ceiling infinity window that allows for stunning ocean views. You can even open the top half to enjoy the cool ocean breeze. Your suite features an inviting queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired), a walk-in mosaic glass shower and a comfortable living area where you can lounge and enjoy the view.
All Accommodations Feature
- Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
- Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
- Interactive TV
- Mini Bar/Refrigerator
- Safe
- Direct Dial Phone
- L'Occitane Bath Amenities
- Fresh Fruit
- Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
- Wi-Fi Internet Access (various plans available for purchase)
- Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
- Vanity with magnifying mirror and chair
DECK | CABIN TYPE: Suite | 280 SQ FT
This 280-square-foot suite features a wide floor-to-ceiling infinity window that allows for stunning ocean views. You can even open the top half to enjoy the cool ocean breeze. Your suite features an inviting queen bed (convertible into two twin beds if desired), a walk-in mosaic glass shower and a comfortable living area where you can lounge and enjoy the view.
All Accommodations Feature
- Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
- Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
- Interactive TV
- Mini Bar/Refrigerator
- Safe
- Direct Dial Phone
- L'Occitane Bath Amenities
- Fresh Fruit
- Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
- Wi-Fi Internet Access (various plans available for purchase)
- Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
- Vanity with magnifying mirror and chair
DECK | CABIN TYPE: Suite | 203 SQ FT
Experience the perfect blend of style and functionality in this thoughtfully designed 203-square-foot suite. The well-planned layout creates an ideal retreat with plenty of natural light, a view of the sea, a walk-in mosaic glass shower and an inviting queen bed (convertible into two twins if desired), perfect for unwinding after a day of fun and exploration.
All Accommodations Feature
- Queen Size Bed with Luxurious Linens
- Waffle Weave Robe and Slippers
- Interactive TV
- Mini Bar/Refrigerator
- Safe
- Direct Dial Phone
- L'Occitane Bath Amenities
- Fresh Fruit
- Hair Dryers and 110/220 outlets
- Wi-Fi Internet Access (various plans available for purchase)
- Mirrored closet with ample drawer space
- Vanity with magnifying mirror and chair
Star Explorer
Star Explorer Inaugural Season
Be one of the first to experience Star Explorer, the second of Windstar’s newest yachts, during her first-ever sailing season beginning December 2026 in the Mediterranean!
Featuring our new specialty restaurant Basil + Bamboo, upgraded amenities and 112 spacious suites — nearly all with a full private veranda or a floor-to-ceiling infinity window that opens to let in the breeze — Star Explorer is a fresh take on our Star Class that remains unmistakably Windstar.
Ship Facts
| Launch Year | 2026 | ||||||||||
| Refit Year | |||||||||||
| Language | en | ||||||||||
| Gross Tonnage | 9923 | ||||||||||
| Length | 131 | ||||||||||
| Width | 19 | ||||||||||
| Currency | USD | ||||||||||
| Speed | 16 | ||||||||||
| Capacity | 224 | ||||||||||
| Crew Count | 130 | ||||||||||
| Deck Count | 6 | ||||||||||
| Cabin Count | 112 | ||||||||||
| Large Cabin Count | N/A | ||||||||||
| Wheelchair Cabin Count | N/A | ||||||||||
| Electrical Plugs |
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Deck 8
- Elevator
Deck 7
Elevator
- Yacht Club (1)
- Pool and Whirlpool (2)
- Star Grill (3)
- Star Bar (4)
- Horizon Owner's Suite
- Vista Veranda Suite
- Vista Infinity Suite
Deck 6
Elevator
- Bridge (5)
- Premium Veranda Suite
- Deluxe Suite
- Star Suite
- Triple Premier Veranda Suite
- Triple Infinity Suite
- Infinity Suite (x1 Accessible Suite)
Deck 5
- Spa Entrance
- Elevator
- Whirlpool (6)
- Infinity Suite
- Classic Suite
- Premier Veranda Suite
- Star Suite
- Deluxe Suite
- Veranda Suite
Deck 4
- Embarkation
- Elevator
- World Spa by Windstar (7)
- Lounge (8)
- Medical Facility (9)
- Reception (10)
- Destination Desk (11)
- Fitness Center and Motion Studio (12)
- Star Boutique (13)
- Basil & Bamboo Restaurant (14)
- Amphora Restaurant (15)
Deck 3
- Tender Embarkation
- Elevator
- Watersports Platform (16)
- Oceanview Suite
Fine dining has always been a pillar of the Windstar experience. As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation featuring locally inspired cuisine, developed by a list of culinary all-stars using new flavours and fresh ingredients.
Basil + Bamboo
Step into Basil + Bamboo, where clean lines and warm accents set the stage for a relaxed, refined experience. Savour dishes that fuse Asian influences with a Mediterranean twist — an inventive culinary adventure designed to delight your palate and create moments of shared discovery.
Amphora
Amphora presents a contemporary, international menu and fresh local dishes.
Star Grill
Yacht Club
A pleasant lounge and all-day coffee bar, which is the perfect place to relax with new friends and enjoy the 270 degree views from atop the ship.
Complimentary Room Service
A day on board your Windstar ship is a day of choices, all of them good. Perhaps you’ll begin with a relaxing massage in World Spa by Windstar. Or maybe an invigorating workout in the Fitness Center. Even better, why not both? After a sumptuous lunch in Veranda, make a splash from the Marina off the ship’s stern. Everything you can think of for fun in the water is there — swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. And it’s all complimentary, of course. Sun yourself on deck, take a dip in the whirlpool, then catch up on email or order a cheese plate for your stateroom or suite. After dinner, dance to live music in the Lounge. This is your yacht, so of course you’re welcome on the Bridge, where the Captain and officers are delighted to share charts, routes, and vistas with you.
As you prepare for another amazing Windstar day, enjoy a nightcap anywhere you like — on deck, in the Lounge, or why not let us bring it to your suite or stateroom? Your day ends just as it began, blissfully.
Open Bridge
Guests can talk with the Captain and officers on watch, view the navigational charts with the crew and enjoy one of the best views on the ship.
Lounge
The Lounge can be found on Deck 8
Star Boutique
Visit our newly transformed specialty shopping boutique, Star Boutique, rolling out fleet-wide through early 2022. The new shop features quality brand-name and exclusive Star Collection merchandise, from clothing and fragrances to jewellery and accessories, all at duty free or special pricing.