57 small group excursions and experiences showcasing the distinct flavours, history and beauty of each destination.” Feedback from repeat guests also forms a significant part of the itinerary planning process for Windstar. “We choose our itineraries almost entirely around where our customers tell us they want us to go,” says Bava. “We also take a look at where our ships are already sailing, where we can access smaller ports, and where we can go to avoid the more crowded places that big ships often frequent.” The desire to avoid crowds to deliver a more intimate experience has led Windstar to explore off-season cruising, for example by providing winter itineraries in the Mediterranean. According to Bava, the off-season provides opportunities for guests that might not typically be possible during the busy summer months. “We’re starting to call it ‘local’s season’ because it’s when you have a chance to actually engage with residents in ports that are often busy with tourists during peak months,” she says. “In addition to milder, cooler weather, the off-season is typically less crowded, allowing for easier access to and less queuing at popular attractions and destinations. Air travel in the off-season is typically better value for money as well. In addition, Windstar’s off-season sailings in Europe incorporate ports that we don’t normally visit during the summer like Valencia, Spain; Crotone, Italy; and Catania in Sicily.” The two new vessels set to join Windstar’s fleet, Star Seeker and Star Explorer, will provide guests with more options to embark on the cruise line’s most popular itineraries. Star Seeker will start sailing in December 2025, debuting with visits to Alaska and Japan. “Windstar’s Alaska and Japan itineraries are two of the most successful in terms of guest satisfaction,” explains Bava. “We last sailed these itineraries in 2023 but new fleet additions always allow for more travel opportunities. The expansion of our fleet allows us to add top itineraries without impacting other successful and popular sailings – for example, we can now stay year-round in the Pacific without having to change trips to other popular Windstar destinations.” Windstar is also set to explore South America for the first time in 2025-26, as it looks for new destinations to satisfy the wanderlust of its guests. “The new sailing in South America creates new opportunities for our welltravelled guests to experience bucket-list destinations like Machu Picchu in Peru and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador,” says Bava. “Our guests are always asking for new destinations. South America’s close proximity to the USA and an increase in flights to South America also make it easier for guests to travel to these destinations.” But Bava chooses a destination that Windstar has sailed to for over 36 years as her personal favourite. “It’s always difficult to choose just one,” says Bava. “But sailing French Polynesia with Windstar is always an extraordinary experience – turquoise waters, stunning landscapes, rich Polynesian culture – it’s an unbelievable travel experience. Windstar offers guests a complimentary ‘Destination Discovery’ event in Bora Bora where travellers spend an evening on one of the secluded paradise inlets and enjoy a private feast and Polynesian culture, including fire dancing. It’s definitely a stand-out experience.”
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