Windstar Cruises has revealed its plans to reposition the Star Legend from the Middle East to the Mediterranean. Commencing from December 2023 and extending through April 2024, the winter and holiday sailing itineraries will introduce travelers to iconic Mediterranean ports such as Barcelona, Nice, Florence/Livorno, Marseille, and Rome, offering an entirely new perspective on these destinations.
Windstar Cruises President, Christopher Prelog, shared the strategic shift, explaining that the ship was originally scheduled to sail in the Middle East.
"We've postponed our launch in that region to begin in November 2024. With a ship in the Mediterranean, we saw an opportunity to offer guests a legendary winter season in Europe. Our small ships and intimate atmosphere provide a truly unique way to explore Europe's winter wonderlands, while enjoying the magic of the season and the comforts and casual luxury that Windstar is known for."
The new weeklong Mediterranean cruises will traverse the route between Rome and Barcelona, making noteworthy stops in renowned destinations like Florence & Pisa (Livorno), Italy, and the picturesque city of Marseille, France. Travelers will also have the chance to enjoy overnights in the iconic cities of Rome, Nice, and Barcelona.
The grand finale of this Mediterranean series is an 8-night cruise from Rome to Athens (Piraeus), offering a unique opportunity to explore the captivating Amalfi Coast and uncover the cultural treasures of Greece. For those seeking an extra dose of holiday magic, special 8- or 9-day Christmas holiday cruises are available, with the latter including a memorable New Year's Eve celebration.
This schedule change has presented Windstar with a special opportunity to position the all-suite Star Legend in Cannes in early December, coinciding with the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) conference. During the event, Windstar executives, including Christopher Prelog, Vice President of Sales Dianna Rom, and Chief Commercial Officer Janet Bava, will be on hand to showcase the ship's recent renovation, part of the US$250 Million Star Plus Initiative. Attendees will also have the option to embark on a two-night cruise to Rome following the conference.