Star Explorer Inaugural Voyage
 
Barcelona to Barcelona
Mon Dec 28, 2026 - Wed Jan 6, 2027,
 9 days
 on Star Explorer
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Starting from $6,199 USD
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Barcelona to Barcelona
Be one of the first passengers on an inaugural sailing of Windstar's newest yacht, Star Explorer, and cruise nine days along enchanting Spanish coastlines. Airy suites, delicious new cuisine, and welcoming spaces await your arrival. Ride bicycles past Roman ruins, imposing Gothic towers and Valencia's aromatic Central Market, or venture to a farm house to harvest fresh vegetables and cook up an authentic and delicious paella. Soar skyward aboard a cable car to Gibraltar's rocky summit and tour fortified tunnels with sweeping views of passing ships, churning Mediterranean and Atlantic waters, and looming African ridgelines. Admire Picasso paintings and linger late after sunset in Malaga, enjoying local musicians, robust red wines, and decadent, crispy calamari during an overnight port stay. Delve into Mallorca's shadowy Drach Caves as you board a boat to float across a tranquil underground lake, serenaded by live classical string melodies. To celebrate Star Explorer’s inaugural voyage, we will be announcing special inaugural events as the sailing date gets closer.
voyage map
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Day 1: Barcelona
The old meets the new in this sunny Catalan metropolis, where narrow alleyways contrast with grand boulevards, trendy cuisine meets homemade tapas, and everywhere you’re greeted by the warm, welcoming smiles of the fashionable locals. Don’t miss UNESCO sites like the mind-boggling architecture of Antoni Gaudí or La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, with its eight decorative spires soaring hundreds of feet into the sky.
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Day 2: Barcelona
The old meets the new in this sunny Catalan metropolis, where narrow alleyways contrast with grand boulevards, trendy cuisine meets homemade tapas, and everywhere you’re greeted by the warm, welcoming smiles of the fashionable locals. Don’t miss UNESCO sites like the mind-boggling architecture of Antoni Gaudí or La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, with its eight decorative spires soaring hundreds of feet into the sky.
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Day 3: Valencia
This captivating city is best when savored slowly. Although Valencia’s religious architecture is remarkable, and the Lonja, one of Europe’s most elegant buildings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, take time for an optional experience — paella. You’ll learn the local secrets of this gastronomic masterpiece as you cook it, eat it, and toast it with the region’s perfectly matched local wines.

Want insider advice on where to find the tastiest restaurants, most unique local markets, authentic culinary shops, and hidden watering holes? Check out Valencia’s Local Dining Tip Curated by Saveur on our blog.

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Day 4: Cartagena
The walled town of Cartagena is a popular seaport with a large naval shipyard. The seashore offers a wide range of activities from windsurfing to good snorkeling to sailing. From Cartagena you can easily explore the ancient city of Murcia, the coastal resorts of Mazarrón, Cala Cortina, and Cabo de Palos or a little further north, the world famous resort of Mar Menor.
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Day 5: Gibraltar
It’s an odd bit of Britain here at the toe of Spain, with Barbary apes and miles of tunnels as well as traditional red phone boxes. Legend says Gibraltar was one of the two pillars erected by Hercules to mark the edge of the world. Take the cable car to the top to see if you can see it from here. No, that’s not it. That’s just Africa. What a view.
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Day 6: Málaga
Here, on the shores of Costa del Sol, the Andalusian spirit thrives. Be sure to include an optional visit to see the brilliant and comprehensive collection of Picasso’s work at Museo Picasso Málaga, a tribute to this artistic genius in the city of his birth. Or you may choose to opt for a visit to the beautiful village of Mijas, where picturesque Andalusian country life creates some of the world’s best wines. 
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Day 7: Málaga
Here, on the shores of Costa del Sol, the Andalusian spirit thrives. Be sure to include an optional visit to see the brilliant and comprehensive collection of Picasso’s work at Museo Picasso Málaga, a tribute to this artistic genius in the city of his birth. Or you may choose to opt for a visit to the beautiful village of Mijas, where picturesque Andalusian country life creates some of the world’s best wines. 
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Day 9: Palma de Mallorca
Mallorca is steep, green, and fringed with enticing coves and more than 200 lush beaches. But all that natural beauty is just the beginning. Stroll along the tree-shaded Paseo de Born in search of tapas. Shop for a Siurell; a traditional red, green, and white clay whistle dating back to the time of the Moors. Watch the street performers on the piazza around the church, or cross the island to beautiful Sóller. Not to be missed is the cultural landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Day 10: Barcelona
The old meets the new in this sunny Catalan metropolis, where narrow alleyways contrast with grand boulevards, trendy cuisine meets homemade tapas, and everywhere you’re greeted by the warm, welcoming smiles of the fashionable locals. Don’t miss UNESCO sites like the mind-boggling architecture of Antoni Gaudí or La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, with its eight decorative spires soaring hundreds of feet into the sky.
Popular Highlights
Gibraltar
In Gibraltar, you can explore the famous Rock of Gibraltar, visit the historic St. Michael's Cave, see the playful Barbary apes, and enjoy panoramic views of both the Mediterranean and Atlantic oceans.
Málaga
Enjoy the warm winter weather and stroll Pablo Picasso’s hometown of Málaga, where you can see his art at the Picasso museum.
New Year
Celebrate the New Year on Star Explorer and count down the New Year with a seafaring tradition as our oldest crew member rings out the previous year, and the youngest rings in the new one.
overnight in Barcelona
An overnight stay in Barcelona offers the chance to explore iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Família, stroll through the vibrant Las Ramblas, visit the historic Gothic Quarter, and enjoy the city's lively nightlife.
Valencia
Try a pan of paella in Valencia, the birthplace of this iconic dish
Itinerary at a Glance
Date
Port
Arrive
Depart
MarinaWatersports Platform: 
Mon Dec 28
Barcelona
Arrive:  
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Tue Dec 29
Barcelona
Arrive:  
Depart:  4:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Wed Dec 30
Valencia
Arrive:  8:00 AM
Depart:  5:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Thu Dec 31
Cartagena
Arrive:  8:00 AM
Depart:  3:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Fri Jan 1
Gibraltar
Arrive:  1:00 PM
Depart:  10:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Sat Jan 2
Málaga
Arrive:  8:00 AM
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Sun Jan 3
Málaga
Arrive:  
Depart:  6:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Mon Jan 4
AT SEA
Arrive:  
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Tue Jan 5
Palma de Mallorca
Arrive:  8:00 AM
Depart:  5:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Wed Jan 6
Barcelona
Arrive:  8:00 AM
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Accommodations & Pricing
The Windstar Life
The Windstar staff-to-guest ratio is 1:1.5, and it shows.The moment you board you’ll feel it: an ever-attentive crew at your service, providing you with what you want and need, when you want and need it.
Friendly and Relaxed Atmosphere
Signature Onboard Barbecue
Cooking Demonstrations
Genuine and Thoughtful Crew
Crew Talent Show
Open Bridge
Local and Live Performances
Relax at the Pool or Hot Tub
Complimentary 24 Hour Room Service
Signature Sail Away
Shopping With The Chef
Take In The Sun
Marina
Enjoy regionally inspired treatments at World Spa by Windstar
Relax With A Morning Yoga Session
ALL DATES &
FARES
Christmas in July Sales Event
2026 & 2027 Early Booking Offer
Go All-Inclusive — On Us
Great cruise-only fares or make it an all-inclusive voyage with Wi-Fi, unlimited select beer, wine, and cocktails, and gratuities. From $99 per guest per day.
Date
Ship
All-Inclusive
From
Cruise Only
From
Mon, Dec 28 - Wed, Jan 6, 2027
STAR EXPLORER
$6,199
$6,199
THIS
SAILING