Windstar completes transformation of original sailing yacht
Windstar Cruises has completed its transformation of the 148-guest Wind Star, marking a milestone in the company’s multi-year “Setting Sails” refurbishment programme.
As of April 2026, the yacht is the first in the Wind Class fleet to complete both phases of the initiative, which includes redesigned dining venues such as Amphora and Veranda, as well as stateroom upgrades featuring new technology and integrated bedside charging.
Earlier upgrades targeted the lobby, Compass Rose Lounge and pool deck. The Wind Star will sail the Mediterranean and Greek Isles in 2026 before joining Star Breeze in Tahiti for year-round itineraries starting in 2027.
Stijn Creupelandt, Chief Operating Officer of Windstar Cruises, said: “This transformation is about honouring where we started while sailing confidently into what’s next. As our original sailing yacht, Wind Star has always held a special place in our fleet. With these significant updates, we’ve honoured what guests love most while elevating every aspect of the experience. Now, she’s ready to deliver that experience in entirely new ways, in some of the world’s most iconic destinations.”
The brand has also extended its Cruise Beyond promotion to cover all summer European sailings departing before October 31, 2026. The offer includes savings of up to a third and a free all-inclusive package featuring select beverages, gratuities and WiFi.
For itineraries outside of Europe, the all-inclusive package is available for departures through June 30, 2027. New itineraries for 2026 include southern Italian and northern Greek voyages, as well as Quick Getaway trips from London’s Tower Bridge and river-to-ocean sailings in France.
Alongside the promotion are two agent incentives for qualifying Summer 2026 European voyages booked by June 30, 2026: “Sell 2, Get O2 Tickets,” One provides O2 tickets to those who sell two voyages, and another offers a complimentary 2026 Europe cruise of up to eight days for agents who sell five voyages.
MSC Cruises announces rugby legends cruise
MSC Cruises has scheduled a star-studded 12-night Canary Islands cruise aboard MSC Virtuosa, departing from Southampton on August 8, 2026.
Guests will sail alongside 2003 Rugby World Cup winners Ben Cohen MBE, Ben Kay MBE and Neil Back MBE, as well as former Strictly Come Dancing professional Kristina Rihanoff.
The sailing features a programme of complimentary rugby coaching sessions, Q&A panels and professional dance classes. Prices for the voyage, which visits ports including Vigo, Funchal and Tenerife, start at £1,279 per person.
Antonio Paradiso, VP of International Sales said: “We are looking forward to welcoming three rugby legends – Ben Cohen, Ben Kay and Neil Back – alongside dance star Kristina Rihanoff on MSC Virtuosa this August. The holiday will give guests a chance to experience a unique offering on board, meet their heroes and have fun. But they need to be quick – the stars will only appear on one sailing and with the rugby season starting in September, they need to book soon to make sure they don’t miss out.”
Ben Cohen MBE added: “I am delighted to be sailing with MSC Cruises once again, accompanied by my partner Kristina Rihanoff from Strictly Come Dancing, and my fellow 2003 World Cup-winning teammates, Neil Back and Ben Kay. We have planned a range of exciting events on board MSC Virtuosa, giving guests the chance to meet us in person and hear our untold stories from our rugby careers, as well as my recent experience taking part in SAS: Who Dares Wins. There may even be some dancing too! We look forward to seeing you on board.”
Hebrides Cruises announces Hebridean Taste Tales
Oban-based Hebrides Cruises has introduced the Hebridean Taste Tales, a new programme designed to showcase food and drink producers from Scotland’s west coast.
To coincide with the 2026 season, guests will receive curated selections of local products – such as Orsay Sea Salt, Nc’nean sustainable whisky, and Island Bakery biscuits – alongside stories regarding their provenance.
The initiative aims to deepen the connection between travelers and the islands they visit. Returning guests will also receive a copy of the Café Cùil cookbook by chef Clare Coghill.
Emma Fairbairns, Director and Shore Manager at Hebrides Cruises, said: “We’re proud to celebrate the incredible producers of the west coast and to share their craft with our guests from around the world. Food and provenance are at the heart of our cruises, and Hebridean Taste Tales is a natural extension of that, bringing the flavours of the islands to life in a personal and meaningful way.
“Our guests are always looking for authentic, immersive experiences, and this is our way of offering a true taste of place while celebrating the people and stories behind it.”
Clare Coghill added: “Being part of the food scene on Skye is something I’m hugely proud of. What we have here is truly special, from the produce to the people behind it. Initiatives like Hebridean Taste Tales feel important because they celebrate not just the food, but the stories and places that shape it.”
