Windstar Cruises pioneers “River-to-Ocean” category
Windstar Cruises is carving out a new niche in the travel market with the introduction of river-to-ocean cruising, a concept designed to allow passengers to transition from inland waterways to the open sea on a single vessel.
The move is anchored by the launch of the all-suite, 224-guest, yacht Star Explorer in December 2026.
The vessel is specifically built to navigate small waterways and reach coastal destinations that are simply inaccessible to larger ocean ships or traditional river boats.
Highlights for the 2027 season include the Impressionist France itinerary, which connects the Seine and the Thames, and the Connoisseur’s Delight, which pairs the Garonne and Gironde rivers with the Spanish and Portuguese coasts.
“River cruisers are among the most loyal and engaged travellers, but many have already explored the world’s most iconic waterways,” says Janet Bava, Chief Commercial Officer at Windstar Cruises.
“With Windstar, agents now have a seamless way to retain those clients by offering something new: yachts that move from rivers to the open sea, unlocking destinations that traditional river ships and large ocean vessels simply can’t reach. It’s a natural next step for clients and a growth opportunity for agents.”
The cruise line is also extending this concept to other ships in its fleet including the Star Legend, Star Pride and Star Seeker, with itineraries covering the British Isles, the St. Lawrence River in Canada and the Saigon and Chao Phraya rivers in Southeast Asia.
Star Clippers expands “Rail and Sail” offerings
Star Clippers has released the second edition of its dedicated Rail and Sail brochure, featuring a 55% increase in curated packages compared to its inaugural 2025 debut.
Developed in partnership with Fred. Holidays’ rail division, the new collection pairs Mediterranean and Caribbean sailings with high-end pre- and post-cruise train journeys.
The 23-page brochure includes a wide variety of luxury combinations, such as a 21-night odyssey that joins a five-night journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express through Budapest and Bucharest with a 10-night Aegean sailing on the Star Flyer.
Other notable itineraries include a Machu Picchu land tour paired with an Aruba-to-Grenada cruise, and a no-fly option combining a stay in Aix-en-Provence with a Ligurian Sea voyage on the Royal Clipper.
Ambassador Cruise Line’s Spring promotion
Ambassador Cruise Line’s new Spring promotion is valid for bookings made between April 2 and May 27, 2026.
The campaign offers guests free parking at several regional UK ports, including London Tilbury, Liverpool and Newcastle, or free return coach transfers from London Victoria to the Port of Tilbury on selected sailings departing through March 2028.
The promotion covers sailings on both the Ambience and Ambition, with specific incentives for solo travelers and groups. Solo guests can access special supplements across four cabin categories along with dedicated onboard events, while groups of 15 or more receive a 5% discount and the potential for free guest places.
Additionally, the cruise line is highlighting its “Ambassador Guarantee” aimed at first-time cruisers on itineraries of four nights or more. Under the tagline ‘Enjoy Yourself on Your First Cruise – or Your Money Back!’ the initiative promises to reimburse new guests who are not satisfied with the onboard cuisine, service or entertainment.
