An exciting new collection of short cruise itineraries in Northern and Southern Europe makes it easy to combine a 3- to 5-night voyage with some land travel
Over the years, cruises in Europe traditionally have focused on longer itineraries. In August 2025, Windstar Cruises decided to offer short cruises, called Quick Getaways, and this past spring launched the new collection of 3- to 5-night European yacht voyages.
These itineraries offer a flexible way for Windstar guests to extend their vacation with a land component or another Quick Getaways cruise.
Windstar’s Quick Getaways
The new sailings have been designed for simplicity and spontaneity, providing a perfect way for guests to experience Windstar’s signature yacht-style experience. On these 3- to 5-night Quick Getaways, guests have access to both iconic cities and tucked-away ports.
The Star Legend passes through Tower Bridge on the River Thames in London.
Here are the Quick Getaways being offered:
- “La Dolce Vita in Italy and France” – Roundtrip from Civitavecchia (Rome) on the Star Legend
- “Balearic Islands and Port Vendres Escape” – Roundtrip from Barcelona on the Star Legend
- “Croatia Calling” – From Venice to Dubrovnik on the Wind Spirit
- “Almería, Gibraltar & Tangier” – Roundtrip from Malaga on the Wind Spirit
- “Yachtsman’s Harbors of the Riviera”– From Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona on the Wind Surf
- “Belgium: A Sweet Getaway”– Roundtrip from London to Bruges and Antwerp on the Star Pride
- “Seaside Charms & Dutch Waterways”– From London to Bruges, Harlingen and Amsterdam on the Star Pride
- “Timeless Maritime Powerhouses of Northern Europe”– From Amsterdam to London on the Star Pride
- “St. Malo Getaway”– Roundtrip from London on the Star Pride
Windstar Yachts Offering Quick Getaways
The Quick Getaway itineraries are being offered on these four Windstar yachts:
- Wind Spirit– Commissioned in 1984, this 148-guest sailing icon helped pioneer a new kind of cruising, one with real working sails that felt more like a private yacht than a regular cruise. Four decades later, Wind Spirit still delivers that same elegant yet laid-back atmosphere, now with upgraded amenities and a stunning redesign under Windstar Cruises’ Setting Sails initiative.
- Star Legend – Like the rest of Windstar Cruises’ Star Class, the 312-guest Star Legend is perfectly sized. It’s small enough to offer the unique experiences that set Windstar apart, yet large enough for guests to make plenty of new connections on board. It’s the perfect way to explore the Mediterranean and beyond.
- Star Pride – Serving just 312 guests, Star Pride is the perfect size. It’s small enough to offer the unique experiences that sets Windstar Cruises apart.
- Wind Surf – Windstar Cruises’ flagship sailing ship is part of the line’s Wind Class. The 342-guest Wind Surf offers a sailing experience with real working sails. Newly upgraded under Windstar Cruises’ Setting Sails initiative, the Wind Surf features redesigned common areas that include the lounge, pool deck and bar, Yacht Club Cafe and a newly minted wine room.
Bruges Belgium
A Few Experiences Guests Can Enjoy
On the 3-night “A Taste of Southern France,” guests can kayak near Sète, wander Collioure and ride to the storybook citadel of Carcassonne. Guests on the 3-night “La Dolce Vita in Italy & France” sail past seaside villages, roam Corsican markets and raise a glass in Tuscany. The 3-night “Belgium: A Sweet Getaway” lets guests discover Bruges’ canals, snack on Belgian chocolates and admire fairytale architecture. On the 4-night “St. Malo Getaway,” guests pass through London’s Tower Bridge, then dive into the windswept beauty of France’s northern coast, Mont St. Michel and beyond.
Experiences on Windstar Cruises’ Yachts
Windstar guests enjoy live entertainment, including local performers, the onboard band and crew talent show. Windstar has curated a group of speakers for lectures on select voyages. The yachts include complimentary dining in the specialty restaurants, along with locally inspired cuisine via buffet and a la carte. Windstar Cruises is the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation and periodically offers James Beard Foundation Culinary Cruises.
Windstar ships have a marina that folds out for watersports.
Guests can do an invigorating workout in the fitness center or have a relaxing massage in the World Spa by Windstar. They can enjoy swimming, stand-up paddleboarding or making a splash from the marina off the ship’s stern. The lounge provides live music and other entertainment. Guests are welcome on the bridge, where the captain and officers are delighted to share routes, charts and more.
About Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises offers an intimate experience with its fleet of sailing ships and all-suite yachts serving up to 350 guests. Guests can explore enchanting destinations in Europe, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Alaska, New England, Canada, Japan, Asia and the South Pacific. Windstar operates year-round in Europe and will offer two unique ship experiences in Tahiti starting in 2027. The line will introduce its new Star Explorer in December 2026.
With port-intensive itineraries, iconic destinations, exceptional service and an innovative culinary program, every moment with Windstar is an opportunity for discovery and delight. Windstar Cruises is part of the Xanterra Travel Collection, a group of global hospitality and travel companies with a legacy spanning over a hundred years.
Consider Quick Getaways For Your Group
Windstar’s shorter Quick Getaways itineraries if perfect for groups wishing to combine a cruise with a pre- or post-cruise land tour in Europe.
Reimagine your adventure at sea and sail for unrivaled experiences – start charting your new path with our Cruise Guide.
By Cindy Bertram
Lead Photo – The Star Legend in Nice, France
Photos courtesy of Windstar Cruises
