Windstar Cruises has announced the launch of its Themed Voyages Collection. Whether it’s swapping brushstrokes with celebrated artists, taking the helm on a tall ship or flowing with daily yoga on deck, these yacht-style journeys bring immersive fun from bow to stern.
With special-interest travel on the rise, Windstar Cruises is answering the call for those craving more than a change of scenery aboard new passion-fueled voyages. These themed sailings, launching just in time for the 2025/26 seasons, feature a line-up of sailings focused on art, wellness and maritime heritage.
“What I love about these new themed voyages is how they turn the whole ship into part of the adventure,” said Janet Bava, chief commercial officer of Windstar Cruises, “One cruise you’re learning to tie the perfect bowline or painting alongside a world-class artist, the next you’re dancing under the stars at a pirate party or deck BBQ. It’s the kind of small-ship magic only Windstar can provide.”
Windstar’s “Masterpieces at Sea” voyages elevate travel into a living canvas of creativity, with artists sharing presentations about the inspirations behind each piece. On select sailings, an acclaimed Fountainhead artist will be onboard creating a mural or large installation in real time, transforming the ship into a floating gallery such as Samara Ash on the “Masterpieces at Sea: Brushes and Tapas” voyage departing November 14. A second artist also joins each voyage as an instructor, transforming The Screening Room into a hands-on art studio with intimate painting workshops, lively Paint & Sip classes, and more. An onboard art historian will deliver a series of enrichment talks, tying the destinations’ artistic heritage to the creativity happening at sea.
(Windstar Cruises)
Beyond the ship, Windstar enhances the journey with curated art-focused excursions—think Gaudi’s playful architecture in Barcelona or Picasso’s legacy in Málaga—led by the guest artists on board. The “Masterpieces at Sea” itineraries include:
- “Brushes & Tapas,” November 14, 2025
- “Europe Winter Riviera,” February 20, 2026
- “Mediterranean Island Mosaic,” August 13, 2026
- “Gems of the Leeward Islands,” October 28, 2026
Windstar’s “Knot Your Average Crossing” voyages celebrate the romance and tradition of life under sail. On these crossings—setting sail beginning November 2025—guests can step up to the flying bridge and take the helm, learning age-old seamanship skills from the crew. Days at sea are filled with engaging enrichment programs: bridge and deck officers lead hands-on workshops in knot tying, chart reading and star mapping, while distinguished guest speakers bring maritime history to life. On the upcoming sailing “Knot Your Average Crossing,” from Lisbon to St. Maarten, historian and journalist Joseph Novitski will deliver a lecture series on piracy, naval order and the origins of the U.S. Navy.
More 2026 sailings will continue this tradition, with enrichment speakers still to be announced, offering fresh perspectives on maritime heritage. Whether guests are steering the ship, tracing ancient constellations or raising a toast to pirate lore, these crossings promise a seafaring adventure unlike any other.
Windstar’s “Mind, Body, Spirit Collection” sailings take wellness beyond the spa, blending serene days at sea with transformative experiences. Yoga teacher and life coach Debbie Dixon leads daily sessions of yoga, meditation and breathwork on open decks where the horizon becomes a peaceful focal point. Guests can sip their way to vitality at the pop-up Elixir Bar, offering fresh, nutrient-rich juices and go deeper with guidance from an additional onboard wellness coach for personalized, one-on-one attention.
Tip: Booking early ensures access to the most desirable suites.
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