Search data show a sharp rise in interest for European cruises, with Mediterranean searches up 255% year over year, Northern Europe up 270% and Southern Europe up 260%. Travelers are no longer satisfied by a new port alone; they want a distinctive experience. Windstar is meeting that demand by building themed weeks around food and wine.
Chef‑led voyages on the Star Legend
Earlier this year the 312‑guest Star Legend sailed from Rouen to Bordeaux with two‑Michelin‑star chef Gabriel Kreuther on board. The “French Feast” itinerary offered cooking demonstrations, market tours and a wine‑paired dinner that highlighted the culinary traditions of Brittany and Bordeaux. Guests described the experience as a moving culinary classroom at sea.
Wine‑focused follow‑up
The following week the same vessel hosted Maze Row, a U.S. importer known for terroir‑driven wines. The “Connoisseur’s Delight” sailing took guests from Bordeaux to Lisbon, adding pop‑up tastings, winery tours in Bordeaux and a stop in Asturias’s cider country at Gijón. Many travelers chose to remain aboard for an additional week rather than disembark in Lisbon.
Why food and wine matter
Windstar marked the 10th anniversary of its partnership with the James Beard Foundation in 2025 and expanded the collaboration in 2026 by adding the GALLO Luxury Wine Group, which pairs select sailings with California producers. Chief operating officer Stijn Creupelandt called food and wine “universal languages,” emphasizing that these elements are central to the guest experience, not an afterthought.
On‑board amenities
Every suite on the Star Legend includes a double‑sink vanity, stocked minibar, robes and slippers. The main dining room rotates nightly menus from James Beard‑affiliated chefs, featuring dishes by Hugh Acheson, Amy Brandwein and Andy Ricker during the themed weeks. Guests also receive one dinner each week at the specialty restaurants Candles (steak‑and‑seafood) and Basil + Bamboo (Mediterranean‑Asian fusion). Additional venues include the upscale Amphora dining room, two full‑service bars, an outdoor grill for deck barbecues and laundry service for the eight‑day sailings.
Future themed sailings
In October, Windstar will launch another dual‑theme voyage on the Wind Surf. Chef David Uygur, whose Dallas restaurant Lucia earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand, will lead the “Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast” sailing from Venice to Rome, paired with wines from Denner Vineyards. The itinerary again combines a James Beard‑affiliated chef with a dedicated wine partner, reinforcing the line’s strategy.
Fleet flexibility
Windstar’s fleet ranges from 148 to 342 guests, allowing the company to offer distinct experiences without needing larger ships or new itineraries. Two newer yachts, Star Seeker (debuted December 2025) and Star Explorer (arriving 2026), bring the total fleet to eight vessels, further expanding the line’s capacity for themed programming.
Industry implications
As European cruise searches climb, themed culinary and wine weeks are emerging as a key differentiator among cruise lines. The trend suggests that travelers increasingly value immersive cultural experiences over simply visiting new ports, a shift that could reshape how the industry markets future sailings.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
