- An intimate ship with personalized service and atmosphere
- A diverse itinerary that combines river destinations and coastal ports
- Combine a relaxing river cruise port with beautiful ocean views and an iconic waterfront destination.
Windstar’s first Tulip Season Parade will take place this spring (and is again planned for 2027), caught my attention while I was planning my next vacation. Departing from Amsterdam and traveling up and down several rivers and the open Atlantic, this cruise feels more like the best parts of a European river cruise and happens to be able to cross the ocean as well.
Are you a river cruise fanatic looking for some new itineraries that combine the flavors of the river and the ocean? you are not alone. New data discussed at the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) annual river conference in March 2026 points out that ocean and river cruising, particularly in the small ship segment, have a lot in common. They appeal to experienced travelers who value comfort and convenience and crave authentic, immersive experiences on board and ashore. They also value a healthy and wellness lifestyle.
How to seamlessly combine two modes of travel?
This is another example of how Windstar now offers itineraries that blend river and ocean destinations. French Feast: Normandy, Brittany and Aquitainedeparting from Paris (via Rouen, Seine) to Bordeaux (Garonne). Stops at Honfleur, Saint-Malo and Guernsey along the way; it’s the perfect blend of sea and river travel (a similar itinerary is on the itinerary for 2026) James Beard Foundation Tour).
Focusing on blending the two modes of cruise travel is natural for Windstar, whose star-class ships include Star Pride, Star Legend, Star Seeker and the new Star Explorer (debuting in December 2026) carrying only 224 – 312 passengers, with the flexibility to sail on rivers that cannot accommodate larger sea vessels.
Windstar’s emphasis on itineraries that combine small-ship cruising with the ability to dock directly into town brings the intimacy of river cruising into a larger world. “We sail along a real river to the iconic downtown, then continue along the coast and through narrow waterways that river boats cannot reach,” said Janet Bava, Chief Commercial Officer of Windstar Cruises. “It’s also a natural evolution for ocean cruise guests who want a fresh itinerary without losing the intimacy of a small ship.
“We offer routes and itineraries particularly in Europe, including Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, and in Southeast Asia,” adds Bawa, noting that even North American sailings can combine the best of both worlds.
Where can I go on a European intermodal river and ocean cruise??
Windstar offers a wide selection of European river and ocean cruises from Spring 2026 to Spring 2028.
- Seasonal sailings center around major events, such as the ones mentioned above spring tulip seasona cruise from Amsterdam to Belgium (and a James Beard Foundation cruise; with a focus on wine French feast:Normandy, Brittany and Aquitaine.
- Quick Getaways is a new concept from Windstar, offering short, delicious cruises that you can add to your land stay or combine with a longer cruise. Quick getaway: Nordic timeless maritime power Traveling between Amsterdam and London, you pass through rivers such as the Scheit in Antwerp, the Seine in France, and of course Tower Bridge over the Thames in London.
- Exotic itineraries, e.g. Around Ireland Celebrating the christening of the Star Explorer; major cities characterized by rivers there include the River Lagan in Belfast and the River Foyle in Londonderry, as well as the more common stops on ocean voyages in Dublin, Cork (most ships only pass through Cobh) and Waterford.
- Fans of the Windstar legendary mystery cruise have a Nordic Choice for 2027. All we can reveal is that it ran from the Thames in London to Amsterdam.
- A lovely twist on a Spanish coast cruise is a trip between Lisbon and Barcelona Overnight in Seville The trip up the Guadalquivir River is picturesque.
What are your options for river and ocean style cruises in Southeast Asia?
In Vietnam, thousands of otherworldly limestone rock formations form Ha Long Bay, UNESCO World Heritage Sitea surreal destination. Only smaller boats can tour this waterway in northern Vietnam, home to hidden caves, floating villages and conical peaks. Book this trip 2027 and 2028traveling between Bangkok and Halong Bay (to Hanoi), and upstream along the Saigon River to Ho Chi Minh City, with beautiful scenery along the way. The ship is docked on the river and in the center of the city.
what we love Seductive Thailand and sparkling Singapore Starfinder docks right on the Chao Phraya River, providing a front-row seat to Bangkok’s skyline and daily life in riverside neighborhoods.
North America offers an alternative: Canada and New England
Classic river/ocean cruising options even exist in North AmericaShips sail between Montreal and Boston via the famous St. Lawrence River, which crosses the Atlantic Ocean between the United States and Canada. Made up of about 1,000 islands, St. Lawrence offers pastoral scenery, quaint villages and the European charm of Quebec City on the seaside.
How would this river/ocean cruise fusion feel different on Windstar?
Bawa told us it feels very different due to the blend of rural scenery and city skyline. “The appeal is that you can travel river-style to a destination that feels very close to a city, such as London, where we sailed along the Thames to the docking station at Tower Bridge. “The voyage itself is part of the experience, with the masts of the Cutty Sark and the dome of the old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, as well as the mix of old and new in central London, with its gleaming skyscrapers and St Paul’s Cathedral, deeply rooted in its history.
“It allows you to cover a wider area by expanding your choice of destinations and ways to experience it.”
River cruising may be booming, but for many travelers, it’s just the beginning: Once you’ve experienced the ease of in-town transportation and proximity, it’s natural to want a larger canvas without losing the allure of the river. “
That’s where Windstar’s river-to-ocean approach shines—properly sized ships, immersive itineraries that pair iconic rivers with coastal ports, and culture and cuisine that remain an intimate experience despite the wide-open horizons. With Star Explorer set to debut in December 2026, Windstar is making “what’s next?” moments feel seamless—opening doors from the inland waterways to coastlines, islands and lesser-known ports, all with the same small-ship warmth that enchants guests.