A quick pivot to replace cruises in the Middle East has opened a new opportunity for winter cruising in the Mediterranean. Windstar Cruises has received so much demand it’s decided to keep Star Legend in Europe for a second winter with more varied itineraries. It’s part of a trend that is seeing MSC Cruises operating ships year-round from Italy and Spain and a plan for AmaWaterways to start cruising as early as February on European rivers.
Enthusiastic reception for the winter option by cruisers who enjoy exploring popular European cities without throngs of tourists is driving the trend, Windstar said. It cited “positive feedback and an influx of bookings and demand” in announcing a 2024/25 Mediterranean encore season. The line had to make a shift away from a planned season by Star Legend in the Middle East due to political uncertainty. The seven-night Legendary Winter in the Mediterranean that was created as an alternative includes Barcelona and Rome, Marseille, Niece and Livorno.
Read all about it in The Cruisington Times.