Windstar outlines South America debut

Windstar Cruises is to make its debut in South America in December 2025.

Tours to Machu Picchu in Peru and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador are part of the line’s diversification into the region.

The 312-passenger Star Pride will be deployed from December 27, 2025, including a daylight transit of the Panama Canal en route to Lima on a 16-day itinerary.

A shorter 11-day option also includes an optional mid-cruise Galapagos tour.

Windstar president Christopher Prelog said: “Our new cruise tour in Machu Picchu and overland tour to Galapagos allow our guests to see more of South America.

“We’re taking care of the complicated logistics to get you to all these spectacular places.”

He emphasised the opportunity to visit the Panama Canal, Machu Picchu and Galapagos within one 16-day trip.

“It’s an incredible value and makes good use of travel time by combining these locations into one cruise tour,” said Prelog.

“These tours take care of every detail while also getting you closer to the wildlife, culture, and history of the region in a way that’s respectful of the land and the locals.

“Since we begin or end in Panama versus Florida where traditionally these itineraries depart from, we have fewer sea days and more port calls in South America for a rich destination experience.”