Windstar Cruises marks float out of Star Seeker newbuild in Portugal

Windstar Cruises has marked the float out of its first Star class newbuild at the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal.

The float out marks the end of hull assembly of the vessel and she will now be moved to a wet dock where final fit out and finishing will be done.

The float out ceremony for Star Seeker was attended by Mario Ferreira and Manuel Barros of Mystic Invest and John Gunner, Vice President of Expansion Projects at Windstar.

Gunner was on site for the float out and thanked Ferreira for his support through the process, as well as the team at the Portuguese shipyard for their dedication and craftsmanship.

“Seeing a ship come together and be at the point where she leaves dry dock for the sea is a memorable milestone in the life of a new build project,” said Gunner. “I am very grateful for this opportunity to be involved in creating a new ship for Windstar and thankful for Ferreira’s passion and vision for ships, which helped guide us to this momentous event today.”

When completed, Star Seeker will feature 112 suites, five dining options, a full-service spa with an entrance from the deck above, a fitness facility and a fresh take on the line’s Watersports Platform, which turns the ocean into an infinity pool by providing guests access to the sea directly from the ship.

Star Seeker will carry 224 guests and is due to enter service in December 2025, sailing from Málaga, Spain, to Miami, Florida, where Windstar is headquartered and where the ship’s christening ceremony will take place in January of 2026.

The Star Seeker will then sail its first voyage in the Caribbean and offer more cruises in the region before heading up the West Coast of the United States to Alaska for a full season of summer cruises. 

From there, the ship will sail to Asia, bringing back the line’s Around Japan itineraries.

Star Seeker will be joined by a sister ship, Star Explorer, in 2026, while the cruise line has signed an option for a third vessel as well.

The new Star class ships will have ice-strengthened hulls, unlocking access to new destinations, and are equipped with the latest safety, propulsion, and navigation technology, including pump jet thrusters and forward-facing Sonar.

To minimise their environmental footprint, the ships have tier III Nox-rated Rolls Royce engines, shore power connectivity to minimise port emissions, and advanced wastewater treatment systems.