Windstar’s new Star Seeker begins sea trials ahead of December debut

Windstar Cruises’ newest ship, Star Seeker, has begun sea trials off the coast of Portugal, marking a key milestone in the boutique cruise line’s fleet expansion programme. 

The 224-passenger, all-suite yacht departed the West Sea Shipyard in Viana do Castelo on October 23rd to begin several days of testing ahead of its scheduled delivery later this year.

The sea trials will assess the vessel’s speed, manoeuvrability, and technical systems before Star Seeker returns to the shipyard for final outfitting. 

Once complete, the ship will cross the Atlantic to begin her inaugural Caribbean season in December, offering itineraries that reflect Windstar’s small-ship ethos of destination immersion and personal service.

Star Seeker is the first of two new ships being built for Windstar at West Sea. Her sister ship, Star Explorer, is set to follow in December 2026. 

The two vessels represent a new generation of purpose-built, small luxury cruise ships for the line, expanding its fleet to eight and marking its first fleet expansion since Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride were lengthened and re-engined as part of the $250 million Star Plus initiative.

According to Windstar Cruises, Star Seeker will feature 112 suites, most with private verandas or infinity windows, along with a two-storey spa and fitness area, an infinity pool, and several new dining and entertainment venues. 

The ship’s design builds on Windstar’s existing reputation for casual luxury, offering the comfort and scale of a private yacht while providing the facilities of a modern small-ship cruise experience.

Environmentally, both new vessels are being constructed with advanced efficiency and sustainability in mind. Each will be equipped with Tier III NOx-rated engines that meet the latest emissions standards, along with shore power connectivity to minimise emissions while in port. Their hulls have also been strengthened for ice operations, allowing greater versatility in deployment to a wider range of destinations.

When Star Seeker joins the fleet in late 2025, she will initially sail in the Caribbean before repositioning to Alaska for summer 2026. Windstar has indicated that the addition of the two new vessels will enable the line to expand its destination portfolio, offering more itineraries in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and emerging regions such as South America.