Windstar Cruises takes delivery of Star Seeker as 1st Star Class newbuild

Windstar Cruises has taken delivery of its newest all-suite vessel, Star Seeker, following a handover ceremony at the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal.

The 224-guest vessel is the first newbuild in Windstar’s Star Class and represents a significant milestone in the small-ship cruise line’s ongoing fleet expansion.

The handover ceremony marked the formal transfer of ownership from the Portuguese shipyard to Windstar Cruises, with senior Windstar executives in attendance including President Chris Prelog, Chief Operating Officer Stijn Creupelandt, Chief Commercial Officer Janet Bava and Vice President of Expansion Projects John Gunner, who has overseen the shipbuilding programme.

They were joined by Captain Tom Schofield and members of the ship’s crew, who have been involved in preparing Star Seeker for delivery, as well as senior representatives from the shipyard responsible for construction.

“Taking delivery of a new ship is one of the most meaningful moments in a shipbuilding journey,” said Prelog. “From the float out to the handover, we’ve seen Star Seeker take shape with extraordinary craftsmanship.”

“The WestSEA team and Mario Ferreira with Mystic Cruises team have been incredible partners throughout this process, and our crew, led by Captain Schofield, has worked tirelessly to ensure the yacht is delivered in exceptional condition,” he added. “We cannot wait to welcome guests aboard in just a few short weeks.”

With delivery complete, Star Seeker will now enter its final preparation phase ahead of its commercial debut later this month.

The yacht’s maiden voyage will sail from Málaga, Spain, across the Atlantic to Miami, which serves as Windstar Cruises’ corporate headquarters. A christening ceremony is scheduled to take place in Miami on January 15th, 2026, after which the vessel will begin its inaugural Caribbean season.

Star Seeker has been designed to continue Windstar’s focus on small-ship, destination-oriented cruising while introducing new features across accommodation, dining, wellness and onboard activity.

The yacht features 112 ocean-view suites, nearly all with either a full private veranda or a floor-to-ceiling infinity window, as well as two Horizon Owner’s Suites with wrap-around balconies.

Public areas include expansive open decks intended for scenic viewing and wildlife observation, alongside five dining venues, including the Mediterranean-Asian inspired Basil + Bamboo restaurant.

Wellness facilities include WorldSpa by Windstar, which incorporates an upper-level entrance and a range of fitness and spa offerings, while the ship’s reimagined Marina allows direct access to the sea for water-based activities.

Star Seeker has also been equipped with a range of sustainability and safety technologies, including Tier III NOx-rated Rolls-Royce engines, pump jet thrusters, forward-facing sonar, shore power connectivity and advanced wastewater treatment systems designed to meet stringent international standards.

Following its Caribbean deployment, Star Seeker will operate a full Alaska season, where its smaller size and open deck layout are intended to support glacier viewing and wildlife encounters, with Zodiac and kayak operations launched directly from the Marina.

Later in 2026 and into 2027, the yacht is scheduled to operate itineraries in Japan, combining calls in major cities with visits to lesser-known destinations. Planned programmes include a Mystery Cruise sailing between Hokkaido and Osaka, with ports revealed shortly before arrival, as well as a Destination Discovery Event in Tomonoura featuring cultural activities and exclusive access to historic sites.

Star Seeker will be followed by sister ship Star Explorer, scheduled to debut in December 2026. Together, the two vessels form the foundation of Windstar’s new Star Class, expanding the line’s capacity to operate in Alaska, Asia, and other remote regions while maintaining its focus on small-ship operations and personalised service.