Windstar Cruises‘ future Star Explorer is undergoing a major refit ahead of its December debut.

The former expedition vessel World Explorer is currently at the West Sea shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, where it is being transformed into a luxury cruise ship before entering service for Windstar Cruises at the end of the year.

The 8,000-ton vessel arrived at the Portuguese yard in early April after completing its final season for Quark Expeditions. Originally built for Mystic Cruises in 2019, the ship is being extensively refurbished before commencing its maiden voyage for Windstar on December 28th, 2026.

As part of the conversion, the ship will be renamed Star Explorer and adapted from an expedition vessel into a yacht-style cruise ship aligned with Windstar’s existing fleet.

The refit includes the removal of expedition-specific equipment and facilities, alongside the addition of new accommodation, dining venues, and public spaces designed to reflect the company’s luxury product.

Among the most significant additions is Windstar’s signature Basil + Bamboo restaurant, which has become a feature across the line’s fleet.

The accommodation offering is also being upgraded with the addition of new staterooms, including two 74-square-metre Horizon Owner’s Suites. Located on the corners of the vessel, the suites will feature separate living and dining areas, together with large private balconies, making them the largest accommodation on board.

Once the refurbishment is complete, Star Explorer will operate year-round in the Mediterranean.

Its inaugural programme includes a series of seven- to nine-night cruises sailing from homeports including Venice, Civitavecchia and Barcelona, allowing the vessel to serve a mix of Western and Eastern Mediterranean itineraries throughout the year.

The ship has already enjoyed a varied operational history despite entering service only in 2019.

Originally built for Mystic Cruises, World Explorer first entered service for Germany’s Nicko Cruises, operating itineraries in Northern Europe and the Atlantic. It subsequently sailed Antarctic expeditions for Quark Expeditions while also operating a range of voyages for French operator Rivages du Monde.

Windstar announced its acquisition of the vessel in early 2024 as part of a broader fleet expansion programme aimed at increasing capacity while maintaining its focus on small-ship cruising.

The conversion also continues Windstar’s relationship with the West Sea shipyard, which recently completed work on the company’s newest vessel, Star Seeker.

Unlike Star Explorer, Star Seeker was acquired while still under construction for Mystic Cruises and modified during the build process to incorporate Windstar’s onboard product before entering service in December 2025.

Following its debut, Star Seeker spent its inaugural season operating cruises in the Caribbean before repositioning for its next deployment.

With Star Explorer set to join the fleet later this year, Windstar will continue expanding its presence in Europe, adding another small ship tailored to the line’s emphasis on destination-focused itineraries and access to ports beyond the reach of larger cruise vessels.