Windstar Cruises, a luxury cruise company specializing in intimate and personalized experiences aboard elegant small yachts, has a fleet comprised of classic sailing ships and yacht-like vessels, offering unique itineraries that access boutique ports and less-traveled destinations around the world.
The company has announced the launch of its newest ship, the Star Seeker, scheduled to enter service in December 2025. This innovative vessel will join the Windstar fleet, offering travelers an intimate and personalized experience as they explore exotic destinations in Asia.
The Star Seeker is designed to accommodate approximately 224 passengers in its 112 suites, most of which feature private balconies or panoramic windows offering ocean views, upholding Windstar's commitment to exclusivity and personalized service. This new yacht will incorporate spacious suites, elegant common areas, and state-of-the-art technology to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride. It will also offer five dining options, a full-service spa, a modern fitness center, and a watersports platform providing direct access to the ocean.
The Star Seeker's maiden voyage will begin in Málaga on December 28, 2025, crossing the Atlantic with a stop in Santa Cruz de Tenerife to celebrate New Year's Eve with fireworks alongside its sister ship, Wind Star, and arriving in Miami on January 13, 2026, where it will be christened. On January 15, it will set sail on an eight-day Caribbean voyage to San Juan, Puerto Rico, with stops in the Dominican Republic and the British Virgin Islands, before transiting the Panama Canal and heading towards Alaska and Japan.
Subsequently, the Star Seeker will cross the Panama Canal to Alaska, where it will operate from May to August 2026. After Alaska, the Star Seeker will cross the Pacific to Japan in early September, where Windstar will introduce a series of Asia itineraries, allowing passengers to discover the region's rich cultural and natural diversity through an in-depth immersion in the culture, cuisine, and history of Thailand and Vietnam, with stops in ports away from major attractions, taking advantage of the Star Seeker's smaller size to offer a more immersive experience.
The itineraries begin in Hanoi, Bangkok, and Phuket, allowing guests to maximize their time ashore before and after sailing, with pre- and post-cruise excursion options to destinations such as Hanoi, with a three-night stay for passengers embarking or disembarking in Halong Bay; Angkor Wat, on a three-night extension on cruises that begin and end in Bangkok; or Chiang Mai, on a three-night extension in Northern Thailand, available for cruises that begin and end in Phuket.
These itineraries are designed to offer immersive experiences, combining visits to historical sites, cultural encounters, and adventures in nature.
Culinary Collaboration with the James Beard Foundation
Since 2015, Windstar Cruises has maintained a strong partnership with the James Beard Foundation, an organization dedicated to celebrating and supporting American culinary culture. This partnership has led to the creation of exceptional dining experiences aboard Windstar ships.
In 2025, Windstar will celebrate the tenth anniversary of this partnership, highlighting its ongoing commitment to culinary excellence. During this time, more than 40 chefs affiliated with the James Beard Foundation have participated in themed cruises, offering culinary demonstrations where passengers can attend cooking classes taught by renowned chefs, learning exclusive techniques and recipes; special dinners featuring menus designed by award-winning chefs, paired with carefully selected wines; and food excursions with visits to local markets and culinary experiences on land, providing a deeper connection to the culture of each destination.
To commemorate this special anniversary, the company is offering five new high-end culinary voyages that will explore Spain, the Eastern Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, and the Atlantic coast of North America. A unique gourmet experience aboard elegant luxury yachts.
With the launch of the Star Seeker and new routes through Asia, Windstar Cruises continues its mission to offer voyages that combine luxury, cultural exploration, and culinary excellence. Furthermore, Un mundo de cruceros, the official representative of Windstar Cruises in Spain, is currently running a promotion for bookings of select Windstar itineraries made before June 30th. This promotion offers a choice of an onboard credit of up to $1,000 per suite, redeemable for shore excursions, spa treatments, beverages, and more; a complimentary hotel night before or after the cruise; or a complimentary All-Inclusive Package when booking a Premium Suite.
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