Windstar Cruises has officially taken delivery of its newest yacht, the Star Seeker, following a ceremony held on December 15 at the WestSEA shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. The 224-guest yacht is the first new build in Windstar's Star Class and marks a key milestone in the ongoing expansion of the small-cruise ship carrier's fleet.
The ceremony formalized the transfer of ownership. Representing Windstar were its president, Chris Prelog; chief operating officer, Stijn Creupelandt; chief commercial officer, Janet Bava; and vice president of expansion projects, John Gunner, who oversaw the ship's construction program. Also present were Captain Tom Schofield and his team, who played a vital role in preparing Star Seeker for delivery, reflecting the dedication and expertise of the Windstar crew—an essential part of the brand's guest experience. They were joined by senior representatives from the Portuguese shipyard that built the yacht.
“Receiving a new vessel is one of the most significant moments in the shipbuilding process,” says Prelog. “From launch to delivery, we have watched Star Seeker take shape with extraordinary craftsmanship. The WestSEA team and Mario Ferreira, along with the Mystic Cruises team, have been exceptional partners throughout the entire process, and our crew, led by Captain Schofield, has worked tirelessly to ensure the yacht is delivered in outstanding condition. We can’t wait to welcome guests aboard in just a few weeks.”
"Seeing Star Seeker evolve from concept to completion has been a source of pride for everyone at WestSEA," Ferreira notes.
Star Seeker is now entering its final phase of preparation before its debut in December 2025, beginning with a maiden voyage from Málaga, Spain, across the Atlantic to Miami, the corporate headquarters of Windstar Cruises, where a christening ceremony is scheduled for January 15. The yacht will then sail the Caribbean for a special inaugural season before its anticipated return to Alaska and Japan later in the year.
Following Windstar's tradition of intimate, destination-focused cruising, Star Seeker incorporates several new features, as well as improvements in accommodations, dining, wellness, and adventure, including:
- 112 ocean-view suites, almost all with full private balcony or floor-to-ceiling infinity window, plus two new Horizon Owner's Suites with wraparound balconies.
- Spacious open decks designed to enjoy panoramic views and wildlife watching.
- Five gastronomic spaces, including the new Mediterranean-Asian inspired restaurant Basil + Bamboo.
- WorldSpa by Windstar, with access from an upper deck and a full range of transformative wellness and fitness experiences.
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Windstar's redesigned Marina, which turns the ocean into a personal playground.
Star Seeker also incorporates the most advanced sustainability and safety technologies, including Tier III NOx certified Rolls-Royce engines, pump-jet propulsion, bow sonar, shore power connection, and advanced wastewater treatment systems that meet the most demanding global standards. Every element of the vessel reflects Windstar's commitment to environmental protection and creating unforgettable experiences.
Following its christening on January 15, 2026, in Miami, Star Seeker will embark on an inaugural season in the Caribbean, visiting both iconic ports and small islands inaccessible to larger ships. Initial itineraries include the Dominican Republic, the British Virgin Islands, San Juan, and stops at Îles des Saintes, Bequia, Mayreau, and Pigeon Island, as well as immersive experiences in colonial cities such as Santo Domingo and Cartagena.
Afterward, the yacht will head north for a full season in Alaska, where its compact size and spacious open decks are ideal for glacier and wildlife viewing. Guests can kayak alongside icebergs or explore by Zodiac directly from the innovative marina, supported by Windstar's expert Expedition Guides.
In late 2026 and throughout 2027, Star Seeker will sail to Japan, offering culturally immersive itineraries that combine major cities with less-visited destinations known for their traditional arts, cuisine, and local experiences. Among the new offerings is a Mystery Cruise, where guests embark in Hokkaido and disembark in Osaka, with each port revealed only a few days prior. Japan will also host a Destination Discovery Event in Tomonoura, where Windstar guests will explore Edo-era streets with exclusive access to samurai sword displays, tea ceremonies, calligraphy workshops, and private tours of historic residences.
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