Santa has brought two early holiday presents for cruise enthusiasts! In a cruise ship update, Windstar Cruises‘ new Star Seeker has launched, while Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess has emerged from a drydock with new spaces.
(Shown in the rendering above, Windstar Cruises’ Star Seeker is an enticing new ship class.)
Cruise Ship Update: Windstar’s New Star Seeker!
In mid-December, Windstar Cruises took delivery of its newest, snazziest all-suite yacht, Star Seeker. The 224-guest yacht is the first new build in Windstar’s Star-class. It’s one of the most highly anticipated cruise ships debuting this winter.
Marking a major milestone in the small-ship cruise line’s ongoing fleet expansion, the handover ceremony unfolded at the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. Representing
“Taking delivery of a new ship is one of the most meaningful moments in a shipbuilding journey,” says Prelog. He praises the extraordinary craftsmanship reflected in the new vessel.
The ship’s maiden voyage is now under way — heading from Málaga, Spain, across the Atlantic to Miami, now home to Windstar Cruises’ corporate headquarters. The christening ceremony is scheduled to take place on January 15, 2026.
Caribbean Season in Early 2026
Star Seeker will then venture to the Caribbean for a celebratory inaugural season before Alaska and Japan voyages. “In the Caribbean, guests will go ashore at both marquee ports and small islands that larger ships can’t reach,” explains Pavlus‘ Steudle.
Early itineraries will take travelers to the Dominican Republic, the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and beyond. Plus, they’ll venture ashore in such intimate destinations as Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe; Bequia and Mayreau in St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and Pigeon Island. St. Lucia.
Guests will also explore such colonial cities as Santo Domingo, capital of the Dominican Republic, and iconic Cartagena, Colombia.
Cruise Ship Update: Designed for Discovery
As for new cruise ships, guests know they offer new features. Designed for discovery, Star Seeker introduces several firsts. Travelers will find brand enhancements across accommodations, dining, wellness and adventure.
Of 112 ocean-view suites, most offer a full private veranda or a floor-to-ceiling infinity window. Two of those suites are new Horizon Owner’s Suites with wrap-around balconies.
Expansive open decks are designed for scenic views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Also, five dining venues offer diverse cuisine. One highlight is Basil + Bamboo, a most anticipated new Mediterranean-Asian inspir
WorldSpa by Windstar has an upper-level entrance and a full suite of transformative wellness and fitness experiences. For water play, Windstar’s newly reimagined Marina can turn the ocean into a personal playground. Guests might kayak or head out to explore by Zodiac from this platform.
Star Seeker also incorporates the latest sustainability and safety technology. That includes tier III Nox-rated Rolls Royce engines, pump jet thrusters, forward-facing sonar, shore power connectivity and advanced wastewater treatment systems that meet the most stringent global standards.
Alaska and Japan Cruises
This coming summer, Star Seeker will operate a full Alaska season. “The new yacht’s compact size and expansive open decks are perfect for glacier viewing and wildlife encounters,” according to Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel.
In late 2026 and 2027, the ship will shift to Japan itineraries. Another highlight is a new Mystery Cruise, where guests embark in Hokkaido, Japan, and disembark in Osaka, Japan. Each port of call will only be revealed days in advance.
One plus? Japan voyages will also feature a Destination Discovery Event in Tomonoura, Japan. Windstar’s guests will explore Edo-period streets with exclusive access to samurai sword performances, tea ceremonies, calligraphy workshops, and private entry into historic residences.
Be sure to contact a personal travel planner to discuss all the itineraries offered by Star Seeker, notes Pavlus. “We’ll help you plan the perfect vacation on this new beauty and at the best price, guaranteed!”
Cruise Ship Update: Crown Princess
Following a drydock in Singapore, Princess Cruises‘ 3,080-guest Crown Princess has set sail with exciting new guest experiences. Among them is the addition of O’Malley’s Irish Pub in the former Wheelhouse Bar space.
Spacious yet cozy, that new 134-seat pub (including 12 bar seats) serves classic comfort food pub-style. Guests can order hearty burgers, fish and chips, plus late-night bites. Those are paired with an extensive beverage selection featuring curated beer and whiskey flights.
In addition, live Irish music makes O’Malley’s a welcoming gathering place.
Casino Redesign, New EFFY Lounge
The 113,561-ton Crown Princess also received a redesign of its Gatsby’s Casino. The refreshed layout enhances guest comfort and fun. Travelers will discover a redesigned casino bar, upgraded gaming equipment including the latest slot machine themes, and an updated casino cashier area.
The ship also received general refurbishments and the addition of a new EFFY Lounge and High-End Vault. In a space formerly in a space used for the Internet Cafe, this lounge features pieces of the New York City-based jewelry brand known for is craftsmanship and high-quality gemstones.
Lorna Warren, Princess’ vice president, hotel operations and guest experience, says that the drydock provided the opportunity to elevate the onboard offerings for guests.
“From introducing guest-favorite venues like O’Malley’s Irish Pub to refreshing our casino experience, these updates ensure Crown Princess is perfectly positioned to deliver an unforgettable season as she sails Down Under for our upcoming Australia season and World Cruise,” emphasizes Warren.
Cruise Ship Update: Down Under & Across the World
Fresh from the revitalization, Crown Princess will arrive in Sydney, Australia, on January 4, 2026. “The refurbished ship will sail a series of Australia cruises through May 2026,” says Pavlus Travel‘s Steudle.
On May 10, 2026, Crown Princess will then depart on a 114-day World Cruise, roundtrip from Sydney. “Give one of our personal travel planners a call (use contact details at the end of this story) to learn more about all the Princess options for 2026 and 2027.
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