In a sparkling celebration at PortMiami late last week, Windstar Cruises’ new 224-passenger Star Seeker was christened by Libby Anschutz, daughter of Windstar’s owner Phil Anschutz.
On site for the christening event, Pavlus Travel’s Meandering Traveler toured the ship, took in the spectacular fireworks show and, most notably, interviewed both Christopher Prelog, Windstar’s president, and Janet Bava, the line’s chief commercial officer.
Top Perks of the New Star Seeker
One top benefit of the new ship, according to Prelog and Bava, is that it expands the Windstar fleet to eight ships. Why is that important?
Bava says that people who love the line often ask her, “Why don’t you go here or there?” But now, Star Seeker as well as its new sister Star Explorer launching in December 2026 can open up more of the world to Windstar’s guests.
The fleet expansion “just allows us to do even more — to bring new destinations to our Windstar guests and also to our new guests,” Prelog stresses. Most importantly, “we can take our guests to more places without giving a place up.”
So, if a ship heads to Southeast Asia, Windstar doesn’t have to say, “well I can go there, but then I’m not going here,” he adds.
First “New Build” Motorized Yacht
In addition, Star Seeker marks a new fleet chapter. Windstar’s existing fleet is a mix of sailing vessels and three motorized small ships (acquired from Seabourn several years back). Those motorized vessels were later “stretched” with a new center section added to provide more spaces onboard.
But now, Star Seeker is the first totally new motorized yacht ever for Windstar. Constructed at the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, the oceangoing vessel was purchased from Mystic Invest.
Mystic, which is Atlas Ocean Voyages’ parent company, had begun the ship’s construction prior to the sale to Windstar, so in some ways, it resembles the Atlas vessels. But there are also other differences and nuances. For instance, guests will discover the full aft Marina that’s a Windstar signature feature.
From our perspective on a quick tour and walk-through just a few days ago, we loved it.
“It’s important for us as a small-ship operator who’s been around for 40 years to deliver a brand-new ship and make it feel like Windstar, and everything that people love about Windstar,” emphasizes Bava.
Let’s just say that from our perspective, many Windstar loyal past guests we met aboard loved the new vessel.
Highlights of the New Star Seeker
“Windstar’s product is evolving,” notes Prelog. So, while there are some new features, there are some shifts in space usage from what’s found on other ships. Here are a few Star Seeker highlights:
- Accommodations: 112 ocean-view suites, nearly all with a full private veranda or a floor-to-ceiling infinity window, plus two new Horizon Owner’s suites with wrap-around balconies.
- Open Decks: Expansive open decks are designed for scenic views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
- Dining: Five dining venues include the new Basil + Bamboo, a new Mediterranean-Asian inspired eatery.
- Wellness & Fitness: Entered by an open staircase from the deck above, the WorldSpa by Windstar offers a large portfolio of transformative wellness and fitness experiences. Those with mobility challenges can also be accommodated by use of a door on the same deck as the spa.
- Water Play: The newly reimagined Marina can turn the ocean into a guest’s personal playground.
- Sustainability and Safety: Star Seeker has the latest technology including Tier III Nox-rated Rolls Royce engines, pump jet thrusters, forward-facing sonar, shore power connectivity and advanced wastewater treatment systems.
More Photos of Star Seeker
Here are a few more photos of the new Star Seeker to whet your appetite for seeing and sailing on this new yacht-like ship.
Where to Go? Caribbean, Alaska, Asia
The new small ship was delivered on time and on budget. Right now, Star Seeker is sailing a voyage from Miami to San Juan, Puerto Rico, on a christening voyage. Calls are planned at the Dominican Republic and British Virgin Islands.
In first quarter of 2026, the ship will also operate many other Caribbean voyages. Guests will enjoy go ashore at such destinations as Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe; Bequia and Mayreau, St. Vincent & the Grenadines; Pigeon Island, St. Lucia; and Cartagena, Colombia.
Star Seeker will then transit the Panama Canal and head north to Alaska. Bava says during the Caribbean and Alaska voyages, the guests will generally be 50 percent loyal past guests and also 50 percent new-to-brand travelers.
During a summer season of sailings in “The Great Land,” guests can head to the ship’s marina to board kayaks or Zodiacs. They’ll head out for spectacular views of icebergs, to explore remote coves and to enjoy wildlife spotting, all with expedition guides pointing out eco-highlights.
“Then the ship will cross the Pacific Ocean to Japan and Southeast Asia,” explains Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel. “Guests will explore Thailand, Vietnam and beyond.”
Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand
She points to one enticing option: Star Seeker‘s 10-day “Vietnam & Cambodia Revealed” voyage from Halong Bay (Hanoi), Vietnam, to Khlong Toei (Bangkok), Thailand.
In 2026, departures of that itinerary are November 15, December 17, and December 27. At press time, fares began at $6,499 to $8,299 per person, double occupancy, depending on which departure is selected.
“In addition, several sailings of this itinerary are operated in 2027,” notes Pavlus’ Steudle. “Why not give one of our skilled personal travel planners a call to discuss the many Southeast Asia options and other sailings of Star Seeker across the globe?”
Lesser Visited Asia
One distinguishing feature for sailing on a small ship such as Star Seeker is the kinds of port calls guests will experience. For example, in Japan, guests will not only go ashore in marquee cities but also many lesser-visited destinations such as Takamatsu and Karatsu.
In addition, during a special Destination Discovery event in Tomonoura, guests can explore Edo-period streets with exclusive access to many cultural experiences.
For instance, Windstar’s guests will attend samurai sword performances, tea ceremonies and calligraphy workshops. They’ll also have private entry into historic residences.
Returning to the ship, guests can then relax and socialize in lounges, listen to enrichment lectures and entertainment, or book a relaxing, pampering spa treatment. See photo of one of the treatment rooms below.
The Next Chapter, New Horizons
Currently, travelers are seeing plenty of growth in the small-ship sector. New vessels are launching this year or beyond for Orient-Express Sailing Yachts, Aman at Sea, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Ponant, Atlas, Explora Journeys and many others.
But Prelog doesn’t view the launch of new small-ship cruise lines or yacht companies, or even more new small ships of other lines an issue. Why? “I’m always glad that new companies enter the marketplace,” he says. That puts the spotlight clearly on small-ship cruising.
As a result, “those companies are doing a great job bringing new-to-cruise guests into the marketplace,” he emphasizes. “I’m actually quite excited that everyone is coming in.” That expands the market for all lines and also gives travelers plenty of choices.
In addition, given Windstar’s decades-long history in small ship cruising, “we know how to run a great cruise line and a good product,” he stresses. “So, a Windstar product is a very specific product and very well accepted in the market.”
And with not only the new Star Seeker but also the new Star Explorer coming in December, “we can visit many more destinations,” says Bava. And those new port experiences can be done “in the way that Windstar likes to deliver that destination,” she adds.
That means up close and even, at times, up rivers, where large ocean ships cannot go.
She also points out that many so-called “small ship cruises” are, in fact, still 500, 700 or even 1,000 berths. And that, Bava says, can be a very different experience than what guests will discover on a 224-passenger vessel such as Star Seeker.
Staying Small
“What we want to continue to do is to stay small, to continue to deliver this great experience and destinations to our guests that they love,” says Bava. “And that’s why we need more ships in the fleet to do that.”
She adds that the line is also investing in its older ships to keep them fresh and updated. For example, the line has added the new Basil + Bamboo restaurant, now on Star Seeker, to the Wind Surf as well.
Bava also talks about the high quality of cuisine and wines onboard Windstar’s ships. The line has 24-hour room service and diverse dining options for a small ship experience.
“It’s a step above,” she says. For instance, Windstar is the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation. Special James Beard themed sailings with renowned guest chefs elevate that focus even further.
To learn more about Star Seeker and set sail on an intimate, luxury Windstar Cruises’ journey across the globe, tap into the Pavlus Travel contact information below.
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