Star Seeker the first new build in the Star Class for Windstar Cruises, has floated out of her building dock. She touched water for the first time at the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
A float out is a maritime tradition of marking when a ship leaves dry dock and becomes waterborne for the first time. While construction of Star Seeker’s exterior is complete,
The ship will now undergo fitting out to complete the interiors, including 112 suites for passenger use.
The ship will also boast five dining options, a full-service spa with a grand entrance from the deck above. A newly designed fitness facility takes a fresh take on the line’s Watersports Platform, which turns the ocean into an infinity pool by providing guests access to the sea directly from the ship.
With a capacity for 224 guests and a staff to guest ratio of 1:2, Star Seeker will maintain the intimate atmosphere for which Windstar is renowned.
Star Seeker will enter service in December 2025, sailing from Málaga to Miami where Windstar is headquartered and where the ship’s christening ceremony will take place in January 2026. Star Seeker will then sail its first voyage in the Caribbean and offer more cruises in the region before heading up the West Coast of the United States to Alaska. There she offers a full season of summer cruises. From there, the ship will sail to Asia, bringing back the line’s popular Around Japan itineraries.
Windstar will debut an additional new sister ship, Star Explorer, in December 2026. Star Seeker and Star Explorer both have ice-strengthened hulls, unlocking access to new destinations. The ships are equipped with the latest technology in safety, propulsion and navigation, including pump jet thrusters and forward-facing sonar.
Tier III Nox rated
To minimise their environmental footprint and uphold the brand’s commitment to sustainability, the ships have tier III Nox rated Rolls Royce engines. And they can connect to shore power minimising port emissions. In addition, the ships have advanced wastewater treatment systems that meet all global standards. Every aspect of their design reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to preserving the environment while providing unforgettable experiences to travellers.
Windstar Cruises operates a fleet of six boutique all-suite and sailing yachts. Each carryies between 148 to 342 guests.
With Windstar you can explore destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica. Other destinations include, the Panama Canal, New England, Eastern Canada, South America and the South Pacific.
Windstar also operates year-round in Europe and will offer two unique ship experiences in Tahiti starting in 2027.
The company will introduce two new ships to its Star Class starting in December 2025 – the Star Seeker and Star Explorer.
Windstar Cruises is part of the Xanterra Travel Collection®, a group of global hospitality and travel companies. In turn it is owned by The Anschutz Corporation, the ultimate owner of the Broadmoor, Sea Island, and the AEG, Anschutz Entertainment Group.