Windstar Cruises’ Star Seeker Makes Her Debut

The line’s new 224-passenger yacht will be offering itineraries to the Caribbean, Alaska and Japan. She will visit places that larger ships can’t reach.

On December 28, 2025, Windstar Cruises’ new all-suite yacht, the Star Seeker, set sail on her maiden voyage from Malaga, Spain to PortMiami, where she was christened on January 15, 2026. The Star-class ship is the line’s first newbuild in nearly 40 years.

Godmother Libby Anschutz at the christening

The Star Seeker’s Christening and Naming Ceremony

Libby Anschutz, the daughter of Windstar Cruises owner Phil Anschutz, served as godmother at the ceremony in Miami. She offered her blessing and performed the ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle against the yacht’s hull.

Following the ceremony, the Star Seeker departed on a special 7-night christening sailing from Miami, with stops in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and British Virgin Islands.

More Details on the Star Seeker

The Star Seeker has been crafted to reflect Windstar’s hallmark lifestyle – immersive, intimate and effortlessly elegant. She accommodates 224 guests, and most of the Star Seeker’s 112 suites feature either a private veranda or a floor-to-ceiling window.

There are several new suite categories, including two 548-square-foot Horizon Owner’s Suites with wraparound balconies. The 30 Infinity Suites have floor-to-ceiling windows, while the 10 Oceanview Suites have a mosaic glass shower.

The Star Seeker has expansive open decks that have been designed for scenic views and wildlife spotting opportunities. Her reimagined marina has direct ocean access.

The WorldSpa by Windstar features a full suite of transformational wellness and fitness experiences.

Star Grill

Diverse Dining Options

Guests on the Star Seeker have the following choices:

Amphora – It’s open for buffet-style breakfast and lunch dining. For dinner, guests can choose from a variety of innovative dishes, including rotating cuisine items from James Beard Foundation-affiliated guest chefs.
Star Grill – Located on the pool deck, this casual dining option is open for both breakfast and lunch. For dinner, it turns into a reservations-only restaurant and serves as Windstar Cruises’ signature Candles venue.
The Yacht Club Cafe – A casual cafe for a light breakfast and light lunch.
24-hour complimentary room service – Available for guests who prefer to dine in the privacy of their suites.
Basil + Bamboo – This new complimentary specialty restaurant serves “Mediterr-Asian” cuisine in an intimate space limited to 40 guests.

Where the Star Seeker is Sailing

Inaugural-season itineraries in the Caribbean include not only the Dominican Republic, British Virgin Islands and San Juan, but smaller islands that larger ships can’t reach. Among them are Mayreau, Pigeon Island and Bequia. There are immersive experiences in colonial cities like Santo Domingo and Cartegena.

This summer the Star Seeker will be offering cruises in Alaska. With her smaller size and expansive open decks, she provides guests with wonderful opportunities for glacier viewing and wildlife encounters. Guests can kayak beside icebergs and explore by Zodiac directly from the marina, with support from Windstar’s expedition guides.

Guests can relax in the Yacht Club Cafe, a hybrid observation lounge and venue for a light breakfast or lunch.

In late 2026 and into 2027, the Star Seeker will offer culturally immersive itineraries in Japan. These will pair marquee cities with less-visited destinations known for cuisine, traditional arts and local experiences. And there will be some exciting new destination enhancements. One is a brand-new Mystery Cruise, where guests embark in Hokkaido and disembark in Osaka; each port will be revealed only days in advance. At a Destination Discovery Event in Tomonoura, Windstar guests will explore Edo-period streets with exclusive access to samurai sword performances, calligraphy workshops, tea ceremonies and historic residences.

The Star Seeker’s Sister Ship

Windstar Cruises’ Star Explorer, a sister ship to the Star Seeker, will debut in December 2026. Also accommodating 224 guests, the Star Explorer has been designed to sail to some of Europe’s most hard-to-reach destinations year-round.

More About Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises has been reimagining small ship cruising for the past four decades, offering a distinct blend of relaxed luxury and genuine connection to the world’s most captivating destinations. From its origins with motor sailing yachts tailored for upscale, yet casual travel, Windstar Cruises has grown into a diverse fleet consisting of four Star-class all-suite yachts and three Wind-class sailing yachts. When the Star Explorer begins service in December 2026, Windstar will have eight yachts.

Windstar Cruises is part of the Xanterra Travel Collection, a distinguished group of global hospitality and travel companies with a legacy spanning over a hundred years.

Why Consider Windstar for a Future Group Cruise

Windstar Cruises designs its voyages to immerse guests in authentic cultural experiences while delivering a high level of service, comfort and style. It’s definitely worth considering when planning your next group cruise.