Windstar Cruises takes delivery of the Star Seeker

Miami, Fla,-headquartered, Windstar Cruises has officially taken ownership of its newest all-suite yacht, Star Seeker, following a handover ceremony on Dec. 15 at the West Sea Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal.

The 224-guest yacht is the first newbuild in Windstar’s Star Class and marks a major milestone in the small ship cruise line’s ongoing fleet expansion. The ceremony formalized the transfer of ownership.

“Taking delivery of a new ship is one of the most meaningful moments in a shipbuilding journey,” said Chris Prelog, Windstar’s president. “From the float out to the handover, we’ve seen Star Seeker take shape with extraordinary craftsmanship.

Continuing in Windstar’s tradition of intimate, destination-focused cruising, Star Seeker introduces several firsts, as well as enhancements across accommodations, dining, wellness and adventure, including:

• 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.
• Expansive open decks designed for scenic views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
• Five dining venues, including the new Mediterranean-Asian inspired Basil + Bamboo.
• WorldSpa by Windstar, featuring an upper-level entrance and a full suite of transformative wellness and fitness experiences.
• Windstar’s newly reimagined Marina, turning the ocean into a personal playground.

Star Seeker also incorporates the latest sustainability and safety technology, including 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. Every element of the ship reflects Windstar’s commitment to preserving the environment while delivering unforgettable experiences.

• Capacity: 224 guests
• Staterooms: 112 suites
• Horizon owners suites: 2
• Star suites: 4
• Classic suites: 2
• Deluxe suites: 4
• VIsta veranda suites: 10
• Triple premier veranda suites: 2
• Premier veranda suites: 32
• Veranda suites: 16
• Triple infinity suites: 2
• Vista infinity suites: 4
• Infinity suites: 24
• Oceanview suites: 10
• Crew: 135 international staff
• Ship’s registry: Bahamas
• Length: 431 feet (131.5 meters) at waterline;
• Draft: 15.6 feet (4.75 meters)
• Tonnage: 9,315 gross registered tons (grt)
• Beam: 62.3 feet (19 meters)
• Propulsion: Geared diesel
• Speed: Cruising speed 16 knots

After its January 15, 2026 christening in Miami, Star Seeker will begin an inaugural season in the Caribbean, calling on both marquee ports and small islands that larger ships can’t reach. Early itineraries include the Dominican Republic, the British Virgin Islands, San Juan and calls to Iles des Saintes, Bequia, Mayreau, Pigeon Island and immersive experiences in colonial cities like Santo Domingo and Cartagena. Star Seeker then sails north for a full Alaska season, where the yacht’s compact size and expansive open decks are perfect for glacier viewing and wildlife encounters.

Star Seeker will be followed by sister yacht Star Explorer, debuting in December 2026. Built with the same advanced environmental systems, the 224-guest all-suite yacht, is designed to explore Europe “the Windstar way,” which the company describes as “intimately, thoughtfully, and 180 degrees from ordinary.”

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