Windstar Cruises Launches Star Seeker, A new Star Class Yacht in Portugal

Published on November 27, 2024

The Star Seeker yacht, a pioneering new addition to the Star Class fleet by Windstar Cruises, recently made its debut on the water. This significant event took place at WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, where the yacht gracefully transitioned from dry dock to water, celebrating its maritime float out—a long-standing naval tradition commemorating a vessel’s first encounter with the sea.

Although the yacht’s external structure is now complete, there remains considerable work on its interior. The Star Seeker will feature 112 elegantly designed suites and a variety of amenities designed to enhance the guest experience. These include five unique dining venues, a luxurious spa with a dramatic entrance via the deck above, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a modernized version of Windstar’s signature Watersports Platform, which seamlessly integrates the ocean into the yacht’s design, allowing direct sea access from the vessel.

Designed to host 224 guests, the Star Seeker will offer an unmatched staff-to-guest ratio of 1:2, preserving Windstar’s commitment to an intimate and personalized service experience, setting it apart in the cruise industry.

Scheduled to begin its service in December 2025, the Star Seeker will embark on its maiden journey from Málaga, Spain to Miami, Florida. This city is not only the home base of Windstar but also the venue for the vessel’s christening event in January 2026. Following this, Star Seeker will commence its initial Caribbean journey, later offering additional regional cruises. Subsequently, it will navigate along the U.S. West Coast towards Alaska for a series of summer voyages. Afterward, the vessel will set course for Asia, revisiting the well-received Around Japan routes.

During the ceremonial float-out of the Star Seeker, notable figures including Mario Ferreira and Manuel Barros from Mystic Invest, along with Windstar’s Vice President of Expansion Projects, John Gunner, were present. Gunner, who oversees the construction efforts for Windstar, delivered a speech at the event. He expressed gratitude towards Ferreira for his ongoing support and applauded the Portuguese shipyard team for their exceptional skill and commitment.

“Seeing a ship come together and be at the point where she leaves dry dock for the sea is a
memorable milestone in the life of a new build project,” says Gunner. “I am very grateful for this
opportunity to be involved in creating a new ship for Windstar and thankful for Mario’s passion
and vision for ships which helped guide us to this momentous event today – the float out of a
new, beautiful ship for Windstar.”

Windstar Cruises is set to welcome an exciting addition to its fleet, the Star Explorer, scheduled to debut in December 2026. Alongside its sister ship, Star Seeker, the Star Explorer boasts an ice-strengthened hull, enabling voyages to uncharted destinations. Both ships are outfitted with cutting-edge safety, propulsion, and navigation technologies, including pump jet thrusters and advanced forward-facing sonar systems.

Staying true to Windstar’s sustainability goals, the ships feature tier III NOx-rated Rolls Royce engines designed to reduce environmental impact. Their ability to connect to shore power significantly lowers emissions while docked, and onboard, state-of-the-art wastewater treatment systems comply with stringent global standards. These vessels are a testament to Windstar’s dedication to protecting the planet while crafting unforgettable travel experiences for their guests. Every element of their design embodies innovation, safety, and environmental stewardship.