Windstar Cruises will soon expand its fleet with two new ships: Star Seeker (which will be delivered to the line in December 2025) and Star Explorer (set to debut in December 2026). The new ships will mark a third class of vessels for the small-ship line following its existing three sailing ships and trio of motor yachts.
The new Star Class will feature 112 suites for 224 guests each, versus the larger Star Plus class, which has a capacity of 312 guests per ship.
Editor’s note: This page was last updated on June 30, 2025.
About the Ships
Seeker and Explorer will both be acquired from Mystic Invest. Star Seeker was originally set to become World Seeker for Atlas Ocean Voyages, and Star Explorer was once World Explorer, chartered by Quark Expeditions.
Both will be transformed to better match Windstar’s design and brand identity.
Accommodations
Star Seeker will have 112 suites to choose from, and all but ten of those suites will feature verandas or floor-to-ceiling windows. Two grand Horizon Owner’s Suites will mark a new aft-facing category for the line; these suites can be connected to adjacent suites for added space or multi-gen and group use.
Altogether, there will be 12 categories of suites to select from, including 72 with large verandas, 30 infinity suites (with convertible windows that slide down and open to the outside) and 10 standard ocean-view suites.
Common to all suites will be a stocked mini-bar and fridge, fresh fruit, an interactive television, a safe, a robe and slippers. Clients booked in the highest Horizon, Star, Classic and Deluxe categories can also expect additional amenities, such as an Illy espresso machine, canape service and fresh flowers.
Onboard Features
Once fully transferred to Windstar, each ship will look very familiar to loyalists of the line. Central to the ships’ redesign will be a signature Watersports Platform, complete with new staircase access, plus an expansive double-decker spa and fitness facility, in addition to a forward whirlpool at the bow. A Yacht Club cafe and lounge will also be present, as will an alfresco deck for barbecues.
Windstar is the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, and fine dining will extend to the Amphora main dining room; Star Grill, a delicious specialty restaurant, minus any surcharge; and complimentary, around-the-clock room service.
Both Seeker and Explorer will showcase ice-strengthened hulls, which will allow them to navigate polar regions and everything in between.
Itineraries
Windstar revealed where Star Seeker will be heading in 2026, with a return to Alaska and Japan. (Previously, Star Breeze sailed these regions in 2023, before being redeployed as the line’s year-round vessel in Tahiti.)
“We are really happy to be able to bring back Alaska and Japan for our guests,” said Christopher Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises. “We know these are popular destinations, and we have many people asking us to return there. We can’t keep this secret any longer."
Windstar’s vice president of sales, Dianna Rom, was the first to break the news to 3,000 travel partners at the Travel Leaders’ Edge conference.
Seeker’s planned routes in Alaska, from May through August, will be a collection of seven- to 12-day voyages between Juneau, Alaska, and Vancouver, British Columbia. Also available will be pre- and post-cruise land tours to Denali.
Windstar will also offer Signature Expeditions in Alaska, spearheaded by expedition leaders. Highlights will include exploring the remote wilderness of the Misty Fjords, as well as hiking, kayaking and skiff riding. Presentations about the area’s flora, fauna and culture will also be given onboard.
“These immersive, small-group expeditions are a key part of our Alaska program and bring our guests closer to the beauty of Alaska,” Prelog said. “Being on the water and seeing the topography from that viewpoint brings the grandeur of Alaska into perspective. It’s also quiet and meditative to be out in these wild places. You never know what wildlife you might see.”
And in Japan, from late August to November, Seeker will depart on 10-day Grand Japan cruises sailing between Tokyo and Osaka.
Before any of this, though, Seeker's maiden voyage will depart on Dec. 28, 2025, from Malaga, Spain, crossing the Atlantic Ocean with a stopover at Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The voyage will finish in Miami for the ship's naming ceremony and an eight-day sailing to the Caribbean on Jan. 15, 2026, that will end in San Juan, Puerto Rico, ahead of several more cruises in the region. Then, prior to its 2026 Alaska season, the vessel will offer multiple repositioning options: the full 49-day San Juan to Juneau route, a 25-day Costa Rica to Juneau cruise or a 17-day Mexico to Juneau portion.
As for Star Explorer, the new ship will come out of the gate in the Mediterranean, marking Windstar’s fourth winter season in the region, highlighting longer time in port. For example, overnight stays will be scheduled in Florence (Livorno), Italy; Barcelona, Spain; and Nice, France. During the season, Carnevale will be happening in Venice, as well as Epiphany in Greece.
Star Explorer will sail winter Mediterranean itineraries in its first season.
Credit: 2025 Windstar Cruises“Winter is when the Mediterranean slows down — and that’s when Windstar steps in,” said Jess Peterson, the line’s director of destination experience and itinerary planning. “With Star Explorer, we’re offering guests a chance to see these legendary places with fresh eyes and fewer crowds, all in the comfort of our newest yacht."
Explorer’s maiden voyage will be a nine-night Southern Spain Winter Escapes route departing Dec. 28, 2026, roundtrip from Barcelona, including an overnight visit before leaving the city. The ship will also be in Malaga for two days, as well as navigate to Valencia, Cartagena, Gibraltar and Palma de Mallorca, the latter following a relaxing sea day before returning to the Spanish hub.
Two of the ship’s other initial itineraries will encompass a seven-night Europe’s Winter Riviera sailing, with one overnight in Florence and another in Barcelona, plus a visit to Genoa before finishing in Rome. An eight-night Winter Italy & the Dalmatian Coast cruise from Rome to Venice (concluding with an overnight) will call in Naples and Messina (Taormina) in Italy, and Zadar and Dubrovnik (for two days) in Croatia.
Star Collector Voyages and optional Madrid cruise-tours will also be available to combine itineraries and add extensions to make for alternatives of 13 nights or more.
