Windstar Cruises Celebrates Float Out of New Star Seeker Yacht

Windstar Cruises celebrated the float out of its new Star Seeker yacht, the first of the operator’s Star Class of vessels. This marked the first time Star Seeker touched the water at the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal where it is being constructed. 

To commemorate the occasion, Mario Ferreira and Manuel Barros of Mystic Invest and Windstar's Vice President of Expansion Projects John Gunner (who is directing the ship-building project of Star Seeker) were on hand for the celebrations. Gunner shared remarks, including thanking Ferreira for his support and the team at the Portuguese shipyard for their dedication and craftsmanship.

"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."

The construction of Star Seeker's exterior is complete, and work will continue to complete the interiors of the vessel, including its 112 suites. 

When complete, Star Seeker will have five dining options, a full-service spa, a fitness facility, and a new look of the line's iconic Watersports Platform. This platform turns the ocean into an infinity pool by providing guests access to the sea directly from the ship. Star Seeker will have a capacity for 224 guests, and a staff-to-guest ratio of 1:2, ensuring personalized service at every turn. 

Star Seeker will enter service in December of 2025, sailing from Málaga to Miami, home of Windstar Cruises. A christening ceremony will take place in January of 2026, prior to Star Seeker’s first voyage in the Caribbean. In the summer of 2026, the ship will sail Alaska cruises, and then following the ship will sail to Asia for the line's popular ‘Around Japan’ itineraries. 

Windstar will debut an additional sister ship, Star Explorer, in December of 2026. Both vessels will have ice-strengthened hulls, allowing for access to new destinations. The ships are equipped with the latest technology in safety, propulsion, and navigation. To minimize their environmental footprint, the ships have tier III Nox-rated Rolls Royce engines and can connect to shore power minimizing port emissions, and advanced wastewater treatment systems. 

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