Windstar Cruises to Add Two New Ships to Fleet

Luxury operator Windstar Cruises has announced that it will add two new all-suite motor yachts to its fleet - Star Seeker and Star Explorer. The two new ships will be the first among Windstar’s Star Class of vessels. 

Newbuild Star Seeker is currently being constructed in the WestSEA shipyard and is expected to be delivered to Windstar in December 2025. Star Explorer is set for delivery in December 2026.

"Our goal was to ensure these ships are unmistakably Windstar, and a significant amount of effort has gone into achieving this," says Windstar Cruises' President Christopher Prelog. "We are thrilled for this expansion, building on the success of our game-changing Star Class in small-ship cruising with guests and travel partners, while offering new experiences. This growth reflects the dedication of our incredible crew and team, allowing us to broaden our destination portfolio and even bring one of our Wind Class sail ships back to Tahiti."

Both Star Seeker and Star Explorer will have the capacity for 224 guests and a staff-to-guest ratio of just 1:2. Guests will enjoy access to several elevated Windstar guest favorites, including the Watersports Platform (with all-new staircase access), the cozy Yacht Club café and lounge, a two-story spa/fitness facility, an intimate whirlpool on the bow, and a spacious open deck. 

As the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar's commitment to exceptional cuisine will continue to be a priority for the guest experience on Star Seeker and Star Explorer. The re-imagined main dining room, Amphora, will serve upscale and inventive dishes, including rotating items from James Beard Foundation–affiliated guest chefs. Al fresco dining will be available at Amphora and the Star Grill. In addition, guests can enjoy a separate specialty restaurant or 24-hour room service, both at no cost. 

Each yacht will offer 112 suites, all of which include private verandas and infinity windows. Both will have two Owner's Suites, which will be located at the ship’s aft and include wrap-around balconies. 

Star Seeker and Star Explorer will both have ice-strengthened hulls, allowing the ships to unlock access to new destinations. They are being built equipped with the latest technology in safety, propulsion, and navigation, including pump jet thrusters and forward-facing Sonar. To minimize their environmental footprint, the ships will have tier III Nox rated Rolls Royce engines, and can connect to shore power minimizing port emissions.

The addition of Star Seeker and Star Explorer will allow Windstar to bring back one of its beloved Wind Class ships, Wind Star, to Tahiti, where it will join Star Breeze in 2027. With more than 36 years of experience operating cruises in French Polynesia, travelers will now have a choice between sailing among the islands on a Wind or Star Class ship.

Itineraries and booking details for Star Seeker will be announced in late June 2024.

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