Windstar Cruises Celebrates Launch of Star Seeker, Its First Newbuild Ship
Windstar Cruises has officially welcomed its first newbuild ship, the Star Seeker, marking a significant milestone for the cruise line. The ceremony took place recently, with a dress code encouraging guests to either dress casually or celebrate in style. This event is particularly noteworthy as it is the first addition to Windstar’s fleet since 2015.
The atmosphere was vibrant, with guests in flip-flops mingling alongside VIPs in elegant footwear, embodying the yacht-inspired ethos of Windstar Cruises. Chris Prelog, President of Windstar, emphasized the brand’s commitment to creating memorable experiences aboard small ships. “Ever since we started sailing in 1984, Windstar always believed that small ships can make big moments,” he stated. The event featured a brief ceremony attended by previous godmothers of Windstar ships and members of the Anschutz family, who own the cruise line. Libby Anschutz, the ship’s godmother, expressed her hopes for the Star Seeker, wishing for safe voyages and unforgettable experiences for its guests.
The Star Seeker can accommodate 224 passengers and represents a new era for Windstar Cruises, which has not introduced a newbuild in nearly a decade. Janet Bava, Chief Commercial Officer, noted that the new ship enhances the company’s credibility in a competitive market. She highlighted the smooth delivery process of the Star Seeker, which exceeded expectations, a rarity in the small-ship cruising sector.
Design and Features of the Star Seeker
The Star Seeker, originally named World Seeker, was acquired by Windstar in April 2024 from Mystic Invest. The ship underwent significant renovations to better suit the warmer destinations favored by Windstar’s clientele. Notably, the ship features a hot tub at the front and a ducktail at the rear, which serves as a marina—a hallmark of Windstar’s design.
As a hybrid between Windstar’s small Wind Class and Star Class ships, the Star Seeker offers a unique experience. Stijn Creupelandt, Chief Operating Officer, explained that the ship’s design maximizes limited space, resulting in multifunctional public areas. For instance, the Yacht Club serves as a coffee bar and lounge during the day, transforming into a lively bar and dance space at night.
Dining options aboard the Star Seeker include the Amphora Restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a departure from other Star Class ships that only offer dinner service. The Star Grill also provides a casual dining experience during the day before transitioning to a reservations-only venue in the evening, serving as the line’s signature Candles restaurant.
The Star Seeker’s inaugural revenue sailing concluded with positive feedback, despite minor complaints regarding the ship’s sailaway song and stateroom plug types. Captain Tom Schofield remarked on the significance of the naming ceremony, stating, “This moment closes the epilogue of the Star Seeker’s first chapter and opens the pages on the exciting and adventurous chapters that are to follow.”
With the Star Seeker now in service, Windstar Cruises looks forward to expanding its fleet further, with plans for the Star Explorer to join in early 2027 after additional renovations.
