MIAMI — Windstar Cruises has taken ownership of its newest all-suite yacht, Star Seeker.
The handover ceremony took place Dec. 15 at the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
The 224-guest yacht is the first new build in Windstar’s Star Class and marks a milestone in the cruise line’s ongoing fleet expansion. The industry got its first look at the ship’s renderings last summer.
Ship highlights include 112 ocean-view suites – and nearly all offer a full private veranda or a floor-to-ceiling infinity window, plus there are two new Horizon Owner’s suites with wrap-around balconies.
Rendering of Windstar Cruises’ newest yacht, Star Seeker
There are five dining venues, including the new Mediterranean-Asian
Windstar’s President, Chris Prelog, was joined by COO Stijn Creupelandt, CCO Janet Bava and VP, Expansion Projects John Gunner, for the ceremony.
Also in attendance were Captain Tom Schofield and his team, and senior representatives from WestSEA Shipyard.
“Taking delivery of a new ship is one of the most meaningful moments in a shipbuilding journey,” says Prelog. “From the float out to the handover, we’ve seen Star Seeker take shape with extraordinary craftsmanship. The WestSEA team and Mario Ferreira with Mystic Cruises team have been incredible partners throughout this process, and our crew, led by Captain Schofield, has worked tirelessly to ensure the yacht is delivered in exceptional condition. We cannot wait to welcome guests aboard in just a few short weeks.”
The ship now enters its final preparations ahead of its December 2025 debut, beginning with a maiden voyage from Malaga, Spain, across the Atlantic to Miami, now home to Windstar Cruises’ corporate headquarters, where a christening ceremony is scheduled to take place on Jan. 15.
Star Seeker will then head to the Caribbean for its inaugural season before returning to Alaska and Japan later in the year.
Star Seeker will be followed by sister yacht Star Explorer, debuting in December 2026 with an official christening in spring 2027.
Lead image caption: Mystic Cruises founder and CEO, Mario Ferreira and Windstar’s President, Chris Prelog join executives and crew to raise a glass of champagne in celebration of the official handover of Star Seeker from the WestSEA shipyard to Windstar Cruises (all photos and renderings courtesy Windstar Cruises)
