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 will be updated as more information is revealed about each new ship.
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.
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-, 10- and 11-day voyages between Juneau or Seward in 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.
Bookings are scheduled to open in early August, when further deployment details will be unveiled.
