By
Laura Hyde |
Windstar Cruises’ new Star-class yacht, Star Seeker, has floated out at the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
The ship, which is due to debut in December 2025, floated from its building dock to a nearby outfitting dock, where work will continue on the interiors, including the 112 spacious suites. Star Seeker was originally commissioned by Mystic Invest’s Atlas Ocean Voyages and was named World Seeker, but the newbuild was acquired by Windstar Cruises in April 2024 along with Star Explorer, which was originally named World Explorer. This ship is expected to join the Windstar Cruises’ fleet in December 2026.
Construction of the exterior of Star Seeker is now complete but work will continue on the ship’s interiors
“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 newbuild project,” said John Gunner, vice president of expansion projects at Windstar Cruises. “I am very grateful for this opportunity to be involved in creating a new ship for Windstar and thankful for Mario’s [Ferreira, owner of Mystic Invest] passion and vision for ships which helped guide us to this momentous event today – the float out of a new, beautiful ship for Windstar.”
Once complete, Star Seeker will accommodate 224 guests with a ratio of one crew member to every two passengers. The ship will offer guests five dining options, a full-service spa and “a fresh take” on the cruise line’s Watersports Platform, which provides guests with direct access to the sea from the ship.
From left: Mario Ferreira, owner of Mystic Invest, and John Gunner, vice president of expansion projects at Windstar Cruises, at the float out of Star Seeker
Star Seeker is scheduled to be christened in Miami, Florida, where Windstar Cruises is headquartered, in January 2026. From here, the ship will sail a number of Caribbean itineraries before heading up the west coast of the USA to Alaska for the summer season.