By
Alex Smith |
Windstar Cruises is expanding its fleet with two new all-suite yachts, Star Seeker and Star Explorer, the cruise line has announced at Sea Trade Cruise Global.
The two ships are expected to be delivered by West Sea shipyard in December 2025 and 2026, respectively. Each will have 112 suites, featuring private verandas and infinity windows. Two Owner’s Suites with wrap-around balconies have also been included on the aft of the ship. In total, the ships will each have capacity for 224 guests and provide a staff to guest ratio of 1:2.
Windstar’s Watersports Platform venue will return on the ships, newly accessible through a staircase, alongside the Yacht Club café and lounge, a two-story spa and fitness facility, and a forward whirlpool on the bow. The deck will provide space for sunbathing and Windstar’s deck barbeque events.
The redesigned main dining room, Amphora, will offer rotating items from James Beard Foundation-affiliated guest chefs alongside its regular menu. Al fresco dining will also now be available at the venue, as well as at the Star Grill.
Star Seeker and Star Explorer will both have ice-strengthened hulls, allowing them to access new destinations for the cruise line. The ships will also be equipped with Tier III-rated Rolls Royce engines, advanced wastewater treatment systems and will be able to connect to shore power while in port.
The expansion will allow Windstar to redeploy one of its Wind-class ships, Wind Star, to Tahiti in 2027, adding more capacity for the cruise line in French Polynesia.
“Our goal was to ensure these ships are unmistakably Windstar, and a significant amount of effort has gone into achieving this,” said Christopher Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises. “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.”