Star Seeker, Windstar Cruises’ first all-suite vessel, is unveiled.
Star Seeker, Windstar Cruises‘ newest all-suite yacht, was christened on January 15 in Miami, marking a significant milestone. The vessel then set out on an eight-night Christening Sailing from Miami to San Juan, with stops in the British Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic. Before travelling to Japan and Southeast Asia in 2026, Star Seeker will run itineraries in the Caribbean and Alaska, with a particular emphasis on immersive experiences in Thailand and Vietnam.
The Event of Christening
At Star Seeker’s christening ceremony, Libby Anschutz, daughter of Windstar’s owner Phil Anschutz, took centre stage to give a poignant speech and wish everyone sailing on the yacht the best of luck. She then formally named and welcomed Star Seeker to the fleet by breaking a champagne bottle against the hull in a scene steeped in maritime tradition, highlighting the Anschutz family’s goal for cosy, well-planned sea voyages. In keeping with her mother Nancy Anschutz’s christening of Star Pride, Libby’s status as Godmother maintains a deep familial bond with Windstar. In June 2027, Windstar’s second new ship, Star Explorer, will be christened in London by Libby’s sister, Sarah Anschutz.
Christopher Prelog, president of Windstar, began the gathering by reminding everyone of what makes Windstar unique and attracts repeat business. It’s the sensation you get while travelling on a Windstar ship. The crew’s smiles, sincere conversations, and the daily warmth and compassion that permeate the ship. This is the Windstar culture that has persisted throughout the company’s existence since its founding with just two modest sailing ships.
Captain Tom Schofield of Star Seeker addressed his senior officers and crew before discussing the significance of witnessing a ship come to life once personnel and passengers board. Louise Andren, the godmother of Windstar’s first ship Wind Star and the wife of its founder Karl Andren; Nancy Anschutz, the godmother of Star Pride and the wife of its owner Phil Anschutz; and Gloria Bohan, the godmother of Star Legend, a prominent figure in the travel industry, were among the three current ship godmothers who were present to greet the new ship and godmother. Before the evening ended with a farewell fireworks display over the port, Christ Journey Church Pastor Bill White blessed the ship.
With only 224 seats, Star Seeker is the first new construction in the Star Class fleet. It is intimate, immersive, and subtly exquisite, all of which are hallmarks of Windstar’s style. It has 112 exquisitely furnished rooms, the majority of which have floor to ceiling infinity windows or private verandas, including two brand new aft-facing Horizon Owner’s Suites with wraparound balconies. Suites with fully equipped minibars, walk in mosaic glass showers, and first-rate facilities in premium categories are designed for comfort and elegance. Five dining options, a full service spa with a striking two-deck entrance, and a renovated marina with direct ocean access are all available to guests on board. With itineraries including the 7-Day Scenic Alaska and the 10-Day Alaskan Splendour, Star Seeker will return to Alaska in 2027. The company will also return to Japan in 2027 with its 10-Day Grand Japan itinerary, a new Destination Discovery Event in Tomonoura, and a brand new Mystery Cruise.
Anticipating the Future: Star Explorer
With the December 2026 launch of Star Explorer, the sister ship to Star Seeker, Windstar will be able to offer its distinctive small-ship design to some of Europe’s most alluring, yet challenging-to-reach, locations all year long. With only 224 passengers, Star Explorer is built to sail where larger ships just cannot. It can glide into river ports and city centres like Bordeaux, Rouen, Caen, and London on the Thames. It can also explore the British Isles, Ireland, the Baltics, Norway’s fjords, France, Northern Spain, and Portugal. With lengthier stops and overnights at places like Stockholm, Tallinn, Bordeaux, San Sebastián, and Biarritz, as well as Windstar firsts like Puerto Banús, the marina entrance to Marbella, her itineraries are intensely immersive and port-intensive. With 112 roomy suites, many with private verandas or infinity windows, including two new Horizon Owner’s Suites, World Spa by Windstar, and Windstar favourites like Yacht Club Café, Basil + Bamboo, Amphora, and the signature Marina with free water sports, open dining, and a friendly, helpful crew, the atmosphere on board is laid-back and elegant, just like Star Seeker.
