Windstar Cruises’ newest vessel, the Star Seeker, was successfully floated out on Monday, November 25th, at the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo (Portugal).
This maritime milestone marks the vessel’s transition from drydock to waterborne status for the first time.
The special ceremony was attended by Mario Ferreira and Manuel Barros (Mystic Invest/shipowner) and John Gunner (Windstar’s VP for Expansion Projects) who is overseeing the shipbuilding project. Gunner expressed gratitude to Ferreira for his support and praised the shipyard team for the dedication and craftsmanship throughout the vessel’s construction.
While Star Seeker’s exterior is now complete, interior work continues, including finishing the 112 staterooms.
The vessel is scheduled to enter service in December 2025, departing from Malaga (Spain) for a Transatlantic crossing to Miami (Florida USA) where it will be officially christened in January 2026.
Following the naming event in Miami, Star Seeker will embark on her maiden voyage in the Caribbean before transitioning to a series of cruises along the West Coast USA and into Alaska for a summer season.
Subsequently, the ship will sail to Asia, reviving Windstar’s highly sought-after Around Japan itineraries.
Star Seeker will offer guests a boutique cruising experience, carrying just 224 passengers with a staff-to-guest ratio of 1:2 to ensure personalized service. The vessel has 5 distinctive dining venues, a full-service spa (accessible via a scenic staircase from the deck above) and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
A highlight of the ship is a reimagined version of Windstar’s signature Watersports Platform, allowing guests to enjoy direct access to the sea, effectively transforming the ocean into an infinity pool.