Star Seeker

The 2025-built (fka World Seeker) cruise ship Star Seeker was constructed by WestSEA at the shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in December 2025 and inauguration in January 2026. The sister ship and fleetmate Star Explorer (2019-built) is currently chartered to Quark Expeditions (as World Explorer) and will join Windstar in December 2026.

Star Seeker and Star Explorer have ice-strengthened hulls and are designed for operations in polar regions (Arctic and Antarctica). The vessel was ordered by Mystic Invest Holding (via its subsidiary Mystic Cruises USA) with plans to be chartered by Mystic's subsidiary AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages (USA-based travel brand owned by Mystic Invest), as well as by other small cruise companies.

Star Seeker is the 8th (and last) vessel in the originally planned 10-ship fleet of Mystic Cruises, alongside sister ships World/Star Explorer (2019), World Voyager (2021), World Navigator (2021), World Traveller (2022), World Discoverer (2023), World Adventurer (2024), World Seeker/Star Seeker (2025), and World Explorer/Star Explorer (2026).

The vessel (IMO number 9904819) is currently Portugal-flagged (MMSI 255806211) and registered in Madeira/Funchal. Star Seeker will be Bahamas-flagged (MMSI TBA) and registered in Nassau.

Ship history and ownership

Windstar Cruises is a luxury travel brand operating a fleet of small ships (mega-yachts) with capacity up to 340 passengers. The company calls at over 150 ports across the Caribbean, Central America, South Pacific, Asia, and Europe.

Windstar is currently a subsidiary of Xanterra Parks and Resorts (the largest US national and state park concession management company).

On April 10, 2024, Windstar announced plans to expand its fleet by acquiring two 224-passenger ships from Mystic Invest. The announcement was presented by Chris Prelog (Windstar President), John Gunner (VP of Expansion Projects), and Andrew N. Todd (President and CEO of Xanterra Travel Collection).

The acquisition represented a 25% fleet expansion (from 6 to 8 vessels) and a 30% increase in berth capacity (from 1,500 to 2,000).

Unlike the original Mystic fleet design, Star Seeker and Star Explorer were redesigned and refitted. New features include an aft Watersports Platform, a two-deck wellness complex (spa and fitness), a bow-facing whirlpool (forward on Deck 5), and a Windstar-style swimming pool and whirlpool (midship on Deck 7). In the original design, both ships featured a Zodiac storage area (aft on Deck 7) and a helipad (aft on Deck 8). These areas were redesigned to accommodate passenger staterooms (Deck 7, including aft-facing Owner Suites) and Zodiac storage (Deck 8).

Decks and Cabins

Star Seeker staterooms (112 total, across 15 categories) are all outside and in suite configurations. Only 10 cabins (Oceanview Suites on Deck 3) do not have balconies or floor-to-ceiling windows. The remaining accommodations feature either full step-out verandas (72 units) or infinity windows (30 units) that slide halfway down to form a French Balcony.

Cabin balconies are furnished with one low table and two deckchairs. Top-tier suite terraces include two sun loungers, two teak deckchairs, and one low table.

Cabin bathrooms feature spa showers (rain showerhead, handheld showerhead, and four adjustable body jets) and L'Occitane bath products (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, handwash, hand lotion). All suite bathrooms include bathtubs. Owner Suites feature double-basin vanities (his-and-hers sinks) and a separate WC. Star Suite bathrooms also include double vanities.

The largest accommodations are the two Horizon Owner's Suites (550 ft2 / 51 m2, including a 250-ft2/23 m2 wraparound terrace) aft on Deck 7. Each Horizon Suite can be combined with an adjacent Vista Veranda Suite.

Standard (complimentary) cabin amenities include:

• en-suite bathroom (double-sink vanity, bathtub, shower, WC, hairdryer, plush bathrobes and slippers, premium bath products)
• separate bedroom (queen-size double bed convertible to two twins, bedside cabinets, bedside USB ports, wall-mounted lamps), premium bedding (high-thread-count linens, down duvets), fresh fruit and flowers
• mirrored vanity/writing desk with armchair, lounge area (2-seater sofabed, coffee table with chairs); Horizon and Veranda cabins also include a loveseat
• smart HDTV (infotainment system, Wi-Fi Internet, on-demand movies, Bluetooth connectivity), direct-dial phone, large wardrobe, electronic safe, minibar (fully stocked)
• individual air conditioning, LED lighting
• daily turndown service
• complimentary still and sparkling bottled water (replenished twice daily)

Towels (excluding those on racks) and bed linens are changed every third day (depending on itinerary length). Laundry and ironing services are available at an additional cost, with collection each morning.

Each cabin is equipped with orange lifejackets for emergency use and lifeboat drills. The ship's electrical supply is 220 V (50 Hz), with standard European 2-pin outlets. Each cabin has five USB ports and five power outlets (110V / 220V).

The ship has 8 decks, of which 6 are passenger-accessible, and 4 contain cabins.

World Seeker staterooms

World Seeker was designed with 98 staterooms (all suites), providing a maximum passenger capacity of 200 (max 140 on polar cruises). The 7 cabin categories ranged from 185 ft2 (17 m2, Adventure Stateroom) to 465 ft2 (43 m2, Owner/Navigator Suite). French Balcony cabins (Horizon/Infinity Staterooms) were 270 ft2 (25 m2) with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and sliding upper panels. Veranda Staterooms were the same size but with step-out balconies.

Of the 8 decks, 3 contained cabins, most of which (~90%) featured private step-out balconies. Exceptions were the aft-located (decks 5-6) French Balconies. The 12 Adventure (Porthole) cabins on Deck 3 featured large non-opening windows.

All 10 top-tier suites were categorized as Journey Suite (380 ft2 / 35 m2), Discovery Suite (445 ft2 / 41 m2), Navigator Suite (465 ft2 / 43 m2), plus four Junior Suites (300 ft2 / 28 m2). All suites were two-room (one-bedroom) units with step-out balconies (110 ft2 / 10 m2) furnished with two sun loungers, two teak deckchairs, and one low table. Each suite featured two closets and two large HDTVs (bedroom and living room). Junior Suites were triple-occupancy and available with either a step-out or French balcony.

Shipboard facilities and activities (Star Seeker ship review)

All passenger decks are served by two elevators (forward and aft) and include public restrooms. For safety reasons, elevators are shut down during severe weather.

Deck 3 features the aft Marina/Watersports Platform with direct staircase access, supporting activities such as swimming and kayaking. The Marina also serves as a launch point for Zodiac boats used for coastal exploration and shore landings.

Midship is the Mud Room, used for embarkation/disembarkation from Zodiacs. It includes lockers for storing expedition gear (jackets, boots, snorkeling equipment). In warm climates, complimentary snorkeling gear is provided (wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins).

Deck 3 also houses the expedition fleet (10 inflatable motorized boats and 2 loading stations). Each boat measures 19 ft (6 m), accommodates up to 12 passengers, and is powered by a 4-stroke outboard engine.

Deck 3 cabins are Oceanview Suites.

Deck 4 includes the World Spa by Windstar (lower level), Lounge, Infirmary/Medical Facility, Lobby Hall (Reception, Destination Desk, embarkation points), Star Boutique, Fitness Center and Motion Studio, specialty restaurant "Basil + Bamboo", and Amphora Restaurant (main dining room with outdoor terrace).

Deck 5 includes staterooms and the bow-facing whirlpool, along with spa access.

Deck 6 houses the Navigation Bridge, staterooms, and lifeboats.

Deck 7 (Lido Deck) features the Yacht Club Cafe (observation lounge with 270-degree views), main pool area with loungers, Star Grill and Star Bar, staterooms, and a self-serve ice cream station.

Deck 8 is the Observation Deck, used for wildlife viewing and walking, with an encircling jogging track. The aft service area stores the Zodiac fleet.

World Seeker ship review

The ship offers plenty of public areas, including Observation Lounge (glass-domed, with surrounding outdoor terrace), Explorer Lounge (multi-purpose full-bar venue with floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable seating), Library (reading lounge), Lecture Theatre (24-hour open Auditorium serving the cruise company's enrichment program with daily scheduled activities, including port talks, discussions, media presentations), and aft-located Dining Room Restaurant (with floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace for alfresco dining, weather permitting).

Explorer Lounge doubles as a multi-purpose room hosting special events (anniversaries, birthdays, group and private meetings, etc). Fresh-baked cookies and pastries are offered in the afternoons. Hot and cold snacks are available during the evening cocktail hour (activities permitting) and special-occasion events. The Lounge's Bar is staffed by a professional bartender serving a selection of liquors, spirits, premium beers, wines and champagnes (by the glass). Complimentary beverages include soft drinks, juices, water, coffee, and tea.

Polar Library is well stocked with books and popular board games. The Library is open 24 hours. Its collection includes books in various languages and themed on wildlife, history, marine biology, geology, and ecology, as well as field guides, picture books and reference books.

Polar Boutique is the gift shop selling travel essentials and souvenirs, as well as a selection of expedition gear (clothing, waterproof pants, gloves, hats). The shop's opening hours are based on the daily scheduled cruise activities.

In the Lobby Hall is the Reception (Guest Services Desk), served by dedicated staff who assist passengers with information, purchasing PIN cards (Internet/email access, phone cards), and arranging wake-up calls. The Reception also doubles as the Cashier's Office for setting up shipboard accounts and settling these accounts toward the end of the cruise. Also on Lobby Deck are the ship's two entrance areas (portside and starboard), used for passenger embarkation/disembarkation in ports of call where a pier/quay/wharf is available for docking.

Wellness facilities include an outdoor jogging track (on top deck), small gym, Sauna Room, Spa (room for massages, showers, changing / locker rooms), and Hairdresser. On Sun Deck is the outdoor heated swimming pool surrounded by a sunbathing area with loungers. The pool has a kids' (shallow) area separated from the deeper saltwater plunge pool. The ship doesn't provide lifeguards on duty. On the top deck (aft) is a Helideck - a helipad used in emergencies.

Complimentary shoreside activities include camping, sea-kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and Zodiac boat tours.

Windstar/Star Seeker Itineraries

In April 2024, Windstar announced plans to deploy Star Seeker to the Caribbean and Alaska (summer 2026), followed by Japan and Southeast Asia (fall and winter 2026-2027). Bookings opened in August 2024.

The Maiden Voyage (16-day transatlantic crossing from Europe to the Caribbean/USA) begins on December 28, 2025. The inaugural cruise (from Malaga Spain to Miami Florida USA) is followed by the christening ceremony in PortMiami (January 15), then Caribbean deployment (January-March, homeport San Juan, Puerto Rico) before transiting the Panama Canal to Alaska.

The Alaska program (May-August 2026) includes 7-, 10-, and 11-day itineraries departing from Juneau, Seward, and Vancouver BC Canada. Optional Denali land tours are available. Expedition experts lead Zodiac excursions and onboard lectures.

After Alaska (summer 2026), Star Seeker repositions to Japan (September-November) for 10-day "Grand Japan" itineraries from Tokyo and Osaka, followed by Southeast Asia deployment.

Mystic/Nicko Cruises Itineraries

When chartered by Nicko Cruises, World Seeker was planned to operate mainly in Europe (Mediterranean, Atlantic coast, Baltic Sea, Norwegian Fjords).

When chartered by other companies, the vessel was intended for polar cruises to destinations such as Antarctica and the Arctic (Iceland, Greenland, Canada).

All Mystic Invest newbuilds were financed through ICBC Leasing, part of ICBC Ltd (a Chinese multinational bank ranked as the world's largest by assets, deposits, loans, customers, and employees). Shipbuilding financing was supported by Portuguese banks during construction and by ICBC Leasing (following delivery) through a sale-and-leaseback arrangement, with an obligation to repurchase the vessel at maturity. Mystic Invest plans to build a 10-ship fleet of the same design.

In August 2017, the design's tank tests were completed. The testing water tank and ship model trials were conducted by MARIN (Maritime Research Institute Netherlands) in Wageningen.

In 2018 (February 20 through March 1), Nicko Tours scheduled a total of 10 roadshows across Germany to promote the company's new ocean cruising product. Each event began with a casual gathering and buffet with finger foods, followed by a presentation of the vessel and its itineraries. Travel agents were then treated to full meals and gourmet desserts.

The shipbuilder is West Sea - Estaleiros Navais Lda.

The vessel's physical construction/assembly (WestSEA hull number C020) officially began on October 26, 2023, with the keel-laying ceremony attended by Mario Ferreira (Mystic Cruises' CEO and President).

Star Seeker's namesake is the riverboat Celebrity Seeker (2027).

World/Star Seeker ship technology

The ship's design is based on a Rolls-Royce expedition vessel platform developed by Giuseppe Tringali (Italian naval architect). It features an ice-strengthened hull (Ice Class 1B), advanced automation and control systems, and modern propulsion based on electrical pods (azimuthing thrusters). Additional features include a dynamic positioning system (using GPS data to maintain position without anchoring), advanced water treatment systems, and a hybrid powerplant (diesel-electric) with efficient marine engines (two Rolls-Royce engines running on ULSD / ultra-low-sulfur diesel).

The Rolls-Royce powerplant costs GBP 7 million (EUR 7.75 million / USD 8.9 million) and includes two main engines (Bergen C25-33L8P) and one auxiliary dual-fuel genset (Bergen C25-33L6P). These engines are connected to the ship's electric power system (Rolls-Royce SAVe CUBE), allowing efficient operation at variable speeds. Rolls-Royce Promas propulsion is an integrated propeller-rudder system designed to optimize hydrodynamic efficiency. The Promas system includes two controllable-pitch propellers integrated with two flap rudders, steering gears, and pump-jet/tunnel thrusters.

The vessel is fitted with shore power connectivity, allowing connection to the port's electrical grid while docked.

Star Seeker is equipped with hydrojet propulsion (technology initially developed for military/naval vessels). The ship features two SCHOTTEL SPJ Pump Jets (model SPJ 82, total output 670 kW), enabling near-silent navigation at 5 knots (9 kph). This auxiliary propulsion system is used in environmentally sensitive areas. The hydrojets can rotate 360 degrees, similar to Azipods, and support dynamic positioning (via GPS) without using propellers or anchors.

The vessel's draft is only 15 ft (4.7 m), allowing access to remote islands and shallow coastal areas. The two lifeboats are fully enclosed and have full passenger capacity. Ship-to-shore communications are provided via Inmarsat Capsat Fleet 77 (satellite phone and Internet). Passenger transfers and coastal exploration are supported by a fleet of 10 Zodiacs (motorized boats) and two loading stations.

The shipbuilder WestSEA (Viana do Castelo, Portugal) is owned by Martifer Group through its subsidiary Martifer SGPS. Martifer is a family-owned holding company founded in 1990 by brothers Carlos and Jorge Martins, headquartered in Oliveira de Frades (Portugal), and listed on Euronext Lisbon since 2007. The group employs over 3,000 people and specializes in metal construction and renewable energy (wind and solar). Martifer operates subsidiaries in Spain, Poland, Romania, Czechia, Slovakia, Germany, Brazil, and Angola.

The ship was launched (floated out from drydock) on November 25, 2024. The ceremony was attended by Mario Ferreira and Manuel Barros (representing Mystic Invest) and John Gunner (Windstar’s VP of Expansion Projects).

Star Seeker was officially delivered to Windstar on December 15, 2025, at the WestSEA shipyard. The ceremony was attended by Windstar's leadership team (President, VP, COO, CCO), the ship’s Master (Captain Tom Schofield), and representatives of the shipbuilder.

The official christening ceremony was held on January 15, 2026, in PortMiami (Florida USA). The naming event was led by godmother Libby Anschutz (daughter of Windstar owner Phil Anschutz) and attended by Christopher Prelog (Windstar President), Captain Tom Schofield (Master), Louise Andren (godmother of Wind Star), Nancy Anschutz (godmother of Star Pride), and Gloria Bohan (godmother of Star Legend). The ceremony concluded with a fireworks display.