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 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 represents 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 (xxx ft2 / xxx m2), located aft on Deck 7 and featuring wraparound terraces. 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

In its original design, World Seeker had 98 staterooms, all suites with step-out balconies, accommodating up to 200 passengers (140 on polar itineraries).

Of the 8 decks, 3 contained cabins.

Most cabins (~90%) featured private step-out balconies. Exceptions were the aft-located (decks 5-6) French Balcony cabins, fitted with sliding windows opening to a railing (Juliet balcony).

World Seeker offered 7 cabin categories ranging 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.

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 features public areas including an Observation Lounge (glass-domed with outdoor terrace), Navigator Lounge (main lounge with flexible seating and live entertainment), Library, Lecture Theater (for enrichment programs), and an aft Dining Room with outdoor seating.

Navigator Lounge serves as the ship's main social venue, hosting daytime events and evening entertainment. Complimentary snacks and beverages (soft drinks, coffee, tea) are available, along with a full-service bar.

The Polar Library offers a selection of books, games, and reference materials related to wildlife, geography, and expedition travel.

The Polar Boutique sells travel essentials, souvenirs, and expedition gear.

The Lobby houses Reception and the Cashier’s Office, assisting with onboard services and account management.

Wellness facilities include a jogging track, gym, sauna, spa, and hairdresser. The Sun Deck features a heated outdoor pool with a shallow kids’ area. No lifeguards are on duty.

The aft helideck is used for emergency operations.

Complimentary shore excursions include camping, sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and Zodiac 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).