Star Explorer

The 2019-built (as World Explorer) cruise ship Star Explorer (since 2026) is specifically designed for polar operations in the Arctic and Antarctica. Originally, the vessel was ordered and owned by Mystic Invest (via the subsidiary Mystic Cruises) and, until 2026, was chartered by Nicko Cruises (Mystic's subsidiary) and Quark Expeditions (Travelopia-owned, 1991-founded company).

The shipbuilder is WestSEA (a naval shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal).

World Explorer was the first vessel in Mystic Cruises' planned 10-ship fleet, which includes the sisterships World Explorer (2019), World Voyager (2020), World Navigator (2021), World Traveller (2022), World Adventurer (2023), World Discoverer (2023), and Star Seeker (2025).

The vessel (IMO number 9835719) is currently Portugal-flagged (MMSI 255806193) and registered in Madeira/Funchal.

Under the name "Star Explorer", the ship is scheduled to join Windstar's fleet on December 28th, 2026, initially deployed (winter 2026-2027) in the Mediterranean.

Compared to World Explorer (98 cabins), Star Explorer's passenger capacity is increased (112 cabins). In October 2025, Windstar announced plans to deploy Star Explorer in Europe year-round. The cruise schedule's departure dates were from December 2026 through March 2028.

The official christening ceremony is planned for May 31st, 2027, on the River Thames in London.

Ship history and ownership

The vessel was initially owned by the Portugal-based company Mystic Cruises and seasonally chartered by Quark Expeditions (for polar cruises) and also by the European river cruise operator Nicko Cruises (for the rest of the season).

The current shipowner, 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 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).

Refurbishment 2026

The World Explorer-Star Explorer conversion (refit and complete refurbishment) project was conducted at the WestSEA shipyard.

Passenger capacity was increased from 196 (98 staterooms) to 224 (112 suites), with the largest accommodations being the two Horizon Owner's Suites (550 ft2/51 m2).

Dining options were expanded with Windstar's signature Basil + Bamboo (Asian-fusion restaurant).

Public areas were redesigned, and new spaces were created.

The ship's expedition equipment was removed/reduced.

Decks and Cabins

Star Explorer 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).

World Explorer staterooms

World Explorer 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 Explorer 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 Explorer 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.

World Explorer itineraries (NICKO, QUARK)

When chartered by Nicko Cruises, the ship operated cruises in Europe (Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Coastal, Baltic Sea, Norwegian Fjords), also to Iceland and Greenland.

The inaugural Nicko cruise was a 7-day itinerary (May 2-9, 2019) from Oporto Portugal to Palma (Majorca Island, Spain). Before May 2019, the ship offered 2 repositioning voyages between Europe and South America, but they were also available for booking by other operators and travel agencies.

In the Western Mediterranean (southern Europe), for Nicko the ship had scheduled all 4 itineraries, then was relocated to Northern Europe for 2 Norwegian Fjords cruises (13-day itineraries).

In July 2019 followed two 12-day "Baltic Capitals" roundtrips from Kiel Germany, followed by one 8-day Iceland cruise from Kiel and two 14-day Kiel roundtrips to Iceland and Greenland. For September were scheduled two roundtrips from Hamburg Germany (7-day and 5-day), followed by a 13-day relocation itinerary Hamburg-Oporto and the Europe-South America Transatlantic repositioning crossing (October 4) from Lisbon Portugal to Rio de Janeiro Brazil.

When chartered by Quark Expeditions, the ship World Explorer cruises on polar itineraries (to ports and destinations in the Arctic and Antarctica).

In 2021, Quark Expeditions planned two "Antarctic eclipse voyages" during which the Moon would completely block the Sun and produce the solar corona phenomenon. Earth's total solar eclipses happen approximately every 400 years. The Antarctic solar eclipse occurred on December 4, 2021, in the Weddell Sea.

• Quark Expeditions "Antarctic Solar Eclipse 2021" voyages were offered on 2 ships - World Explorer (17-day itinerary, November 26 - December 12) and Ocean Diamond (20-day itinerary, November 25 - December 14). Prices started from USD 17,000 pp.
• Both cruises featured special guests Fred Espenak (US astrophysicist), Babak Amin Tafreshi (National Geographic photographer) and David Baron (author of the book "American Eclipse", themed on the solar eclipse that occurred on July 29, 1878).

In 2024 and 2025 (April-October), World Explorer was chartered to Rivages du Monde (2001-founded, Belgium-based tour company) for itineraries in Northern Europe and the North Atlantic. The voyages visited destinations in Norway (Norwegian Fjords, Nordkapp/North Cape, Lofoten Islands, Spitsbergen/Svalbard), as well as Iceland, Greenland, and the Canadian Arctic.

Quark cruise deals

Quark Expeditions cruise deals are inclusive of:

• 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay, group transfers (airport-hotel on the day before departure, and hotel-ship on embarkation day)
• onboard accommodation (daily housekeeping service)
• all onboard meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners) - note that the ship's galley/kitchen can't prepare kosher meals
• all Zodiac landings (daily, weather permitting) and Zodiac transfers and cruising (daily)
• media presentations by Expedition Team members and special guest lecturers
• waterproof expedition boots (onshore landings)
• complimentary Quark Expeditions logoed parka
• lifejackets and immersion suits
• complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa (24/7)
• hairdryer and bathrobe (in all cabins)
• pre-departure materials (including maps)
• all service taxes and port fees
• all onboard luggage handling
• emergency evacuation (medevac) insurance to a max benefit of USD 100,000 pp

Fly-cruise deals include complimentary house wines (by the glass), beers and spirits on the ship, as well as all gratuities (staff and crew) and all domestic flights (before embarkation). Ship-to-shore communications are via Inmarsat Capsat Fleet 77 (satellite phone and Internet) and cost extra.