Windstar Cruises has ushered in a new era with the launch of Star Seeker, its newest vessel which set sail on its maiden voyage on December 28, 2025. The debut is a major milestone for the cruise line, marking its first newbuild ship in more than three decades. Departing from Málaga, Spain, the 9,300-ton ship is crossing the Atlantic on a scenic journey via the Canary Islands and the Bahamas, before reaching Miami in early 2026.
The 16-night inaugural voyage is designed to be memorable, with carefully chosen ports along the way. A standout moment comes in Tenerife, where guests will be docked on New Year’s Eve, offering a unique way to welcome the year in the beautiful Canary Islands. Additional stops include Freeport in the Bahamas, before the ship arrives in Miami. From there, Star Seeker will continue sailing through the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, inviting travellers to explore vibrant destinations, rich cultures, and sun-filled beaches aboard Windstar’s newest ship.
From North America
to the Caribbean: A Diverse Itinerary
Once in Miami, the Star Seeker will offer a unique eight-night cruise to San Juan, Puerto Rico, marking the vessel’s first cruise from North America. During this journey, the ship will be officially christened, adding a ceremonial touch to an already special experience. The itinerary will also include visits to the Dominican Republic and the British Virgin Islands, making it a memorable way for travelers to experience some of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations.
For its first summer season, the Star Seeker will
operate in Alaska, offering travelers a chance to explore the spectacular
landscapes of the Last Frontier. The ship will then transition to Southeast
Asia for its fall and winter cruises, providing a new and exciting option for
those seeking an exotic escape in 2026. With these diverse itineraries,
Windstar Cruises ensures that the Star Seeker offers an experience for every
type of traveler.
The Evolution of Windstar’s Star Class
As the newest member of Windstar’s Star Class ships,
the Star Seeker brings with it a wealth of luxury and convenience, following in
the footsteps of previous ships like the Star Legend, Star Pride, and Star
Breeze, which were acquired from Seabourn in 2015. The newbuild vessel was
constructed at the West Sea shipyard in Portugal and was delivered earlier in
December 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Windstar’s cruise
offerings.
The Star Seeker is not the only new addition to
Windstar’s fleet. A sister ship, the Star Explorer, which was originally
ordered for Mystic Cruises, is undergoing a major conversion and is set to
debut in 2026. The Star Explorer will also operate in Europe, offering
year-round cruises in the Mediterranean starting in December. These additions
continue to strengthen the company’s Star Class, offering a broad range of
itineraries to destinations across the world, from the Caribbean to Northern
Europe, the South Pacific, and beyond.
Panama Canal
Crossing and Global Adventures
Looking ahead, the Star Seeker will also have the
distinction of passing through the Panama Canal in April 2026, providing guests
with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience one of the world’s greatest
engineering marvels. The vessel’s diverse itineraries and global reach make it
an excellent choice for those looking to explore a wide variety of destinations
aboard a luxury ship.
With a capacity for 220 guests, the Star Seeker
provides an intimate and luxurious cruising experience, with an emphasis on
personalized service, fine dining, and enriching experiences. The ship’s
smaller size allows for access to exclusive ports of call and hidden gems that
larger ships cannot reach, offering a truly unique cruise experience.
Windstar’s
Commitment to Personalized Luxury
Windstar Cruises continues to lead the way in luxury cruising by offering more intimate, destination-focused experiences. The Star Seeker, along with its sister ships, provides travelers with the ability to visit more unique and less-traveled locations, with the personalized service and small-ship experience that Windstar is known for. Whether it’s a romantic getaway in the Caribbean, an adventure through Alaska, or an exotic escape to Southeast Asia, the Star Seeker offers an unparalleled way to explore the world.
Tags: luxury cruising, crossing the Atlantic Canary Islands Bahamas, Windstar Cruises
