Published on
October 24, 2025
Windstar Cruises’ Star Seeker has officially departed from Portugal for its crucial sea trials, marking a significant step toward its highly anticipated launch. Scheduled for delivery later this year, the 10,000-ton vessel will undergo a series of technical tests, including maneuverability, speed, and safety system assessments. These trials are essential to ensuring the ship’s readiness for its inaugural season in the Caribbean and Alaska. Set to begin its maiden voyage in December, Star Seeker will offer luxurious cruises from Miami and Puerto Rico, taking guests to stunning destinations across the Caribbean and Alaska.
On October 23, the Star Seeker left Portugal and is expected to remain at sea for several days to undergo a series of crucial tests. These trials will include maneuverability and speed assessments, as well as rigorous checks on the ship’s safety features and other technical systems. The goal is to ensure that the ship meets the highest standards of operational efficiency and safety before it welcomes its first guests.
Following the completion of the sea trials, the Star Seeker will return to the West Sea shipyard for final touches before it embarks on its maiden voyage in late December. The ship is expected to embark on a trans-Atlantic crossing, followed by its inaugural season in the Caribbean. It will depart from Miami and Puerto Rico, offering guests a variety of exciting itineraries ranging from seven to fourteen-night cruises to destinations in the Windward and Leeward Islands.
The ship’s Caribbean season will be a highly anticipated opportunity for travelers, with its luxury amenities and stunning destinations offering an unforgettable vacation experience. In April, the ship will set its sights on Central America, before transiting the Panama Canal and heading towards Alaska for the summer season. The Star Seeker‘s voyages will offer passengers an immersive experience, combining breathtaking destinations with unmatched comfort and top-tier service.
The Star Seeker was initially ordered for Mystic Cruises and intended for its Atlas Ocean brand. It is the fifth vessel in a series that began with the World Explorer in 2019. However, in early 2024, the Star Seeker, along with its sister ship, the World Explorer, was acquired by Windstar Cruises. As part of the acquisition, the World Explorer will undergo a name change and will be rebranded as the Star Explorer in late 2026.
Windstar Cruises has big plans for both vessels, with significant modifications underway to tailor the ships to their luxury cruise offerings. These modifications include the addition of new dining venues, as well as specially designed signature spaces aimed at enhancing the guest experience. The ships will embody the luxurious standards associated with the Windstar brand, focusing on an intimate and personalized cruising experience for all guests.
The decision to acquire the Star Seeker and World Explorer aligns with Windstar Cruises’ vision of expanding its fleet and enhancing its luxury cruise offerings. The company’s focus on quality and luxury has led to a detailed effort to make these vessels unmistakably Windstar. As Windstar Cruises President Christopher Prelog stated in early 2024, significant efforts have been made to ensure that both ships will deliver the company’s signature luxury cruising experience.
In addition to the Star Seeker and Star Explorer, the fleet now includes the World Voyager, built in 2020, the World Navigator, launched in 2021, and the World Traveller, which entered service in 2022. These five ships form the core of Windstar Cruises’ fleet, offering guests a diverse range of luxurious cruising experiences around the world.
The Star Seeker‘s forthcoming season in the Caribbean, followed by its exciting summer in Alaska, promises to be a significant milestone for both Windstar Cruises and the broader luxury cruise industry. The vessel’s intimate, high-end amenities, alongside its exceptional itineraries, are set to attract a loyal clientele eager to explore some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations in style and comfort.
With the addition of the Star Seeker, Windstar Cruises continues to strengthen its position in the luxury cruise market, catering to travelers who seek exceptional experiences on board beautifully crafted ships. The ongoing upgrades and enhancements to the Star Seeker and Star Explorer are a clear indication of Windstar’s commitment to providing the highest quality service and unforgettable journeys for its guests.
