Windstar Cruises’ newest vessel, the Star Seeker, was successfully floated out on Monday, November 25th, at the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. This significant maritime milestone marks the ship’s transition from dry dock to waterborne status for the first time - a key step in her construction journey.
The float-out ceremony was attended by Mario Ferreira and Manuel Barros of Mystic Invest, alongside Windstar’s Vice President for Expansion Projects, John Gunner, who is overseeing the shipbuilding project. Gunner expressed gratitude to Ferreira for his support and praised the Portuguese shipyard team for their dedication and craftsmanship throughout the vessel’s construction.
While the Star Seeker’s exterior is now complete, interior work continues, including the finishing of her 112 spacious suites. The vessel is scheduled to enter service in December 2025, departing from Malaga (Spain) for her inaugural journey to Miami (Florida USA) where she will be officially christened in January 2026.
Following her Miami christening, the Star Seeker will embark on her maiden voyage in the Caribbean before transitioning to a series of cruises along the U.S. West Coast and into Alaska for a summer season. Subsequently, the ship will sail to Asia, reviving Windstar’s highly sought-after Around Japan itineraries.
The Star Seeker will offer guests a boutique cruising experience, carrying just 224 passengers with a staff-to-guest ratio of 1:2 to ensure personalized service. The vessel will feature 5 distinctive dining venues, a full-service spa accessible via a dramatic staircase from the deck above, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. A highlight of the ship is a reimagined version of Windstar’s signature Watersports Platform, allowing guests to enjoy direct access to the sea, effectively transforming the ocean into an infinity pool.