Windstar Cruises has announced that its new ship, Star Seeker, will cruise to Alaska and Japan in 2026. This marks the brand’s first return to these regions since 2023 when it redeployed Star Breeze to Tahiti for year-round operations. Windstar’s Vice President of Sales, Dianna Rom, announced the news at the Travel Leaders’ Edge conference, which was attended by 3,000 travel partners.
“We are really happy to be able to bring back Alaska and Japan for our guests,” said Windstar’s President Christopher Prelog in a press statement. “We know these are popular destinations, and we have many people asking us to return there. We can’t keep this secret any longer.”
Windstar Cruises’ Alaska & Japan Itineraries
From May through August, Star Seeker will offer 7-, 10-, and 11-day cruises between Juneau or Seward, Alaska, and Vancouver, British Columbia. The cruises will include pre-and post-cruise land tours to Denali.
Onboard, Windstar will have expedition leaders to guide its Signature Expeditions. These small-group adventures will allow your clients to explore remote wilderness areas such as Misty Fjords through hiking, kayaking and skiff expeditions. Expert guides will provide context and insight throughout the journey, and onboard presentations will cover Alaska’s history, culture, flora and fauna.
“These immersive, small group expeditions are a key part of our Alaska program and bring our guests closer to the beauty of Alaska,” said Prelog in the press statement. “Being on the water and seeing the topography from that viewpoint brings the grandeur of Alaska into perspective. It’s also quiet and meditative to be out in these wild places. You never know what wildlife you might see.”
In late August, Star Seeker will set sail for Japan to commence Windstar’s 10-day Grand Japan cruises between Tokyo and Osaka. The ship will remain in Japan through November. The ship’s new deployment details, including itineraries for Alaska and Japan, will be available online and bookable starting in early August 2024.
In April, Windstar announced the addition of two new ships, Star Seeker and Star Explorer, to its fleet. Each ship will feature 112 suites, accommodating up to 224 guests. These new ships will be similar to Windstar’s current Star Class motor yachts. Star Seeker is set to be delivered in December 2025, followed by Star Explorer in December 2026.
For more information, visit windstarcruises.com.
