Windstar Cruises’ new Star Class vessel, Star Seeker, has completed its float out at the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. This maritime tradition marks the ship’s first contact with water, signifying a crucial milestone in its construction.
Mario Ferreira and Manuel Barros of Mystic Invest attended the float-out ceremony, along with John Gunner, Windstar’s Vice President of Expansion Projects. “Seeing a ship come together and be at the point where she leaves the dry dock for the sea is a memorable milestone in the life of a new build project, said Gunner in a press statement. “I am very grateful for this opportunity to be involved in creating a new ship for Windstar and thankful for Mario’s passion and vision for ships, which helped guide us to this momentous event today—the float out of a new, beautiful ship for Windstar.”
Details of Windstar’s Newest Ship
While the exterior is complete, interior work continues on the 112 suites. Star Seeker will feature five dining venues, a full-service spa accessible from the deck above, a fitness center and a redesigned version of Windstar’s signature Watersports Platform. With a 224-guest capacity and a 1:2 staff-to-guest ratio, the ship aims to maintain Windstar’s reputation for personalized service.
Star Seeker is scheduled to begin service in Dec. 2025, sailing from Malaga, Spain, to Miami, Florida. The ship’s christening ceremony will occur in Jan. 2026 in Miami, Windstar’s headquarters. Following its inaugural Caribbean voyages, Star Seeker will cruise up the U.S. West Coast for an Alaska summer season before heading to Asia, reintroducing Windstar’s Around Japan itineraries.
Windstar plans to launch a sister ship, Star Explorer, in Dec. 2026. Both vessels feature ice-strengthened hulls, expanding their operational range. They have advanced safety, propulsion and navigation technology, including pump jet thrusters and forward-facing Sonar.
In line with Windstar’s sustainability commitment, the ships have tier III Nox-rated Rolls Royce engines and shore power connectivity to reduce port emissions. They also boast advanced wastewater treatment systems meeting global standards.
For more information, visit windstarcruises.com.
