The brand new Star Seeker yacht, the primary Star Class new construct for small ship line Windstar Cruises, has floated out of the constructing dock, touching water for the primary time on the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
A float out is a maritime custom of marking when a ship leaves dry dock and turns into waterborne for the primary time. Whereas development of Star Seeker’s exterior is full, work can be ongoing to finish the interiors, together with 112 spacious suites.
The ship will even boast 5 eating choices, a full-service spa with a grand entrance from the deck above, a health facility, and a recent tackle the road’s iconic Watersports Platform, which turns the ocean into an infinity pool by offering company entry to the ocean immediately from the ship. With a capability for 224 company and a workers to visitor ratio of 1:2, Star Seeker will keep the intimate ambiance for which Windstar is famend, guaranteeing customized service at each flip.
Star Seekerwill enter service in December of 2025, crusing from Málaga, Spain to Miami, Florida, the place Windstar is headquartered and the place the ship’s christening ceremony will happen in January of 2026. Star Seeker will then sail its first voyage within the Caribbean and supply extra cruises within the area earlier than heading up the West Coast of the USA to Alaska for a full season of summer time cruises. From there, the ship will sail to Asia, bringing again the road’s widespread Round Japan itineraries.
To commemorate the event, Windstar’s Star Seeker float-out ceremony included Mario Ferreira and Manuel Barros of Mystic Make investments and Windstar’s Vice President of Enlargement Initiatives John Gunner, who’s directing the ship constructing venture for Windstar. Gunner was on web site for the float out and supplied remarks together with thanking Ferreira for his assist by means of the method and the crew on the Portuguese shipyard for his or her dedication and craftsmanship.
“Seeing a ship come collectively and be on the level the place she leaves dry dock for the ocean is a memorable milestone within the lifetime of a brand new construct venture,” says Gunner. “I’m very grateful for this chance to be concerned in creating a brand new ship for Windstar and grateful for Mario’s ardour and imaginative and prescient for ships which helped information us to this momentous occasion immediately – the float out of a brand new, lovely ship for Windstar.”
Windstar will debut an extra new sister ship, Star Explorer, in December of 2026. Star Seeker and Star Explorer each have ice-strengthened hulls, unlocking entry to new locations. The ships are outfitted with the most recent expertise in security, propulsion, and navigation, together with pump jet thrusters and forward-facing Sonar. To attenuate their environmental footprint and uphold the model’s dedication to sustainability, the ships have tier III Nox rated Rolls Royce engines and might connect with shore energy minimizing port emissions. As well as, the ships have superior wastewater remedy programs that meet all international requirements. Each side of their design displays the corporate’s ongoing dedication to preserving the setting whereas offering unforgettable experiences to vacationers.
To plan a small ship cruise with Windstar or find out about reserving affords, contact a journey advisor, attain out to Windstar Cruises by telephone at 1-800-258-7245, or request a call by a Windstar trip planner. Discover extra info on Windstar Cruises here.
About Windstar Cruises:
With a fleet of seven boutique all-suite and crusing yachts, every carrying between 148 to 342 company, Windstar Cruises, voted #1 boutique cruise line, affords an intimate expertise like no different. Visitors can discover enchanting locations throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Alaska, Canada and New England, South America, Japan, and the South Pacific. Plus, Windstar operates year-round in Europe and can supply two distinctive ship experiences in Tahiti beginning in 2027. Windstar will introduce two new ships to its Star Class starting with Star Seeker in December 2025 and adopted by Star Explorer in December 2026. At Windstar Cruises, it’s not nearly journey – it’s about creating experiences that resonate with the soul. With port-intensive itineraries, iconic locations, distinctive service, and an progressive culinary program, each second with Windstar is a chance for discovery and delight.
Windstar Cruises is proud to be a part of the Xanterra Journey Assortment®, a distinguished group of world hospitality and journey firms with a legacy that spans over 100 years working our nation’s iconic nationwide parks, together with Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, Demise Valley, and lots of others. Xanterra Journey Assortment®, is owned by The Anschutz Company, the last word proprietor of the Broadmoor, Sea Island, and leisure big AEG, Anschutz Leisure Group.
