Windstar Cruises Sets Sail Toward Luxury with Two New All-Suite Yachts

Windstar Cruises has announced an exciting expansion to its fleet with the introduction of two new all-suite yachts, the Star Seeker and Star Explorer, setting a new standard in luxury small-ship cruising. Scheduled for delivery in December 2025 and 2026, respectively, these yachts are being constructed at the West Sea shipyard and promise an intimate and luxurious cruising experience with a guest capacity of 224 and a generous staff-to-guest ratio of 1:2. Each suite boasts full private verandas and infinity windows, offering guests unparalleled views of the ocean and destinations visited.

The new ships will feature two exclusive Owner’s Suites with expansive wrap-around balconies located on the aft of the ship, allowing guests to enjoy private dining or evening cocktails with panoramic sea views. In addition to the luxurious accommodations, the ships will offer enhanced facilities including the signature Windstar Watersports Platform, newly accessible through a staircase, a two-story spa and fitness facility, and a forward whirlpool on the bow. The deck also provides ample space for sunbathing and hosting Windstar’s renowned deck barbeque events.

Dining on board the Star Seeker and Star Explorer promises to be a highlight with the redesigned main dining room, Amphora, offering rotating items from James Beard Foundation-affiliated guest chefs. For those preferring to dine under the stars, al fresco dining will now be an option at the venue as well as at the Star Grill. These enhancements ensure that guests' dining experiences are as memorable as the destinations visited.

Both yachts are designed with the environment in mind, featuring ice-strengthened hulls for accessing new destinations and equipped with Tier III-rated Rolls Royce engines, advanced wastewater treatment systems, and the capability to connect to shore power while in port, minimizing emissions. The expansion will not only enrich Windstar’s destination portfolio but also enable the redeployment of one of its Wind-class ships, Wind Star, back to Tahiti in 2027, enhancing the cruise line's offerings in French Polynesia.

The inclusion of Star Seeker and Star Explorer in Windstar Cruises’ fleet marks a bold step forward for the cruise line, known for creating intimate and immersive experiences that resonate with the soul of the traveler. As part of the Xanterra Travel Collection®, Windstar’s expansion reflects the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and delivering exceptional service to guests, promising an exciting future of exploration and luxury on the high seas.