Windstar Cruises is expanding its fleet with two all-suite motor yachts, Star Seeker and Star Explorer. The first of the two ships, Star Seeker is due in December, 2025. Star Explorer will join in December, 2026. The additions will mean Windstar can return to Alaska and Japan, while Star Breeze will sail full-time in Tahiti.
Star Seeker debuts in January, 2026 with an adventurous trans-Atlantic crossing that beegins Dec. 28, 2025. After a winter season in the Caribbean, she will explore Alaska from May through August of 2026 between Juneau or Seward, Alaska and Vancouver, and offer optional pre- and post-cruise land tours to Denali. Then it’s onward to Japan to begin the line’s 10-day Grand Japan cruises sailing between Tokyo and Osaka in the fall of 2026. These itineraries are available to book now.
Each of the new ships will have 112 suites, featuring full private verandas and infinity windows, ensuring unparalleled views for every guest onboard. Additionally, two new Owner’s Suites with wrap-around balconies are being added to the aft of the ship, perfect for evening cocktails or a private dinner. With a capacity for 224 guests and ratio of one staff to every two guests, the ships are designed to maintain an intimate atmosphere, Windstar says.
The Star Seeker was originally ordered by Mystic Cruise Holdings and slated for its Atlas Ocean Voyages brand. The 2019-built Star Explorer is currently operating for Quark Expeditions as the World Explorer on a charter from Mystic.
Both ships have ice-strengthened hulls, unlocking access to new destinations. The ships are equipped with the latest safety, propulsion, and navigation technology, including pump jet thrusters and forward-facing Sonar. To minimize their environmental footprint and uphold the brand’s commitment to sustainability, the ships have tier III Nox-rated Rolls Royce engines and can connect to shore power minimizing port emissions. In addition, the ships have advanced wastewater treatment systems that meet all global standards.
Guests will enjoy access to several newly added Windstar guest favorites, including the brand’s famous watersports platforms that will feature new staircase access. Other signature features are the cozy Yacht Club café and lounge, a two-story spa and fitness facility, an intimate forward whirlpool on the bow, and a spacious open deck for sunbathing and deck barbeques.
The expansion also allows Windstar to return one of its classic Wind-Class ships, Wind Star, to Tahiti, where it will join Star Breeze in 2027, adding more capacity to meet the growing demand for French Polynesian sailings. With more than 36 years’ experience operating cruises in French Polynesia and a longtime guest favorite, travelers will now have a choice between sailing among the islands on a Wind- or Star-Class ship.
“Our goal is to ensure these ships are unmistakably Windstar, and a significant amount of effort has gone into achieving this,” says Windstar Cruises’ President Christopher Prelog. “We are thrilled for this expansion, building on the success of our game-changing Star Class in small-ship cruising with guests and travel partners, while offering new experiences. This growth reflects the dedication of our incredible crew and team, allowing us to broaden our destination portfolio and even bring one of our Wind-Class sail ships back to Tahiti.”
