The christening of a new vessel, always a glamorous, joyful event spotlighting a gleaming new ship, ushers in a new era. Its shipyard period, from construction to outfitting, is over and it’s now ready to become a vacation destination. What isn’t noticed, perhaps, is the amount of work that a new vessel’s team puts in to push it over the finishing line. For Star Seeker, Windstar has just announced its lineup of onboard officers who are in charge of making that seamless transition.
“This is a special honor for the chosen team because it’s a brand-new design for Windstar,” says Teijo Niemela, editor of CruiseBusiness.com.
As we’ve been reporting on Star Seeker and from our first three updates from the shipyard, we’ve gotten a good sense of what the ship itself will feel like for travelers. Now it’s time to learn what it will be like to embrace a new, state-of-the-art vessel for the team that oversees its operation.
The entire ship will be fitted out with new equipment and furnishings in a thoughtful and efficient design for all,” says Capt. Mark Symonds. “This not only is wonderful for our guests to see, but is also fantastic for our crew to use. We all know that the best thing about a Windstar experience is the interaction with our fantastic crew.”
In reaching out to each member of the senior team, it was also heartwarming to see how many of them commented that Star Seeker will be a new Windstar experience, not just for guests. Like this comment from Hotel General Manager Richard Meier: “For the crew, the Seeker will open up opportunities for better collaboration, more engaging roles, and a work environment that’s both more efficient and enjoyable. The new design will include spaces that make daily operations smoother and more intuitive.”
Enhancing and upgrading living spaces for the crew is part of an ongoing initiative with all Windstar renovations, and the new Seeker kicks it up even further. “Star Seeker will feature a lot of new spaces such as new crew gym,” says Chief Engineer Robert Farac, “along with the addition of a crew day room and of course new crew cabins equipped with modern amenities, including the interactive TVs.”
They’ll arrive, Windstar’s John Gunner tells us, about two months (in November 2025) before the ship’s contract calls for delivery from shipyard to the cruise line. “The most important job for them is to familiarize themselves with the ship, understand what’s where and how everything works, and to be there to ensure the ship is fully operational on day one.” Beyond understanding operational procedures, hotel general managers must, for instance, manage the “soft goods” process — items like towels, bar glasses, china, artwork, mattresses and of course culinary products. All are ordered from Windstar headquarters. Crew, who arrive in early December, have two weeks prior to departure from the yard to make sure that cabins are pristine, restaurants are fully equipped and bars are stocked.
Who will be running all these efforts? Indeed, you may spot some familiar faces among the members of the senior leadership team.
Capt. Tom Schofield
His story: The British native was raised in an Army family and spent his childhood living all over the world. He was inspired by a grandfather in the Royal Navy to choose a maritime career.
Windstar history: Schofield has helmed numerous ships in the fleet, including Star Pride, Wind Spirit and Wind Surf. “Sailing through Venice past the Piazza San Marco,” he says, was “a pretty big highlight.”
Cocktail party conversation: He lives on a barge in Belgium and favorite pastimes include sailing and vintage motor vehicles that rarely get him where he wants to go.
What does being part of the Star Seeker leadership team mean to you? “Star Seeker will also present new career opportunities for our officers & crew; working with cutting-edge equipment, delivering their exceptional service in first-class restaurants and bars and being a vital part of what will be a groundbreaking chapter in the Windstar’s story. It’s an exciting moment for the team, offering not just a new ship, but the ultimate stage upon which the officers and crew can perform and show off their phenomenal talents.”
Capt. Mark Symonds
His story: Capt. Symonds is a U.K. native.
Windstar history: “My first and current ship has been the Star legend. Whilst I spent my first three years with Windstar on the Legend, taking her into Palermo for her ‘Stretch,’ I was also fortunate enough to sail on all three of this class both during and after their Stretch projects.’
Cocktail party conversation: A seasoned walker, ask him anything about England’s Peak District, where he spends most of his vacation time with wife Kerry and daughter Grace.
What does being part of the Star Seeker leadership team mean to you? “It’s always a privilege to be asked to be part of a team to set up a new ship for the first time. Having completed many new builds with previous companies, I know how much one can feel a sense of achievement when the itinerary is run, and the guests leave with smiles on their faces saying, ‘We will be back.’ Just like our cars at home, driving a classic is just fine, but when you are handed the keys of something brand new, it is hard to contain your excitement.
“As in all industries, advances in technology keep coming every year. Star Seeker’s bridge will therefore be fitted out with the very latest and best. So, after the initial learning curve and head-scratching, we know it will be a fantastic experience. The fact that the ship has been specifically designed for use in waters such as Alaska where we use Zodiacs will also enrich the comfort and experience for our guests, and the smaller size allows us better opportunities to get away from the regular traffic and truly immerse ourselves in the environment.”
Staff Capt. Sam Hunter
Windstar history: My first Windstar ship was the Wind Spirit back in 2007, boarding in Izmir, Turkey. Currently I’m in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on the Star Breeze, heading back to Tahiti following a dry dock in Panama.
What does being part of the leadership team mean to you? “I love that we are continuing with our own style and introducing smaller, more intimate ships into the cruising industry, with small economic footprints but a big presence! Having experienced large and small cruise ships, I truly believe that smaller cruise ships allow us to offer a far more personal experience where the guests become part of the ship and feel much more connected to the fellow guests and crew on board.
“Our guests should know that by sailing on the Seeker they will be part of the new evolution of Windstar Cruises. All that Windstar has focused on over the years and strives to achieve will be presented in a fresh, newer and more modern vessel, with redesigned cabin layouts and ways to enjoy the views that aren’t available elsewhere in the fleet.”
Staff Capt. Rui Morais
His story: Born in Portugal, he now lives in Estoril with his wife and children. He began his career in 2004 on container ships and bulk carriers before working on cruise vessels.
Windstar history: Morais started with Windstar in 2014 as staff captain on Wind Star; he’s currently sailing on Wind Spirit.
Cocktail party conversation: Ask him about his fascination with geocaching in Portugal.
What does being part of the Star Seeker leadership team mean to you? “It’s a great opportunity to work on a brand new luxury cruise ship. I am very intrigued to learn Star Seeker’s maneuverability, smooth sailing, and of course the marina operation.”
Hotel General Manager Richard Maier
His story: He’s from Austria but now lives with his wife and dog in Lisbon, Portugal.
Windstar History: First ship: Star Legend. Last deployment: Star Breeze in French Polynesia.
Cocktail party conversation: There is nothing that Richard does not know about wine, especially Portuguese wines, since Portugal is where he spends most of his time.
What does being part of the Star Seeker leadership team mean to you? “New ships and concepts always come with challenges. Being one of the hotel general managers responsible for launching Windstar’s first new ship is a deeply meaningful experience. It feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help shape something that will have a lasting impact on the Windstar brand and our guests.”
Hotel General Manager Andreas Pitsch
His story: Born and raised in Austria, Pitsch now lives in Spain’s Malaga with his wife and daughter.
Windstar history: Having spent 30 years at sea, he joined Windstar in 2019. On his second day aboard, he called his wife and told her, “If I would have known how wonderful the atmosphere was, I would have joined 20 years earlier.”
What does being part of the Star Seeker leadership team mean to you? “I’m honored to be part of the opening team but also understand the responsibilities to make it a success. New ships and concepts always come with challenges. For me the key is to sell it to our onboard team, keep them motivated and lead them through the exciting preparations to start sailing.”
Chief Engineer Rick Hopwood
His story: Rick lives in the Wirral Peninsula in the northwest of England, with his lovely wife, Lucy, their grown children and a house full of animals.
Windstar history: “I joined the Wind Star as fourth engineer in 1995 in Barbados. Most recently I am on the Star Legend, which apart from two trips to Tahiti on the Spirit and the Breeze, has been my Windstar home for almost the last 10 years.”
Cocktail party conversation: If you have plans to tour England and you want the best places to go for fish and chips, just ask Rick.
What does being part of the Star Seeker leadership team mean to you? “Having been in some way involved in all the new Windstar vessels since I joined the company, to be considered for the chief engineer slot on the Seeker makes me very proud, both professionally and personally. I am rather excited to get to grips with some of the new technology, such as the pump jet system for slow speed shallow water cruising.”
Chief Engineer Robert Farac
His Story: Born in Croatia, Farac lives in Dubrovnik.
Windstar history: Joining Windstar four years ago, Farac’s first ship was Star Breeze and he was involved in the stretch project for the three Star-class ships (which also include Star Legend and Star Pride). His most recent ship was the recently renovated Wind Surf.
Cocktail party conversation: He enjoys active pursuits, from watersports to motorbikes.
What does being part of the Star Seeker leadership team mean to you? “On a personal level, being involved in the integration of an innovative engine room and advanced equipment into Star Seeker would be an exciting challenge. For someone passionate about sustainability, the idea of helping to shape a vessel that operates more efficiently while reducing its environmental footprint would be deeply rewarding. Seeing new technologies being applied — whether it’s a new engine system, advanced air filtration, or alternative fuels — would feel like contributing to the greater good of the planet, as well as ensuring the future of luxury cruising.”
Congratulations! What an exciting time. Countdown to a new chapter begins now.
Hi, Janet. Everytime we publish a Star Seeker update we get chills of wonderful anticipation…. –Carolyn
Can’t wait to be on the Maiden Voyage in Dec2025! And to meet up with all my favorite Officers on Windstar.
We look forward to welcoming you, Betsy! –Carolyn