Windstar Cruises has officially taken ownership of Star Seeker, its newest all-suite yacht, following a handover ceremony on Monday, December 15 at the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. The 224-guest yacht is the first new build in Windstar’s Star Class and marks a major milestone in the small ship cruise line’s ongoing fleet expansion.
The ceremony formalized the transfer of ownership. Representing Windstar were President Chris Prelog, Chief Operating Officer Stijn Creupelandt, Chief Commercial Officer Janet Bava and Vice President of Expansion Projects John Gunner, who oversaw the shipbuilding program. Also in attendance were Captain Tom Schofield and his team who have been instrumental in preparing Star Seeker for delivery, reflecting the dedication and expertise of Windstar’s crew—an essential part of the brand’s guest experience. They were joined by senior representatives of the Portuguese shipyard that brought the yacht to life.
“Taking delivery of a new ship is one of the most meaningful moments in a shipbuilding journey,” says Prelog. “From the float out to the handover, we’ve seen Star Seeker take shape with extraordinary craftsmanship. The WestSEA team and Mario Ferreira with Mystic Cruises team have been incredible partners throughout this process, and our crew, led by Captain Schofield, has worked tirelessly to ensure the yacht is delivered in exceptional condition. We cannot wait to welcome guests aboard in just a few short weeks.”
“Watching Star Seeker evolve from concept to completion has been a point of pride for everyone at WestSEA,” says Ferreira. “Windstar challenged us to build a yacht that could reach new destinations, deliver exceptional comfort and operate responsibly. We’re proud to hand her over today knowing she will bring guests closer to the world in ways only a small ship can.”
Star Seeker now enters its final preparations ahead of its December 2025 debut, beginning with a Maiden Voyage from Málaga, Spain, departing December 28 and sailing across the Atlantic to Miami, now home to Windstar Cruises’ corporate headquarters. A christening ceremony is scheduled to take place on January 15th, 2026. Star Seeker will then venture to the Caribbean for a celebratory inaugural season before its highly anticipated return to Alaska and Japan later in the year.
In Other Windstar News….
Windstar has announced that Libby Anschutz will be Star Seeker’s godmother when the ship is christened on January 15. The role of a ship’s Godmother is rooted in maritime tradition, a symbolic gesture meant to bring good fortune, protection, and smooth sailing to the vessel and all who travel aboard.
As part of the official christening ceremony on January 15 in Miami, Libby will take center stage to deliver the Godmother’s blessing offering heartfelt wishes for Star Seeker and all those who will sail aboard. In keeping with maritime tradition, Anschutz will also perform the ceremonial breaking of a Champagne bottle against the yacht’s hull, formally naming and blessing Star Seeker before it sets sail.
Libby, daughter of Windstar’s owner Phil Anschutz, brings a deeply personal connection to the yacht. Her involvement reflects the family’s enduring vision for Windstar: creating warm, welcoming journeys where every detail feels thoughtfully considered. Continuing this family tradition, her sister Sarah Anschutz will be named Godmother of Star Explorer when she debuts in 2026.
Libby and Windstar President Christopher Prelog toured the shipyard in November to see the striking vessel firsthand. Anschutz shared, “Seeing Star Seeker for the first time was an unforgettable experience—the design, warmth, and attention to detail all felt distinctly Windstar,” says Anschutz. “I’m honored to serve as Godmother and look forward to celebrating this incredible new chapter with the team and our guests in January.”
“Having the Anschutz Family so deeply engrained in the debut of Star Seeker is an extraordinary honor and a deeply personal milestone for all of us at Windstar,” said Christopher Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises. “Libby’s role as Godmother brings heart, creativity, and a genuine connection to what we do, and her blessing of our newest yacht makes this new chapter even more meaningful.”
