A christening ceremony to honor a new ship that joins a cruise line’s fleet is always a huge milestone in its maritime heritage. Windstar’s celebration of Star Seeker, which took place in Miami in mid-January, was way more than that. The ship’s godmother, Libby Anschutz, captured the flavor of the evening best: “Star Seeker reflects the spirit of Windstar,” she said as she prepared to launch the traditional Champagne-against-the-hull tradition. “It’s thoughtful, welcoming, and designed to bring people closer to the world and to one another.”
Held at PortMiami’s festively decorated Terminal J, the event also featured a cocktail reception, hors d’oeuvres, live music, comments from executives, and a chance to mingle with current guests, who’d just boarded Star Seeker earlier in the day. A surprise fireworks display brought the event to a close.
What really lingers from Star Seeker’s christening, even now, a few weeks later, is that it exemplified Windstar’s casually elegant onboard ambience and offered warmth and welcome. Our standout memories?
Star Seeker’s christening felt like family
And it legitimately was a celebration for members of the Windstar family, starting with Anschutz, its godmother, and the daughter of Philip Anschutz, the company’s owner (her sister Sarah will be godmother of Star Explorer, which debuts in December). “It was personal and intimate, a celebration with warm hospitality,” says travel advisor Karen Krugliak, owner and manager at Brit Olom Tours, Inc.
As well, all of the travelers onboard for this first post-christening voyage were invited to attend. And with Windstar’s corporate headquarters being located in Miami, it was lovely to see that its executives brought their own spouses and partners to the celebration, prompting Chris Prelog, its president, to comment that “I want to thank our families, especially our spouses, who support us every step of the way. You understand our passion and make it possible for us to give our best to a workplace we truly love. To my life-long partner Silke, thank you being at my side, always.”
Windstar’s crew is also part of the family
Typically, christenings spotlight the ship’s top officers and of course this event included its executive team and onboard leadership, both on stage and in remarks. “The Windstar experience has always been so crew-centric,” says John Perkowitz, who, with his wife Karla, has traveled 11 times on Windstar over the past 8 ½ years. “It was heartwarming to see that so many were included in the event.” Indeed, Richie Lee, one of Windstar’s onboard entertainment and engagement managers, was Star Seeker’s master of ceremony. Musicians were recruited from its ships, with Danyi on violin from Star Pride, Vadym on saxophone from Wind Surf, and the Star Seeker’s Puzzle Trio consisting of Sarrah, Roy, and Ricky.
“At the heart of this story are people,” said Captain Tom Schofield. “A ship’s heart starts to beat, not when the engines are started and the propellers turn, but when the Star Seeker crew take their place and our guests step aboard.”
Honoring its own maritime tradition
Launched in 1984, Windstar continues to move forward while still honoring its past. We loved that four of its godmothers traveled to Miami to participate in Star Seeker’s debut.
“At Windstar, a ship’s godmother is more than a title,” master of ceremony Lee explained. “She’s a ceremonial guardian who lends her name, spirit, and well wishes to the vessel and all who sail aboard.” On hand were Louise Andren (Wind Star), wife of Windstar’s founder, the late Karl Andren; Nancy Anschutz (Star Pride), Anschutz’ wife (and daughter Libby’s mother), and Gloria Bohan, (Star Legend).
And as Libby Anschutz commented as she officially named the ship, “as godmother, I wish her crew safe travels, her guests unforgettable experiences, and her journeys moments of joy, discovery, and connection. May she carry people not only to beautiful destinations, but toward friendships, stories, and memories that stay with them long after the voyage ends.”
Then, as the haunting sound of 1492: Conquest of Paradise, Vangelis’ classic soundtrack and a Windstar sailaway tradition, began to play Anschutz successfully smashed a bottle of Champagne against Star Seeker’s hull and the ship began to thread its way through Biscayne Bay.
