In April, Windstar President Chris Prelog shared a now-official and no-longer-secret announcement of good news: Windstar has acquired two motor-yacht ships, to debut in December 2025 and 2026. The 224-passenger yachts, one of which is new and the other, identical in design, just a few years old, will increase capacity by 33 percent over the existing fleet and give Windstar the flexibility to ultimately explore new regions.
“Since we announced the acquisition, we’ve heard so much excitement about the fact that Windstar is growing again,” Prelog told us yesterday. “They are excited that we are staying true to our roots with what we know that our guests love about Windstar — its intimacy.”
Even better? For those travelers who already love the small ship Windstar experience, Star Seeker and Star Explorer will feel just like home.
“These will be full-on Windstar ships,” Prelog says, noting that in both cases, ships will receive Windstar-specific additions that are consistent with Star Pride, Star Legend and Star Breeze, its other motor yachts. “They will offer a full-on Windstar experience, where everything you know will be onboard. That means our great crew, facilities, service, marina, ambience, dining options, open bridge policy – and even our popular whirlpool on the bow.
“Better yet, many of the suites in our two new all-suite ships will have real verandas.”
Since the announcement, we’ve gotten, as you might expect, lots of great questions. We share answers below. Got a fresh question? Drop it into the comments and we’ll get back to you.
When will the ships be online and bookable?
Star Seeker is under construction now. Star Explorer was built in 2019 and will undergo extensive modifications. Both are all-suite motor yachts.
In June 2024, Windstar announced that Star Seeker, which launches in December 2025, will spend a season in the Caribbean, transit the Panama Canal on its way for its summer Alaska sailings, and then sail on to Japan in fall of 2026. Star Explorer will be delivered in December 2026 and cruises will begin operation in January 2027. We’ll keep you posted about when these voyages will be available for sale.
What is the capacity of each ship?
Each ship carries up to 224 guests and 130 crew
Tell us about the suites onboard
- There are 112 suites
- Veranda suites are one-bedroom with a full balcony (table and two chairs on deck)
- Infiniti suites have a floor to ceiling window that opens halfway
- Two large one-bedroom Owner’s Suites will be built on the ship’s stern, deck 7. They’ll have floor to ceiling glass windows and wrap around balconies
- Some suites will have a third berth option
- There will be a few new connecting suites created
Will there be a watersports platform for water activities?
Yes, we are building a yacht-style platform on the stern with staircase access from deck 4; the water sports platform is about 12 feet in width. Kayaks, paddleboards, floating mats and other equipment will be brought out for guests to use.
What restaurants will be on board?
- Amphora –Main dining room for lunch and dinner with options to dine inside and al fresco; lunch will be buffet and dinner will be full service
- Star Grill by Steven Raichlen returns; it’s on the top deck by the ship’s pool
- Specialty restaurant (no charge) seats 38 guests; its concept has yet to be announced
- 24-7 in-suite dining service
Where will we meet for a drink and to socialize?
- The Main Lounge with living room style layout, a stage and a bar
- The Yacht Club will be a coffee bar during the day and cocktail lounge in the evening with expansive, 280 degree views
- Star Bar returns; it’ll be on the top deck by the pool and adjacent to the Star Grill
What will wellness and spa look like on Star Seeker and Star Explorer
- WorldSpa by Windstar – Newly built on deck 4 with entrance on deck 5; a relaxation room, treatment room for hair and nails, sauna, shower, three massage rooms, dressing rooms
- Fitness room – Technogym equipment and free weights, fitness classes
- Pool and whirlpool on top deck
- Whirlpool– adding a new second whirlpool on deck 5 bow
What about the popular ice cream machine found on the Star Class ships?
You bet! We will have a self-serve ice cream machine on board – our president wouldn’t have it any other way.
Love it.
Right to the point! We are excited for the itinerary reveal!!!😊
Windstar japan cruises
Love this, Frank! –Carolyn
I also vote for Japan Cruises
Hoping WindStar returns to Japan!
What about children on board?
Hi, Sibylle. Can you be more specific about your question? Thanks. –Carolyn
Please NO children on board. Keep them on the Disney cruises.
I don’t see the Compass Rose mentioned
Hi, Bruce. Here’s what we know at this point — “We will be ‘Windstar-izing’ these ships to be similar to our Star Class ships. While we haven’t decided on names for all the spaces yet, we do plan to combine the coffee bar known as the Yacht Club with the lounge, which has a bar, for evening cocktails.” Stay tuned as we reveal additional details on all aspects of the new ships. –Carolyn
Great news…….will you be keeping the casinos that are on Mystic ships you bought?
No casinos, Doug; these ships will be part of the Windstar Star-Class series, and they are casino free. Thanks for asking. –Carolyn