MIAMI, Florida – 22 June, 2026: Windstar Cruises has opened bookings for its 2028/2029 Asia season aboard the 112-suite Star Seeker, following increased demand for the line’s regional programme. According to the official company press release, bookings for the ship’s 2027 Asia voyages had nearly doubled by June 2026 compared with the same point a year earlier.
The new season will operate from September 2028 to May 2029 and comprise 25 departures across Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore. Four principal cruise-only itineraries will be available, alongside longer Star Collector combinations lasting between 20 and 42 days and pre- and post-cruise Cruise Tours.
Together, the cruises, extended voyages and land programmes will provide up to 87 itinerary combinations during the season.
Small-ship access shapes regional programme
Star Seeker’s size enables the ship to berth closer to central areas in Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, rather than using the more distant ports of Laem Chabang and Phu My. The ship will also call at smaller destinations including Krabi, Ko Yao Noi and Ko Kood.
“We’re seeing extraordinary enthusiasm for Asia, with bookings significantly outpacing previous years,” says Janet Bava, chief commercial officer at Windstar Cruises. “Travelers are looking for experiences that feel more immersive and personal. With Star Seeker, we’re able to dock closer to the cultural centers of cities like Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, visit smaller ports throughout the region, and create connections to local culture that simply aren’t possible on larger ships.”
The 112-suite ship has accommodation featuring private verandas or infinity windows in nearly all suites. The Asia programme will also include overnight stays, destination-focused dining, guided food and market visits and Windstar’s Destination Discovery Events.
In Japan, the Traditions of Tomonoura & the Inland Sea event will include tea ceremonies, live koto music, Edo-period streets and access to the historic Ota Family Residence.
Other regional experiences will include visits to Singapore’s hawker centres and Thailand’s floating markets. On Ko Kood, Windstar’s beach event will feature a barbecue on the sand and watersports operated directly from the beach.
Four main itineraries form the season
The 10-night Grand Japan itinerary will sail from Tokyo to Osaka and Kyoto, combining major Japanese cities with smaller ports including Karatsu and scenic cruising through Japan’s Inland Sea.
Vietnam & Cambodia Revealed, also operating for 10 nights, will feature overnight stays in Ho Chi Minh City and Halong Bay/Hanoi. Optional inland arrangements will include a visit to Angkor Wat.
The 10-night East Asian Legends itinerary will link Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan, calling at destinations including Taipei, Okinawa, Amami and Ishigaki.
Tantalizing Thailand & Sparkling Singapore will operate for 11 nights between Bangkok and Phuket. The itinerary will include floating markets, island destinations, street-food experiences and an overnight stay in Singapore.
Longer voyages and land extensions offered
Windstar will combine multiple regional itineraries through its Star Collector programme. The 41-night Grand Asia Explorer will sail between Phuket and Tokyo, with overnight stays in four major cities and cruising along the Saigon and Chao Phraya rivers.
The 18-night Legendary Temples: Chiang Mai & Angkor Wat Cruise Tour will pair a Southeast Asia voyage with three nights in Chiang Mai and a guided visit to Angkor Wat.
Additional Cruise Tours will be available in Hanoi, Chiang Mai, Angkor Wat and Siem Reap, and Kyoto. Planned Hanoi activities include guided street-food tours, water-puppet performances, tai chi and visits to Hoa Lo Prison and Bat Trang Pottery Village.
The Chiang Mai extension will feature temples, night markets, regional cuisine and a visit to an elephant sanctuary. The Angkor Wat and Siem Reap programme will include tuk-tuk touring and a journey to floating villages on Tonlé Sap Lake.
The Kyoto programme will include tea ceremonies, kimono experiences and guided visits to the Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle and the Great Buddha of Nara.
Early booking offer runs to July 31
Guests booking by July 31, 2026 can access Windstar’s Early Booking Offer. It includes a complimentary all-inclusive package, US$100 onboard credit per guest and a further five per cent saving on cruise fares when payment is made in full at the time of booking.
The offer applies across the newly released 2028/2029 Asia season. Travellers booking during the offer period can select from the available itineraries, departure dates and suite categories.
Source: Official announcement by Windstar Cruises on 22 June, 2026. The image above is an AI-generated rendering courtesy of Windstar Cruises.
