VIANA DO CASTELO, PORTUGAL – 15 December 2025 – Windstar Cruises has formally taken ownership of Star Seeker, its first new-build vessel in the Star Class, during a handover ceremony at the WestSEA Shipyard here. The 224-guest all-suite yacht represents a pivotal moment in the Seattle-based line’s fleet renewal strategy.
The event brought together key figures from Windstar, including President Chris Prelog, Chief Operating Officer Stijn Creupelandt, Chief Commercial Officer Janet Bava, and Vice President of Expansion Projects John Gunner. Captain Tom Schofield and his crew, who have been instrumental in the vessel’s sea trials and preparation, were also present to represent the operational team. Representatives from WestSEA and Mystic Cruises, the shipyard’s parent company led by Mario Ferreira, joined to celebrate the successful completion of construction.
A Milestone in Small-Ship Luxury
Star Seeker is the inaugural ship in Windstar’s ambitious expansion, with sister vessel Star Explorer slated for delivery in 2026. Measuring 9,300 gross tonnes, the yacht emphasises intimate exploration with features designed for immersive travel: watersports platforms for direct ocean access, five dining venues, and spacious suites equipped with mosaic glass showers and premium amenities.
“Taking delivery of a new ship is one of the most meaningful moments in a shipbuilding journey,” said 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.”
Mario Ferreira added: “Watching Star Seeker evolve from concept to completion has been a point of pride for everyone at WestSEA. 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.”
Inaugural Season and Future Deployments
With delivery complete, Star Seeker now enters final outfitting ahead of her maiden voyage: a 16-night transatlantic crossing from Málaga, Spain, on December 28, 2025, featuring a New Year’s Eve celebration in Santa Cruz de Tenerife alongside sister ship Wind Star. The ship will arrive in Miami—Windstar’s new corporate headquarters—before a christening ceremony on January 15, 2026.
Libby Anschutz, daughter of Windstar owner Phil Anschutz, has been named Star Seeker‘s godmother, continuing a family tradition (her sister Sarah will serve for Star Explorer). Anschutz recently toured the shipyard and remarked: “Seeing Star Seeker for the first time was an unforgettable experience—the design, warmth, and attention to detail all felt distinctly Windstar. I’m honored to serve as Godmother and look forward to celebrating this incredible new chapter with the team and our guests in January.”
Prelog praised the family involvement: “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. 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.”
Following christening, Star Seeker will launch an inaugural Caribbean season before heading to Alaska in May 2026 for seven-, 10-, and 11-day voyages between Juneau/Seward and Vancouver. Later in the year, the yacht will reposition to Japan for 10-day “Grand Japan” itineraries between Tokyo and Osaka, emphasising immersive experiences in lesser-visited ports.
