The brand new Star Seeker yacht, the primary Star Class new construct for small ship line Windstar Cruises, has floated out of the constructing dock, touching water for the primary time on the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
A float out is a maritime custom of marking when a ship leaves dry dock and turns into waterborne for the primary time. Whereas building of Star Seeker’s exterior is full, work will likely be ongoing to finish the interiors, together with 112 spacious suites.
The ship may also boast 5 eating choices, a full-service spa with a grand entrance from the deck above, a health facility, and a recent tackle the road’s iconic Watersports Platform, which turns the ocean into an infinity pool by offering visitors entry to the ocean instantly from the ship. With a capability for 224 visitors and a employees to visitor ratio of 1:2, Star Seeker will keep the intimate ambiance for which Windstar is famend, guaranteeing customized service at each flip.
Star Seekerwill enter service in December of 2025, crusing from Málaga, Spain to Miami, Florida, the place Windstar is headquartered and the place the ship’s christening ceremony will happen in January of 2026. Star Seeker will then sail its first voyage within the Caribbean and provide extra cruises within the area earlier than heading up the West Coast of the US to Alaska for a full season of summer season cruises. From there, the ship will sail to Asia, bringing again the road’s standard Round Japan itineraries.
To commemorate the event, Windstar’s Star Seeker float-out ceremony included Mario Ferreira and Manuel Barros of Mystic Make investments and Windstar’s Vice President of Growth Initiatives John Gunner, who’s directing the ship constructing undertaking for Windstar. Gunner was on website for the float out and offered remarks together with thanking Ferreira for his assist by means of the method and the staff on the Portuguese shipyard for his or her dedication and craftsmanship.
“Seeing a ship come collectively and be on the level the place she leaves dry dock for the ocean is a memorable milestone within the lifetime of a brand new construct undertaking,” says Gunner. “I’m very grateful for this chance to be concerned in creating a brand new ship for Windstar and grateful for Mario’s ardour and imaginative and prescient for ships which helped information us to this momentous occasion at the moment – the float out of a brand new, lovely ship for Windstar.”
Windstar will debut a further new sister ship, Star Explorer, in December of 2026. Star Seeker and Star Explorer each have ice-strengthened hulls, unlocking entry to new locations. The ships are geared up with the most recent know-how in security, propulsion, and navigation, together with pump jet thrusters and forward-facing Sonar. To reduce their environmental footprint and uphold the model’s dedication to sustainability, the ships have tier III Nox rated Rolls Royce engines and might connect with shore energy minimizing port emissions. As well as, the ships have superior wastewater therapy programs that meet all world requirements. Each side of their design displays the corporate’s ongoing dedication to preserving the surroundings whereas offering unforgettable experiences to vacationers.
To plan a small ship cruise with Windstar or find out about reserving presents, contact a journey advisor, attain out to Windstar Cruises by cellphone at 1-800-258-7245, or request a name by a Windstar trip planner. Discover extra info on Windstar Cruises right here.
About Windstar Cruises:
With a fleet of seven boutique all-suite and crusing yachts, every carrying between 148 to 342 visitors, Windstar Cruises, voted #1 boutique cruise line, presents an intimate expertise like no different. Visitors can discover enchanting locations throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Alaska, Canada and New England, South America, Japan, and the South Pacific. Plus, Windstar operates year-round in Europe and can provide two distinctive ship experiences in Tahiti beginning in 2027. Windstar will introduce two new ships to its Star Class starting with Star Seeker in December 2025 and adopted by Star Explorer in December 2026. At Windstar Cruises, it’s not nearly journey – it’s about creating experiences that resonate with the soul. With port-intensive itineraries, iconic locations, distinctive service, and an modern culinary program, each second with Windstar is a chance for discovery and delight.
Windstar Cruises is proud to be a part of the Xanterra Journey Assortment®, a distinguished group of worldwide hospitality and journey corporations with a legacy that spans over 100 years working our nation’s iconic nationwide parks, together with Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, Dying Valley, and lots of others. Xanterra Journey Assortment®, is owned by The Anschutz Company, the final word proprietor of the Broadmoor, Sea Island, and leisure big AEG, Anschutz Leisure Group.