Sailing With the Stars

There’s something undeniably romantic about the idea of waking up in a new destination every morning, your coffee steaming on a private veranda as the world slowly comes to life around you. Maybe it’s humpback whales breaching in Alaska’s pristine waters, or the soft glow of sunrise illuminating ancient temples along Japan’s coastline. This is the kind of travel that stays with you long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase — and it’s exactly what awaits aboard Windstar’s newest additions to their intimate fleet.

When Star Seeker launches in December 2025, followed by Star Explorer in December 2026, they’ll represent something genuinely special in the cruise world. Each ship will host just 224 guests, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a floating dinner party with your most interesting friends than a traditional cruise experience. In an industry where so many ships compete to be the biggest on the water, Windstar has gone in the opposite direction, crafting small (yet luxurious) vessels that prioritize connection — with fellow travelers, with destinations, and with the natural world around you.

These aren’t just new ships; they’re Windstar’s first-ever Star Class new builds, designed from the ground up to deliver those transformative travel moments that make you fall in love with exploring the world. Every detail has been considered here. After all, when you’re traveling to some of the planet’s most spectacular destinations, your floating home should enhance the experience, not distract from it.

Star Seeker rooms feel like every item on a cruise-lover’s secret wish list is addressed, starting with infinity windows that can actually open. Suddenly you’re not just looking at the scenery through glass — you’re breathing it in, feeling the ocean breeze, becoming part of the landscape rather than just observing it. Once you experience that connection to the elements, standard cruise ship rooms will never feel quite the same.

Most of the 112 suites feature either infinity windows or full private verandas, while the two Owner’s suites take this concept even further with wrap-around balconies. Think of these exterior spaces as essentially private outdoor living rooms, suspended above the waves. Imagine hosting an intimate dinner party under the stars, or simply enjoying your morning yoga practice with nothing but ocean stretching to the horizon. Pure bliss.

The ship’s social spaces have been designed with the same attention to detail. The cozy Yacht Club Café and lounge strikes that perfect balance between sophisticated and welcoming—the kind of place where conversations flow as naturally as the expertly crafted cocktails. The spacious spa and fitness facility means you can always find your own peaceful corner, with treatment rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that make the endless blue horizon part of the wellness experience.

When Star Seeker begins her Alaska season in May 2026, the itineraries read like a love letter to the North. Seven-, eight, 10-, 11-, and 12-day cruises between Juneau or Seward, Alaska, and Vancouver will include scenic cruising through the legendary Inside Passage. The ship’s Signature Expeditions include Zodiac and kayak tours led by onboard naturalists who bring decades of expertise to every outing.

Imagine drifting silently through Tracy Arm in a kayak, so close to a tidewater glacier that you can practically hear it breathing. Or cycling the remote coastal roads around Sitka, where the only traffic might be a curious harbor seal checking out your progress. The Marina at the stern transforms the ship into your personal aquatic playground, allowing you to explore the pristine waters up close.

The staff-to-guest ratio of 1:1.5 means personalized attention extends to every aspect of your journey. Your preferences are remembered, your name is known, and somehow they always seem to anticipate exactly what you need before you realize you need it.

After Alaska, Star Seeker heads to Japan for the fall, offering 10-day Grand Japan cruises between Tokyo and Kobe. These itineraries promise cultural immersion in destinations like Takamatsu and Kagoshima—places where you can experience authentic Japanese culture without the crowds. September through November offers some of the year’s most beautiful weather in Japan: the autumn foliage is as breathtaking as the cherry blossoms visitors enjoy during springtime voyages.

But Star Seeker‘s cultural exploration doesn’t stop with Japan. In 2026, the ship will also venture into Southeast Asia with a program that redefines what cruise experiences in this vibrant region can be. Picture sailing up the river to dock right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, or accessing hidden Thai gems like Krabi and Ko Yao Noi that larger ships simply can’t reach. The program offers two core itineraries: a 10-day Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand cruise with overnights in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and an 11-day Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia voyage that stops at six Thai ports. Unlike typical cruises that start in Singapore and make brief stops at industrial ports, Star Seeker‘s intimate size enables genuine cultural immersion, with optional Cruise Tours extending your journey to places like Chiang Mai’s ancient temples or Cambodia’s legendary Angkor Wat.

Star Explorer, launching in December 2026, will be Star Seeker’s sister ship in all the best ways—the same thoughtful design, the same intimate scale, but with itineraries that venture into different corners of the world. Early plans suggest local Mediterranean voyages that promise to redefine what it means to truly experience a destination.

Imagine starting your morning with gentle yoga on deck as you sail past the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, then spending the afternoon in cultural immersion experiences that go far beyond typical tourist activities. These might include exploring ancient Roman ruins in Naples with local archaeologists who share fascinating historical insights, or food tours in Sicily that take you into family-run trattorias where traditional recipes have been lovingly preserved for centuries, all while enjoying the mild Mediterranean winter weather with temperatures hovering around 70 degrees.

The focus on authentic cultural exchange means the chance to interact with local communities in ways that benefit everyone involved — perhaps visiting cultural centers where your presence supports local artisans, or participating in cooking classes where you learn not just techniques but the stories behind traditional dishes. Though of course, as wonderful as the food at these ports can be, there are plenty of culinary delights to be found on board, too.

The dining experience aboard these ships deserves its own love letter. As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar has elevated shipboard cuisine to something truly extraordinary. Star Seeker and Star Explorer will each offer multiple high-end dining venues that make choosing where to eat almost as exciting as deciding which shore excursion to book.

The reimagined main dining restaurant, Amphora, serves as the ships’ culinary heart, where regionally inspired menus showcase the flavors of your destinations. Star Grill offers elevated comfort food with a view, while Basil + Bamboo focuses on Mediterranean and Asian-inspired cuisine that reflects the ships’ most popular destinations.

What makes the dining experience even more special is the opportunity to dine al fresco at many of these restaurants. There’s something magical about enjoying expertly prepared cuisine while ocean breezes carry the scent of salt air and distant shores. The James Beard Foundation partnership also means guest chef appearances and curated menus that transform dinner into an event, with renowned culinary artists sharing their passion for ingredients and techniques.

And then there are Windstar’s famous deck barbecues — legendary events that somehow manage to be both elegantly prepared and delightfully casual. Picture the crew carving up a succulent whole-roasted pig next to overflowing paella dishes, and suddenly you’re at what feels like the world’s most exclusive beach party. The smell of grilling seafood mixes with ocean air, champagne flows freely, and the setting sun provides better entertainment than any stage show.

What strikes one most about these new ships is how they embody a philosophy of travel that prioritizes depth over breadth, quality over quantity. Windstar’s approach of seeking out smaller, more exclusive ports means your experiences won’t be carbon copies of everyone else’s vacation photos.

The onboard naturalists and cultural experts aren’t just along for the ride—they’re integral to the experience. These are people who have dedicated their lives to understanding the destinations you’re visiting, and their passion is infectious. Whether they’re explaining the behavior of sea otters you’re watching from your veranda, or providing context for ancient traditions you’ll witness in a Japanese village, their expertise transforms sightseeing into genuine learning.

The expedition equipment available on Star Seeker opens up experiences that simply aren’t possible from larger vessels. Those Zodiac boats become your ticket to adventures in places where no cruise ship has ever been—like the narrow fjords where towering glaciers meet the sea. The kayaks let you explore at your own pace, whether you want to paddle quietly through a kelp forest or race alongside playful sea lions.

Each ship’s library has been carefully curated with books about the destinations you’re visiting, allowing you to deepen your understanding of the places you’re exploring. There’s something wonderful about reading about Japanese tea ceremony traditions while actually sailing toward ports where you’ll experience them firsthand, or learning about glacier formation while watching one calve into the sea from your veranda.

The suites have been designed with those details that make a real difference: queen-size beds with genuinely luxurious linens, L’Occitane bath amenities that make every morning feel like a spa day, waffle weave robes that are so comfortable you’ll want to wear them to dinner, and mirrored closets with ample storage for longer voyages. The interactive TVs offer entertainment for quiet evenings when you want to tune out the world, while the vanity areas with magnifying mirrors and comfortable chairs make getting ready feel civilized even when you’re anchored in the middle of nowhere. Thoughtful layouts maximize every inch of space while maintaining that feeling of luxurious comfort. Fresh fruit greets you upon arrival, setting the tone for the level of attention you’ll experience throughout your voyage. And there’s actual drawer space—a small but crucial detail that makes longer voyages feel like extended stays rather than camping expeditions.

What really sets these accommodations apart is how they’ve been designed to blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. Those infinity windows aren’t just a clever marketing term; they genuinely transform your relationship with the ocean. When opened, they create a seamless flow between your private sanctuary and the endless horizon beyond. You might find yourself leaving them open all night just to fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake up to sea spray and sunrise. And the variety of suite configurations means there’s something perfect for every type of traveler. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary and want one of those spectacular Owner’s suites with wrap-around balconies, or you’re a solo traveler who just wants a peaceful retreat with a perfect view, the ship’s design ensures everyone gets their own slice of ocean paradise.

The hot tub, pool, and lounging areas scattered throughout each ship ensure you can always find the perfect spot for your mood. Want to socialize with fellow travelers while soaking under the stars? There’s a hot tub for that. Prefer to read quietly while watching for wildlife? There’s a secluded corner with your name on it. The ships’ designers understood that different moments call for different settings, and they’ve provided options for every inclination.

Pre- and post-cruise land extensions available with many itineraries allow you to extend these meaningful experiences even further. The Denali add-ons for Alaska cruises, for instance, mean you can combine the intimacy of small-ship cruising with the grandeur of one of America’s most spectacular national parks. These extensions aren’t just add-ons; they’re carefully crafted experiences that complement and enhance your cruise, creating a cohesive journey that might span two weeks but feels like a lifetime of memories.

These ships represent more than just new additions to Windstar’s fleet — they’re proof that travel can be both luxurious and meaningful, comfortable and adventurous. The fact that you can have a nightcap on your private veranda while watching northern lights dance across the Alaskan sky, then spend the afternoon learning traditional crafts from local artisans, all without ever feeling like part of a tourist herd, feels like the kind of travel experience that changes how you see the world.

What’s particularly exciting about these new ships is how they represent Windstar’s commitment to sustainable and responsible travel. The smaller passenger count means less impact on the destinations you visit, while the focus on cultural exchange and local partnerships ensures that your travels benefit the communities that welcome you. This isn’t just about seeing the world; it’s about engaging with it in ways that are meaningful for everyone involved.

The timing of these ship launches couldn’t be better for travelers who have been dreaming of these destinations. Alaska cruising on Star Seeker will run from May through August, capturing the region during its most spectacular season when wildlife is most active and the midnight sun creates those magical golden hours that seem to last forever. Weather conditions are ideal for both scenic cruising and active exploration, whether you’re kayaking among icebergs or hiking through pristine wilderness.

The anticipation for these ships is already building among travelers who understand that the best journeys aren’t just about checking destinations off a list, but about creating connections—with places, with cultures, and with fellow travelers who share their passion for authentic experiences. There’s something special about being part of a ship’s inaugural seasons, about being among the first to experience what promises to be a new standard in intimate luxury cruising.

Reservations for Star Seeker’s Caribbean, Alaska, Japan, and Southeast Asia voyages are now available, with her inaugural sailing season beginning in December 2025. Star Explorer has begun booking as well. For travelers who want to be among the first to experience these remarkable new ships, the opportunity is now.

Sometimes the most profound journeys are the ones that remind us why we fell in love with travel in the first place. Star Seeker and Star Explorer promise to do exactly that—one unforgettable sunrise, one meaningful cultural exchange, one perfectly crafted moment at a time.

For more travel experiences available from Xanterra Travel Collection® and its affiliated properties, visit Xanterra.com/stories.

Written by Stacey Maclachlan