By
Laura Hyde |
Windstar Cruises has christened its latest luxury cruise ship, Star Seeker, during a ceremony at PortMiami in Florida, with Denver-based musician Libby Anschutz, daughter of Windstar’s owner Phil Anschutz, acting as godmother.
In keeping with maritime tradition, Anschutz bestowed blessings of good fortune, protection and smooth sailing on Star Seeker during the ceremony. She also broke a champagne bottle against the yacht’s hull to formally inaugurate and bless the ship ahead of its eight-night christening cruise.
Three godmothers of earlier Windstar Cruises ship also attended the ceremony, including Louise Andrén, the widow of the cruise line’s co-founder Karl Andrén; Gloria Bohan, president and CEO of Omega World Travel; and Nancy Anschutz, Libby’s mother and Phil’s wife. Libby’s sister Sarah Anschutz is set to christen Windstar Cruises’ second Star-class ship, Star Explorer, in June 2027 in London, UK.
“It’s the way you feel when you are on board a Windstar ship,” said Christopher Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises. “The smiles from the crew, the genuine conversation, the kindness and caring that flows through the ship every day. This is the Windstar culture that’s been part of the company since it began with two small sailing ships, and it continues today.”
Read more about brand visibility, ship refurbishments and in-demand destinations from Windstar Cruises’ president Christopher Prelog
Star Seeker, which is the first of Windstar Cruises’ Star-class vessels, has 112 ocean-view suites, two new Horizon Owner’s suites with wraparound balconies and expansive open decks, and 30 Infinity Suites with a floor-to-ceiling infinity window that slides halfway down from the top. The ship also features a full-service WorldSpa by Windstar and five dining venues, including a new Mediterranean-Asian speciality dining venue named Basil + Bamboo.
The ship is the first of two 224-guest yachts to be built for Windstar Cruises by West Sea shipyard in Portugal. The newbuild was delivered in December 2025 and will spend 2026 sailing itineraries in the Caribbean, Alaska, Japan and Southeast Asia.
Read more about where Star Seeker will sail during its maiden season
Star Seeker was originally commissioned by Mystic Invest’s Atlas Ocean Voyages and was named World Seeker. However, the newbuild was acquired by Windstar Cruises in April 2024 along with Star Explorer – originally named World Explorer – which is expected to be delivered in December 2026.